Interview: Victor Sierra (Written)
Victor Sierra is a Paris-based steampunk band “born between two centuries”. Leading you into a vaporous and multicolored universe through unexplored paths down to a future that could have been. In this interview we get to know them a little better.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
Hello, nice to meet you. I’ve grown up amongst several cultures. I was accidentally born in Paris because my parents as youngsters – before they met – was to leave France but finally didn’t. My family comes on both sides from Eastern Europe. I don’t remember how I got started. Being a musician came as part of the package I would say. Being an artist is not a choice. It’s a necessity. An urge. I can’t do otherwise.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
First I would say: go listen to it and make yourself your own opinion. Then if you’re honest enough let’s talk about it. Summing up so many influences is not an easy task. I’m influenced by many things. I’ve crossed various musical trends. Never got immersed too long in any of them. I guess it shows in my music. So in the end it’s your call if you don’t mind.
3. What’s currently keeping you busy? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?
We have a new single about to be released. And enough songs for an album later. We’re honoured to be part in Deadfall Management’s roster now. Then I guess we’ll hit the road anytime soon. About being busy, we’re always are. I can’t imagine my musician’s life being idle.
4. What is about this current period that is particularly exciting for you?
If you mean whether the releasing time of a new single is exciting. Sure it always is. In the meantime a tad stressful as well because we don’t know what the reception will be. If you refer to the geopolitical state of the world, it’s awful. It would even make the cold war era look as a paradise we would regret.
5. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you.
Writing songs is like an urge to me. It comes at some point and I can’t help but rush to my guitar or my computer. I’ve got like a cloud of notes and words coming up to my mind. I can hear them playing and it doesn’t stop. Kind of painful sometimes if I’m driving or such. Some might think I’m a madman when they hear me humming some melodies I record on my mobile phone.
6. Making music and being creative can be a very positive experience and can be very good for the mind. In what way has making music had a positive impact on your mental health?
Wow… Do you know this joke: A psychiatrist asks a patient how his family members deal with mental issues. He replies: Well they seem pretty happy with them! Same for me. My mental state – healthy or not – is a huge factor in my creative process. I’m interested in using all aspects of it. Like in my producing work: I use everything to make music. Instruments as well as computer virtual synths and plug-ins, sounds etc. So making the most of my complicated mind (they say) is my everyday life.
7. It can also be incredibly challenging, more so in the modern times. What have been some challenging aspects of making music and how have you overcome them?
Look. We’re not rookies. It’s not harder than before. Some aspects are easier some are harder. In the end being a musician is difficult. But I have always been aware of that. Modern times run fast. You’ve go to adapt. It’s challenging but at least you can’t rest on your laurels. I’ve never accepted failure as an answer.
8. How do you handle the online aspects of being in a band? Having to put out content constantly, promoting across several different social media platforms, and having your success measured in likes and follows?
A pain in the a… That’s why we are so happy to work with Damian and Deadfall Management. These days, a musician must be an artist, a manager , a PR, a booker, a roadie and always present on socials. All at once. It’s really complicated. Likes and follows are important but in the end of the day, playing live in front of an audience is what counts. Especially now with AI. Stage doesn’t lie.
9. How do you make this part of things enjoyable, and fulfilling, for yourself?
Success on the computer screen can be enjoyable. I don’t deny it. Increasing our streaming platform numbers is important. But playing live and being successful on stage is the most gratifying. And that’s the time when you truly know if a song appeals to people. Sometimes I’ve learned it the hard way when a song I really believed in wasn’t working. The contrary makes you fly high!
10. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support you?
Well after my previous answers, I could be seen as lying but I’m not. Include Victor Sierra in your playlists guys! Mostly on the one starting with an ‘S’. It will help us to make promoters keen to book us.
11. Outside of music, what do you like to do to relax?
What? Relax?? Funny question. Don’t take it bad though! I feel like I never relax. And I’m comfortable this way. I need energy at all times. Not necessarily physically. I can be running in my mind. I can’t help it.
12. Where can people find you?
We have a linktree webpage comprising all our socials here. Thank you for the chat. Those questions was unusual and interesting.
