Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
Koosha Azim, welcome to VENTS! Can you tell us about your recently released EP, Koryŏ Capsule?
Sure! I have been aiming to tap into trap and more psychedelic hip-hop lately and wanted to release something fresh within that realm. The EP came together in South Korea as I recorded “FLY TO THE SOUTH” in a WeWork one day. I wanted to capture the idea of traveling to a new region of the world through the lens of psychedelics. With “Jeju,” I wanted to paint a picture of Jeju Island that I could share with my US friends.
Was there anything in particular about Korean culture that inspired you the most?
South Korea’s balance of modernism and tradition inspired my current creative vision. In Seoul, I interacted with minimalist buildings and structures along with traditional Korean hanok homes. The bright city lights and rainbow-colored signs on the streets sparked a musical fire in me that went into these tracks as well. I also really enjoyed the region’s advanced metro system.
Where are you heading next?
In September, I am moving to Taipei, Taiwan as part of my university’s global rotation program. I will live there for fourth months as I continue creating and curating my debut project. From there, I will head to Hyderabad, India to complete my spring semester. These new destinations will be seen and felt through my future releases and artworks.
We love your approach of creating worlds in your music; where did that idea come from?
Growing up, I loved the world-building elements of Halo and Star Wars: two Sci-fi franchises that shaped my love for spacey soundscapes. From the start, I preferred using sounds that surrounded the listener and transcended them to a higher level of energy and musical stimulation. Rather than seeking structure or symmetry in my songs, I enjoy developing an idea or stream of consciousness that is genuine and unfiltered.
Has your style always been experimental?
I have always exclusively made “experimental” music. I feel that this term is very general and loosely tied to a wide variety of music, but it is what it is. I make music that I love and that I need to create as an individual. This music can be difficult to understand at times, but it is the most honest way I can record and share the stories and emotions in my head. I feel that my experimentation is an important piece of my artistry because it removes me from most trap, rock, or pop conversations. It starts a new conversation around immersive art that is genuine and not created as a product for mass appeal.
Do you have a particular audience in mind when you’re creating your music?
I create music for myself first and foremost. Beyond that, I create music to immerse young trap, alternative rock, and experimental music crowds from around the world who seek something greater in music consumption. I also create music for visual artists who take inspiration from progressive sounds.
We heard rumours that there is an LP in the works; can you tell us more about that?
I’d love to! I am slowly developing my debut full-length project titled Godspeed Said The Rain. This project will explore my coming of age overseas as I fall in love during a global conflict and lose touch with reality. It leverages new disorienting sounds from around the world to plunge listeners into a dark void with trickles of glimmering light. I am expecting to release this record in early 2023 but will put out a single in November – later this year. I can not wait to share the final version with everyone. This album is the rawest form of my artistic identity at age 18-20.
