The synthwave interviews on Slickster Magazine are a huge hit. Thanks for everyone who has read, commented and shared their thoughts on the posts.
A few weeks ago, we were contacted by Welsh based multi-instrumentalist, Fan Octo. After checking out his newest album, VHS Violence, we decided to reach out to FO and get his input on the synthwave scene and 80’s nostalgia.
VHS Violence is the sophomore effort from Octo. Featuring his signature 8-string guitar wizardry, the self-released album has six original tracks. Each of the tracks is a throwback to the 80’s VHS cassette days of electronic music. Octo does his best to recreate the sensation of walking through a dusty mom-and-pop video rental store, and interprets those feelings of 80’s retro through a lens of modern production sensibilities.
The result of Fan Octo’s blending heavy guitars, keyboards, drum samples and computer workstations is well within what consumers have come to expect from a synthwave LP. With obvious nods to creative geniuses like James Cameroon and John Carpenter, VHS Violence will appeal to anyone who enjoys the films of these directors.
Slickster: The first and potentially most important question: Your stage name is Fan Octo, and the initials are FO… sometimes referred to as Fuck Off. Is that intentional?
Fan Octo: Good morning. I wish my name was that deep but I am afraid not. “Fan” stemmed from a childhood nickname that became a musical pseudonym and “Octo” because I play 8 string guitars. People always expect a cooler explanation from my stage name. Sorry to disappoint.
Slickster: On your most recent album, VHS Violence, you combine musical elements of both heavy metal and electronica. Bands such as Engines of Aggression and Ministry pioneered these genre-bending sounds. How is your music different from these visionaries?
Fan Octo: I would say Fan Octo is directed more to the soundtrack areas of music composition, I try and achieve retro timbres and tones with my instruments, even if they are newer synths and extended range guitars.
Engines of Aggression and Ministry have a rawer and darker signature with certainly a more Rock/Industrial Metal edge and I do love the experimental nature within Industrial music, especially regarding sample based production, noise synths and hi-gain guitar tones. But for Fan Octo, I am trying to paint a retro film-scape with short soundtracks as opposed to producing a hard hitting industrial number.
Slickster: Wales – your home country – is known for two things, fantastic salt marsh lamb and some kick ass rugby teams. Do you aim to add synthwave to that list?
Fan Octo: There is certainly some amazing dishes to be had in Wales and excellent places to experience them. Rugby I am afraid though, I am not too knowledgable about, although I do know Wales have just won the grand slam so I guess… “high five” Welsh Rugby!
It would be great to have a strong Synthwave movement in Wales and to be a part of that would be excellent, I guess all I can do is keep being productive within my area and hope others do the same, maybe one day Wales and Synthwave will be a mentioned topic.
Slickster: In the three music videos you’ve released for F.O., you demonstrate your aptitude on multiple instruments, however it seems heavy metal guitar is your primary instrument. Can you take us through a basis practice routine that you use to hone your metal chops?
Fan Octo: I would agree, drums and synths are certainly secondary instruments for myself, guitar however, I have been playing for 17 years. Working with primarily extreme metal/shred projects before Fan Octo’s’ origin, projects where guitar was definitely the focal point.
These days however, I am trying to capture the essence of film scores, original ideas but with heavy 80s influences.
My chop routine is at least one hour a day practicing and one hour a day playing, some days though when I am completely free I will lock myself in my home studio and play/record all day. I find experimenting with sounds and techniques is key for creating new ideas and keeping things interesting.
Slickster: VHS Violence, released in 2018, was inspired by 1980’s horror, action and sci-fi movies. Can you name 3-5 of your favourite 1980’s movies?
Fan Octo: Besides the obvious choices of Aliens, Terminator, Robocop, Escape from New York etc etc. I would also add Chopping Mall, Day of the Dead, Fright Night, Nightmare Beach, Tenebre, The Slumber Party Massacre and The Wraith, to name but a few.
I love the variety of 80s Horror cinema, from stylistic Giallo with beautiful scores to trashy Slasher flicks with questionable synth soundtracks, I am not a Horror snob by any means and appreciate 80s cinema like I do 80s music, open minded and willing to give anything a shot once… maybe twice.
Slickster: Nice! Your top three 1980’s babes.
Fan Octo: Barbara Crampton, Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver! Still in strong female roles today as much as they were in the 80s, the three of them have been involved in some top flicks. From Beyond, Re-Animator, Trading Places, Prom Night, Aliens, Ghostbusters etc, amazing catalogues. I probably wouldn’t be in too much of a rush to watch Freaky Friday again though.
Slickster: Going back to movies for a moment, one common thread among all synthwave musicians seems to be a huge respect for writer/director/musician John Carpenter. In many of your own promo photos, you are seen posing wearing a t-shirt with the famous Carpenter film Big Trouble in Little China. Can you discuss Mr. Carpenter’s influence on you and why you believe he has had such a long lasting impact on pop culture.
Fan Octo: I think one of the reasons he is such a big influence on myself and why he has stayed at the top for so long musically is his ability to compose riff based soundtracks, developing soundscapes and also work within progressive sound design. The timbres he uses regarding synths, his experimentation with tempo and time signatures have made some of the more recognizable soundtracks in cinema. His more recent workings with “Lost Themes 1 & 2” show us he is still top of his game musically. I also think his history and approach to film making was just raw and uncompromising, his ideas and what he had to work with was as inspiring as it was impressive. His latest revisit/directing of the music video for “Christine” again, still shows his skills as a Master of Horror.
Slickster: What advice would you give to your younger self or a young creative person trying to get a foothold in music, film making, etc…
Fan Octo: I would definitely say focus and working with what you got. Many times I have had too many projects going nowhere slowly or was waiting on a certain piece of equipment before I thought I could start working on something. It is only when I concentrated my efforts into just one project ‘Fan Octo’, did I start to see my sound, vision and quality progress, also outside interest begun to gather and the music really started to move toward the right places and be heard by the right people. I guess just staying creative is key, equipment will upgrade and become more accessible as you grow and your content will become more refined with experience. Don’t wait on a certain pieces of gear or other people, just get out there and start being creative.
Slickster: Do you have any live shows coming up to showcase your music? If so, when and where?
Fan Octo: The remainder of 2019 for Fan Octo will be spent writing and recording the new EP, followed by videos and promotional work, also composing for several outside feature length Horror productions. 2020, live shows will definitely be on the cards. Starting from home and then wherever it takes me. I will be working toward a strong music set as well as a strong live visual to accompany.
Slickster: FO, thanks again for sharing your music and best of luck in your career. Lastly, what is the most important message you want to share with the world right now?
Fan Octo: You are welcome and thank you very much for the interview. I would say stay focused with what you are trying to achieve, whether that is with film, music or just art in general. Remain positive and professional in your chosen area and don’t be afraid to go for opportunities you may think are out of your reach, the worst case scenario is a “no”. Keep it Retro!
