Fresh from the release of their ‘In Search For The Good’ EP we caught up with Mystic V & Peter Jericho for a chat.
Léman Records co-owner Mystic V is a lover or diverse, cultured electronica. Fresh from a exclusive DJ mix from our friends at Slothboogie and the release of the wonderful ‘In Search For The Good’ EP (listen at the bottom of the interview) that features the vocals of Peter Jericho and has Atlantan legend Kai Alce on the remix, now is a good time to sit down with Mystic V & Pete for a chat about all things life, music and connections.
Hey Mystic V, Peter Jericho, How’re you? What’s happening in your world at the moment?
MV: Hey! Everything’s great, thanks! I’m currently working on some exciting musical projects, and I have a new release on the way as well. Also, I’m getting ready for a holiday soon!
PJ: Hey there. All is well. I am also currently working on some new music while also promoting my latest project entitled Still Outside Available on all platforms. It showcases my AfroFusion side which is a newer Genre i have been leaning towards lately due to my Culture and heritage.
You’ve just released ‘In Search For The Good’ Including. Kai Alce Remixes on Léman Records, tell us about it and your inspiration behind the EP?
MV: This EP is the second release from Léman Records which I co-founded with some friends (Leo & Pierre). We aimed for a more club-oriented sound this time and definitely wanted to include a vocal track. Peter was just the right fit! Regarding inspiration, it’s tough to say; it seemed to just flow naturally.
How did you guys meet?
MV: Back in 2013 I believe, I first came across “The L.O.V.E Song (From Chicago to New York)” by Vick Lavender featuring Peter Jericho, and I was instantly captivated by Peter’s amazing voice. More than ten years later, I decided to contact him on social media, and that’s how everything started!
PJ: Yes and since then we have bounced ideas back and forth, creating some interesting tunes. Whats even more interesting is the power of social media, considering we havent physically met but have collaborated several times creating classics.
Are there any standout tracks you’re particularly excited about?
MV: I really like the Kai Flute Dubstrumental Mix.
Where was the EP made? Can you expand on how you work together? Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music?
MV: The EP was produced in my apartment, I have a small studio set-up. Then, I sent the track over to Peter and asked him to do his thing. After a few rounds of back and forth, we had it done.
PJ: It really is an amazing experience that we are capable of doing that and getting it right.My team and i have a set up out here as well where i record and shoot out vocals. Hope you are impressed
Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired?
MV: Listening to different musical genres keeps me inspired.
PJ: No real rituals. More so everyday life experiences that inspire me to be creative. I dont like writing things down either. I just go to the mic and release whatever speaks to me and sounds good. Some halls and green tea tend to help as well.
As a producer & Singer/Song Writer, what message do you hope to transmit through your music? What themes or ideas do you convey your work?
MV: The main goal for me, I suppose, is to craft music that evokes emotions, tailored to the individual listener and the specific moment they are experiencing.
PJ: same here. I want to create sounds that appeal to listeners that enjoy whichever particular sound i indulge in for the moment. Its a tall task to please the masses but if we get through to even one person, then my mission have been accomplished
Can you describe the connection between your music and your roots, and how they continue to influence your music today?
MV: Coming from Switzerland, we don’t have very deep musical roots there, haha! Still, I have fond memories of listening to Jamiroquai while driving to Italy with my parents on holiday when I was younger — I love Jamiroquai! They used to listen to Jamiroquai, Café del Mar Compilations, Marvin Gaye, Prince, George Michael, and Lisa Stansfield, to give a few names.
PJ: Me being Born in the Chicago area, but also having lived in Cameroon for some time, you can already imagine the distinct contrast in what i was exposed to. I have always enjoyed Jazz, gospel and soul music. R&B is where i began my musical journey and now i am on to fusing all these sounds with African rhythms.
Which other artist(s) have had a big influence on your sound? (Please supply links and some words on each)
MV: Will share what comes to my mind. I would say probably Arthur Russell – the song That’s Us/Wild Combination is a standout track that showcases his unique blend of experimental pop and disco and is also a beautiful testament to Russell’s innovative approach to music. There are many more to choose from, but I selected this one because it also shares its name with a documentary about him titled “Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell” which I highly recommend watching. Arthur Russell is a significant inspiration due to his ability to push the boundaries of creativity.
Love Gil Scott Heron’s work as well, he has a velvety voice, the track Willing is great!
Of course, Larry Heard is also a big inspiration. One of the first CDs I bought from him was Larry Heard – Where Life Begins – I particularly like Enchanted.
Mood II swing has also influenced me. I like specifically the track Mood II to swing flame.
PJ: countless Artist. I speak of Nat King Cole as a major influence on my story telling. But vocal arrangements i studied Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder and just every great R&B writer along the way. House is something i am exposed to here in Chicago. I enjoy the vibrations even without much history known but have been tampering with creating it for the last 15 plus years
Give us some other artists we should be listening to right now?
MV: Vick Lavender, Marcellus Pittman, Dj Spinna, Ron Trent, Kai Alcé, Peter Jericho, MAW, Delroy Edwards, Alex Attias, Musclecars, Hugo LX, Glenn Underground and many more!
PJ: you can add YAW, Nola Ade, and Flowers for the living {FFTL)
Can you tell us about any challenges you have faced as musicians and how you overcame them? Have there been any specific obstacles or difficulties you’ve had to navigate as artists?
MV: Finishing a project is always challenging, committing to it is the way to go.
PJ: I agree. In these times we live in Life itself is challenging. Music actually happens to be a peaceful space. So as long as i have the energy, i keep myself motivated to continue to create.
What’s next for you? Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works? Are there any new directions or sounds you’re exploring in your music right now?
MV: As mentioned earlier I have another EP set to release at the end of May on Mutual Intentions, along with a remix in the works. Apart from that always experimenting and busy creating music!
PJ: as for me, i started on this new journey with a production team called The Visionaries and we are in production mode right now hopefully to put out an EP in the summer. Be on the look out .. in the meantime enjoy the Mystic V and Peter Jericho Collab!
Buy Mystic V & Peter Jericho ‘In Search For The Good’ via Leman here.
