Zvrra
Zvrra is a multifaceted artist and video game developer who composes music that takes in many styles including ambient, techno and noise. A versatile producer, whose auteur approach to recording has produced an array of dense and considered music over the years Marrying melodic synthesis with glassy, effervescent sound design and considered polyrhythms she has managed create a cohesive but undeniably idiosyncratic music.
Chicago based Zvrra is known for for her prolific output exploring the outer reaches of house, techno, ambient music and hip hop. I first became aware of her music through the album Vhine
A whirlwind of noise, beats, tuned percussion and frantic basslines it’s impact on your ears is immediate. I mean, have you ver been in a superclub going from room to room pilled up and just buzzing like a warehouse full of refrigerators???
Whine zips along and never leaves you bored, it knows when to move along and knows when to root you to the floor. There’s a darkness there too. Gothic drones underpin the beats at times especially on the track ‘Vhine’.
A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to ask Zvrra a few questions about her music and the creative process she goes through.
Mark: What is you favourite piece of music that you have created and why?
I think my track Lost In Time is one of my Favourite. It feels like it captures my sound the most and always gives me a bit of euphoria.
Mark: What is your creative process, how do you start a piece of music?
Sometimes I open the DAW with an idea already in mind; other times it’s totally dependent on what sound I hear. I like to play a sound, and then my imagination create ideas around it.
Mark:What where your beginnings in music?
My family was always very musical. My mother and grandmother always had me deep into technology growing up. With that, I found the demo of FL Studio, and I’d make ultra low quality recordings in 2003. In the early days of Fruity Loops, aka FL Studio, you couldn’t export your audio in the demo version. I thought I was doing something by taking my microphone and playing the beats out loud and recording them to cassette tape! (Skull Emoji)
Mark: Best piece of advice you have received in regards to recording/writing/producing music?
Use reference tracks to keep you focused and down to earth. What that means is download a track you like that’s mastered well and just play it from time to time while producing to keep you focused on the mixdown.
Mark: What would be the best piece of advice you could give?
Get good at using stock sounds and effects that come with your program. You don’t need all the plugins in the word; disable them.
Mark: Were you taught formally or are you self taught?
Self-taught, but for a year I was in college for music production. I learned nothing except the school was a scam and got shut down a few years later lol!
Mark: Who are your Influences musical and otherwise
Mark Williams
Jeep Head
DJ Tatana
Ismistik
Kammarheit
Ozric Tentacles
Ronald Jenkees
Ruff With The Smooth
Drax
SHXCXCHCXSH
Three 6 Mafia
Fatti Frances
Tommy Wright III
Mark: Which DAW or Equipment do you use, could you possibly give us a rundown of the equipment you use?
Ableton Live 12 Suite | I’ve been using this DAW since approx. 2014.
FL Studio 2024 | I’ve been using this DAW since 2003.
Alesis V125 Midi Keyboard | (shout outs to rei low they sent me this)
Sony MDR 7506/V6 | I have used these same headphones for like 20 years. I just buy a new pair every now and then.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO | I got a deal on these, but mostly use these to check the low end.
I make all of my music on desktop and laptop, that’s really all. I feel we don’t need a bunch of expensive nonsense; a lot of that stuff is just luxury.
Mark: How much of your music is sample based vs synth based and how do you source your samples?
I’d say approx. 40/60 40 percent sample based and 60 percent synth based. I purchased Absynth 5 so long ago. I make almost everything with it and adore the plugin.
It was a real pleasure getting some background to Zvrra and her music.
Please check out Zvrra’s links below.
Socials:
Bandcamp: https://zvrra.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zvrra_ig
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/zvrra
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zvrra
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