Gazovitch: Behind the Mask of Hannya and its Vissarion Project
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In the world of techno music, there are artists who stand out for their singularity and their unbridled passion for the art of DJing and production. Among them, Gazovitch stands out for his intriguing name and enigmatic mask, but above all for his bold fusion of techno and metal. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of Gazovitch, discovering his background, his influences and who’s behind that mask…
Under the Mask of Hannya: Gazovitch and his Techno Music
Behind the pseudonym Gazovitch lies an artist with a fascinating career path. Gazovitch reveals that his stage name is a fusion of his childhood nickname, “GAZ”, attributed for his hyperactive nature, and his family roots from Eastern Europe, symbolized by the suffix “-ovitch”. This blend of past and present perfectly reflects the diversity of his music.
But what catches the eye and imagination of anyone discovering Gazovitch is his mask, a reinterpretation of the Japanese Hannya mask. This mask, representing a woman transformed by jealousy and obsession into a malevolent demon, embodies the dark and powerful essence of Gazovitch’s music. He explains that the mask enabled him to overcome shyness and create an immersive experience for his audience.
Exploring the Gazovitch universe
Gazovitch’s passion for electronic music was ignited when he attended an event by French DJ and producer CLTX in Rennes. The evening left an indelible imprint on his mind, prompting him to buy his first DDJ-400 and launch himself into the world of DJing. Gazovitch struggles to define his musical style in a few words, preferring to adapt to what the audience wants to hear. However, he remains faithful to fast rhythms, navigating between 140 and 155 BPM, and is particularly fond of minimal techno and mental. He also draws on his hardtechno and technometal musical influences. Music has been deeply rooted in his life since early childhood, and his creative process is inextricably linked to a myriad of varied musical influences. He shares with us his musical journey, which has helped shape his unique style as a DJ and producer.
“I grew up in a musical family, so I’m strongly influenced by the music I grew up with,” Gazovitch explains. He attributes part of his passion for music to his uncle, whom he considers a role model, having observed his dedication to the realization of musical projects. Over the years, Gazovitch has had the chance to explore various musical horizons. He has attended numerous orchestral concerts and live performances, enabling him to appreciate the richness and diversity of music. However, his musical journey is marked by pivotal moments that have profoundly influenced his artistic trajectory.
At college, Gazovitch immersed himself in the world of underground, sometimes even hardcore rap. He cites names such as $uicideboy$, Ghostemane, Night Lovell, Ramirez and Pouya as artists who have left an indelible mark on his music. This period saw the birth of a dark and frightening character in him, which shines through in his music and stage presence.
In high school, Gazovitch made a game-changing musical discovery: Lil Peep. It was love at first sight that prompted him to explore emo, rock and punk. He incorporates elements such as big guitar riffs and drum solos before drops into his musical repertoire. Gazovitch doesn’t limit himself to a single musical genre. He’s a fervent fan of rock, hardrock and metal. Bands such as The Skallywags, Black Sabbath, Nirvana and Slipknot are among his major influences, adding varied sonic nuances to his electronic music.
Techno holds a special place in Gazovitch’s heart. He cites CLTX as a major influence, admiring his rock’n’roll style and stage presence worthy of a rock’n’roll star. He also mentions France’s FLYMEON, who electrify the scene with their guitar fused with acid and rave rhythms. Rave style also finds its way into Gazovitch’s sets, thanks in particular to the talented RONOD from Rennes, with whom he was able to exchange and share unforgettable musical moments.
Gazovitch reveals his infatuation with TechnoMetal, a bold subgenre of electronic music. He salutes Paolo Ferrara and Lorenzo Raganzini, the founders of the HEX TECHNO MOUVEMENT movement, for their contribution to the democratization of TechnoMetal. Energy on stage is an aspect that fascinates him, and he admires artists such as I Hate Models and Darzack, who live their music with intensity. Gazovitch also explores calmer horizons, citing Less Distress and Vladimir Dubyshkin as artists who have impressed him with their introspective approach and ability to create unique atmospheres. Through these varied influences, Gazovitch weaves a rich and eclectic soundscape, making each performance a unique experience for his audience.
His Musical Creation Process
As a producer, Gazovitch favors spontaneous inspiration. He quickly notes down his musical ideas and discreetly shares them at parties to gauge audience reactions. He stresses the importance of personal satisfaction before sharing a complete work.
For his productions, Gazovitch uses Ableton Live, monitor speakers and an analog synthesizer. He also plans to invest in new equipment to enrich his sound palette.
Futures and Vision projects
Among his upcoming projects, Gazovitch is working on techno nights with his collective, aiming to share their vision of electronic music and get back to basics. He is also collaborating with CordRoom on YouTube to promote artists. In addition, he has launched a music podcast channel to showcase the Rennes scene.
Discover the“Vissarion” project: a unique, introspective musical experience that draws its inspiration from the life of Siberian guru Sergey Anatolyevitch Torop. “This captivating musical journey takes you through a meticulous selection of tracks, inviting you to feel the essence of dance, to free yourself, to surrender to the music, until you’re left with an irresistible urge to dance naked in the rain.
Prepare to be enchanted by the immersive sound experience offered by Gazovitch’s “Vissarion”.
Interview with Gazovitch
We had the opportunity to ask young DJ Gazovitch a few questions. I invite you to discover this most interesting exchange which plunges us into his captivating universe.
His vision/background:
How do you see the electronic music industry evolving over the years?
I don’t see Techno as an industry, it’s a passion and a way of life rather than a livelihood. I make this style of music to: create smiles and admire them. Of course I’d like to make a living from my passion, but I’m not looking to become a Techno superstar. If I can help people forget their problems, meet new people and live in a world apart for one night, I’m most grateful.
What are the current opportunities and challenges for emerging DJs/producers?
The advantage of our time and a disadvantage at the same time: the Internet. We can exchange and learn so quickly, and social networking platforms make it so much easier to get in front of a huge audience. But the other side of the coin is that the number of artists is exponential, and there are some very talented DJs/producers who will never have the visibility of others who take advantage of trends without really offering anything unique or new.
Got a sound to share?
My sound of the moment is a piece by Italian composer LUDOVICO EINAUDI – ELEGY FOR ARCTIC. I love classical music, but also uni instrumental music where you’re immersed in the sounds of the instrument without being distracted by the excess around it.
Tips for aspiring DJs/producers:
What advice would you give to young artists looking to break into electro music as DJ/producers?
I don’t have any advice for that. Just enjoy yourself, take care of your loved ones and yourself, the rest will come with work and time, and don’t lose yourself and your originality for a few extra likes.
What technical or artistic aspects do you think are important to focus on in order to progress as a DJ/producer?
For a DJ, it’s all about the tracklist and not overloading the sets with effects, for a producer: work and work again 🙂
In conclusion, Gazovitch is an artist who defies convention, fusing musical genres to create a captivating experience. His Hannya mask, passion for music and desire to make people smile make him a vibrant player on today’s electronic scene. To follow Gazovitch and discover his music, you can find him on Instagram, SoundCloud and Spotify under the name Gazovitch.