Music Genre

Minorarc Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, Rock Features, Rock Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?

Minorarc:
Minorarc is by no means strictly "Progressive Metal". The project had its origins (under a different name "Mystral Tide") as darkwave with strong classical piano influences. These orchestral and cinematic flavours co-exist with a mixture of Prog, Djent and experimental electronica.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Minorarc:
Since the early 2000s I have been an active multi-instrumentalist and community-founder for underground and experimental music. A classically trained violinist, my modern musical journey began in Tokyo. The first project “Mystral Tide” performed at numerous industrial and darkwave events, including as a guest artist for Japan’s “Seij minus aC” at Leipzig’s Wave-Gotik-Treffen in 2002. Returning to Australia in 2003, I helped establish a decade-long series of concerts (Enzyme), including events for the Melbourne Fringe Festival, all to showcase and expose dozens of independent Australian experimental musicians.

Over two decades, I've periodically recorded and performed as “Minorarc”. The music shifted from synth-heavy dark electronica, into a new world of progressive metal and post-rock. An expression of despair and regret, crafted through piano-driven melodies, non-traditional song structures, and a wide variety of stringed instruments.

Now in 2022, Minorarc has released its second full-length album, “Untold”. A largely instrumental work summoning elements of modern metal and djent to portray emotive unease, offset through the reverberant and powerful effects of classical piano, the warmth of cinematic synth pads, and delicate touches of acoustic mandolin and guitar. “Untold” is accompanied by the release of “Blind Remixes”, featuring a variety of fellow Australian independent artists, and “Overburden”, a sonic side-dish and reflective continuation of “Untold’s” themes.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Minorarc:
My first connection to a love of music came from my first purchases (and rentals) of music albums on CD and Cassette, in my early teens. There was a whole world of music to explore, and without preconceptions I was able to simply find albums that struck a chord with me personally. Artists that made my love of music grow, including Fields of the Nephilim, Pink Floyd, Ministry, Alice In Chains, Nocturnus, Solitude Aeternus, Bathory and more.


Nagamag:
What was the concept behind your release, "Untold"?

Minorarc:
Originally I'd wanted the album to be completely instrumental, and tell a story and convey emotions purely through the "feel" of the sounds. Along the way though, during the two years of recording that took place, a very limited selection of the tracks began to just sit better, with some vocals. "Victim of That Before" features vocals by a Melbourne artist and friend, Trayce of Neverembers. Her poetry sets the scene for the album, with a seaside vision and references to drowning and loss.
The album was designed to feel quite claustrophobic, yet also shed occasional moments of light and positivity. Ultimately though, my hope was to convey a story about an innocent soul's final moments, as they drown (either literally, or metaphorically), and suffer strange visions and recollections as the dark waters slowly close. Hope, in hopelessness.


Nagamag:
There is rumor of a companion release for "Untold", can you tell us more about that?

Minorarc:
During the months immediately after "Untold" was completed, we kept recording works in the same vein, and of a similar theme. They now form a release titled "Overburden" which will come out in March/April 2022. Stylistically, they have greater contrast between ambient sections and metal components. Heavier, yet also lighter. We like to think of it as a "side dish" to accompany "Untold".


Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?

Minorarc:
Bliss "Quiet Letter"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?

Minorarc:
Sithu Aye "A Future With No Colour"

Discover & Listen to Minorarc

Minorarc on Spotify

Minorarc's Signature Track

Minorarc on Social Media

Minorarc's Website

Ciggy Webbs – pretty like a car crash (official video) (Video)

Categories: Blogwave, The Latest, Video|Tags: , , , , |

“Prepare to enter the gate of absolute electronic with “Ciggy Webbs”. Darkwave with stomping kick, airy percussion loops, plenty of effects an mind blowing vocals that travel you in full speed. Listen and don’t forget to watch the clip too.”

-Nagamag.com

www.instagram.com/ciggywebbs/

DEADLIFE – Her Broken Smile (feat. Tessa Hedrick) | Visualizer | (Video)

Categories: Blogwave, The Latest, Video|Tags: , , , |

“Through stunning visuals, DEADLIFE with his new song together with Tessa Hedrick hypnotize us into his dark epic synthwave bassline and the heartwarming vocals of Tessa gives a memorable blend. Partly goes melancholic yet steps also in darker places through its lush harmonies. ”

-Nagamag.com

Hailing from Manchester, UK, DEADLIFE is set to confirm his status as one of the most vital artists in the burgeoning darksynth scene with an eighth full length album this November. Before that, though, the first single ‘Her Broken Smile’ offers a magic glimpse into what to expect from this assured studio wizard. The stunning new single follows acclaimed past releases including ‘Singularity’ which crashed into the Billboard Electronic Album Sales Chart at #12, as well as hitting the iTunes chart in 2020. The new single again explores a darker niche within the wider synthwave scene, and is inspired by cyberpunk imagery, 80s sci-fi films and turn of the millennium computer game soundtracks. Download / stream here: deadlife.lnk.to/HerBrokenSmile

DEADLIFE a.k.a. Ed Hawx has proven to be a hugely prolific artist over the last few years. Across seven full length albums, he has helped to drive the synthwave scene forwards with a particular penchant for the shadowy end of the spectrum that has become known as darksynth. The former drummer is a self-taught producer with a real mastery of his machines and software, which has seen him become one of the most exciting and influential names in the scene. Some try to make comparisons to leading artists like Sebastian, Com Truise, and Kavinsky, but DEADLIFE goes his own way, building on the traditions of Vangelis, Underworld and Daft Punk and taking them far into the future with his own sense of style. The sound of DEADLIFE appeals to anyone who loves dark melodies and hard-hitting electronic beats.

DEADLIFE’s music has always appeared on NewRetroWave, the leading label and YouTube channel for the synthwave scene. Since day one, NewRetroWave has championed the retro synth-driven sound and every significant artist in the scene has released on the label at some point. It continues to expand and drive the fast-growing genre’s evolution through a skillful A&R process and now entertains over 1 million loyal followers on YouTube.

The formidable new single ‘Her Broken Smile’ is DEADLIFE’s homage to an 80’s power ballad featuring singer Tessa Hedrick, a well-regarded metal vocalist who hails from Nevada. Her vocals are angelic here as they float way up top above a jagged synth bass and darkly emotive atmosphere. The breakdown allows the purity of Hedrick’s voice to shine through, off-set by the pixelated melodies and crashing, maximal beats. The whole track is expertly produced and captures a sense of emotional turmoil that everyone can relate to.

Next single ‘Drift’ is to follow on October 23rd before the full album in November 20th, and already this single suggests DEADLIFE is in the form of his life.
www.instagram.com/deadlifecorps/

NKOS – Lonely Ghost-Self (Video)

Categories: Pop, The Latest, Video|Tags: , , , , |

After their debut ‘Little Miss Numb’ last year and follow up ‘BOW (Brave Old World)’ only a month ago, NKOS are now back with synth/electro gem Lonely Ghost-self, their electronic take on break up, grief, solitude and pain. Building a path that will lead to the release of their debut album in October.

Single number three is now edging towards the digital launchpad, once again co-produced by Jagz Kooner, producer and remixer, doyen of ‘electronic rock & roll’ (it’s his own genre dammit). Co-producer of debut single Little Miss Numb’, Jagz lays a trail of aural breadcrumbs as to what you can expect from ‘Lonely Ghost-Self’, a track titled as if to be a winsome Belle and Sebastian B-Side but revealing a darker, heavier, jagged and harder hitting side to NKOS that was concealed by the dreamier, albeit bruising electronica of previous numbers ‘Little Miss Numb’ and ‘BOW (Brave Old World)’.

Initially a pan-national studio-based project, NKOS has evolved into a full band, one set to thrill on stages around the world. Brought together by friendship, the internet and sometimes sheer luck, NKOS comprise four artists from very different backgrounds – and locations – who share a love of deep, edgy electronica.

NKOS are releasing their debut album ‘From Dust To Life’ on Beatbuzz Records in October. The album will be available digitally via AWAL and OML Sync and physically in a limited edition metal box cassette with the option of cassette + walkman/cassette player also available.

Social media
www.facebook.com/nkosofficial
www.instagram.com/nkos_official
www.twitter.com/NKOS_official
www.facebook.com/beatbuzzrecords
www.instagram.com/beatbuzzrecords
www.twitter.com/BeatbuzzRecords

Lyris: LONELY GHOST-SELF

I cut myself but I’m not bleeding
Rip my chest, my heart’s still beating
I’m alone what a crazy feeling
And I know I’m not forgiven

I’m chained to the love that I’m losing
Can’t face myself can’t stand my feelings
That’s my sin, the hell that I’m living
Maybe tomorrow I’ll give myself a new meaning

In this moment I need you most
But if you come to me will I face my ghost
I’m chained to the love that I’m losing Can’t face
myself can’t stand my feelings That’s my sin, that’s the

hell I’m living Maybe tomorrow I’ll give myself a new meaning

Meanwhile today doesn’t come to an end

And I’m waiting here with my lonely ghost-self

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