Vera Logdanidi, Kyiv-based producer and co-founder of the Rhythm Büro formation, is preparing to release her first solo EP after 20 years on the stage. Banksia features three tracks that capture the artist’s musical vector and sound, as well as one remix by Claudio PRC. On December 11, the EP will be released on vinyl and two weeks after that — on streaming platforms.
Today on DTF Magazine we present the title track, and Vera tells us in a blitz interview why she decided to release her debut EP only now and what you need to know about it
Official release description: ‘Banksia is a great sample of Rhythm Büro’s sound; groovy and hypnotizing. This is followed by the track called Root System, which continues this theme with a bit of a brain melter that showcases Vera’s love for all things dubby. Essence, on the flip side of the record, takes the listener on a journey through Logdanidi’s housier side. Closing the record, and bringing it to its logical conclusion, on B2 is a remix from deep techno maestro Claudio PRC. Having played at one of Rhythm Büro’s events in Kyiv previously and being a like-minded individual turned friend, Claudio is poised to make his debut on the label as well. A perfect match indeed’.
— I think a lot of people were surprised that you didn’t have any solo albums after so many years on the stage. Why did you decide to release your debut EP only now? What was the catalyst and when did you realize you were ready and wanted to release it?
— It so happened that before the war and COVID-19 I was always very busy with organizational work at Rhythm Büro, we did six big events a year and my part of the task was always quite big. Even though I regularly set aside time for studio work, I couldn’t afford to fully immerse myself in it. Usually individual tracks were given for VA compilations.
And then there were times of great stress and global change — COVID, full-scale war. And if during the pandemic there were attempts to move equipment home and write something in the kitchen, the first year of full-scale war passed in a very shocked state and in an existential crisis.
2023 wasn’t any more gentle, but it did bring some kind of acceptance of everything that was going on, and it allowed me to pull myself together. The setup was reassembled in a comfortable bedroom-studio format (previously I used to go to a separate room). And that accessibility is something I really like. If I’m home and have time, I wake up, have breakfast and open the project. During this year I managed to finalize projects, accept requests for remixes, finalized a solo record, another EP is almost ready and many other things.
— You definitely have a lot of material after so many years on stage, but you’re starting with a four-track EP? And by the way, why an EP and not a LP?
— In organizing events and in music, I am an advocate of consistency and logical progression. Also, as you know, I run a label called Kashtan, where I try to release music in albums, although there are exceptions. And the concept came about for a reason.
Unfortunately, modern streaming services have diminished the value of albums, and that’s a shame. Because an album is the quintessence of a certain period of an artist’s creativity, the expression of a certain landmark or, as they say, milestone.
I don’t understand albums that are written by just compiling the right amount of tracks. Such albums I perceive as compilations and I don’t see the main thing in them — the ‘words’ that the artist wants to express in order to move on and be filled with new meanings.
— Does your EP have a concept? What did you want to say or demonstrate?
— The concept of this record is to find my own style, i.e. to combine techno, dub techno and, let’s say, tech house tracks in a common sound. In fact it’s a multi-genre release, but everything sounds very united. This is the first successful attempt before bigger challenges.
— Let’s talk about the track Banksia, which you’re presenting here. Tell us briefly what people should know about it before listening to it?
— Banksia is a flower born in fire. It symbolizes new beginnings and rebirth, a new enthusiasm for life after a difficult experience. This is what I see around me and feel personally.
— When can we expect your LP?
— I actually already have a formed concept and four completed tracks. I’m almost at the equator of this work.
Tracklist:
A1 — Banksia
A2 — Root System
B1 — Essence
B2 — Banksia (Claudio PRC Remix)
HOW TO ORDER?
The cost of the Banksia record is 500 UAH. If you live in Ukraine, to pre-order you need to fill out this form. Records will be shipped every week after December 15.
If you’re in Europe, you can order the release on Bandcamp.
Also on December 8, another work by Rhythm Büro label — compilation album There Will Be Light — will be released on vinyl (we tell you more about it in our article).
