For composer and producer Francesco Virgilio, mokroïé has always existed somewhere between music, cinema and visual art. Treating the project almost like a sonic director, he combines electronic experimentation, organic instrumentation and imagery to explore ideas that rarely arrive with straightforward answers.
That philosophy sits at the heart of new four-track EP 'Unanswered'. Divided into two halves, Outside and Inside, the record begins by looking towards nature, the cosmos and mortality before gradually turning inward towards adolescence, melancholy, grief and absence.
So with the new EP out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Synthesizer.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to British pop (not Brit pop), rock, noise rock, new wave, and electronic music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I'm not entirely sure, but I remember listening to Depeche Mode's Some Great Reward and later Black Celebration on repeat (and Talk Talk albums too) while reading all the lyrics.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
So many! What can I say today? I Feel You by Depeche Mode, I'm Deranged, or The Hearts Filthy Lesson by David Bowie. Tomorrow I might choose tracks by The Cure or Nine Inch Nails, and the day after, other great artists.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually start with something I heard in my head: a melody, a beat, a sound, some noise, or a pad. The best thing for me is not to start the same way every time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I love Thom Yorke's side projects, as well as peaceful, intimate music like Agnes Obel, Melanie De Biasio, or some ambient electronic artists.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Depeche Mode - Nine Inch Nails - The Cure – Radiohead
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
To feel free and be able to bring into existence ideas and sounds that only exist in my head. To be supported by people who resonate with what I do, how I think, and my values.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Spending time and money on marketing, and generally trying to find ways to reach my real audience.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It's interesting and valuable to learn from other artists and music industry professionals, but in the end, you have to find your own way of doing things.
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mokroïé's new EP 'Unanswered' is out now. Check it out in the player below.