1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
„von jeglichem wort“ is a project that combines elements of black metal, dark ambient, drone and experimental music. Soundwalls, field recordings, heavy guitars and layers of sentimental yet eerie noises create the soundtrack of mankind’s demise.
2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
The new album shows different aspects of vjw: atmospheric black metal riffs, noises and field recordings, ambient scapes, and forlorn melodic passages. It follows a path that is layed out for the project since the beginning – it concentrates these elements and ventures out into the abundance that bleakness has to offer.
3.Since 2020 you have released a great amount of material, do you spend most of your time writing and creating music?
Writing and recording music is a huge part of my artistic practise these days. I published a lot of digital EPs and albums – first and foremost to get the „wort“ out there, to introduce the music and the concept of vjw to audiences, to establish the idea of vjw. But also I see my band pages as a playground – developing new sounds, exploring the conceptual and musical backgrounds and elements. This album now on BHN Productions is an incarnation, a result of these processes.
4.What are some of the concepts that you have explored so far with the music?
The underlying concept of vjw is to give a sound to the dwelling and threatening developments, that surround me. It is not a political project – it is more of a research. It resonates as a very individual experience. VJWs music gives the upcoming escalations and their aftermaths a soundtrack. But its not only violent, there is a strong element of sentiment and hope in it as well. So much was possible, so much has been striven for, so much possibilities lie ahead, or do they?
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork is based on a painting by Caravaggio. This painting gives that atmosphere that I mentioned above a picture. There are elements of violence, darkness, death, despair but also light, warmth, colour, hope, emancipation. With the digital albums the visual factor is not that big. It just provides an impulse to click on it. I see much more meaning in the visual aspect of the physical copies, the tapes and vinyl covers that VJW puts out. On physical copy, especially on vinyl – visual elements get the space they deserve.
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, do you have any experience working with other musicians in the past?
I have played in bands, and I am currently also involved in other experimental sound and text projects. The process of playing together with other artists (musicians, poets) differs a lot from the solo experience. vjw follows a clearly layed-out concept or vision. Playing together with other people is a more open, dialogish approach.
7.Have you done any live shows with this project or open to the idea?
I consider the vjw experience as an indiviual and intimate one. I dont think that a live experience can provide that quality. The doctor prescribes to play this music loud, via headphones – and best on vinyl!
8.The new album was released through 'Bleeding Heart Nihilist Productions, how did you get in contact with this label?
I came across their work a few years ago, stumbling over some tapes at local record stores. I was intrigued right away by the design and care they put into their products, also by the attitude behind it. So I got curious and bought more and more of their vinyls and tapes. My on- and offline activities also raised eyebrows at BHN, so we started writing each other around 2021/22. We got to know each other’s approaches better and better. There was a mutual understanding about ideas of underground scene, the ridiculousness and beauty of Black Metal, the love for vinyl and tape formats etc. So one stormy night in Berlin in autumn 2023 we finally met, shared some wine, beer and cigarettes. The rest is not history but very much present!
9. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal, ambient and drone?
Well of course there have been those that say „oh this is not proper black metal“. Duh! I think it is an interesting position to sit between chairs. And as much as I personally enjoy „proper Black Metal“ – I think there are a lot of bands out there that do it well. I dont want to create something that has been heard a million times. So vjw has resonated with people who also look to venture beyond genre cliches. I am very humbled by the positive feedback of these people, from virtually all continents. I see a huge quality in social media in that regard. Instead of edgelording, it can also be about discovering, sharing and appreciating. This is how I discover a ton of interesting projects, and this is how a lot of people have discovered vjw. On that regard: I wanna give a shout out to well curated YT channels like „Mao da Gloria“ or „Transmissions from the dark“ that shared some of my music, therefore helped spreading the „wort“.
10. Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
Well vjw has already new projects in the making, so it will definitely continue on its path. Since the world is more and more fucked up – there will be no shortage of inspiration.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I have been around Metal for quite some time, starting in the 80ies. My first impressive encounter with rather dark metal bands was definitely Celtic Frost. From there on I was constantly looking for more dark shit, like Samael, Sarcofago or later the second wave of Black Metal (Emperor, Darkthrone, Ulver – the classics). Since vjw is not „Proper Black Metal“ there are of course a lot of other influences to mention: projects like NADJA or older Anathema.
Nowadays I am listening again to a lot of newer Metal, black, experimental or atmospheric: Afsky, Sunken, Laster, Urfaust, The Ruins of Beverast – just to mention a few.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Well definitely a lot of thanks to all the people involved in vjw – listeners, supporters, followers, friends, my label, reviewers etc. Also thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity of this interview to shed some light on my music.
And yeah, stay edgy all you fabulous folks out there!
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