In the crowded multiverse of techno, it takes a certain type of artist to defy boundaries and elevate his or her sound above the rest. Italian producer and DJ, Francesco Visconti aka VSK, is one of these artists. Starting in Rome and now based in Berlin, VSK pushes the electronic envelope and crafts material and sets which shatter constraints and destroys dance floors. Following up last year's smash EP, the artist is back on 47 with a new release that builds upon the old while still blazing new trails. To mark the occasion, we spoke with VSK about his beginnings, the new record and what is still left to do. (see Q&A below)
The Brvtalist: Talk about your early days DJing in Rome. Over the the years, the city has produced a lot of great DJs and producers. What about the scene makes it a special place?
Francesco Visconti (VSK): In the 1990’s, Rome had a very strong techno scene and it of course became a reference point on an international level with popular artists like Aphex Twin or Robert Armani. Rome’s depth of culture and its historical background has built a strong and inspiring artistic scene. Also its position at the very centre of Italy has made of it a big meeting and connection point, there’s a certain magic and energy which is a big inspiration for art in general.
TB: What concepts or themes have remained constant for you over the years?
VSK: The Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy of two opposites that combine to create a whole and that cannot exist if not in relation to each other has always fascinated me. It’s also strongly influenced me as a person as well as my approach to music both in the studio and out in the clubs. I’m always trying to play with opposite vibrations and emotions, from the deeper and more hypnotic to the stronger more aggressive. I’m also very interested in science and astronomy which echo through my work and basic theories like attraction of opposites.
TB: With such a diverse sound, what steers you in a certain direction? Whether it be techno, ambient, industrial, etc.
VSK: I love many genres though I find Techno, in all its different shapes, gives me the possibility to express myself in a lot of different and, as I said above, opposite directions. Throughout the generations it has always mixed itself with other music orientations, always creating something innovative. Techno has been the catalyst which has guided me to explore a variety of sounds.
TB: Talk about the new EP on 47. What did you want to do with this record and how is it different than previous works?
VSK: 47015 is a continuation of ideas I had for my first solo 47 EP which came out last year. I wanted to further develop the sonic palate but keep a connection. Personally I find the dynamics in 47015 more fluid when compared to my previous EP which is more robotic. I also wanted to get a little more heady and trip out on this release whilst still retaining an edge for the floor. Like the previous release, I explore 4 different directions though I tried to keep a connection sonically.
TB: Is there anything you would like to work on/produce/etc. that you haven't already?
VSK: I’d like to further explore writing music closer to a track which is featured on 47015 titled, ’Eternal (Chaotic) Inflation’. It’s essentially a Drum n’ Bass track though I think it keeps a certain techno aesthetic. Another goal is to get closer to electronic music on a more experimental level, far from the classical dance floor circle.
Thank you to VSK for speaking with us. 47015 is out now on 47 and you can find VSK throughout Europe at the dates below:
28/04 // Onthe5thDay - CorsicaStudios, London
30/04 // Pfert x Pinnalce - Offside, Leuven
05/05 // Technopark, Rome
11/05 // Koden, Birmingham
19/05 // SalaCaracol, Madrid
26/05 // Myst, Paris