An interview with VIQ
Article by Eric Riedel
Recently TPA’s Eric sat down with Julien Pannetier, better known as VIQ a French electronic music producer based in Paris, who combines Chillwave and Indie vibes. VIQ has an upcoming album coming out 7/22/22 being released through Stratford Ct. VIQ has released 3 albums including Last Path-2020, Coastline-2020 and Crystal Shores-2021
A quick definition of Chillwave/Chillsynth delineates itself from synthwave in that it is almost always much more down-tempo, lo-fi, and features lush synth pads with a lot of sustain, reverb, or resonance – hence the title of the HOME track above. The effect is to create a dreamy, relaxed, almost floating sound. While elements of nostalgia still come into play, it tends to be much less on-the-nose than synthwave or outrun which continually pays homage to the 80s. With chillsynth, we see (and hear) many references to the 90s as well. It’s still nostalgia-based music, although not really fully in the 80s box.
It’s not quite chillwave either. Chillwave also features a lot of reverb too, however as a genre it is centered around a lo-fi pop sound, whereas chillsynth is centered more around a dreamy lo-fi synthwave sound. Though both chillwave and chillsynth contain similar elements, a quick listen to a few tracks side-by-side quickly reveal vastly different compositional elements, and results in a vastly different end-product. I believe many originally called this style chillwave because of those similarities and the fact that at the time, we simply lacked a different genre name to describe it – that seems to be no longer the case.” - Nick, Polychora Records
The Interview:
TPA- Thank you so much for taking time to talk to me. I sincerely appreciate it. I've been looking forward to connecting with you for a while. I'd like to start out with what you've been up to this year?
VIQ- Thank you! I've been looking at your work for a while too. It's always nice as an artist to see this kind of initiative. I'm very grateful. To answer your question, this year has been pretty good so far. After traveling a bit, I also started skateboarding again with the nice weather. It's always nice to get it out again! On the music side, I released a track in February that will be on my next album on July 22nd. On top of that, I'm going to release a second single on June 24th and have some collaborations I'm still working on with artists I really like. I will also be announcing some physical products, so 2022 is going to be cool, I hope!
TPA- oh wow, that sounds wonderful. Getting back to "normal" enjoying things that give you joy and making music
TPA- What themes have been worked into the new album? Or maybe feelings is a better word
VIQ- Honestly, there is a very melancholic and nostalgic side, sometimes a bit dark on some tracks, there are some key themes, like love, the unknown, the journey. It's hard to find the words, it's very personal, but I think that every listener will be able to appropriate it in his own way (or not).
TPA- That is the magical thing about non vocal music. It can be completely subjective to the individual.
VIQ- it's true !
TPA- Does your music capture the "you" in the moment like a journal or do you carry themes through the writing process?
VIQ- For me, it's clearly a mixture of both. When I compose, I really let my emotions of the moment take over. However, it will form an atmosphere, a theme for the next compositions, and I try to stick to it. It's less cumbersome for the listener, and I keep the authenticity of the songs without imposing barriers. I think that's important.
TPA- There's definitely a purity to that way of composing. I strongly respect artists who don't meddle to the point of loosing a songs original intention or feeling.
TPA- You're production is so crisp. All of your sounds come through clean. I can here your highs and lows clearly. I'm wondering how important that is to you and if it's an intentional part of how people experience your music?
VIQ- Indeed, it's true, I recently left the lo-fi sound, where the low frequencies crush a little the mix (even if I like it) I wanted something more hi-fi, more clear. It's clearly a conscious choice, I think my music sounds better this way. I'm far from being an expert in the art of mixing and mastering, it's never easy and always a trial for many artists, I think. Everything can still change, I'm never closed to creativity or locked into a particular sound, but I think I've found something I like at the moment.
TPA- You do everything yourself compose, produce, mix and master your music. Do you have a formal background in music or did you learn as you went?
VIQ- Before the VIQ project, I was already doing some music in a small indie band, so I already had some notions about music production. But it was a small band, nothing serious. When I started the "electronic" music, I learned by myself with tutorials, advice from other artists, etc.... In 2020, the knowledge of music became much more accessible, which was not too difficult.
TPA- What drew you to make "electronic" music in the first place? You're a versatile musicician and could have gone many directions.
VIQ- Good question. Actually, I don't know. I think it's probably a response to what I was listening to at the time that pushed me to do it. Artists like Lorn, Tycho, Radiohead, Home, Washed Out, Justice, etc. They made me want to do it more seriously and with more ambition. It was also my friends who pushed me to start. At the beginning, I was a little afraid to expose myself on the internet, but I finally found the desire thanks to them.
TPA- Well I'm glad you did, I think the world is better for it.
TPA- Would you describe yourself as an "electronic" musician or do you subscribe to a more specific label? Like Chillwave etc
TPA- Also on a less serious note. Why does France produce such great music?
VIQ- The label "electronic musician" suits me very well. I leave it to the listeners to find similarities with synthwave, chillwave, trip-hop, etc. Finally, it suits me too, and it's not wrong either. Wow!It 's true that there are cool things in France! But from my French point of view, there is some really good stuff and even better in the rest of the world. I listen to a lot of American, English, Japanese, etc. bands or artists... in fact, I don't really listen to French music ahahaha! But I take it as a compliment! I think it's probably the baguette. There must be some stuff in it for sure.
TPA- I think that's a smart way to think of yourself. You've clearly ended up being associated with a particular community but your sound and yourself are not bound to a particular esthetic. Which leaves you to explore the sounds you want
TPA- How did you end up with Stratford Ct?
TPA- France seems to be the originator of all retro inspired music and foundation of what "synthwave" is, be it Daft Punk, Kavinsky, Danger or artists such as Perturbator, Carpenter Brut etc.
TPA- That's interesting you don't really listen to French music but it makes sense too
TPA- Are there particular styles your drawn to more than others?
VIQ- In my memories, the first contact was a proposal for a "secret selection." It's a kind of compilation with emerging artists. I accepted right away. Stratford, Ct. was a label that I knew and that attracted me. They gave me my chance and I will always be grateful.
VIQ- Now that you say it, it's true that France has a crazy synthwave capital! Indeed, I know all the bands you just mentioned. I went to see Carpenter Brut in concert almost at their beginning. It was also impossible to pass by Kavinsky, especially in France, where the ads, the radios, and the festivals were constantly playing him! So it would be a lie to say that I was not listening. But let's say it was a short period.
VIQ- I like a lot of different kinds of music. I'd say right now I'm listening to a lot of experimental indie music like Mk.gee, who is from southern New Jersey. I always listen to Radio Head, or their second band, The Smile, which I think is excellent. Night Tapes, a dream-pop band from London. Or, Darius is a French guy who makes catchy and groovy electro.
TPA- You have a pretty eclectic taste in music i like that
TPA- You fit nicely with Stratford. He has a particular ear and is able to curate artists that are unique but somehow all still fit together
VIQ- Yes, I think it's important to explore music, and for our personal culture, it's always interesting!
TPA- Absolutely I agree!!! I'm not sure about you but as I've gotten older i pay no attention to when music was made and genre labels have become less and less visible to me. So I may listen to something from the 70s then something new and in a totally different genre
TPA- I'd like to talk to you about collaborations. You've done quite a few and it sounds like you have more in store for us. What's draws you to do them?
VIQ- Exactly! Music is so vast that you can't get stuck in one era; there's good and bad everywhere! Collaborations are a great way to make music with an artist you love! If there is a good feeling, then it will be fun! And to be completely transparent, collaborations are also a good way to get exposure because you're reaching a wider audience. That's also something to consider. I've made offers to some great artists as well as some lesser-known ones. It's also important to get the ball out to those who need it.
VIQ- Collaborations are also a good remedy for a lack of inspiration. They stimulate creativity !
TPA- That's very smart of you. When I speak to up and coming artists and maybe ones that are not as known I highly suggest doing a collaboration or remix even.
TPA- Have you learned new ways of doing things from doing collaborations? If so what are some takeaways?
TPA- How has the process Of collaboration worked for you? Is there dialog between you and the other person discussing aspects of the music? Or is in more tuning into the other person and expanding a thought?
VIQ- Yes, I think you learn a lot of things; ideas you wouldn't have thought of yourself, patience, it makes you try things. You can only come out a winner. I think it's mostly about listening, like "hey, I've got a cool demo. Do you want to try it? Do you think you've got something on it? " etc... Then it comes by itself. You have to trust the artist and let him do it. That's when the spark happens.
TPA- Sounds like a very organic and music forward way of collaborating. Letting the music move you and speaking back to the other person musically almost like a conversation
VIQ- Definitely
TPA- Who excites you right now musically? Is there anyone out there that is doing things that are grabbing your attention?
VIQ- Right now, what I'm most excited about are new sounds. I spend my time finding effects pedals or old instruments and playing with them. The feeling of discovering something new is incredible, like a drug. I am very excited to hear the album in preparation for Chloe Gallardo, with whom I collaborated on "Reveries nocturnes". There is also Adieu Aru, a Frenchman who deserves to be more known and who proposes good synthwave. Youth 83 with his trip-hop style. Of course, the albums or upcoming projects of my friends Eagle Eyed Tiger, Forhill, Krosia, Alison, HP, Division Street, and so on…
TPA- How do you land on a new sound? Or I should say what makes a new sound compelling to you? Great suggestions, I hope the readers get into these artists. I know I will.
VIQ- It's hard to describe. It's a feeling of never having heard it before, or something you've heard before but discovered by chance, never dared to try, etc. Sometimes it doesn't work, sometimes you play with it for 3 hours without really using it in a song, and sometimes you put it aside to use it.
VIQ- This is really the side of the music I appreciate the most.
TPA- Sounds like the process is a big part of the journey and enjoyment. So while things may never be used you still felt inspired in the moment
TPA- I'd like to loop around to physical media. Records and tapes. Is that an important part of music to you? Is it important to you to have your music in the "real" world.
VIQ- Yeah, I think it's important. The digital age makes it very easy to browse through a lot of artists, and it's great to leave a trace of your music on the internet, but when it becomes tangible, it's different and very rewarding. Vinyl is a beautiful object and its sound is legendary. The same goes for cassettes. There's a vintage side to it that's really nice. I have a small collection of vinyls from artists I like; it's a way for me to thank them when I can't go to their concert.
TPA- I couldn't agree more. I'm a big vinyl fan as many readers will know and I appreciate Stratford CTs commitment to both Tape and Vinyl. As well as all the other labels that are putting great music into physical formats.
TPA- Do you have any other thoughts we should cover or things you'd like to promote?
VIQ- I think that says it all! See you on June 24th for the next single if this discussion is released before, otherwise on July 22nd for the album that I will officially announce soon !
VIQ- Anyway, it was a pleasure to talk with you !
TPA- Thank you so much for your time. It was a pleasure 🙏
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