Funkadelphia: "Despite the recent explosion of electronic music, you have been hard at work in the production world for over a decade now- can you tell us about how the constantly evolving music scene has influenced your sound and live

performances over the years?"

Govinda: "My early music was more chill but as I started playing more live and feeling the dance floor and festival energy, I was inspired to fatten the textures and beats. I also love to change my sound and reinvent myself. Art is a reflection of my environment and inspiration and those things are constantly evolving."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "Were there any other musical project of yours prior to Govinda, or was it the first major one?"

Govinda: "I was a classical violinist until I graduated college. Then I explored being a singer-songwriter as well as playing in a few metal bands."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "The Govinda sound is certainly a distinctive one; can you try to summarize the sound you are trying to cultivate?"

Govinda: "I love dark and mysterious but not scary. I want to create a sensationalism that elevates people and maybe transports them to a dreamy place. I don't really try to emulate other genres though you might hear words like 'Sacred Bass', or 'Temple Step'."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funkadelphia: "In addition to your production work, you often implement live violin in your performances; which came first for you, violin or production?"

Govinda: "Definitely the violin. I started playing when I was eight. At that time electronic music was in its infancy and nobody was blending violin with beats yet."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "When did you first find an interest in not just listening to,

but actually making your own music?"

Govinda: "I always wanted to be a composer. I love the classical violin world but it never gave me the opportunity to create the music. Only play pieces from other masters. I went on the study music composition in college and when I heard beats, well....I was hooked."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "What steps are you taking to make the Govinda live

show a complete artistic showcase for its fans?"

Govinda: "I always love to create an experience for people. A very visual performance art experience with dancers and costumes. Lights and architectural props so the audience can be transported to my world."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funkadelphia: "With such a versatile sound that's constantly progressing, are

there are any core characteristics you try to maintain in your music?"

Govinda: "I don't like to alienate anyone. At the same time I like to challenge the listener. That said, the balance of tension and resolution is a sacred and coveted formula. It may only be able to be accessed through our intuition and little fairy dust."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "Even beyond artists your listeners might typically associate with

your sound, can you name some artists, musicians, or even albums

that you feel have held a heavy influence in your music?"

Govinda: "Dead Can Dance, Madredeus, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nicolo Paganini, Tipper, Sixis to name a few."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "Can you tell us what equipment, both hardware and software,

you are currently using in the studio?"

Govinda: "I use Protools and all the Native Instruments stuff. I have some great mic preamps and mics with the Apogee Ensemble."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funkadelphia: "Also, can you tell us a little bit about your live performance, how it works controlling the production aspects as well as the live instrumental elements?"

Govinda: "I am setup in Ableton with my tracks all stemmed out so I can mix live. I use the Livid controller bringing the violin directly into Ableton with effects."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "Are there any upcoming Govinda releases we should

keep an eye out for in the near future?"

Govinda: "The current release is called Decadence releasing this Summer but you can hear some of the tracks in my live set."

 

 

Funkadelphia: "Do you have any Summer festival bookings

confirmed that you can disclose at this point in time?"

Govinda: "Some of the big ones are Lightning in A Bottle and Wakarusa."