Recently, we’ve been seeing more and more of a mysterious, hooded figure around the electronic music scene. This enigmatic being goes by the name of DVRKO.
This DJ and producer has risen from the dark to bring us tunes that will bring us to life. DVRKO has this mysterious and dark demeanor about him, but it’s no mystery that he is an amazing producer. Right now, DVRKO has a hot new remix out for Cheat Codes featuring Trippie Redd, Blackbear and Prince$$ Rosie called ‘No Service In The Hills (DVRKO Remix)‘. His most recent single is also an absolute banger— ‘This Is How‘ featuring the vocals of Sarah De Warren out on L1N3 Records.
DVRKO’s upcoming single, timed to Independence Day holiday, is ‘Lights Up‘, a very uplifting EDM song evocative of the summer music festivals we’re so longing for (but not able to hold due to the Covid-19 restrictions this summer 2020). Here at Fresh Music Freaks, we got a very special sit-down with the illustrious DVRKO for a one-on-one. Here’s what went down.
FMF: We at Fresh Music Freaks are totally diggin your new single, ‘Lights Up’! The sneak preview of the song totally makes us miss all the festivals we’re missing this summer (due to the Covid19 pandemic and mass concert cancellations). Who’s the singer on that song? What went into the writing/creation of that song? Were you specifically trying to evoke “summer music festivals” with that song? We see fireworks going-off over a crowded mainstage field when we play that song here in the offices.
DVRKO: Lights Up. An entire world learned it was weak in unison. A polarizing global moment. A harsh winter in the summer we expected. Lights up is redemption, it’s flashing city lights, fireworks launched by a beaver way too close to his damm. It’s a story of hope and light. It’s EDM. It’s also out June 29th, breakfast will be provided.
We also hear you have a new remix out for Cheat Codes with Trippie Redd, Blackbear and Prince$$ Rosie, ‘No Service In The Hills (DVRKO Remix)’.
How’d you get picked-up for that remix? What’s your history with Cheat Codes and these other artists on the track?
It was an essay write-in contest to do an official remix. I painted an oil on canvas picture of a butt with the word fart painted in braille. We got to work the next day.
Who is DVRKO?
A rabid bear once had the same question, I didn’t tell him. I told the trees, I screamed it to them. They can’t talk. The mask, it stays on, it’s not my choice.
You’re certainly a very talented musician. What made you choose to begin producing electronic music?
I hate polka, movement, not with circus music. Making people’s bodies do things. Get up and move. You don’t have a choice. This is EDM.
Talking specifically about your debut release — ‘This Is How’, what was the inspiration behind this track?
Relationships, pasts where we almost destroyed each other, where we still let our wounds heal back into some monster. Full of scars that made us more beautiful but only with more to come.
You’ve displayed your prowess in the studio with your latest single. What goes into your process of creating music? How do you make the magic happen when you start building a new track?
I consult a parrot, play a game of checkers alone. Push until I break, delete everything then write. Start with a top line, start with a rabid beat I heard in a nightmare last year, and let the rest follow.
Of course, we can’t wait to hear what’s next for you! What are you currently working on? When can we expect to hear more new music from you?
Assets, video, content, more and more noise, compression, yes music. Next is out June 29th, be ready and sit down until then. In a dark room if you can. I’ll be watching.
It’s no secret that we’re in strange times right now with no shows, but many artists have been making do by showcasing their own live streams. Do you have any plans to do this as well?
I don’t have a choice, they have already decided. The takeovers will escalate and it will be loud. Noise everywhere, digitally, until I can shake off this dust and mud in the studio and put my face in front of crowds, who can’t see my face.
One final question, which seems to have been the most controversial questions in all of my interviews. What is your opinion of pineapple on pizza?
I have more important things to worry about, I know more about what’s about to happen. This next turn is going to hinge us all, it has claws. It’s like Polka for your mouth, it should die.
Keep an eye on DVRKO’s socials for more.
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / SoundCloud