AN INTERVIEW WITH FICMARO
A brand new EP release from Ficmaro delivers a lush and colorful soundscape of electro-pop That has this particular ability to build an atmosphere that you get pulled into very quickly.
The release is dubbed EP2 and within its four-song spectrum, manages to display an array of songwriting approaches and arrangements that give off an alternative and edgy undertone but still keeps to this neon-lit soundscape that serves as a form of escapism.
Throughout the course of this record you get taken to different places with each song and with each song, you have a certain Persona or character that's attached to it so as you listen through, you begin to get used to the understanding that you don't really know what to expect next except that it's going to be good.
There are a number of surprises around the corners of the record and you can clearly tell this is built and woven by someone who has a clear love for the craft.
This record delivers an extraordinary array of synths and keys that help complete this combination of techno and electronic synthwave that all has a unique way of blending together and making everything sound confluent.
What's probably most impressive is the fact that this is for the most part, digital music but it portrays such an impactful energy that it almost feels like it's happening live.
This is a rarity, especially with the music of these genres but with this record, it seems completely natural.
You also get these little glimpses of vintage pop in there too especially with some of the effects and production used throughout the record but it also helps that drive and that dance factor.
This is indeed a very danceable record and it makes you sort of want to get on that dance floor even if that dance floor is just your living room.
However, aside from dancing around your living room to this awesome piece of music it's also great for a drive because it has a way of making you think as well and we all need music that makes you think.
This was full of youthful energy but maturity and songwriting and structure and that combination is a unique one to say the least.
An absolutely perfect selection of synth sounds were used and chosen probably meticulously throughout this process and it was done well because the aesthetic comes through exactly the way it's supposed to.
The release does have this vast and almost cinematic feel to it as well that makes things a little bit more deepening which in turn lets you get engulfed and washed away with the sounds.
This was absolutely beautifully done and with its release, we wanted to have a sit-down with Ficmaro to find out where this record actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
TSWS: How did this all start for you as an artist?
I'm solely self-taught when it comes to producing/composing music. I'm a Performance Art graduate from art school. I took a few classes in piano, voice, and guitar, but I am immensely appreciative of not pursuing formal music education. Music for me is soul food.
TSWS: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Sometimes it's a philosophical/spiritual idea, a mood or state of mind/mode, and other times it's just about having fun. I try to not take myself too seriously all the time and that comes through the music as well.
TSWS: This EP has some interesting approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
I'm really grateful with how 'EP2' materialized, the tracks are a mix of emotion, energy, and social commentary. There's topics of relationships, self-empowerment, the environment, and even marriage. It's all played to the backdrop of a 4/4 beat, but they're big ideas to digest in any day to day conversation. And so there is something in the essence of punk in 'EP2'. It's my way of channelling influences like Madonna, The Smiths, and a mix-tape of juggernauts from Bjork to Diplo.
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I'm not busy aligning my chakras, I help make video-games. I have a good mix of art and science in my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.
TSWS: Who's in your headphones right now?
Hiroko Yamamura; love the techno, it was my first introduction to electronic music, Denis Sulta, like the musical vibe, and Dua Lipa remixes. Definitely DJ-centric at the moment, it's the Summer and to be expected.
TSWS: Are you doing any live performances right now?
At present, I'm really focused on bringing the tracks to life visually via art and music videos.
TSWS: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
My setup is pretty simple, actually very simple, one PC and 2 midi controllers. People are always shocked, followed by, 'that's it?!'. I'm fully software based because I'm fully minimal based, clear desk-clear mind; it's a setup that works for me and my brain. On top of this, creative people surround me, inspiring, critiquing, advising, supporting. They sense the vibe, I add the theory. The only needed ingredient, 'feel'.
TSWS: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I'm genre-fluid, and I think anyone who follows me will get that. I'm not in any specific genre, but I will have phases in them. But they'll know it's me when they hear it.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Firstly, thanks for listening, and secondly, I hope you enjoy it more. I hope to create a new neural path in society's collective consciousness.