What’s your stage name and where are you from?
The stage name is Sparkwoods. I am from a small country called Georgia in Eastern Europe. I immigrated to Canada in 2010 after the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 caused instability. I am currently working in Ottawa, Canada.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
Sparkwoods is the name of a street in Twin Peaks, which is my favorite show of all time, where Laura Palmer runs away from James and disappears. It honestly just came to me that it’s a cool-sounding name while rewatching the show.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I began playing classical piano when I was 6 years old. When I moved to Canada at 11 years old, I couldn’t afford a piano or piano lessons, so I bought a guitar and taught myself. In high school, as I got into more electronic, hip-hop, and experimental music, I bought FL Studio and began experimenting with making my own music, focusing initially on hip-hop beats but now creating everything I physically can.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
I like to surprise my friends with all the different types of music I can make, ranging from hip-hop to metal. My newest track, “Prisoner,” really surprised everyone, as it was my first time exploring the synth rock genre with my vocals prominently featured, and most people only expected hip-hop from me.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I have no inspirational message in my music. I just think it is cool to try new and weird things musically. I write lyrics basically from a subconscious level. Sometimes something coherent comes out, which I am sure has some inherent meaning, but for now, I haven’t delved deep into why what I sing comes out as it does. Most likely, the lyrics are coming from whatever video game, book, or movie I recently consumed and found moving.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
I constantly face challenges in music production, mostly in the mixing and mastering phase. I am still not sure if I’ve totally overcome it, but I basically just send out my mixes to my friends to listen to until I get decent enough feedback.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Too many to name. I’d love to learn some tips from The Alchemist in terms of hip-hop production, as he is probably my favorite beatmaker of all time. But I’d also love to play guitar with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard—those guys are sick.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
If I can buy a new video game with all the money from streaming royalties, I will be very happy. But hopefully, my music can take me to a couple more listeners who enjoy my stuff.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Someone else making an anime music video edit using my song. Like, if someone used my song for a Naruto or NGE edit, I would feel eternally fulfilled.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
Possibly.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
You can listen to my new synthwave-inspired single called “Vagabond // Road To Tokyo,” out on ALL streaming platforms on October 11th, 2024.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Hit up my email at ktulubeats@gmail.com.
