In this interview, we delve into Vihilija's creative process, exploring the inspiration behind their latest single "Kazka" and its place within their upcoming album "Amor Fati".
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1.
Congratulations on the release of your latest single "Kazka"! Can you
share the inspiration behind this track and its significance within your
upcoming album "Amor Fati"?
Thank you! "Kazka" explores childhood fears that linger into
adulthood, shaping our psyche. As part of "Amor Fati", it fits into
the album's theme of embracing fate's twists and turns. We are a quartet: Mitya
on bass, Max on drums, Bogdan on vocals, and Andrew on guitar. We use minimal
instruments to create a rich, immersive sound.
2. Vihilija has been described as a blend of post-black metal, shoegaze, and
post-metal. How do you approach combining these diverse influences into your
sound, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
We draw inspiration from Alcest, Heretoir (post-black metal), Cult of Luna,
Amenra (post-metal), and Boris, Deftones (shoegaze). Our approach blends these
elements into a cohesive sound, aiming to take listeners on an emotional
journey through intense and atmospheric music.
3. Your lyrics are written in the Belarusian language, which adds a unique
cultural depth to your music. How does using your native language influence the
themes and emotions conveyed in your songs?
Using Belarusian allows us to connect deeply with our heritage, adding
authenticity and emotional depth to our music. While we may experiment with
English lyrics in the future, for now, we focus on Belarusian to convey our
themes and emotions more powerfully.
4. "Kazka" explores the theme of childhood fears lingering into
adulthood. Could you delve deeper into the lyrical content of the song and how
it reflects this theme?
"Kazka" lyrically delves into how childhood fears evolve and haunt us
as adults. The song reflects on facing these fears and understanding their
impact on our lives, capturing the dark and introspective nature of these
lingering shadows.
5. The band's name, Vihilija, is intriguing. What is the story or meaning behind it, and how does it relate to your music and identity as a band?
"Vihilija" originates from the Roman term "tertia vigilia," meaning the night watch during the darkest part of the night. This name reflects our music's introspective and contemplative nature, focusing on the deeper, darker aspects of the human experience.
6. Your debut EP "Ludalut" received positive feedback. How has your sound evolved since then, and what can fans expect from your upcoming full-length debut album "Amor Fati"?
Since "Ludalut", we've incorporated more shoegaze elements into our sound. Fans can expect "Amor Fati" to feature a richer, more immersive experience. For our next album, we plan to integrate more post-metal influences.
7. As a relatively new band formed in late 2023, what challenges have you faced in establishing yourselves in the post-black metal scene, and how have you overcome them?
We're still at the start line, growing our fanbase. Utilizing platforms like TikTok and vertical videos has helped us reach more listeners. Establishing ourselves in the scene remains a work in progress, but we're making strides.
8. Each member brings unique musical backgrounds and influences to Vihilija. How do you navigate these differences to create a cohesive sound, and what role does collaboration play in your songwriting process?
As professional musicians with diverse backgrounds, we start with random riffs from Andrew. I (Mitya) then add harmony, structure, and arrangement. Max works on the drum lines, and we rehearse together to finalize the composition and write the vocal lines. This collaborative process ensures our songs are deeply thought out and cohesive.
9. "Kazka" is described as a sonic exploration of the lingering shadows that shape our psyche. How do you approach creating atmospheres and moods in your music, and what techniques do you employ to evoke these emotions?
We focus on harmonies and musical movements, ensuring they are executed sincerely and effectively. By paying close attention to these elements, we create the right atmospheres and moods, evoking deep emotions in our listeners.
10. Your
social media presence spans platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. How
important is it for Vihilija to engage with fans through these channels, and
what do you enjoy most about interacting with your audience online?
Engaging with fans through social media is crucial for us. Vertical videos on
platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are currently the most effective way
to grow our audience. We utilize these opportunities to reach new listeners and
share our music. What we enjoy most about interacting with our audience online
is the immediate feedback and the sense of community that develops. It’s
rewarding to see how our music resonates with people and to connect with fans
on a personal level.
11. Belarusian metal scene has been gaining recognition in recent years. How
do you perceive the current state of the metal scene in Belarus, and what role
do you see Vihilija playing in its growth and development?
Due to the political situation, the metal scene in Belarus has faced
significant challenges and was pretty low for a while. Now, we are working to
grow it back. We see Vihilija as a part of this resurgence, contributing to the
revitalization of the scene by bringing fresh energy and new music. We hope to
inspire other bands and fans to support and develop the local metal community.
12. "Amor Fati" is a concept that explores embracing the
inevitable twists and turns of fate. How does this concept resonate with the
themes explored in your music, and what personal significance does it hold for
the band?
The concept of "Amor Fati" is about embracing all aspects of
life—both good and bad—and transforming them into valuable experiences. When
you listen to our tracks, some of them resonate with your own experiences,
enhancing emotional effects and perhaps even fears. Through our music, you
release emotional tension, and the album title gives a key to further
acceptance of life's events.
Accepting fate doesn't mean you can't strive to change or improve your
situation. Rather, "Amor Fati" should be viewed in light of
Nietzsche's idea of "eternal recurrence": feeling content with life
and accepting it in such a way that you would joyfully live it over and over
again, in all its details, for eternity. This acceptance aligns perfectly with
our band's name in Latin, and naming the album in Latin ties back to the
original Belarusian Latin script.
13. What are your plans for touring and live performances following the release of "Amor Fati"? Any particular cities or venues you're excited to play?
We are planning to tour Belarus first, then move on to Poland and Lithuania. After that, we aim to expand further to the west. We're particularly excited about playing in cities where we have a growing fanbase and connecting with new listeners in different countries. Each venue offers a unique experience, and we look forward to bringing our music to diverse audiences.
14. What message or feeling do you hope listeners experience when they immerse themselves in the music of Vihilija, and what legacy do you aspire to leave through your artistry?
We hope listeners embrace the message of being true to themselves, continuously evolving, and never giving up, no matter what challenges they face. Our music encourages people to live their lives fully and enjoy every moment. Through our artistry, we aspire to leave a legacy of resilience, emotional depth, and a profound connection with our audience, inspiring them to find strength and meaning in their own experiences.
Vihilija (@vihilija_official) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Musique | Vihilija (bandcamp.com)
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