Executor

FOREPLAY

Introduction

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into music.

Until around the eighth grade, music wasn't a significant part of my life. Everything changed when I discovered rock music. It was before the era of widespread internet access-back when people used keypad phones and shared music, movies, and games through local city networks. I downloaded albums, burned them onto CDs, and listened to them on a huge portable CD player that wouldn't even fit in my pocket. That was the moment my real journey into music began.

Why did you choose this particular musical style?

For most of my life I've been listening to instrumental rock, primarily alternative rock. The genre that fascinates me the most is progressive rock. It has existed since the seventies, but today it's experiencing a new wave of popularity. To me, it's more than just music-it's a form of art. The best artists in the genre create compositions with so many layers that you can listen to them over and over, discovering something new every time. I've always been drawn to complex music.

What is music to you: a hobby, a job, or a way of life?

Without a doubt, it's a way of life. It has always been that way. Back in school I played in a band, attended rehearsals, spent time in recording studios, and later started producing music in Fruity Loops almost eighteen years ago. The passion has never disappeared.

Creativity and Style

How would you describe your music in three words?

For the mind, the soul, and the body.

Which artists or genres have influenced your sound the most?

Among modern bands, I'd mention TesseracT, Asking Alexandria, Sleep Token, Bad Omens, and I Prevail. However, the band that had the greatest influence on my musical vision was Enter Shikari. I discovered them while I was in the tenth grade, and they've permanently shaped my understanding of modern heavy music.

More recently, I've been especially impressed by AI-driven projects such as Drunken Night and Paragon Last.

How do your songs usually come to life-through lyrics, melody, or an idea?

Everything almost always starts with an idea and inspiration. Only then does it become clear whether the song will be heavy, melancholic, uplifting, or energetic. I write down every thought, phrase, and image that comes to mind. Those ideas gradually evolve into complete lyrics. After that, I select the strongest hooks, translate the lyrics into English, and adapt them so they work naturally with the rhythm, dynamics, and accents of the music instead of sounding like a poem.

How much of your personal life is reflected in your songs?

Almost all of it. Most of my songs are inspired by personal experiences, emotions, and real-life events. There are exceptions, of course, but in general, each track is born from a specific emotional state.

The Creative Process

Where do you usually work on your music?

Ideas for lyrics can come to me anywhere, so I immediately save them in my notes to avoid losing them. My home is where my studio is located. I actually call it my office because it's also where I do my main job, which has nothing to do with music. Most of my projects are created there.

How long does it usually take to create a song?

It depends entirely on the complexity of the project. If I already have finished lyrics, a clear structure, and a vision of the sound, I can complete a full track in a single working day. Sometimes, however, finding the right result can take weeks.

What's more difficult for you: writing a song or bringing it to release?

Definitely writing the song. Once the idea exists, the remaining work becomes much more technical. Creating something truly meaningful is the hardest part.

Journey and Experience

Do you remember the moment when you realized music was more than just a hobby?

Absolutely. I remember getting up early during the New Year's holidays, catching a train in freezing temperatures of -25°C just to spend the entire day rehearsing with my band. That was the moment I realized music had become a part of my life rather than just a hobby.

What challenges have you faced along the way?

There have always been challenges. Sanctions and restrictions make it difficult to access professional tools, and the amount of time I dedicate to music sometimes means the people closest to me feel that I'm rarely around.

Today, one of the biggest challenges is finding a music distributor. Many Russian companies are unwilling to work with artists who use modern AI technologies in their production process. Because of the overwhelming amount of low-quality AI-generated content, many distributors have introduced strict blanket policies. Even if AI contributes only a tiny part of a project, it can still result in a release being rejected, payments being frozen, or a contract being terminated without explanation.

Is there a track you're especially proud of? Why?

There are several. STAY and Color Of You capture emotion exceptionally well. Technocore is probably one of the most technically demanding tracks I've ever created. It took several days to produce and became a unique fusion of alternative rock and full-scale techno-something virtually nobody had attempted before.

Radio and Listeners

What do you feel when you hear your music on the radio?

It's always an amazing feeling. At the same time, I understand that my music isn't meant for everyone. It often features polyrhythms, displaced accents, and complex rhythmic structures. For someone unfamiliar with this style, it may initially sound unusual or even chaotic. It's the kind of music that takes time to fully appreciate.

How important is feedback from listeners?

It's more important than money. My goal has always been to contribute something meaningful to rock music and leave behind a legacy. Hearing that people connect emotionally with my songs is the greatest reward I could ask for.

What message do you want to share with your audience through your music?

Rather than delivering a message, I want to evoke emotions. I believe music should make people feel something-ideally, it should give them goosebumps. Every song has its own atmosphere. When someone discovers a track that perfectly matches their emotional state, it feels as though the artist and the listener truly understand each other.

Plans and the Future

What are you working on right now?

I'm steadily developing several new music projects at the moment.

Are there any upcoming releases, music videos, or collaborations?

Absolutely. New releases are already in the works, and I have no intention of slowing down.

Where do you see your music heading in the future?

I don't plan on making any major stylistic changes. Progressive rock remains my primary direction, and I intend to continue exploring and developing it.

Quick Questions

Studio or stage?

Stage.

Night or morning for creativity?

Night.

A song you could listen to forever?

I don't really have one. It always depends on my mood.

Is modern music an inspiration or a challenge?

Both. Modern music is incredibly diverse. Some artists inspire me, while others challenge my perspective. The most important thing is not to box yourself in or try to please everyone. Make the music you truly believe in, and eventually you'll find people who are on the same wavelength.

Final Words

What would you like to say to your listeners right now?

The human brain isn't a sieve. Everything we consume stays with us. The more primitive, shallow, and mindless the content we consume-whether it's music, films, or videos-the more it influences the way we think. That's why I encourage everyone to seek out meaningful, sophisticated, and high-quality content. It broadens your mind, inspires creativity, and ultimately makes you a better person.

Where can people find and support you?

VK Artist Page

https://vk.com/artist/4301341059233131544

VK Community

https://vk.com/foreplay_music_club

Yandex Music

https://music.yandex.ru/artist/26093813?utm_source=web&utm_medium=copy_link