TRANSMISSION #001: Reverie Rhythmworks

Lan (Slayxdoll) interviews Reverie Rhythmworks.

[Slayxdoll //]
I remember being in the crowd that night you debuted 'Tasting Blood' at Descent. For me it was the highlight and the hypest part of the night. How did it feel for you to debut the song to a crowd of fellow industrial and goth music lovers during your DJ set? Was it exciting, nerve-wracking, vulnerable, personal?

[ROOK //]
It was definitely nerve wracking! Knowing that the crowd was comprised of a lot of my friends helped a ton though. This was the first time I had premiered work with my own vocals on it, so I felt like I had a lot riding on this track!

[Slayxdoll //]
Listening to 'Tasting Blood', it is very much a classic EBM sound — highly danceable, rhythmically hypnotic, with a clear momentum and progression throughout the track. What were the processes you utilized and maybe experimented with while creating this track, and what do you love most about it?

[ROOK //]
I always start with a bassline, which I put down using my Arturia Minibrute 2s. I think that core component was probably my favorite thing about it! From there I used my Korg Minilogue to produce some more of the squelchy screechy noises that dot the track; always interesting to try and get less than musical sounds out of hardware like that.

[Slayxdoll //]
From what I know of you, analogue synths are a core component of your sonic identity as an artist. What are the things that draw you to analogue synths? Is it the tactile nature of tweaking physical knobs, the tangible auditory qualities an analogue synth brings to a track, or is it for the joy of the experience itself — actively playing it?

[ROOK //]
I think my favorite thing about analogue synths in particular is working within a constraint. Obviously you can get any sound you want out of a DAW these days, so there's something to be said about utilizing a dedicated piece of equipment that satisfies a niche role in my setup.
Past that, I like the different ways each synth can provide sound; from pure analog to FM synthesis, I love them all!

[Slayxdoll //]
What are some of the foundational memories you hold that helped shape your current musical vision and taste? Do you still remember the first time you produced an EBM track or dialed the knobs on your very first analogue synth?

[ROOK //]
EBM has always held a place in my heart, whether consciously or not, I always found myself drawn to the distinctive rhythms that stem from the style. It was hearing Sextile for the first time that really struck a chord with me!

[Slayxdoll //]
Who are your greatest musical inspirations, whether they come from the EBM world or not, and how have they inspired your evolution as an artist? Do you have any blue-sky, dream come true type artists you'd love to collaborate with someday?

[ROOK //]
Among my favorites are Sextile, Boy Harsher, Mareux, and Depeche Mode; all inspiring in their own ways! I definitely like what each respective group does with their vocals. I would love to collaborate & get a glimpse behind the synth setup that Brady Keehn uses one day!