If you’ve never met a Slovakian musician/DJ who does wonders with electronic music who grew up on gospel, then have got news for you. Ready to deliver his latest EP, ‘Attentioncore,’ to the world this week, FVLCRVM took some time to sit down and chat with ZO about flying solo, interesting live shows, and being lucky enough to live in a place that handled 2020 like a champ.
Kendra: Growing up on gospel and soul is nothing unheard of but you didn’t stay in those realms, but instead continued to be inspired by. Which is great, but were these typical American gospel musicians you were listening to in Slovakia, or is there a traditional Slovakian gospel you can shine a light on for us?
FVLCRVM: The gospel “scene” here at the time, if we may call it like that, was inspired by a mixture of genres through rock and funk and American gospel music. Since we didn’t really have choirs with such strong voices and heritage of skilled jazz musicians I guess we all tried to sound like everything good we heard from abroad. And yes mostly the US. We were just volunteers who enjoyed playing music.
Kendra: When it came to FVLCRVM, it was supposed to be a side project. Something you could do on your own. When did you realize FVLCRVM was meant to be more than that?
FVLCRVM: I think it was after I started producing tracks meant for the club. I got a lot of nice feedback after the release of the first EP and I thought I could handle two music projects at once.
Kendra: Was there any “Bad Blood” between you and the band when you wanted to focus on FVLCRVM?
FVLCRVM: Good question. Guys from the band are always supportive of the FVLCRVM project. We knew each other from the church for a long time and playing live shows and making new music was always our fuel to do things. So I guess they’re not sad that FVLCRVM got some momentum, but I think they’d want to play live a bit more. Because yeah it’s really addictive.
Kendra: When it all boils down, what emotion would you say is at the core of your upcoming release, ‘Attencioncore?’
FVLCRVM: To be honest, after everything that’s happened this year it’s such a cocktail of emotions I’m not even sure anymore. I think I can say for many that the attention centre of my brain has been brutally overloaded with opinions over these past months. I know some people who just deleted all their social media accounts, and I can’t blame them for doing so. If you’re a curious person I think it’s very easy to get into a spiral of depression in 2020. So hopefully the EP will make some people forget all this for just a couple of minutes.
Kendra: What I respect about you and your approach to music is that you’re not just a producer and DJ, but also a live musician and those last two parts of who you are come alive when you step on stage. That’s rare to see a DJ incorporate a live element unless they’re alongside a band like Incubus. Do you feel like that live element makes you stand out from other DJs out there?
FVLCRVM: Thank you! I think the two worlds were separated for a long time and I can’t say which part I love doing more. I’m definitely not the first guy doing this but since I’m really impatient while DJing this approach fills the gap between mixing the tracks for me. Also, it is definitely easier to transport haha.
Kendra: Speaking of standing out, what’s it like in the Slovakian music scene? Well, before we had to take a step back and stay at home to keep safe.
FVLCRVM: I don’t think we’re any special or better than neighbouring countries but despite the fact that the Slovak music industry is nowhere near as viable and thriving as other sectors there’s always some interesting stuff coming out of people who do it out of pure enjoyment. The only thing I wish we were a little bolder and not aiming for a specific audience. I guess that’s how new interesting art is being created.
Kendra: Usually, this is where I ask people what they have planned in the coming months but with the world in a strange place right now, plans aren’t as concrete as they typically are. You can go ahead and let us know what you have tentatively planned but can you also share a song that never fails to get you through when the world around you feels like a mess?
FVLCRVM: The government and people here have done terrific work regarding the restrictions that’s why we had the least fatalities in all of Europe and are enjoying lifting the restrictions sooner than elsewhere. I’m already working on two music videos for the EP and preparing a live show for an autumn tour around here. Anyway, I have a playlist that helps me through tough times. I can’t say how many times I’ve listened to it this year.
‘Attentioncore’ is out July 17, 2020
