Victor Gashnikov
Telling emotional stories through music
Music
Emotions & Stories
It’s an interesting question because I never touched the instrument [piano] until I was 19. Until that time I *never* thought about being a musician / composer. I think it was the moment when, at that time, all dots connected. In 2001 I fell in love with Muse; although it was mostly guitar-driven music I liked the piano parts in the songs, so decided to learn to play the piano. At that time, friends were forming a band; they needed a keyboard player. So it was a perfect fit.
Our band is history but I’m still playing the piano and writing music. Music is a big part of my life. First of all, it helps me to let my emotions out, because it’s not healthy to keep all the emotions (good as bad) inside. You need to find a way to let them out. Music is the way I do it.
Secondly, I love telling stories, but I’m not good at telling stories with words. So I tell the stories in my music. I like to compare music with books; in your mind, you picture the scene, the story that tells in the book. Two people reading the same book picture it differently. I want my music to be perceived in a similar way — like reading a book. If you treat it that way you can find in music something that relates to you and relive those emotions again, maybe it’ll help you to let emotions out which is a good thing.
Influences
What’s the biggest struggle you’ve been / are going through?
It’s a hard question to answer. But I think that the hardest thing to do is to be honest with myself. To understand who I am, to accept it. After that realisation, I understood that all limitations were set by me and I’m the one who can take it away. I can do something to change it or let it the way it is and I’m the one responsible for what happened in the end.
Who ARE you? What were / are your limitations?
This is all about understanding who you are. If you feel something, for example, happiness or sadness, there’s a reason for that. Knowing those reasons help better understand the self.
Who has helped you the most?
It may sound too broad but everything that happens to me influences me. New experiences, even if it’s a negative one, influences me. As for creativity, I noticed that I had a personal boost after reading Arnold Schoenberg’s books (Theory of Harmony, Fundamentals of Musical Composition, Structural Functions of Harmony). I’m not a fan of his music but the way he thinks resonates with me.
Which music by Schoenberg have you heard?
Almost everything that could be found on streaming services.
Why don't you like Schoenberg?
My dad doesn’t like Schoenberg, but that’s based on having heard not much at all. We went to see The Girl With The Pearl Earring at the cinema, and there’s a bit in it that’s a concert of Verklarte Nacht, and dad said ‘actually, that’s not bad’. Why don’t you like his music?
It doesn’t resonate with me. Maybe I just do not understand it yet.
One of my favourite pieces is Gurrelieder — It’s Romantic, lush, rich.
I’ll have a listen
Music helps to let my emotions out
What did you learn about music, bands & people in the band?
Being in a band was a great experience: playing music with other people, writing music for a band, managing a band, organising rehearsals and other band activities. It was a great time and now I’m thinking about forming a new band.
When did you lose interest in music? Do you know why?
As I was saying, music helped me to let my emotions out. I did it unknowingly and at some point, it stopped working. I didn’t know what went wrong. It took a lot of energy to make music and I didn’t feel that it was the right way to do it. So I stopped playing the piano and writing new music.
This situation gave me a push in a positive direction. I changed my attitude in almost every aspect of my life. I believe I understand better who I am now. And this changed drastically my mental state. So I can confidently say that the coronavirus had a positive influence on me. I found new ways to be creative, started writing new music, found the joy of creating process I was missing.
How long did you stop making music for? What inspired you to start again?
The last time it was for several months. It was after I release “As Above, So Below”, I was empty emotionally and I could not find the energy to play and write music. I knew that something was wrong but I couldn’t say what it was.It may sound contradictory but music helps me (it always does). I found the joy of playing and writing music again. It feels like I found the reason to do music again. I can’t really describe it in words yet.
Lockdown inspired Creativity
How has lockdown affected you as a 1) human, 2) creative
I believe there’s no one who wouldn’t have been affected by a coronavirus. That thing changes everything. The normal life was gone and you have to find a new normal, you know. I’d lost interest in music, it didn’t bring me joy and then the coronavirus happened.
This situation gave me a push in a positive direction. I changed my attitude in almost every aspect of my life. I believe I understand better who I am now. And this changed drastically my mental state. So I can confidently say that the coronavirus had a positive influence on me. I found new ways to be creative, started writing new music, found the joy of creating process I was missing.
In what way has Coronavirus pushed you to be creative?
In a way I was slowly going to a dead-end in many ways: emotionally and creatively. Coronavirus speed up the process, when I understood the problem (to see that something was wrong), it was the choice to leave it as it is or change it. I decided to change it.
Was it a case of ‘I can’t do the things I would be doing; I have to do SOMEthing, so I will compose’
I tried that, it didn’t help. I understood that I can’t do it because I just have to do something. At least I don’t like the result of it.
Telling stories through music
How would you describe your music?
Music that tells a story, sometimes it’s hard to listen to as background music because it demands your attention, like when you’re reading a book. Some of my pieces, for example, “As Above, So Below” are perfect lullabies for babies.
How has your music changed since you started?
I see it as a natural development because with every new piece of music there’re new things I’m implementing when writing.
Which piece is the most personal? Which one tells us most about Victor?
All of my music is personal. Everything I say in music is my personal interpretation. And what I love in instrumental music is that it doesn’t matter what the piece is about, everyone will find something that relates to him.
Tech
Could you tell us about what tech you use?
I use Avid Sibelius for music notation, Studio One for recording music, Avid Pro Tools for mixing/mastering. I have a Komplete 88 keys keyboard for midi recording and Yamaha digital piano for practising and playing. My go-to virtual piano is Pianoteq. I also use pianos from native instrument komplete bundle (una corda is one of my favourites at the moment). I have a dream to have an acoustic piano one day.
How did you choose Sibelius / Studio One / Pianoteq?
When I was starting to write music, when I was in a band, we all used Guitar Pro software but at that time it was focused on guitarists. When the band fell apart, I focused on piano music, I decided to switch to universal software. I did a research and liked the Sibelius.
I use Studio One for recording because I like the midi workflow better than in Pro Tools plus a new version of Studio One supports MPE (midi polyphonic expression), something I’m digging for the moment.
I found about Pianoteq when was searching for piano VST. I like the idea of emulating/generating the sound instead of using the pre-recorded samples, plus I like the way it sounds.
How did you learn how to play piano, create music & use software?
Mostly by trial and errors, Google and tutorial videos helped a lot.
Social media
How do you feel about social media?
I believe social media is a great way to connect with an audience. It’s a great way to show what you’re doing at the moment, inviting people to join your journey.
2020-21?
What ARE you doing at the moment?
I just finished working on a new solo piano piece, it’s called To remain. It’s about remaining true to yourself in uncertain times like we’re in now.I just started working on a new album; my goal is to release it this year. It’s an ambitious goal for me because I have to find the right balance between my day job and music.