First of, just want to thank you for participating in this edition of Infidel Interviews. Could you start off by giving a little information about you to the audience? Whatever you feel comfortable with, but name, age, and where you live would be pretty standard?
My name is Rodrigo Albuquerque also known as Ycarus Red Core and I have 27 (really 27 haha). I am living currently in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
How do you enjoy where you live? Is there a vibrant music community where you are? Would you say you find that your local scene influences your attitude and/or creativity?
São paulo is a fascinating city, the birthplace of many cultures and social movements.The underground scene is strong as we talk about the gothic and the "80's vibe", but I believe there is still a lot of space for new genres and different movements, but the lack of opportunities/dedicated events makes me have less focus on the local scene.
What does Code: Red Core mean to you guys in 2018? And how does that compare to what the project meant to you guys when it was formed?
"Overcoming", I believe that it is the word that will best define everything that I am experiencing in 2018, different from the other years, finally I can dedicate myself completely to the project. When you're a "one-man band" it's very hard to handle everything alone, at the same time that it is also good to feel the freedom to decide the way forward. The project now is currently more mature and robust, have an Identity.
What do you see in the near, and far, future for your creative output?
It's really hard to predict or plan anything far, especially when you have many ideas. For now my focus is on the upcoming album "Por Nossa Nobre Decadencia", I still do not have a release date but I hope it will be later this year.
Do you consider yourself to be part of a particular sound or scene? What is your thoughts on the nature of genres and styles, and do you have any particular ones which you find to your enjoyment more, listening and/or production-wise?
EBM of course, however, I like to dare and travel among many strands. The Harsh EBM really excites me, the power and the presence of the bass and drums drive me crazy, but I like make something different with that, putting a bit of "drama". The entire genre gives us the freedom to dare and try something different and new inside his scene.
Would you say that your choice to pursue music has changed your life since you started? Would you say that creativity has evolved you spiritually, emotionally, or logically?
It started out as a hobby, I never imagined going that far, and it has now become my life so, it's really changed everything.haha. 90% of my creativity comes from my emotional side, the music just give to me a push to let it...out.
What would you say are your favorite themes and topics that inspire you to compose? What draws you to those themes?
Themes like feelings, tragedies, mental illnesses, the future and the past, illusions, lost dreams... really inspired me, mainly because I identify myself with them.
So much has been said, and it sometimes feel that every word combination has every been taken. As a lyricist myself I know the pain of how hard it can be to articulate something in a way that is both engaging to the audience and uniquely artist. How do you find inspiration for your lyrical poetry?
In my own heart, I like to put my feelings in each lyric, masking everything I feel in unusual themes,"Neon Paradise" from "Estado inconsistente" (2015-2016) is a good example because it does not address a post apocalyptic theme, it actually talks about the most serious state of my depression and the Paradise of Neon is my hope, and in the track, she is falling. Every lyrics and every work I do has deep stories behind, my histories.
What would you say are your biggest influences when it comes to art and music? Are there any bands that you would say struck you with the chord that inspired you to peruse your current path of musical aspirations?
Certainly Blutengel and Aktivehate, are my biggest musical inspirations, this both bands influenced me and inspired to start working and make my own music.
Are you musically self taught? Or have you had mentors along the way to help you develop?
My family has always had an affinity for music and my brother is my biggest mentor however, much of everything that I know, I learned on my own.
When it comes to composing music, do you approach things with a clear vision in mind, or do you prefer to let songs feel themselves out? Do you have any particular techniques or tricks you use to keep yourself creative and consistent?
This is a difficult question. My creativity varies according to my state of mind, many times the idea comes and I just "follow the vibe". Other times I plan and change according to the variation of my feelings at that moment.
Playing live shows, recording new tracks, attempting to go live the life that gives you the experiences that inspires it all... it can be difficult to balance the time. Do you have any particular methods that you use to keep yourself focused or balanced in your direction?
I like doing several things at the same time, so it's always been very difficult to stay focused, especially in the beginning. Now I prefer to be more spontaneous, following only what really attracts me, without pressures.
Have you had any particular moment(s) that you would like to share, that you would consider to be a crowning achievement in your musical career so far, or moments that you would say truly continue to inspire you to pursue your artistic path?
I have many memories of simple moments that made all the difference, from messages of support from people of different countries to recognition for small achievements from my work, everything is very important to me. One moment that I will never forget was the day they recognized me on the street, was very spontaneous, I was at the "Galeria do Rock" in São Paulo, a famous spot in the city that attracts many tourists, so someone asks me if I work at C:RC, his asked for some music tips and played some of my musics. I will never forget. Every moment like that make me wanna continue at that journey, yes, musical career is like a journey to me.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your musical career?
Homophobia, being cheating by a record label, have my material and my dignity stolen, crazy partners...well, I learned that it is not so easy to deal with music.
Outside of Electronic music, what other genres could you see yourself composing music in? Or should I say, do you see yourself inspired by? Do you have any other musical projects that you are involved with, or do you have any other musicians or artists that you collaborate with in some capacity?
New Classical really attracts me, I have some ideas to start another project some time in near future, the classical music has always been present in my life, even before electronic. One of the things that I really respect in the underground scene is the mutual help of all. I like to help and contribute who needs it, sometimes a simple gesture can make all the difference.
What sort of new bands have come out in recent years that have caught your attention? Is there any bands out there you see yourself, or would like to, remix or collaborate with in the future?
This new alternative wave, so different but it's interesting, addicting. Omnimar is one that I really wanna make some like that.
Outside of music, what are some of your favorite past times and emotional engagements?
Art was always part of my life, painting and drawing are my passions, but, after a difficult phase of my life I was left with traumas that changed everything, It's been 6 years already without make anything of that...
My life is so very simple, family, art, work, friends and music... however, my boyfriend, my dog and a cup of tea is everything that I need to be happy. That's what I learned over the years.
Thank you so much for participating in this episode of Infidel Interview. Any parting words for your fans, or my audience?
I would like to thank you all, first, infidel for this opportunity, the "Mechanized" for all the support that has been giving me over the last few years with all my releases, all the friends and partners who are together on this journey and all the people who listens, shares and supports my work. Thank you all.
Follow Code: Red Core on his official Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with their activities:
https://www.facebook.com/coderedcoremusic/
Download his albums on Mechanized Digital's Bandcamp:
Stream their music for free on Soundcloud: