SMYAH: This album is a collection of my production from the past 8 months. It was done mostly in this half-quarantine state that my country was and I guess it was just a way to take my mind off of things. Every time I made progress on a certain track I felt that my main purpose for the day is complete and this sense of fulfilment can really be rewarding. I’d like people to interpret the album in their own ways, so there isn’t a particular underlying message. However, I watched a lot of Twin Peaks during that time so I’d say it’s definitely inspired one or two tracks, both with its soundtrack and with its atmosphere. I also watched a ton of David Lynch lectures and interviews which was quite inspirational, as I am also occupied with filmmaking.

Kongoha: The meaning of the word subtlety defines the artwork. This visual representation and our colour code defines a symbiosis between consciousness and instinct, floral motives and electronics. 

The album features two vocal tracks that come in English and Bulgarian and 6 instrumentals. One of the vocal tracks features singer Dorothy Takev and stands out with its deep sound and subtle melancholy. Animation on the artwork was done by Anna Jordanova. 

What’s the first thing that you usually do when conceptualising your next work?

Kongoha: There’re few steps which I go through set myself into the mood. Usually I think a lot before even start doing something. Strange but I start sketching in the air and then on paper. Concept is really connected to the substance of the theme and I try to analyze it as well as I can.

SMYAH: I don’t really take time into trying to predict what will come out. I just sit and start playing whatever comes to my mind and leave my hands to end freely on the keyboard. I’ve noticed that conceptualising or planning doesn’t work for me, although I always start with a certain feeling and slight direction. Just by setting your tempo at the beginning, you’ve already set the direction, but apart from that I just go with the flow.

What would be your occupation if you weren’t doing art?

SMYAH: I’d most probably go into some science field like biology, physics or psychology.

Kongoha: I believe that for sure it would be activity connected with movement. I would focus a lot on dancing, work as hard as I can to be professional. Aside from this I will concentrate more on cinema and concert lightning design.

Do you think there’s such thing as a finished track?

SMYAH: Surprisingly yes. At the end of the day it’s all about your mindset. I think it requires a certain discipline to say to yourself ‘all right, this is it! I’ll leave this be’. It should be all about your inner feeling but you should be able to learn and guide it. Going back to fix something that might not even need fixing can compromise your work and the time invested. Lately, for me it’s been a top priority to identify the real ‘problems’ (even if it’s not something super negative) from those minor things that don’t really require much of your attention. It’s not that easy but once you start working on your real presence and self-awareness it works out just fine.