Name: Gacha Bakradze
Occupation: Composer, producer
Nationality: Georgian
Current release: Gacha Bakradze's Pancakes is out via Lapsus.
Recommendations: I was listening Ryuichi Sakamoto's playlist, who recently passed away and had prepared a playlist for his own funeral.

If you enjoyed this Gacha Bakradze interview and would like to stay up to date with his music, visit him on Instagram, Facebook, twitter, and Soundcloud.



When I listen to music, I see shapes, objects and colours. What happens in your body when you're listening? Do you listen with your eyes open or closed?

When I listen to music, I try to listen and absorb every sound and detail. I listen carefully, and of course this requires a relaxed state. My ears receive the vibrations and convert them into signals that are then processed by my brain to read the musical information.

My eyes can be either open or closed, depending on my personal preference or the context in which I'm listening. Some people find that closing their eyes helps them focus more on the music and immerse themselves more, while others may prefer the opposite

What were your very first steps in music like - and how do you rate gains made through experience versus the naiveté of those first steps?

Reflecting on my earliest steps in music, I began playing at such a young age that I don't have clear memories of those initial moments.

However, I believe that the gains made through experience hold significant value compared to the naiveté of those early steps. Each musical experience and milestone along the way contributes to my growth as a musician, allowing me to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art form.

Over the course of your development, what have been your most important instruments and tools and how have they shaped your perspective on music?
 
At the age of 14-15, I was already playing in a bands, before that I was practicing all day and spending a lot of time on music.

Throughout my musical development, the most important instrument was guitar. As I progressed, technology and software became essential tools for composition and production.

However, the overarching factor shaping my perspective on music has been the diversity of musical genres and styles I have explored, as they provide different lenses through which I perceive and approach music.

What, would you say, are the key ideas behind your approach to music and what motivates you to create?

The key ideas behind my approach to music revolve around the process of creation itself. I find fulfillment in the act of making music and the exploration of new ideas and concepts.

Over time, my ideas and concepts naturally evolve and vary, reflecting my growth as an artist. The motivation to create comes from a deep passion for music and the desire to write it.

Paul Simon said “the way that I listen to my own records is not for the chords or the lyrics - my first impression is of the overall sound.” What's your own take on that and how would you define your personal sound?

Paul Simon's perspective resonates with me. Even as a child, I would listen to music without understanding the lyrics, instead perceiving the voice as an instrument and appreciating the melodic aspects.

Ultimately, my personal sound can be characterized by an emphasis on soundscapes, melodies, and rhythm.

Sound, song, and rhythm are all around us, from animal noises to the waves of the ocean. What, if any, are some of the most moving experiences you've had with these non-human-made sounds? In how far would you describe them as “musical”?

All sounds are music and in general I perceive all sounds around me as music.

I find all sounds to be inherently musical and have had moving experiences with non-human-made sounds.

From very deep/high/loud/quiet sounds to very long/short/simple/complex compositions - are there extremes in music you feel drawn to and what response do they elicit?

Probably when encountering sounds whose origins are difficult to guess, I feel high excitement. These mysterious and unfamiliar elements push the boundaries of my understanding, allowing me to explore new sonic possibilities and appreciate the artistry behind their creation or recreation.

From symphonies and traditional verse/chorus-songs to linear techno tracks and free jazz, there are myriads ways to structure a piece of music. Which approaches work best for you – and why?

As for the structure of a piece of music, I believe that every approach is unique and serves its purpose. The choice of approach depends on the particular moment and the music itself.

Sometimes, science and art converge in unexpected ways. Do you conduct “experiments” or make use of scientific insights when you're making music?

Absolutely. I firmly believe in the interplay between science and art.

How does the way you make music reflect the way you live your life? Can we learn lessons about life by understanding music on a deeper level?

The way I make music is an extension of how I live my life. Both require a balance between structure and spontaneity, discipline and freedom of expression.

In my music, I strive for authenticity and emotional resonance, just as I do in my personal interactions and experiences. Music has taught me valuable lessons about life. By understanding music on a deeper level, we can learn to appreciate the beauty of diversity, the importance of harmony and rhythm in our interactions, and the transformative nature of emotions.

Music has the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, to cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Do you feel as though writing or performing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

While both activities can be enjoyable and creative in their own right, "mundane" tasks still often serve practical purposes, and while they may bring satisfaction or pleasure, they typically do not possess the same profound capacity for emotional expression as music.

Every time I listen to "Albedo 0.39" by Vangelis, I choke up. But the lyrics are made up of nothing but numbers and values. Do you, too, have a song or piece of music that affects you in a way that you can't explain?

I can't remember anything like that at the moment

If you could make a wish for the future – what are developments in music you would like to see and hear?

In the future, I would love to see artists who are able to make money with their recordings without having to perform.