Q+A with Basavriuk: Post-punk dreamgoth from Puerto Rico
What is the story behind your latest track "Below and Beyond"?
When I was writing the melodies for “Below and Beyond” the chorus line almost immediately popped into my head:
“No! I couldn’t believe it. I’m finding my way back down.”
I knew right away that I wanted to keep this line, but it took me a while to create a theme to tie it to the song. It was weeks later, literally lying in bed one morning, that the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice came to mind. Using the story as a foundation and drawing inspiration from other fantasy works (Dark Souls, LotR, etc.), I attempted to paint a story of one plunging into the depths of the underworld to retrieve that which is most precious to them.
How and when did you get started as Basavriuk? Do you work with others?
I’ve been utilizing the name Basavriuk for a while now, I would say since 2013/14 to be exact. Back then Basavriuk was more of a moniker I used on social media to upload my personal songs; you can still uncover some of these songs if you jump down the google rabbit hole. During this time, I was living in Vermont and was a bassist in two different bands. However, I had to close that chapter when I moved back to Puerto Rico in 2019.
Jumping ahead to 2022, I began a new version of this personal project that I feel truly defines me as a musician and writer. When it came time to pick a name, I found it fitting to bring back Basavriuk. In a sense, it was like paying tribute to the past self that helped carve out my path in this musical journey.
Why the name Basavriuk?
Originally, I went with this name when I was going through a Gogol obsession; I’m a sucker for fantasy and witchy stuff. Basavriuk is a devil-like character in the story “St. John’s Eve”. Something about that name captivated me when I first heard it, and it seemed like a good fit at the time. I thought maybe people would find it odd or intriguing. Looking back, I think I would’ve gone with something that’s easier to pronounce (haha!).
You’re based in Puerto Rico - what is the music scene like there?
That is correct! I’m from San Juan, Puerto Rico. It might surprise you to know that there is a thriving scene in the island. A lot of punk and metal for starters, a very lively goth scene, and an ocean of bands that play around with genres (funk, latin jazz, lofi, math rock, post-punk, etc.) so there is something for all music lovers in all shapes and forms. There’s so much creativity flowing in Puerto Rico and it seems like there’s always some sort of event or show happening.
Can you tell us another band from Puerto Rico that you think we should know about?
Two bands come immediately to mind at the moment. The first band is Nebuloso: they are more on the instrumental side and play around with lofi atmosphere, prog-rock like progressions, and fun sounds overall. The second band is Ratas: they’re a melodic punk band and have been making amazing strides in the last year. I’m really excited to see the two group flourish even more.
Who (or what) are your strongest musical influences?
The Cure!! I’d say that they’re easily the biggest influence here. I love all their work, but specifically when it comes to my guitar writing I’m really inspired by the raw chorus-driven chord play of "Seventeen Seconds" and "Three Imaginary Boys".
With the rhythm section I feel like I’m channeling the energy of rock bands that I listened to growing up: Bathory, Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, The Beatles, the list goes on. The vocals are in one part inspired by groups like Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, and Seedhill Bruiser, and in another driven by my love for cathedral-like chants in fantasy works.
What’s so special about Robert Smith?
I think what I love about Robert Smith, and The Cure as a collective, is how they're able to take music that is generally not too complex but emphasize on the mood to paint a picture. To me, each of their albums tells a different story that can stand alone and help reinforce whatever emotion you’re feeling at any given moment. Feeling angsty and depressed? Pornography. Feeling heartbroken yet hopeful? Disintegration. They’ve always been there to bring life to my emotions.
I’ve noticed your single artwork tends to use the colour fuchsia pink or purple - what’s the reason?
I wish there was a deeper answer to your question (haha)! The truth is that I’ve always been drawn to all things pink, purple, and in between. There’s a mystique and calmness to that spectrum of color that captivates me, and I think that’s reflected in my life subconsciously. My first bass guitar was purple now that I think of it. When I’m deciding what artwork to utilize for my releases, I naturally gravitate towards those colors to help emphasize the mood and imagery that I want to project.
What are you listening to lately?
In my car rides I’ve been jamming out to the new Shades of Violette album (it’s truly a beautiful work and I can’t recommend it enough) and Lowlife’s Gush; the latter has become a classic for me over the years. For my morning routines I’ve jumped back into Underworld’s Dubnobasswithmyheadman, which really serves to clear my head from time to time. I also tend to have the lofigirl channel on YouTube running in the background when at home, at the moment the “chill beats to play chess to” video has been on constant rotation.
What might we expect from Basavriuk this year?
At this very moment I have a remix of my song “Howl” releasing very soon (March 8th). The remix was crafted by James from Pain in the Yeahs, and I’m really excited to share this track with the world; I feel like it captures the song in a totally new lens. I’ve also been working on recording various songs to put an EP or album together later this year. That is my biggest goal at the moment, after that I would try and see how I can work to get Basavriuk out playing live.
Listen to Basavriuk on Bandcamp and the new Pain in the Yeahs remix of "Howl" here.