Interview : BŠĀR Uncovers the Brilliance Behind Latest Release, ‘Adrenaline’
It’s a pleasure to have this interview with you :) We loved your latest release, adrenaline! It’s packed with vibrancy and visual sonics. What drove you to make this song and what do you want your listeners to take away from it?
I generally start composing a song jamming on a keyboard. I initially look for a strong groove, a catchy chord sequence and a melody with a hook. I would like to listeners to feel a mixture of things. From an impulse to dance, to an emotional connection to the chords, melody and lyrics. I always write my lyrics last. Once I came up with the 'Adrenaline' lyric the verses wrote themselves as a narrative. I like to write stories that a listener can connect with. I felt like the title 'Adrenaline' really matched the quick tempo and chaotic nature of the drums and song in general.
We see funk and neo-jazz bridges connecting layers of electronica and pop. It’s a plush canvas full of cerebral sensibilities. How would you describe your compositional style? Is it an intuitive flow or do you have it mapped out before you begin?
That's a really intriguing question! I like to merge genres together and throw all of my inspirations into different areas of my songs. On the whole my compositional style is led by intuition. I compose at the piano first, looking for a chord sequence and melody. That dictates the structure of the song. As this song's tempo is so fast it felt natural to have a middle section that gave a contrast in feel and character.
Your brand of electro-pop is invariably colored with dazing patterns and illusions. How does musical animation, cinematic builds, and hyperactivity appeal to you as a musician?
With so many influences I find it impossible to narrow my genre to one. I love artists who show no fear in completely changing their sonic output, Prince, Bowie and more recently Jacob Collier have inspired me. Making music that could slot into any artform thrills me. I studied music for cinema in a module at university and I would love to score some of my pieces for a short film one day.
Your soundscapes are very conceptual. What is your primary pool when it comes to musical inspiration? Is it people, life, emotions, experiences, etc? Please elaborate.
My inspirations are two-fold. I always create the music first. This inspiration can come from finding a new chord sequence, a new synth sound, a new keyboard/guitar or a jam with friends. I am also always writing down lyric lines in notes on my phone. All ideas to put into songs. This inspiration can come from people - one liners they might say that strike me. Others can come from emotions and experiences. 'Adrenaline' isn't about anyone I know in particular, however I have friends who are slightly more 'dare devil' than me who partake in skydiving, parkour, serious skateboarding and high-stakes poker. These all inspired the lyrics and the concept for the music video I produced.
What is the significance behind your musical moniker BSAR and how does it resonate with your artistic spirit?
My moniker is built up from my initials: B.S.A.R. When I was at school, me and my friends would joke that my 'rap' name would have to be MC Bizarre because of what my initials spelt out. I played in numerous bands before going solo, and when I was looking for a name it seemed apt to use my initials and the idea that my music isn't middle of the road but slightly 'bizarre'. Hopefully the name and musical styling marries up.
