jamuary, sketchbooks, and deeper work
i’ve always leaned toward optimism, but lately i have to admit it feels harder to hold onto. the state of the world is fucked, and it seeps in quietly, shaping my state of mind more than i’d like to admit. even when i try to stay focused and grounded, that tension finds a way in. it lingers in the background, affects how i listen, how i create, how i move through everyday life.
i don’t often share deep thoughts online. social media feels noisy, toxic, unpredictable. it asks for constant reactions instead of reflection, speed instead of intention. so i’ve been stepping back, taking a breather, and focusing on what matters most to me right now: the music. the process. the craft. letting things take the time they actually need, instead of forcing them into a format that doesn’t feel aligned.
while going off the grid for a little bit to recharge the battery, i went back into drawing. i’m used to digital creation, screens, plugins, timelines. so returning to my sketchbook felt grounding in a way i didn’t expect. pencil on paper, mistakes staying visible, no undo button. while drawing away, i had time to reflect on how i’ve been using social media with this project. i eventually came to the conclusion that something needs to change. not disappearing, but shifting the focus. slowing the pace. going deeper instead of wider. this year i’ll try to share more in-depth insights over here, in spaces that allow nuance and context, rather than fragments.
going a bit awol doesn’t mean i haven’t been productive behind the scenes. i’ve been deeply occupied with my other prog metal band. we’re on the edge of starting a new chapter, getting ready for an album launch, gigs, and upcoming festivals. there’s a massive amount of work and hours going into that project to meet the level of expectations and ambitions we’ve set for ourselves. if you wanna tag along, check only human. we’re about to drop big news.
and while doing all this, it’s jamuary. after five ongoing years of committing to this challenge, it still amazes me how powerful that daily push can be. i’ve been genuinely inspired by the community’s creative output already. everyone’s going all in, experimenting, failing, learning, sharing. this year, i decided to use that momentum to record and finish my next ep: 'softcults'. slowly and intentionally. no rush, no pressure to perform online. just showing up every day and listening closely to what wants to come out. i’m really looking forward to sharing it with you when the time feels right.
'softcults' explores a darker path. moody, introspective soundscapes, heavier atmospheres, tension and restraint, but still maintaining a hint of hope somewhere beneath the surface. it’s not about despair, but about acknowledging the shadows instead of pretending they’re not there. the ep started to take shape while reflecting on unquestioned social norms, institutions, and systems of belief. media, government, family structures, even the music scenes and the powerful forces people sometimes follow blindly, often without noticing when care turns into control. the idea of 'soft cults' isn’t about extremes, but about subtle influence. habits, narratives, aesthetics, expectations that slowly shape identity and behavior while presenting themselves as normal, safe, or inevitable.
this is very much a work in progress, both musically and conceptually, and that openness feels important to me. focusing deeply without spending much time online has been refreshing. it reminded me why i started making music in the first place: not for metrics, not for constant validation, but for connection, curiosity, and honesty. with myself first, and then with anyone willing to listen.
while waiting for what’s coming next, you should check the latest Various Artists compilation from @petitevictorycollective. this sampler is showcasing PVC’s roster and our closest friends from the community. if you’re looking for innovative electronic music, spanning from minimal techno, ambient, experimental, and more… there are definitely some gems hidden in this one!
** supporting this compilation is a simple but meaningful way to fund our DIY label and the global creative work around it. your contribution helps us cover the fees required to keep the label running. thank you for taking the time to support and care the way you do.
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