Influences: X.Y.R

Music

There has been a huge surge in experimental music emerging from the depths of Russia in recent times – the environment has helped inspire a new wave of musicians who have attempted to capture the wealth of influence emblazoned across the country and it's outback. X.Y.R is a producer based in St. Petersburg who has previously released music on 12th Isle and Not Not Fun. His artistic alias X.Y.R stands for Xram Yedinennogo Razmuwlenuja, a reference to Nikolai Gogol's 1842 "Dead Souls," in which one of the characters is pretentious enough to build his own "Temple of Solitary Contemplation." His latest release is a cassette for Quiet Time Tapes, a one sided experimental piece of music which spans over twenty minutes and draws upon influence Soviet sci fi and machinery.

We invited him to take us through his influences below…

The tape can be purchased HERE.

LISTEN

Schnittke: Concerto Grosso No.1 - 5. Rondo: Agitato

At a young age I often came across the music of Soviet composers, which played in films and cartoons. One of the most striking moments was in the work of Alfred Schnittke, which was used in the short film “Eraser and Pencil” (1982) directed by Elena Gavrilko. it is so emotional and powerful that I would call it the anthem of my childhood.

Schnittke: Concerto Grosso No.1 - 5. Rondo: Agitato

At a young age I often came across the music of Soviet composers, which played in films and cartoons. One of the most striking moments was in the work of Alfred Schnittke, which was used in the short film “Eraser and Pencil” (1982) directed by Elena Gavrilko. it is so emotional and powerful that I would call it the anthem of my childhood.
Lubomyr Melnyk - Wave-Lox Ii

I’m not a big fan of classical music and modern classics. I prefer the sound of a synthesizer more than the sound of a piano. but when I heard the divine music of Lubomir, these endless and fascinating spillovers, swaying on the waves of the arpeggio. I realised that this is not at all like classical music, it’s quite another … absolutely the best piano music ever!
Boards Of Canada - Aquarius

After I got carried away with electronic music… “Warp” introduced me to the creativity of Boards of Canada – their floating hypnagogic sound has subdued me more than other artists. This flying countdown is capable of hypnotising anyone, no worse than a hypnotist.
Frederik Schikowski - Station Breslauer Strasse

This track I got from a compilation by the label City Center Offices. Here is all that is needed, a simple melody played on the synthesizer by hand, the atmosphere and mood. Nothing extra. The melody does not hide under a beat, bass or other instruments, but simply lives its real life.
Sweet Exorcist - Mad Jack [Jimi Tenor Remix]

Another track from a Warp Records compilation, a remix by Jimi Tenor, one of my favourites, a Finnish collector of Soviet synthesizers. He created a very peculiar mood, the primitive madness of tribal dance, which sounds very relevant and modern.
Ducktails - Beach Point Pleasant

I think this track has had some influence on the creation of my “Robinson Crusoe (lost soundtrack)” and “Tourist” albums. I was very inspired by this intoxicating sultry and caricature atmosphere of tropical beaches and wanted to create something similar in mood. Ready to listen on repeat.
Presentation Two, Electric Organ, Tape Loop & Modular Synthesizer

The master of modular synthesizers and magical atmospheres, perhaps the most important and interesting ambient composer for me.
The sound of the modules is ideal and unattainable. Who besides Günter can create such beauty?
O Yuki Conjugate - Cloud Cover (Final Image, 1987)

One of my latest revelations. This composition of amazing natural beauty, I found thanks to “Miracle Steps”. A compilation from the “Optimo” label. it seems the guys have resumed their activities, so all music lovers, I advise you to study the discography of one of the most interesting bands in the category of the “fourth world”.