Nov 3

Nov 3 ARTIST PROFILE ELECTRONIC LIVE BAND STAVROZ

Creative People, Culture, Dj/Producer, Interviews, Music

Today we are talking to Stavroz -their album "The Ginning" – marked an early breakthrough for the band and achieved Gold status in France as well as stayed at the number 1 spot for a long time. Hailing from the land of compromise in the heart of Europe, the four friends of Stavroz found each other in the east of Flanders. With their new release Kick Up The Dust Stavroz presents a collection of fresh ideas, languages, and tones: from Brazilian vocals to jazzy Duduk sounds, they create a warm and subtle journey that reminds the audience that it's precisely this dynamic and harmonious exchange that makes this band so special.

Could you share more about your upcoming EP "Kick Up The Dust"? How would you describe its sound?

When we delve into the nitty-gritty, we like to think of our sound as "electronically enhanced acoustic sounds." A more general description might be "romantic grooves and melodies gently squished against your eardrums." However, to achieve that romantic – sometimes sexy – sound, we use natural sounds and instruments that we finesse in the right places so they can have the same impact as purely electronic music.

As you're currently on tour, what can audiences expect from your live shows? How does the sound of "Kick Up The Dust" differ between the recorded and live versions? What makes performing this release live special for you?

We try not to let our recordings define our live performances.

The circumstances are different, and the experience is unique as a result. Of course, we start our live versions with a clear foundation from our recordings, yet we leave plenty of room for interpretation and improvisation. As a result, every performance is distinct. In the case of "Kick Up The Dust," we apply the same approach – you won't hear exactly what you hear on the record, but it's an adaptation influenced by the circumstances we (and the audience) are in. In the case of the new EP, we might even say that the EP is more influenced by our live performances, rather than the live performance being influenced by the recordings. The ups and downs, moments of high and low energy, moments of "in-your-face" intensity, and contrasting muffled beats are trademarks of our live shows. This EP actually reflects that same journey.

Regarding performances, how significant is the visual aspect of the show to you?

This is something that has grown more important as we've played more. We're not big on visuals, but a captivating light show definitely enhances our performance. Also, our stage presence has evolved significantly, from being more introverted to being more playful, communicative, and extroverted. This translates to the audience and enhances the experience both on and off the stage.

You've described your band as a vehicle – with some of you holding the steering wheel, others providing the fuel, and someone being the engine. In your opinion, what does the vehicle need for a smooth ride, and what's crucial when working creatively in a team?

The thing that ties all these elements together is communication. If the front wheels are spinning faster than the rear wheels, you'll have a bumpy ride. If you turn the steering wheel further than the vehicle allows, or if you use the wrong fuel, you're going to have a rough time. We haven't always mastered clear and healthy communication, but I believe that this is a skill that people carry with them throughout their lives. Much of it has to do with how you convey messages and how you receive them. No one is completely alone in this world. We are defined by what is around us, and this is even more apparent in a band, where you depend on those standing next to you on stage. We all play an essential part.

Lastly, what are your plans for the rest of the year?

We are looking forward to the final leg of our US tour that we're about to embark on again. However, I believe that what we look forward to the most is some time off in November and December. We prefer to reserve this time to spend with family and friends and to explore things that we didn't have many opportunities to dive into during the year, as we travel and create a lot. Time with loved ones fuels what comes next.

The third track on the upcoming Stavroz EP "Kick Up The Dust" (Release day: 1st December) is a captivating collaboration featuring Brussels-based pianist, producer, and sound designer, Poltrock. In this mesmerizing composition, a combination of ethereal-sounding synths and duduk is combined with ghostly high-pitch distortions – it’s an easy listening experience but in a trippy, spaced-out way. This musical direction exemplifies the essence of Stavroz's artistic philosophy, encapsulated in their motto: "We're trying to go for the sweet spot between the couch and the club."

U.S. Tour Dates: