TĒMNA RÁDIST On the Making Of “Echoes of the light far away”
How did everything come together?
I have been creating music for quite a long time. Music is always playing in my head. But the TĒMNA RÁDIST project appeared after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. I felt like I had a lot to say, to throw out all that I have accumulated. Poetic form stopped working for me, I realized I could not express myself that way. So I started my electronic music project. It is not my first one though, I had a rock band long time ago. Unfortunately it didn’t work out well, so for several years I wrote songs that were never released. And then I just thought my music worth to be heard. So now I create electronic tracks, some of them quite experimental, and sometimes collaborate with other artists.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Echoes of the light far away?"
This track is quite experimental. I used acoustic instruments in the recording process, including hurdy-gurdy. Also there are some field recordings included as well as ambient sounds. But field recordings usage is typical for my creative process, you can hear it on most of my tracks. I really enjoy finding music where it is not expected, I’m a real sound maniac. If something sounds nice to me, be sure, I’ll use it in my tracks. I love to deconstruct the form, so this track form is not linear, it is not a song by its form. I don’t play with harmony sequences much, I tell my story utilizing different timbres and atmospheric sounds. Also the tempo is dynamic, the track is like a wave, which gets slower and faster from time to time. When it comes to the production, I usually work with my friend, DJ and music producer Mr.Manyface, he always uses his critical eyes to help with improvements regarding mixing and mastering.
Is there a particular message or theme you hope listeners take away from this single?
For me it feels weird to talk about «message» or «theme» in such genre as ambient. I would say it is totally about feelings, impressions, imagination. This track is what you think of and feel when you listen to it - nothing more or less. If you listen to it with your eyes closed, some images might appear in front of your inner eyes, you might feel something new - and if yes, my goal is achieved then.
What was the first instrument you learned to play, and how old were you at the time?
First instrument was an acoustic guitar, which I learned when I was 16, I took a couple of classes from a local guitar teacher. Then a little later I got an electric piano, a flute and a kalimba. Years later I bought a hurdy-gurdy, which I had always dreamt of. All those instruments I learned by myself. I am not a professional performer on any of them though, but for me these are all the mediums I use to express myself in music composition. But I definitely enjoy playing all of them when have enough time. My next stop is cello.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
I cannot say I rely much on inspiration. Music is always in my head, so I just sit down and create, I don’t wait for the inspiration, I actually don’t trust it really exists. I have a lot of instruments, a synth, pedals, etc, there is so much to play with - so ideas are always coming. I am a very disciplined person, I have my own schedule to which I stick to, so I can say finding the inspiration is just a routine. Might sound dull for some people, but I am totally happy with that. I personally believe that all that we create is always a result of not only our skills, but also experience: you live your life, deal with problems, fight your demons, meet different people - that all can and should be melted in the pot, from which you can draw your ideas.
