SYNTHESE
"Mercurial swirling flutters of icy bright synth chords, rambling with playful pleasure and obsessive anxiety around dreamy vocals hypnotizing with sensual allure, fragile angst, and deep echoes" (с) WL/WH
A short documentary about us
By Daniel and Eugenia
Полуночный транс
The cloud of acidic passion envelops like a heavy blanket. The last cold waves of early spring burn the lips, while the beat awakens the flame in the wounded heart.
Küssen
A synthetic ode to falling in love, painted in cold techno tones. Feverish kisses are all they can think about. Fresh sound, new dances - join us!
What we are?
Obscure texts about existence, love and dreams. The magic of primitive synthesizers and theater. We are a synthesis of disco and darkness.
Interview
Xenia M.: What about your musical education?
Ksenia: I have a basic musical education. But it has been so long behind us that there are only some intuitive inner feelings and a self-evident understanding of solfeggio and how harmony should sound.
Ksenia: I have a basic musical education. But it has been so long behind us that there are only some intuitive inner feelings and a self-evident understanding of solfeggio and how harmony should sound.
(podcast from September 17, 2023)
Xenia M.: And the vocals? Is it possible to just be able to sing, or have you studied somewhere additionally?
Ksenia: Vocals are completely different. For me, it's also a performance and public speaking skill. Yes, I studied, at the moment I have a third mentor coming.
Xenia M.: Dmitry, where did you get your synth skills from? And, I take it, you're also doing mixing?
Dmitry: Our mutual friend Mikhail is doing the mixing, he has his own project - Minimal Unit. By the way, very cool music - I recommend it. Before that, a few years ago, I was mixing, but I didn't like the sound. I am very glad that now it is being done by a person who is good at it and who likes it. I deal directly with instrumentals, I don't have any education. I don't really know the notes, mostly everything happens by ear.
Xenia M.: Who came up with the name SYNTHESE ?
Ksenia: It seems to me that we have been choosing a name for a long time.
Dmitry: Yes, we have been choosing it for several months. We got into the German dictionary, looking for interesting and beautiful words that could reflect our essence.
Ksenia: Yes, SYNTHESE is a good name and it takes into itself, as it seems to me, a perspective and an opportunity for further growth.
Xenia M.: You came together as a creative union. How close or far are you outside of recording songs? Do you feel stable with each other as a team?
Dmitry: I think that first of all, musicians, well, not only musicians, but perhaps some kind of creative group, maybe actors of theater or cinema - they must be soulmates in one way or another, have some common views on the world and understanding. Only then will we be able to create something together. In parallel with music, of course, we communicate, although we have many other things to do.
Ksenia: In principle, my position and sensitivity towards the world play an important role. I would like to say that I completely agree with Dmitry. Just yesterday I was listening to a podcast where one, I can't say exactly who, a cool, in short, woman, sings British folk. And she lives in a gypsy family. They constantly play folk music with the whole family. Well, she talked about how it feels. Indeed, when you play music with relatives, with people with whom you live and love, sometimes there are such moments of subconscious understanding and as if reading thoughts. That's why it's very cool. I try to open up completely to people, and even more so to Dmitry, with whom I write music. Because music is as intimate a process as possible and in terms of attitude to the world. Damn, yes, this is probably the most important thing for me in general, on such a cosmic scale. I haven't done anything more useful in this life yet.
Ksenia: Vocals are completely different. For me, it's also a performance and public speaking skill. Yes, I studied, at the moment I have a third mentor coming.
Xenia M.: Dmitry, where did you get your synth skills from? And, I take it, you're also doing mixing?
Dmitry: Our mutual friend Mikhail is doing the mixing, he has his own project - Minimal Unit. By the way, very cool music - I recommend it. Before that, a few years ago, I was mixing, but I didn't like the sound. I am very glad that now it is being done by a person who is good at it and who likes it. I deal directly with instrumentals, I don't have any education. I don't really know the notes, mostly everything happens by ear.
Xenia M.: Who came up with the name SYNTHESE ?
Ksenia: It seems to me that we have been choosing a name for a long time.
Dmitry: Yes, we have been choosing it for several months. We got into the German dictionary, looking for interesting and beautiful words that could reflect our essence.
Ksenia: Yes, SYNTHESE is a good name and it takes into itself, as it seems to me, a perspective and an opportunity for further growth.
Xenia M.: You came together as a creative union. How close or far are you outside of recording songs? Do you feel stable with each other as a team?
Dmitry: I think that first of all, musicians, well, not only musicians, but perhaps some kind of creative group, maybe actors of theater or cinema - they must be soulmates in one way or another, have some common views on the world and understanding. Only then will we be able to create something together. In parallel with music, of course, we communicate, although we have many other things to do.
Ksenia: In principle, my position and sensitivity towards the world play an important role. I would like to say that I completely agree with Dmitry. Just yesterday I was listening to a podcast where one, I can't say exactly who, a cool, in short, woman, sings British folk. And she lives in a gypsy family. They constantly play folk music with the whole family. Well, she talked about how it feels. Indeed, when you play music with relatives, with people with whom you live and love, sometimes there are such moments of subconscious understanding and as if reading thoughts. That's why it's very cool. I try to open up completely to people, and even more so to Dmitry, with whom I write music. Because music is as intimate a process as possible and in terms of attitude to the world. Damn, yes, this is probably the most important thing for me in general, on such a cosmic scale. I haven't done anything more useful in this life yet.
Xenia M.: How would you describe the style of your music?
Dmitry: We have a mix of synthpop. Music from 80s plays a very big role and inspiration. I collect cassettes and vinyl with old bands, and, in parallel, new ones that use the same techniques, but add something new of their own. We, in general, do the same thing to one degree or another.
Dmitry: We have a mix of synthpop. Music from 80s plays a very big role and inspiration. I collect cassettes and vinyl with old bands, and, in parallel, new ones that use the same techniques, but add something new of their own. We, in general, do the same thing to one degree or another.
But we don't intend to get stuck in any one genre and we will change the sound, I think, all the time. Our next release will be completely different, not like the Show.
Xenia M.: What is more important to you - the lyrics or the way they sound?
Dmitry: I feel and think more with melodies and atmosphere. Words may be important to me, but I perceive them as part of the big picture. They are the last element, and probably the most important, that makes it complete. I think this symbiosis is important in music. Not when one thing dominates, but when they are equal.
Ksenia: I agree with that too. The only thing is, such a moment about content. I can't imagine if we had released an album of 12 tracks dedicated to unhappy love. The whole point is lost at once. Therefore, for me, as the creator of almost all our texts, of course, meaning plays a role here. Although, I must admit, I never thought that I would study poetry. For me personally, each song has a huge backstory and a bunch of flashbacks that come back to you during the performance and cover you with a pleasant or very painful wave.
Xenia M.: Why didn't you choose anonymity?
Dmitry: It seems to me that there is such an overabundance of content now that if we are also anonymous, then we will only listen to each other. I know some projects that have a good audience, but at the same time complete anonymity. For example, творожное озеро is a synthesizer project, in my opinion the author did not show himself there at all, he just had a public VK, but at the same time a lot of listeners. I won't say that we want to become popular out of vanity, but we just want to share with the world, and for the world to respond to it. This is a completely natural desire of any creator.
Ksenia: Projects can be anonymous so that people are not tempted to look into the personal lives of artists. Then there will be no disappointment and no consequences. There is just an image, and it is not even so important who is in it, it is only important that it exists separately. But regarding the audience, I think it's just kind of dumb. I'm sorry if I offend anyone with this. When you just want to do something for the sake of recognition... First of all, before you start doing something, you should recognize yourself. It's a one-way trip, and that end is bad. If you're trying to do something for someone. No one will ever appreciate it if you don't appreciate it yourself. From our experience, during the first performance, we both realized then that this was a really cool experience. For me, this is generally some kind of occult, absolutely magical manifestation of music and how all people can merge into one stream. I think that's why everyone comes to the clubs. People just want to separate a little bit from themselves and become part of this general mass, led by those who stand on the stage.
Xenia M.: What is more important to you - the lyrics or the way they sound?
Dmitry: I feel and think more with melodies and atmosphere. Words may be important to me, but I perceive them as part of the big picture. They are the last element, and probably the most important, that makes it complete. I think this symbiosis is important in music. Not when one thing dominates, but when they are equal.
Ksenia: I agree with that too. The only thing is, such a moment about content. I can't imagine if we had released an album of 12 tracks dedicated to unhappy love. The whole point is lost at once. Therefore, for me, as the creator of almost all our texts, of course, meaning plays a role here. Although, I must admit, I never thought that I would study poetry. For me personally, each song has a huge backstory and a bunch of flashbacks that come back to you during the performance and cover you with a pleasant or very painful wave.
Xenia M.: Why didn't you choose anonymity?
Dmitry: It seems to me that there is such an overabundance of content now that if we are also anonymous, then we will only listen to each other. I know some projects that have a good audience, but at the same time complete anonymity. For example, творожное озеро is a synthesizer project, in my opinion the author did not show himself there at all, he just had a public VK, but at the same time a lot of listeners. I won't say that we want to become popular out of vanity, but we just want to share with the world, and for the world to respond to it. This is a completely natural desire of any creator.
Ksenia: Projects can be anonymous so that people are not tempted to look into the personal lives of artists. Then there will be no disappointment and no consequences. There is just an image, and it is not even so important who is in it, it is only important that it exists separately. But regarding the audience, I think it's just kind of dumb. I'm sorry if I offend anyone with this. When you just want to do something for the sake of recognition... First of all, before you start doing something, you should recognize yourself. It's a one-way trip, and that end is bad. If you're trying to do something for someone. No one will ever appreciate it if you don't appreciate it yourself. From our experience, during the first performance, we both realized then that this was a really cool experience. For me, this is generally some kind of occult, absolutely magical manifestation of music and how all people can merge into one stream. I think that's why everyone comes to the clubs. People just want to separate a little bit from themselves and become part of this general mass, led by those who stand on the stage.
Xenia M.: Who do you focus on when creating music?
Dmitry: I really like David Bowie. He had his own masterpiece albums in every decade, which differ very much from each other, but at the same time they always have something in common. I like this versatility.
Ksenia: We are also very influenced by movies and TV series.
Dmitry: I really like David Bowie. He had his own masterpiece albums in every decade, which differ very much from each other, but at the same time they always have something in common. I like this versatility.
Ksenia: We are also very influenced by movies and TV series.
Dmitry: Yes, also the mass media, events and people - all this adds up together, it is impossible to single out something absolutely one. In addition to my favorite band Part Time, which plays psychedelic synthpop, Ariel Pink is a great inspiration for me, also for Ksenia too . He records music with an eye on the 80s, using techniques from the past and, often, with just the most disgusting sound and mixing, but it all sounds so vibe-like that he is forgiven. So bad that it's fine.
Ksenia: I'm just now remembering one of the live shows where he sings into the microphone from the headphones, into this little piece of plastic. And it spreads to the huge audience of open air with the most terrible sound. Ariel Pink is the inspiration for me when you feel ashamed, scared or it seems that you are doing something wrong. He's cool, it's a flight of the soul. His music is free, it's different. I think we are similar in this, we also do not want to limit ourselves and are ready to act in different directions.
(c) На коленке, 2023
Ksenia: I'm just now remembering one of the live shows where he sings into the microphone from the headphones, into this little piece of plastic. And it spreads to the huge audience of open air with the most terrible sound. Ariel Pink is the inspiration for me when you feel ashamed, scared or it seems that you are doing something wrong. He's cool, it's a flight of the soul. His music is free, it's different. I think we are similar in this, we also do not want to limit ourselves and are ready to act in different directions.
(c) На коленке, 2023
Show
SYNTHESE are a Russian post-punk act who sing not only in their native language but in German and English too. When I first heard their blend of coldwave, minimal and synthpop hooks I was immediately impressed and purchased their own discography. It was my own, and very small, Victor Kiam moment. After a few singles and one EP Show is the band’s debut album.
The opening track German Disco is emotionally cold and very early Mute Records like. Высоковольтные провода continues with an empty, harsh metallic sound but still manages to derive some emotion. Elements of italio-disco appear on Просто друзья before they revert to a dystopian, sometimes industrial sound on Провалиться целиком.
On tracks like Marmalade Rainbow, SYNTHESE introduce rhythmic patterns that inject energy into the track, in order to ensure that Show flows freely as possible. The band maintain an ability to keep the listener engaged throughout by alternating between moments of calm before following it up with bursts of synths that add excitement, grabbing the listener’s attention, as demonstrated on the likes of Закрой глаза.
This prevents Show following a somewhat formulaic pattern, adding diversity to a genre and sound that easily stagnates. That said, at times the songs do have a tendency to blur into one and another. I think this works to SYNTHESE advantage in order for them to create this excellent soundtrack for the sometimes dystopic world we find ourselves in.
(с) RECORDS I LIKE, 2023
On tracks like Marmalade Rainbow, SYNTHESE introduce rhythmic patterns that inject energy into the track, in order to ensure that Show flows freely as possible. The band maintain an ability to keep the listener engaged throughout by alternating between moments of calm before following it up with bursts of synths that add excitement, grabbing the listener’s attention, as demonstrated on the likes of Закрой глаза.
This prevents Show following a somewhat formulaic pattern, adding diversity to a genre and sound that easily stagnates. That said, at times the songs do have a tendency to blur into one and another. I think this works to SYNTHESE advantage in order for them to create this excellent soundtrack for the sometimes dystopic world we find ourselves in.
(с) RECORDS I LIKE, 2023
Whip Party
‘We are a symbiosis of cold electronics and the sensual voice of your inner self’, this is how the Russian duo Synthese describe their New Wave / Synth-Pop sound, at the debut with the eerie and phantasmagorical single “Whip Party” mixed and mastered by Moscow‘s synthesist Minimal Unit.
The German lyrics are written by the singer Ksenia, as a romantic confession that describes a midnight encounter that leads to an all-night funfest filled with erotic games.
Titillating slashing snares, amidst a sizzling and vibrant array of retro muffled percussions, 8-bit FX and sparse crisp knocking hits, along with marching buzzing basslines, throb and snap against mercurial swirling flutters of icy bright synth chords, rambling with playful pleasure and obsessive anxiety around dreamy, bewitching, at times male layered, vocals hypnotizing with sensual allure, fragile angst, and deep echoes to manifest coeval connections of pleasure and desire.
(c) WL/WH, 2022
Titillating slashing snares, amidst a sizzling and vibrant array of retro muffled percussions, 8-bit FX and sparse crisp knocking hits, along with marching buzzing basslines, throb and snap against mercurial swirling flutters of icy bright synth chords, rambling with playful pleasure and obsessive anxiety around dreamy, bewitching, at times male layered, vocals hypnotizing with sensual allure, fragile angst, and deep echoes to manifest coeval connections of pleasure and desire.
(c) WL/WH, 2022
