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Interview with _fnfn: Microtonal Breakcore and the "From Time to Time" Album
- Authors
- Name
- Nes Croft
- @nescroft
Interview with <fnfn
<fnfn is one of the first artists to release a full album made with Beat DJ. Their debut, "From Time to Time," takes listeners through a world of xenharmonic melodies, breakbeats, and industrial soundscapes. We caught up with them to find out more about the music and the person behind it.
Listen to "From Time to Time" on Bandcamp
From Time to Time takes us from time signature to time signature. Through rave-like head spaces where xenharmonic chords and melodies swirl about in an industrial warehouse of sound.
These contemplative breakbeats and reverb drenched soundscapes are a signature move from <fnfn who despite an early start has already developed a mature sound on this debut release.
Hailing from Russia <fnfn found a virtual home for musical experiments in the Beat DJ community about a year ago. Contributions to our compilations have continued since day 1 during the Beat DJ multiplayer sessions.
When did you start making music?
I started making music 5-6 years ago. That's when I really got into music—I began listening more and discovering new things. Almost right away, the thought hit me that I wanted to create something like that myself. 😎
What inspires you lately?
Post-Black-Metal/Blackgaze inspires me to pick up the guitar again. I'd really love to write something in those styles. :)
Do you have a favorite scale or time signature?
In the world of microtonal music, my current favorite scale is 22-EDO. It's incredibly beautiful, and I love writing melodies in it. As for time signature, I've been thinking about this recently and decided that 5/4 and 5/8 are the most interesting ones for me — they naturally create cool and interesting rhythms on their own.
What do you like to do besides music?
I love coding some sorts of crazy stuff and studying Python. Sometimes I try making interesting images in Photoshop. And playing computer games.
How was it creating one of the first albums made with Beat DJ?
Beat DJ is a fresh tool, and creating one of the first albums on it was a super fun and interesting experience. I really enjoy working both in a team (in collabs or jams) and writing solo.
What inspired the design for the "From Time to Time" album cover?
I've always really loved those crazy ass Machine Girl album covers — that's what inspired me to make something like a collage in the style of a "pink zine/rave flyer".
What genre is your music??? Or does it even fit into a genre?
Styles that inspire me: Jungle, Juke/Footwork, Breakcore (not separately, but a mix of everything). Most often, I write music in Jungle/Drone/Breakcore styles. But this album stepped outside my usual electronic music boundaries. It'd be cool if someone listens to my album and guesses what style it's in. :D
Do you have any favorite songs from the album?
My absolute favorites are "Following days" and "Thankful." But for the melodic stuff, I love "Aquatic Seduction" the most — it's written in 22-EDO and 7/4 time signature. BeatDJ's possibilities really blow my mind. 😎
Favorite food?
Lasagna🥵