1. Can you tell us about your journey into electronic music and what inspired you to start creating it?
My journey into electronic music has been shaped by both my artistic and technical background. By education, I’m a programmer, which has always given me a deep curiosity about technology and how it can be used creatively. At the same time, I’ve always been fascinated by folklore – especially the ancient Slavic traditions, myths, and musical heritage that have been passed down through generations.
I started exploring music through traditional sounds – folk instruments, ancient chants, and rhythmic patterns that feel almost ritualistic. But at the same time, I was inspired by modern electronic genres, where sound design and atmosphere take center stage. The result was a fusion that felt both ancient and futuristic, something that could transport listeners to another world while keeping them rooted in deep traditions.
2. What drew you to blend Slavic folklore with electronic music, and how do you incorporate these elements into your performances?
Slavic folklore is incredibly rich – it’s full of mysticism, forgotten rituals, and deep symbolism. I wanted to revive that essence through sound and present it in a way that feels relevant today.
Incorporating these elements into my performances is about more than just music. It’s about storytelling. I use:
• Traditional Slavic instruments like gusli, sopilka, and vargan, either sampled or played live.
• Vocal textures inspired by spirit of ancient chants.
• Ritualistic rhythms that create a hypnotic, almost trance-like effect.
• Visual elements (which I’ll talk about later) to enhance the mystical experience.
Each performance is a modern ritual, where electronic beats merge with echoes of the past.
3. Can you describe the process of developing your Slavic Techno show? What are some of the key components?
The show is not just a DJ set – it’s a live audiovisual performance that immerses the audience in the world of Gardarika, a mythical land I’ve built through music, visuals, and storytelling.
Some components of the show:
Live instrumentation & Electronic fusion – I blend synthesizers and deep basslines with the organic textures of ancient instruments.
Character-driven narrative – The show is inspired by a comic book we created (see attachment!), which follows a warlock-bard named Agniy on his quest to restore music to the world. Each track represents a different moment in this journey.
Visual immersion – The stage design, lighting, and projected animations bring the mystical atmosphere of Gardarika to life.
Ritualistic energy – The set builds like a ritual – starting with deep, meditative sounds and rising into powerful, rhythmic intensity.
I expect every show to feel like a portal to another world, where people don’t just listen to music but experience a legend unfolding before them.
4. How do you approach creating immersive visuals for your live performances? Do you collaborate with visual artists?
Absolutely! The visual component is essential. I collaborate with digital artists, animators, and VFX creators to craft a world that feels like stepping into a Slavic legend.
The visuals include:
– Animated scenes from the comic that sync with the music.
– Runic symbols, ancient scripts, and natural landscapes that reinforce the mythology.
– Dynamic lighting and smoke effects to create a ritualistic atmosphere.
Every detail is designed to blur the line between past and future, folklore and technology.
5. What has been the most challenging aspect of preparing your live performance set for festivals and events?
The biggest challenge is translating an immersive concept into a festival-friendly format. A lot of electronic performances rely purely on music, but my show includes storytelling, visuals, and live elements – so balancing everything technically and logistically can be complex
.
Other challenges include:1. Festival adaptation – adjusting the set for different venues and audiences while keeping the core experience intact.
2. Engagement – bringing deep storytelling into an environment where people might just expect a DJ set.
But these challenges are also what make the project unique – it’s about bringing something different to the electronic music scene.
6. Are there any specific festivals or events you are particularly excited about performing at in the near future?
Yes! My focus right now is on getting live into major festivals. Some of the festivals I’d love to perform at include:
• EXIT Festival (Serbia) – A legendary event with deep electronic roots.
• Fusion Festival (Germany) – Known for blending music with experimental art.
• Boom Festival (Portugal) – Perfect for the ritualistic and mystical elements of my show.
I’m also open to collaborative events where music, storytelling, and visuals merge into a larger experience.
7. How do you see the fusion of ancient folklore and modern electronic music evolving in the future?
I believe we’re entering a new phase of electronic music, where cultural heritage plays a bigger role.
Rather than just futuristic sounds, artists are starting to look back – rediscovering traditional instruments, ancient scales, and forgotten melodies. The fusion of folklore and electronic music isn’t just a trend; it’s a way to create something timeless.
In the future, I see:
• More immersive, multimedia performances combining folklore, visuals, and technology.
• Greater interest in regional and mythological sounds in electronic production.
• A movement toward organic electronic music, blending natural textures with digital synthesis.
The past and future will keep colliding in exciting ways!
8. Can you share any memorable experiences or feedback you’ve received from your audience during your performances?
One of the most powerful moments was when an audience member told me they felt like they had stepped into a mystic quest from start till the end of the show. But maybe it was just mushrooms who knows
I’ve also had people reach out saying the music gave them an emotional or even spiritual experience, which means a lot because that’s the goal – to create a connection beyond just sound.
9. What advice would you give to other artists looking to innovate and blend different cultural elements into their music?
Study the culture deeply – don’t just use its aesthetic, but understand its meaning. Find the balance. Let traditional and modern elements enhance each other rather than compete. Tell a story. Music that carries a strong narrative is much more powerful. Be authentic. If the fusion feels forced, it won’t resonate. Let it evolve naturally.
10. How can people in the festival scene or those with connections help you further develop and promote your Slavic electronic show?
Recently, I launched my own label, Agniy Records (new site www.agniy.art will launch at next week!), as a home for artists exploring the fusion of folklore and electronic music. As we grow, we’re looking to build a strong live team and collaborate with passionate professionals.
Right now, we’d love to connect with:
• Concert managers
• Live sound engineers
• Talented musicians who share a love for blending traditional sounds with modern production.
If you’re interested in joining forces, welcome aboard! Feel free to reach out at info@agniy.art.
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