Interview with GHLOW Emille de Blanche and Nikolay Evdokimov

Emille de Blanche and Nikolay Evdokimov

GHLOW is a Swedish-Russian music duo consisting of Emille de Blanche and Nikolay Evdokimov. The band was formed in 2017 following a chance encounter; although familiar with each other through moving in similar circles in Stockholm’s underground art world, it was not until de Blanche bumped into Evdokimov on her way to collect supplies for her latest sculptural work that they got talking. Their ensuing conversations suggested that they were each looking for a way to move on from their individual pasts as musicians, they got together and were quickly commissioned to work on a film score. GHLOW’s music is simultaneously filled with raw energy and carried on darker brooding currents. GHLOW are Supermarket 2021’s guest band performing at the opening night, and for that reason we wanted to hear a bit more about their music and connection to the visual arts.

Let’s start with your name. Why GHLOW?

It is a word play. Combining the words glow-ghost-low ended up as GHLOW, representing something lingering in the shadows seemed to reflect a bit of what we are about.

Congratulations on your new record release Slash and Burn. It is brimming with energy and listening to it I get senses of both doom and hope. What is the album about – what are you slashing and burning?

Emille de Blanche: Thank you! Yeah, it has been such a huge thing for us. We have been trying to catch this cathartic energy that can grow out of frustration and boredom and turning it into this speeding vehicle of sound. Nikolay Evdokimov: We released ‘Slash and Burn’ in April 2021 on the underground label

PNKSLM Recordings. It was at the same time great and bittersweet – releasing an album amidst the pandemic and not being able to follow up with live shows and touring. But even so the album has been very well received and we are looking forward to venues opening up again.

In general are there any particular topics that you address in the lyrics, or is the rhythm more important?

EdB: There is definitely a mixture of both the political and the personal. A lot of times the lyrics are built around just this one line or thought that I have caught somewhere that will not leave me.

Is there any specific feeling that you want to convey to your listeners?

NE: Just this explosion of energy and sound, like jumping into a pool of water.

EdB: Visuals for concerts have become such a big media package thing, I personally like it more scaled down, simplified, focusing on the sound and being present in that.

What are your impressions of Stockholm’s art and music scenes, perhaps in comparison to other places where you lived?

EdB: There are always exceptions but sometimes I am getting the impression that these are two completely different entities. Side by side, rarely crossing. For some reason I get the feeling that many people in Stockholm have chosen to be either into music or art, and that has always surprised me. I mean why not see a great exhibition and then go to a fantastic gig? Take it all. NE: I think what is sticking with me is the talent that people have, no matter the place, that has always inspired me.

You are both also working as visual artists – Emille you work predominantly with sculpture and Nikolay your passion is tattoo art and also woodworking. Would you say that your art practices in any way influences your music?

EdB: I mean, I think art influences everything I do, music and sculpture, they are just different mediums. Sometimes the one suits the idea better than the other and while working on a new sculpture ideas about the next tune can be formed at the same time. So yeah, I would say they influence each other. NE: Absolutely, I look at art as the continuation of the expression of self so it is impossible to separate your personality into several parts so therefore they affect each other.

Speaking of visual art, do you connect your music with visual elements or is it ‘pure sound’ that you are striving for? I often wonder about the importance of visual presentation in music; what role it plays and whether it adds anything to the experience. What do you think?

NE: It is a tricky thing, I think that light and light pulses can heighten the sensitivity to what goes on around you in a live setting. At the same time, full on visuals can be really disturbing elements during a gig.

Supermarket works with independent art spaces, as opposed to commercial galleries – is there such a distinction in the music sector as well, or is it more blended together?

EdB: For sure there are many independent clubs and venues around offering their niched taste to the crowds. We both come from an alternative punk background which has always been about a strong DIY approach to everything. You want that band to play in your hometown? Set it up yourself! I think that is still one of the most important lessons I have ever learnt.

What are your next plans?

NE: We are looking forward to live shows and touring, sharing the experience of creating this massive wall of sound in front of an audience. Can’t wait to get back to it! ■