1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Currently, we are still promoting our latest album "Serendisarray" and brainstorming concepts for our next album. I've also switched focus to my other musical projects (Vrhovec, Grinded Grin, Acid Hags). We've started collecting ideas, riffs, and themes for the new album. Once we gather a good number, we'll begin compiling and arranging them into a concept that best suits the new album. We plan to start working on the album this fall, and the writing and recording process is expected to take about six months.
2. In April you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
On our previous albums, we relied heavily on improvisation. We didn't have finished themes, and they were recorded spontaneously when we all got together without prior arrangements or rehearsals. It was classic jamming. Our new album "Serendisarray" took about a year to record, spread across 10 sessions, with constant work on the concept. Every riff was tested and refined to fit the concept. Some songs started with a guitar riff, while others began with a drum pattern.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Some of the lyrical themes include Nostradamus' predictions, Pythagoras and Pythagorean teachings, cosmic chaos and serenity, and emotional disturbances and passions. Progress as a songwriter is very evident in Mycena. However, since Mycena isn't the only band I'm in, the writing styles intertwine and improve through my other projects, making everything look different when I return to Mycena. With each album, the writing style evolves, and the art of songwriting is honed into the unique expression that each of us possesses.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mycena'?
The name Mycena was taken from a hallucinogenic mushroom, which perfectly fit the initial concept of a psychedelic band. An added bonus is that no one had used this name for a band before. Nowadays, it's challenging to find a super cool band name that hasn't already been taken.
5. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork for the album was created by the phenomenal artist Vhan. It perfectly represents the album, which has chaos as its main theme, with a psychedelic touch, space, mantra, the human in the center, and the third eye—everything you can hear and feel on the album.
6. Currently there are onyl 2 members in the band. are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
Currently, we are a duo when creating the album, but for concerts and recording, we have several musicians who join us depending on the concept of the concert or album. Moving forward, we will continue writing and recording as a duo, serving as the core idea center, and then we will use session musicians to enrich the album's sound.
7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The best concert, in my opinion, was in Koprivnica at FUNK Day when the festival was held outdoors. There were six of us on stage, and we created quite a scene with tons of smoke. I wore a white rabbit mask while playing the synth.
8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
No, we don't tour; we only play occasional concerts at local festivals. We don't have that obligation or need because we are on our own label, and we don't make a living from music. But we live for music.
9. Currently the band is singed to 'Olde Scratch Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Olde Scratch is my label, covering all my bands and allowing me to keep everything under one umbrella. It's easier to reach journalists and promote our music, and the audience knows what to expect when they see an Olde Scratch release.
10. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your albums by fans of underground music?
With the exception of one of my black metal project, Mycena has reached the furthest of all my endeavors. The response has been phenomenal and very surprising. Both journalists and the audience have reacted excellently. It's a great motivation for us to continue our work.
11. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I think we'll be moving towards less improvisation in the future and aim to work more on concept and arrangement. Our goal is also to ensure each song has vocals and melody, while still embracing tension through dissonance. That's our current plan, and we'll see in a few months how much of it we can achieve and how well our current ideas will come to life.
12. What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to nowadays?
My all-time favorites are Croatian Seven That Spells, Oranssi Pazuzu, Deathspell Omega, King Crimson, and Master Musicians of Bukkake. They embody that psychedelic dissonance with a unique atmosphere that I crave when listening to and creating music.
13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Nothing more, thank you very much for the interview, and thanks to everyone for listening to the "Serendisarray" album :)
(Aleksandar Vrhovec, Mycena)
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