T.H.E Interview – Valoramous

American military veteran, Disc Jockey (DJ), and Electronic Dance Music (EDM) record producer, Valoramous, and
Australian Synthpop duo, The Safety Word, released their Synthwave collaboration single, ‘Amnesia (Original Version),’ and their seven-track 27-minute Extended Play (EP) album, Amnesia (Remixes EP).

We spoke to Valoramous to learn more about the EP came about, the creative process behind the original “Amnesia” track and more.

Aditya – Hey Valoramous, Glad to have you for the interview. How were the first couple of months of this year for you?

Valoramous – During the first few months of 2022, I worked tirelessly to project-manage and complete the “Amnesia (Remixes EP).” Interspersed with some travel to Austria, Czech Republic, and Georgia, I also unfortunately caught COVID-19. This set me back several weeks.

Aditya – What’s your creative process, and ideation behind the original track?

Valoramous – For the original “Amnesia” track, I decided to produce a creepy experimental Hip-Hop track in early 2021. I never imagined that the track would morph into a Synthwave collaboration track with Synthpop group, The Safety Word, from Melbourne, Australia. I originally proposed three instrumental tracks to The Safety Word: two EDM tracks and one experimental Hip-Hop track. Knowing that the two produced Synthpop, I expected the group to possibly latch on to one of the EDM tracks. I was amazed when the duo voiced extreme interest in the experimental Hip-Hop instrumental track. The track fell far outside of my norm.

Aditya – I’m listening to the remixes at the moment, I love the dichotomy between remixes. Every remix is unique, and has its own character. What do you think of this remix EP?

Valoramous – The “Amnesia (Remixes EP)” is undoubtedly my most unique release thus far in my career. I am shocked by how the record label and all eight artists collectively worked together to produce the seven-track “Amnesia (Remixes EP).” Each artist carried their weight, produced a track, and supported their fellow artists on the EP. The EP encompasses remixes of several genres: Big Room, Tech House, Electronica, and Metal/Rock. As this EP is my biggest release thus far, I am also the most excited for this release in 2022.

Aditya – How long did it take to put together the remix EP?

Valoramous – Six weeks. The Safety Word proposed the EP idea to me the day after Christmas 2021, and we completed the EP by mid-February 2022. Ultimately, we must thank the remix artists for quickly completing masters of their remixes.

Aditya – The artist curation for the remixes is top notch, what was your thought process while selecting the artists?

Valoramous – The Safety Word and I both knew artists from our personal networks (with some relationships spanning into other areas of life and going back to 2013). We agreed to propose the EP idea to a diverse array of artists in various genres, so that our EP would possess the widest reach to the largest audience. Thus, we found artists that produced Melodic/Tech House, Electronica, Progressive House, Big Room, and Metal/Rock.

Aditya – What really caught my ears was the Wav A.P.S remix, I seldom get to hear a Rock/Metal remix of electronic music. What were your thoughts on the remix?

Valoramous – Like the original experimental Hip-Hop track, The Wav A.P.S.’s Rock/Metal Remix of “Amnesia” is very experimental; in fact, it is the most experimental remix of the six remixes. However, The Wav A.P.S. Remix remains my favorite of the six remixes due to the euphoric guitars and the new additional lyrics, which provide the listener a fresh perspective of “Amnesia” as the EP closes. I recall The Safety Word voicing some initial reservations about including a different genre track on our EP. I urged The Safety Word to maintain openness as I firmly believed that the Rock/Metal Remix would ultimately be a great addition to our EP. Looking back, I think we made the correct decision to allow The Wav A.P.S. to join our project because he produced (arguably) the most unique and high-quality track out of the six remixes.

Aditya – Did you have any certain briefs/ideas that you’ve shared with artists for remixing the track?

Valoramous – Nothing specific. We provided complete liberty to our remix artists to remix the track as they deemed necessary. We wanted the character of each artist to shine during this project.

For example, 3 Tribes brings a serious vibe to his Tech House Remix. Robodop Snei and Valoramous bring the club and festival to your living room. Increment brings a funkier, eclectic vibe. Eckul brings the 5am sunrise beach feel, and The Wav A.P.S. brings the crowd home with his fresh perspective (including new lyrics) of “Amnesia.”

Aditya – Amongst the 6 remixes, which is your favorite and why?

Valoramous – While I love my Big Room “Valoramous Festival Mix,” my favorite remix is definitely The Wav A.P.S. Remix. Of the other remixes, I really enjoyed the ethereal Eckul Remix because it makes me nostalgic for those early morning sunrises in Ibiza, Spain in the 2010s.

Aditya – What’s the idea behind the artwork? I can see the contrast between the colors of smoke, anything you’d like to share?

Valoramous – The original “Amnesia” track is about civilization forgetting hard-earned, hard-won lessons of the past. The two astronauts in the photo represent previous generations (standing astronaut) and our current generation (sitting astronaut). Thus, the album artwork depicts previous generations providing a helping hand to guide our current generation to “embrace liberty” and to be “grateful for everything given to” us.

Aditya – Who are your influences and why?

Valoramous – My musical influences include: David Guetta, Tiesto, Avicii, Timmy Trumpet, Blasterjaxx, and Bassjackers.