INTERVIEW: Tim Aminov — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Tim Aminov

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I have been talking with Tim Aminov…

about his new track, Veneno, and whether we might some more material coming soon; which artists and albums are important to him and how the Russian Electronic artist got his start – Aminov recommends some rising artists we need to get involved with.

I ask if there are any goals for 2019 in his mind and what he wants to achieve before the end of the year; what the music scene is like in Russia and if there are any gigs coming soon – Aminov chooses a great song to end the interview with.

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Hi, Tim. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi, Music Musings! All good here. Moscow has a specific, quick tempo of living; we are trying to get 200% from each day here. That's a great vibe – but exhausting sometimes.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am sure that music itself can tell more than the author: listen my music and it will tell everything. If you wanna know some ‘technical details’: I have been on the Russian scene since 2015 (firstly as part of the duo AANBREKEN and then as a solo artist) and got some ‘hype’ last year with music videos for One Lone Survivor and Orpheus; directed by my genius pal Lado Kvatania.

Veneno is your latest song. Can you explain the story behind the track?

I had produced the demo for Veneno pretty quick - in three hours or less. I spent many more days writing texts, recording live instruments and mixing track. Live piano and drums had been recorded in Moscow; other instruments and vocal were recorded in Saint-Petersburg. The mixing was made by my close friend Roman Uzarov.

The video for this track will be released quite soon - it's not a usual music video, but a short-length movie with its own vibe and synopsis. Wait a bit to watch it and get the extended experience.

Might we see more material next year?

Sure! Currently I’m working on my first L.P. It seems like it will be pretty different from my early tracks.

How does life as a solo artist compare the work you did in the duo AANBREKEN?

I can't say that there is big difference. I record most vocals by myself. Technically, now, I work as a solo artist – but, now, I collaborate with a much larger number of talented people than in the days of AANBREKEN.

Are there particular musicians you draw inspiration from? Did you grow up around a lot of music?

My parents are not music lovers - though, my granddad composed the state anthem of Turkmenistan. Does this count as inspiration?

I listened to tons of music; I always did. I was fond of different music, even polar genres. I was fond of Experimental, Electronic; Hip-Hop, Math-Metal; Ambient…all of this. Nowadays, I am listening more to Soul/R&B stuff and Electronic music. But, sometimes, I can be in a proper mood for a Deftones album. I have never felt any limits for my music taste.

In terms of Electronic music; do you get influence from modern artists or do you source from classic innovators?

Not gonna lie you; I constantly look after modern music trends. I think that music art should be actual/real - but it also should be authentic and personalised. So, I always try to look deeper; dig the roots of the new music. It helps me to look at the music with different angles.

As a Russian producer and writer; what is the music scene like there at the moment?

The Russian modern scene is flooded with Hip-Hop. It has occupied all media sources – I guess the same happens everywhere now. Russia has its own, great Electronic and Pop music as well. Though, I think, the real modern music culture is just boring here. I hope that the next generation of Russian artists will bring something really beautiful and significant to this world.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

The music video for Veneno track should be released later this year. Also; I am planning to release a couple of live music videos and to play an intimate gig in Moscow. Also; I will release a soundtrack for the short movie, The First, directed by my friend Lado Kvatania. It’s a fiction movie about a Russian astronaut (cosmonaut); it has won a few awards this year and will be available online quite soon.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

2019 will be very special for me. I’m gonna release an L.P, finally; take part in a few festivals and release more videos.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Mezzanine by Massive Attack

This album was released twenty years ago but it sounds fresh still. I don’t know how they had produced this album. I guess 3D had to sell his soul to the Devil to make things work that brilliant way.

White Pony by Deftones

Unbelievable, emotional record.

I will not name a third record because this slot is reserved for different records (that changes too often).

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I like Childish Gambino. He is an incredible person and has unlimited talent. I'd love to have a coffee talk with him and make a collab.