.svg)
A chat with Brav0 of Soniquarium
In this exclusive interview, Brav0 takes us behind the scenes of his latest release—a roaring techy anthem that dives deep into the theme of time. Brav0 discusses his approach to blending nostalgic and forward-thinking elements in his production, creating music that’s as effective on the dancefloor as it is thought-provoking. He also opens up about his personal journey of transformation, how he crafts music that resonates beyond radio trends, and what it means to make truly timeless tracks.
Can you tell us more about the idea behind the track and the album artwork featuring an old man washing time?
I think the concept was to imagine what it would be like if you could wash your own time and change your past and future, which is represented by an old man working on his past. This idea is echoed in the release, with the theme of speaking truths about how we can change the way we think to make ourselves happy. Instead of trying to change the past or alter what happened, we really just need to think differently, and in doing so, we can change our future.
The record is described as a roaring, techy, vocalized anthem. What was your approach to balancing the elements with the driving tech beat?
I think there were some ideas around repeating the bass to shift the focus from beat to bass, and an effective way to drop vocals so you feel entranced by the message. This is how I arrived at this style.
Time is a central theme here. How do you see the relationship between music and time, both in terms of production and the music you are writing?
Well, great music is timeless. When I play a track from 2022 that’s a sick track, it's still a great song. And if I play one from 2024, I don’t always get that vibe if it's not at the level of quality I like or look for. I don’t like pop house or things that are basically meant for radio play. Tracks with substance and very unique parts are my favorite style, which makes them timeless. When I play my old track, like "Dreamers of Dream," I really feel the vibe still, and it makes it seem like I just made it, even though it was many years ago. That’s what I mean when I say it's timeless to my ears. Oftentimes, a good song takes over 12 months to think of, create, master, figure out what's missing, and complete the lifecycle.
This release feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. How do you approach blending these elements in your production?
I think about my club lifestyle and what textures I want to hear as a clubber, and how this song can really mix well with others. So it's more about how a song can be complete enough to mix into 2-3 other tracks at once, but not collide and still have its place in a complex mix.
"Change the Way You Think" suggests a transformative experience. Is that something you have been going through in your own life?
Yeah, exactly. I am glad you got that message. It's about the one friend who keeps telling you the problems. In fact, if you know the solution, you need to make a change. Don’t live in the problem—just make that change and live the life you want, not the life you don’t want.
This track feels like it has a strong presence on the dancefloor. Did you have a specific setting in mind when creating this track?
This track was designed to be a DJ tool track, which can be mixed with others at the same time but still get a few different vibes mixed into the set.
Do you think this theme resonates with the current moment in music and culture?
Yes, I feel people should use this as a way to improve their lives and understand that making changes is possible and they are not helpless. We all control our future, and we can wash clean our own time.
Lastly, what other projects are on the horizon for you? Will you continue exploring these conceptual themes, or is there something new you'd like to dive into?
I always like to pick different ways to produce and create textures without copying a current trend. If you see a new track, it will likely be completely different and have the Brav0 sound. I have tracks coming out on vinyl in 2025 on my imprint Always Deep Records and Soniquarium. Stay tuned for more to come in January 2025.
STREAM / LISTEN
https://go.protonradio.com/r/rleIa00FgHd1A
FOLLOW