The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from GAEL. Journeying from Kiev to Odesa to Berlin, the multitalented artist originally from Dagestan is known for their remarkable energy, distinctive style, and bold attitude, seamlessly blending elements of techno and experimental electronic music. Their unique approach has captivated audiences at renowned venues like Berghain and prominent festivals such as CTM. They're also a resident at Kyiv’s ∄ at the queer event series XITb.
With previous contributions to BITE with their appearances on the 'Shedding Skin VA' and 'The Soft Moon’s Exister Remixed', they come back strong with their first solo EP ‘Frozen White Horse’. The 4-track-EP blurs the margins of moody techno exploration with remarkable attitude and a foreboding sense of uphill struggle with fervent, hurtling drum underpinned by hopeful euphorics and circulating, breathy cybernetics. A culmination of sophisticated sonic dialects reared from the intersections of soundscaping and electronic music. Today we premiere the post-punk infused banger "Prpttcxsstnc" and you can read more about the track, GAEL's new release and more below in the interview by Melanie Havens.
Melanie Havens: Tell us about your debut EP on Bite. What was your vision for its sound, and how did you bring this project to life?
GAEL: In this EP, I basically threw together everything I love – the energy of EBM, techno, rock music, warm synths and distorted guitars. The music definitely got a melancholic vibe, but there's a lot of euphoric energy too. The whole project was about breaking free from limitations and expressing myself, even though life's been throwing some challenges at that time. One of the main ideas was to connect with people on a deeper level, creating a shared experience.
MH: We’re excited to premiere your track '’prpttcxsstnc’ today. Can you share the creative process behind it?
GAEL: This whole EP was a bit of a Frankenstein's monster – different studios, different computers. For this track in particular, I used my friend Tim's Virus synth. It gives this track these really warm pad sounds. And of course, lots of guitar layers with reverb and crazy delay, plus some parallel distortion. I wanted to create this feeling where everything builds up slowly, like something's about to happen, but then... nothing. Just this simple, repetitive beat to keep the tension going.
MH: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your music? Are there any books, movies, or other artists that had an impact on your musical journey? What in life motivates your artistry?
GAEL: My inspiration comes from everywhere. Classic literature, mystic movies are my passion 100% and I draw a lot of inspiration from it. Also people, my feelings. For this particular work I was mostly inspired by the label, the scene it presents and people around it. Phase Fatal and Unhuman have definitely influenced my use of distorted textures, EBM bass and dancy rhythms.
MH: What inspired the EP’s title “Frozen White Horse”? What themes or messages are you exploring through this title?
GAEL: It's a little bit romantic and idealistic maybe, about a beauty that's always there, something pure and timeless that keeps you searching for more. It can be paralyzing sometimes, leaving you feeling stuck, but it also pushes you to keep going.
MH: What are your plans for the future? Any upcoming projects or performances we should look out for?
GAEL: Next up is my collaboration with Tim (Jolly) I mentioned earlier. It's an experimental techno EP inspired by specific traditional Ukrainian songs from Anya Tsaruk's "Mother Land" project. We're currently looking for a label to release it, so hopefully it'll be out soon.
MH: Last but not least - if you were stranded on an island and could only listen one song, which one would it be and why?
GAEL: Lets say, Bach Suite No.3 in D Major
Why, because it touches all spectrum of feelings, so you kind of can’t lose your sense of living.Or any of Massive Attack tracks:)