Interview Lylantz

"Vampyre," the sixth studio album by Lylantz, is a gothic masterpiece exploring transformation through the concept of "the prey becoming the hunter." Spanning 17 self-produced tracks across diverse genres, it embodies "Refined-Chaos."

1. "Vampyre" is your sixth studio album and a deeply conceptual work. What inspired the narrative of 'the prey becoming the hunter,' and how does it connect to your personal or artistic journey?

The narrative surrounding this album was inspired by a huge personal shift in consciousness. Learning to take responsibility for one's life and taking charge of such. Being in a position of self-liberation is paramount. I aim to capture that idealogy in the journey akin to vampires, whom as a species, are liberated beyond their human means into something more optimized.

2. Your music is known for blending various genres like rock, folk, hip-hop, and drill. How did you approach merging these styles on "Vampyre," and what challenges did you face in creating a cohesive sound?

I feel every genre has its due place in conveying a certain essence. I wanted to create an emotional yet seamless rollercoaster that yields to a precise experience. The main challenge, and one which I welcome, is crafting the track-listing. I like to ensure that although genres might fluctuate, the play-through rides smoothly. The key to such, is finding complementary elements between songs, whether it be instruments, certain vocal features or subject-matter, theres small pockets to be found that encourage the ear to welcome to forthcoming piece with gusto.

3. The album is described as a gothic odyssey. What elements of classical and Victorian art influenced your songwriting and production on this project?

"Vampyre" was influenced by an array of folkloric tales. In preparation for the album, I did a deep dive into researching varios tales and myths behind the origins of vampires from the start of time until current day. I wanted to be sure that the writing encapsulated the depth these legends contain, thus bringing a well-versed retelling of the vampirc experience. Throughout my life I've also internalized a multitude of fictional works ranging from Blade, Castlevania, Interview with the Vampire etc. Each helped me curate songs that took essences from varied angles, leading to a complete interpretation of the fabled supernatural Apex Predator.

4. "Refined-Chaos" is a compelling way to describe your artistic vision. Could you elaborate on what this means to you and how it manifests in "Vampyre"?

"Refined-Chaos" in the sense of the highest level a vampire reaches. For he is deemed a "beast" by societal standards yet able to rise to a level of class and sophistication is in fact in my opinion, true balance - of primal and humanity. In the album I make sure to cover such a range of nuances.

5. You’ve been praised for your multidisciplinary artistry. How do your skills in cinematography and photography contribute to the storytelling in your music?

Since childhood I've enjoyed the way music and cinema go hand in hand. Whenever I create a song I visualize its cinematic landscape and imagine it being it's own film, so to speak. It helps me challenge the "genre" its in by following traditional storytelling arcs, and at times outlining a "Hero's Journey". I also direct and edit majority of my own music videos, which at times follow a consistent narrative; having a multidisciplinary belt aids in creating cohesion across my artistic universe.

6. "Vampyre" delves into themes of transformation and duality. Can you share how these themes are explored in specific tracks on the album?

"Necromancy" faithfully explores such themes of transformation and duality. The immediate subject matter relating to being "reborn from the dead" as a result of certain relationships being estranged. It is a song about the renewal of one's identity, in the face of certain fallouts and being able to choose to liberate one's self of who they lost their emotions too.

7. The haunting yet liberating atmosphere of your music has captivated audiences. How do you balance such opposing emotional tones in your creative process?

There's something to be said about darkness and liberation. The part of ourselves which we usually find misinterpreted and stowed away. I have learned to find the nuances in our shadow selves and how it leads to us finding our grounding. The apple tree seed is nurtured in the dark soil, and once it grows and flourishes it is able to nurture and be sustenance for all. That seed is us, and how we're able to grow into a vessel in which can nurture others, and in such, returning its fruits.

8. Seventeen self-produced tracks is an ambitious undertaking. What was the most rewarding and the most challenging aspect of producing this album entirely on your own?

The most rewarding aspect of the album was hearing it played in its completion. It's quite intense to hear your emotions layed out it's complete format. The project is a raw and vulnerable format, and it allowed me to tell about a part of the deeper trenches of my mind. It's what we can call even a liberating emotion.

9. The gothic narrative of "Vampyre" is both intimate and expansive. How do you hope listeners will connect with the album’s themes of vulnerability and strength?

I hope the listeners connect with the depth that I aim to convey. Creating the layers of the album were something I am proud of, to giving myself the opportunity to feel and simply be. I want people to understand how they in fact can embody themselves in a similar vein. To understand the balance of their primal and refined aspects, to find balance and poise.

10. As an artist who consistently pushes boundaries, what new territories did you explore in "Vampyre" that set it apart from your previous albums?

In "Vampyre" I explored connecting the dots of my personal traumas and enlightenment. The entire two year period throughout its unearthing was complex to navigate. Learning to push my own boundaries were in fact nerve-wracking, but nevertheless it was essential to me to be open with myself and tap into the corners of my mind. My other albums were leading up to such a character and lore, in turn, I would say this one was the culmination of the previous ones into something more developed, more complete.

11. Your work often challenges audiences to confront imperfections. What role does this concept play in the listener's experience of "Vampyre"?

Confronting imperfections is definitely a pillar that supports this album. To be able to confront them but owning such is the way of the vampire. The project encourages one to delve deep and explore the breadth of their composition and find peace within it, whilst knowing, that in our forever evolving nature, we can choose to be not the prey but in fact, the hunter.

12. Looking ahead, how do you envision the evolution of your artistry? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans can look forward to?

My upcoming projects will continue to expand upon aforementioned topics and unveil even more that will undoubtedly aim as a guiding hand for one's psyche. More purposeful, more developed and even larger compositions. Shortly after "Vampyre" I released a complementary 7 song album called "The Gothfather", of which I consider a more orchestral, mature and expansive narrative. It includes three instrumental compositions and flows in a concise, condensed manner presentation wise yet manages to be dense in nature. Next up in the queue is a collaboration album produced by Casper Haze, titled "SKYSCAPE", a true roller-coaster ride in terms of style. I am getting ready to start to rollout for my next self-produced solo album, a narrative that will explore even further down the rabbit hole. Not to mention, a full-length film, directed and scored by yours truly. I look forward to sharing such with you all.

lylantz - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖎𝖉𝖓𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊 (@lylantz) • Instagram photos and videos