Hailing from Belgium, Stavroz evolved into masters of acoustic-infused electronica. Their EP ‘The Ginning’ was a turning point, seamlessly melding diverse musical backgrounds. Now, with ‘Kick Up The Dust’, they promise an even richer tapestry of sounds, incorporating Brazilian vocals and jazzy duduk. Stavroz’s live performances are legendary, a testament to their exceptional musical synergy. Catch them on their highly anticipated US tour in the next weeks for an unforgettable experience that bridges the gap between artist and audience.
Their new single Her Eyes Were Red is out now, you can listen to the single here:
When We Dip: Could you tell us more about your upcoming EP ‘Kick Up The Dust’? What inspired it and what was the creative process?
Certainly! ‘Kick Up The Dust’ is the culmination of a transformative journey for us. After two years of intense work on our debut album, extensive touring, some band reorganization, and a health scare, we collectively decided it was time to hit the reset button. This EP represents a celebration of embarking on this exciting new phase in our musical journey.
WWD: It’s rather uncommon to hear vocals on STAVROZ tracks. Could you please provide more insights into the featured artists on this record?
Indeed, vocals have been a rarity in STAVROZ tracks, but when the opportunity aligns with our vision, we embrace it wholeheartedly. Castello Branco approached us with a collaboration proposal, and we instantly fell in love with his distinctive voice and songwriting style. The track with Castello Branco had been in our creative pipeline for some time, and everything just clicked into place seamlessly. Additionally, we have a collaboration with the talented Belgian musician “Poltrock” on this EP, who brings his extraordinary skills in piano, keyboards, and electronic elements to the mix. “Dae-El” was one of the songs that came out after a couple studio sessions. As a side note, Poltrock was also our professor at the music college we attended over 10 years ago.
WWD: Can you share more about the creative process behind this EP, including the instruments used, recording locations, and its adaptability for live performances?
Our approach to crafting music doesn’t always revolve around how it will translate to the stage. Stavroz in the studio can differ from Stavroz on stage, but you’ll find common threads between the two. This dynamic keeps things fresh and exciting for us as we get to experiment and reinterpret our studio work in a live setting. In terms of instrumentation, we always maintain a healthy dose of acoustic elements in our recordings. ‘Kick Up The Dust’ EP is no exception, featuring horns, pianos, guitars, synths, and even a duduk. The live adaptation is an organic evolution of our studio work, shaped by the unique demands of each performance.
WWD: Your music beautifully balances electronic and analog elements. How do you perceive the relationship between these two aspects in your tracks?
For us, sound is sound, regardless of whether it’s acoustic, analog, or digital. We don’t categorize sounds; we seek harmony among them. Our goal is to find sounds that complement each other, whether they are functional or unconventional. We thrive on the challenge of discovering unique, unheard sounds and integrating them seamlessly into our soundscape.
WWD: What are the primary sources of inspiration for your music?
Our music is profoundly influenced by life experiences. Often, the best music emerges during moments of turmoil or excitement. Beyond that, our diverse musical backgrounds collectively contribute to our eclectic influences, which span a wide range of artists and genres. Punk, Techno, Blues, Eastern European music, Electronica, Alternative Rock, … you name it.
WWD: Can you share any other upcoming projects or events on the horizon?
Absolutely! Currently, we are in the midst of our ‘Kick Up The Dust’ North America tour, beginning with the East Coast and Canada. In October, we’ll venture to the West Coast, with a special performance at the iconic Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. As the year draws to a close, we have plans for a tour in the Netherlands, a visit to London, and a Stavroz concert in Leuven, Belgium.