Welcome to the world of Infraction, where evocative electronic soundscapes are crafted from the comfort of a simple home setup. With influences including Crystal Castles, Infraction’s music resonates globally. Today, we dive into his creative process, exploring his track “My Eyes,” and uncovering the inspiration for his music.
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Cougar Microbes: What time did you wake up today? Was it out of choice or necessity?
Great question! I woke up at 11 a.m. Unfortunately, I go to bed too late because I make music at night.
CM: Who are you and what do you “do”?
My name is Ivan. I make electronic music, as well as copyright-free music for creators.
CM: Describe your music to someone who has yet to hear it…
It’s diverse in genres; you could call it dark, energetic music.
CM: Out of your own tracks, which is your current favorite and why?
Honestly, I’m not a big fan of my own music. I think my track “My Eyes” is what I would call my “favorite track” from what I’ve done.
CM: Can you share a bit about your musical background? How did you first get into music, and when did you realize it was your passion?
I’ve loved music since I was a child. As far back as I can remember, I always had headphones on. At 7, I started learning to play folk instruments. Then came the guitar. At 15, I discovered the world of electronic music and immediately wanted to do something similar. I was shocked by the energy of this music. I downloaded FL Studio, and my journey began. I spent nights trying to write a track like the ones I listened to on my player.
CM: Your music has travelled quite a bit, from being played in the Kuala Lumpur metro to being part of the laser show at the Burj Khalifa. How does knowing that your music resonates in different places around the world influence your creative approach? Does the geographical context seep into your compositions in any specific way?
When I earned my first money from music, I started traveling a lot. I simply travelled to different countries and recorded music on my laptop. So, I’ve been to almost 50 countries, and many of my tracks were recorded there.
CM: Your musical journey has a global footprint, but let’s zoom in on your local music scene. How has living in Ljubljana influenced your artistic identity? Are there specific elements from the Slovenian music landscape that you find seeping into your work, or perhaps, any local artists that have left an impression on your creative process?
I’ve only been living in Slovenia for 2 years. I’m not very familiar with the music scene in this country. There’s a very good underground scene here. I can highlight Slovenian artist UMEK. His music is incredible.
CM: Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Do you have a specific routine or approach?
I don’t have a specific schedule for writing music. Usually, I just sit down with my laptop and try to realize the idea of the track. Usually, I already know what track I want to make.
CM: How do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies? Are there any specific sources or experiences that influence your songwriting?
I listen to a lot of music of different genres. Usually, I find ideas while listening to various tracks. The first thing I start with is creating a melody. I just play it on a MIDI keyboard or in the piano roll. Then I try to find a suitable sound or tweak it in a synthesizer. Then I build the track around it. I try to make the first demo as quickly as possible. After that, I can work on the track for a long time.
CM: Do you often make significant changes to songs during the recording process, or do you try to capture the essence of your original demos as much as possible?
It’s always different. But more often than not, I spend a lot of time changing the details of the track. I can completely throw out the first melody and write something new. Also, I very often completely change the sound design in the track.
CM: How do you know when a studio session is completed?
When my computer’s CPU starts going crazy. Actually, I just start feeling that this is what I already like how it sounds.
CM: The track “My Eyes” blends warm female vocals with the cold electronic sound of synths and analogue drums. Can you delve into the creative process behind merging these seemingly contrasting elements? How do you balance the warmth of vocals with the electronic coldness to evoke a particular atmosphere?
I was very inspired by electronic indie music. This track was a challenge for me. I dreamed of creating something similar. I just sat down and wrote a bassline, then I found good intervals in the melody that conveyed a melancholic mood. After that, I did the arrangement and started looking for vocals. Actually, this vocal sounded a bit different at the very beginning. I tried to raise the formant using MAutoPitch, and this plugin helped me create this warm effect.
CM: What unique or unconventional recording techniques have you experimented with in the studio?
I used a clean «saw wave» on the synth. I’ve never used such clean synths before. Usually, I heavily modify the sound in the sound design process.
CM: It’s impressive that “My Eyes” was recorded in your home studio by you alone. Can you share some insights into your home studio setup and the tools you rely on to bring your vision to life? How does the intimate setting of your home studio contribute to the unique sound of your music?
Actually, I still only use my laptop and headphones. I dream of one day making a real studio in my room. Ljubljana is a very beautiful city. I am inspired by the cold winter nature of this city to write such music.
CM: What was the first record/tape/CD you ever bought?
It was the album “Meteora” by Linkin Park.
CM: First concert you attended?
A Pink concert. I was very young. My dad took me there.
CM: Can you recall the first song you ever wrote, and what inspired it?
It was a terrible electro-track. I don’t even remember who inspired me to do it.
CM: What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Linkin Park – “Breaking the Habit.”
CM: Outside of the musical realm, are there any authors, visual artists, or other forms of art that inspire your creativity?
I’m a big fan of horror movies. I am inspired by directors who can create atmospheric films. I often try to transfer this atmosphere into my music.
CM: If you could record any cover in the world, what would it be?
I would like to try covering Oasis – “Supersonic.”
CM: If you could have any fictional character as a band member, who would it be and what instrument would they play?
Definitely, Homer Simpson, who would be the vocalist.
CM: If you could bring any artist back from the dead, but in exchange, you would have to send a living artist down, which artists would you choose and why?
I would like Chester Bennington to be alive, but I wouldn’t kill anyone.
CM: Can you share a sneak peek or hint about any upcoming projects or surprises that we can anticipate?
I can say that I have made a lot of new music. Soon you will hear new collaborations and my first mini-album.
As we conclude our introduction to Infraction‘s musical universe, we’ve witnessed the alchemy of inspiration and innovation that defines his sound. From late-night musings to unconventional studio setups. With new collaborations on the horizon and his debut mini-album on the way, the story with Infraction is far from over. Stay tuned for the next chapter.
TRACKS:
