Scharame landed in our Focus Five segment in the first half of last year and has only continued to evolve as an artist since then. His intricate compositions combining orchestral elements, all-engulfing melodies and crisp sound design are second to none, and his art has ceaselessly impressed as the year passed. We knew we had to connect with the talented producer for a guest mix and interview, and to say this one has been a long time in the making would be a slight understatement. From losing inspiration to just about everything going wrong with his computer, Scharame’s ability to remain positive through tough times is truly inspiring and we are ecstatic to finally showcase a few of his favourite tunes along with a handful of unreleased gems.
Don’t miss the interview and dive into his mesmerizing mix below.
Tell us a bit about the origins of the Scharame project. When did you start producing? Who are your early influences?
I started producing around October 2015, I remember I was so excited when listening to new artists. At the time the main people who inspired me were San Holo, Ark Patrol, Deon Custom and this one group that was pretty small at the time LVSTCVLL. I remember hearing their future bass remixes of popular songs and I was in awe.
Many of your tracks are extremely intricate compositions. Do you have any formal musical training? If so, how do you use this experience in your productions?
I do not have any “formal” training, but my dad and grandpa were both in bands, and my dad was always playing a ton of music as I was growing up so I guess I picked up some sense of music from them haha.
I cannot get anywhere if I plan things out, I usually end up burning myself out because I have expectations.
Run us through your songwriting process. Do you map out an entire song before writing or does each different section of a song come to you naturally as you write?
Usually the latter. I cannot get anywhere if I plan things out, I usually end up burning myself out because I have expectations. I find it a much smoother process if I go in aimlessly and slowly find my way through.
You once tweeted “I’ve noticed there’s some people who’ve completely taken their own path with their production and are constantly innovating.” Who, in your eyes, are at the top of this list?
Olswel is just so good at what he does – his writing and overall composition. JKuch is just insane I don’t even know where to start, he’s perfected almost every aspect about what makes his music HIS music. Yojas has almost blurred the line between hip hop and bass music in a way, idk his thought process but he just pumps out banger after banger and it has yet to outgrow my ears haha. ALSO LAST BUT NOT LEAST Eero Johannes, oh my god when I first heard his music I genuinely didn’t know how to react, I started tearing up. Even though he isn’t too active anymore with music, I find his stuff super super refreshing to listen to, his use of vibrato, just the overall atmosphere of his music is something I miss a lot in electronic music.
Looking through the past […] can help a lot with the process of innovating.
You’re certainly on our list as well. What does innovation mean to you?
I don’t think innovation necessarily means do something no one has ever heard before, but I think doing what isn’t done anymore, or done as much, can help a lot with the process of innovating, looking through the past and finding the things you like and taking inspiration and moving forward
Many of your song names are quite unique. How do you go about naming your tracks?
Honestly, I just throw some letters together and keep messing around until I get something that fits the atmosphere of the song.
What are your future goals with the Scharame project? What are you doing on a consistent basis to get closer to achieving these goals?
Goals, huh… I’ve never really thought too hard on something I want to work towards, but definitely making a living off of music, if I could put food in my mouth or pay rent by doing something I love and people loving listening to it, yeah that’s my goal. Working towards it, I’m just gonna keep doing the do, making as much music as I can, hopefully people will enjoy it. But at the same time being at peace with the fact that I myself love what I make.
Outside of music, what do you enjoy doing?
Tons of drawing, games, and I’m going to try and get into rock climbing.
Do you feel like your art and your music compliment each other? How do you feel the creative aspect of one influences the other?
I have to put the song I just finished on repeat and listen to it for hours while working on a cover, cause I can’t just go and slap one together in a couple of minutes, tons of messing around as per usual. It can be a tedious task taking up to an hour or two but I love the outcome most of the time.
Give us a rundown of the mix as a whole. What vibe did you try to create with it? What is the best setting for listening?
I didn’t go for much of a vibe, BUT if you are going to listen to it in a place, I prefer playing games or getting some work done, maybe if you’re going for a run or a walk. Those are the best settings for listening in my mind.
Tracklist:
Versatile – Hiraeth
Eero Johannes – Real Virtuality
Scharame – Charialace
Scharame – Fusceor
Scharame – Covo Siem (Unreleased)
Scharame – Varisace (Unreleased)
Scharame – GoGo Reistasiur (Unreleased)
Scharame – Muunemi Vai (Unreleased)
