// Interview
Karnivulgar
Being watched, being intimidated, being observed, being disturbed, and being uncontrol controlled.
Reza
Hey bro, how are you? We actually met for the first time though I didn't know you played noise yet around 2011 when my band GXB played in Surabaya together with Warlok. Remember that? Years passed, and it turns out you play noise now?
Karnivulgar
I remember that moment but not entirely. Though it's been a long time. Around the time (2011), Karnivulgar was in the early stage Karnivorous Vulgaris when still playing lofi/sadcore exploring forms such as Jandek and etc.
Reza
As far as I know, you used to be in a regular band, right, bro? Could you briefly share your journey and how the entity known as Karnivulgar came to be?
Karnivulgar
Yeah, my band was playing progressive in genre so it's quite connected to why I started Karnivulgar. Back then, it was a "laboratory" to explore possibilities in forms of music. I like Bjork so much since I knew her in 3rd grade of Elementary School. Karnivulgar has been experimenting and experiencing forms of recordings.
Reza
We could probably say we've never really chatted much, but I've noticed that Karnivulgar's patterns, setup, style, and overall movement have been extremely consistent. Would you agree, and why?
Karnivulgar
I do. It's actually because I explore sounds based on genuine curiosity. I always want to push a setup or even a single pedal to the limit. I only put in/out a pedal by the needs. About the movement, Karnivulgar explores post human from the very first time, no activism, no actual ID, no face. It's an anomaly witnessing anything around. Learning and studying anything, including especially human behaviour.
Reza
Coming from a major city like Surabaya, what are your thoughts on the noise/experimental music movement there right now?
Karnivulgar
It's currently quieter. Though Surabaya is one of the big cities, people here are quite conventional in terms of everyday life. Work,eat,ngopi,repeat.
Reza
Let's dive a bit deeper. Regarding your body of work, could you list some of your key releases?
Karnivulgar
Karnivora Birahi (Stone Age Records and Whatevbev, 2011), Espace (Self Released, 2014), Terjebak (Silent Method Records, 2020) and Nevertheless (Self Released, 2020). These releases are nodes of sound experiments the forms. They make the base of any releases after.
Reza
Is there anything particularly interesting whether in terms of production process, themes, or narratives behind the releases you mentioned that you could share?
Karnivulgar
Karnivora Birahi is a double album when the project ran with 3 main people exploring lo-fi acoustic sounds recorded directly using laptop's built-up mic. Espace explores ambient and spoken words and the first time using the name Karnivulgar. Terjebak is the first fullalbum and the first time to create a record with complex engineering. Nevertheless is the one that explores droneharshnoise with sub-bass/low frequency as the main signal in a track. Each of those releases actually has different narratives. But if I told you here, it's going to be a book. Lol
Reza
When you're building your harsh noise walls or improvising live, what's your main weapon or piece of gear in your setup that you just can't live without?
Karnivulgar
I actually have seasoned setups. But currently, Behringer DD100 is the main idea right now. Zoom707II is the main colouring rig and Digitech Death Metal is the main gate of power.
Reza
What is the primary message or feeling you want to punch through to the audience when you perform live?
Karnivulgar
I try to make people experience the current situation of the world we are living in now. Being watched, being intimidated, being observed, being disturbed, and being uncontrol controlled.
Reza
Finally, could you explain the meaning behind the mask you wear as Karnivulgar?
Karnivulgar
Nothing. It's just an interface. Because humans need a face to reach the works behind it.
// Gallery
