Karasu Merodi opens up about main inspirations, forthcoming album ‘Astral Light’ and more: Interview

Blessing fans alike with the most eclectic of productions, Karasu Merodi is more than set on leaving a lasting impact within the dance scene. A truly versatile act, we take a wider look into his emergence through this latest interview.

Looking to leave his own mark within the electronic dance industry, Karasu Merodi (real name Victor Delacourt) is the epitome of an act that elevates his style of play in the most constant of manners, and in turn, further amplifying his presence with each endeavour. Hailing from France, this truly versatile act is more than set on taking over our community, whilst his eclectic outlook on music production, most definitely helps him stand out from all the rest. Infusing elements of Chiptune, Electronic, and Ambient / Downtempo in the most immersive of manners, the man of the moment has created a form of Electro-Chiptune, further illustrating the genius mind that he possesses. With this in mind, we could not be any more thrilled to be joined by Karasu Merodi, as he opens up on main inspirations and influences, the origin of his style of play, a wider look into his pseudonym and what it portrays, the release of his forthcoming album ‘Astral Light,’ future endeavours and so much more.

Hello and thank you for joining us! Could you provide us with an insight on the main inspirations/influences that led to your chosen career pathway in music?

“Absolutely, thank you for having me! When I was around 10 years old, I discovered the music of Martin Garrix, and it completely changed my perspective on what was possible in the world of music. Seeing someone so young creating incredible tracks and performing on stages around the world ignited a fire within me. Martin Garrix became my ultimate inspiration, and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. His ability to produce such captivating music and his electrifying performances at festivals and shows fueled my passion for music production and live performance. I became fascinated with the idea of creating my own music and sharing it with audiences on a grand scale, just like he did. Martin Garrix’s journey from a young producer to a global superstar showed me that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your dreams in the music industry. His success inspired me to believe in myself and my abilities, and it motivated me to work tirelessly to hone my craft and chase my own dreams of producing music and playing at festivals and shows. So, in essence, Martin Garrix was the spark that ignited my passion for music and set me on the path to pursuing a career in the industry. His influence continues to drive me forward, pushing me to strive for excellence and never give up on my dreams.”

Blending ambient sounds and electro-chip tune in the most immersive of manners, we would like to know how your signature style of play came to be?

“Thank you for the question! When I first started my journey as Karasu Merodi, my initial vision was to create soft, chill, and ambient music. I was drawn to the soothing melodies and ethereal atmospheres of ambient music, and I wanted to channel that same sense of tranquility and serenity in my own compositions. However, as I began experimenting with different sounds and styles, I found myself increasingly drawn to the energetic and dynamic world of EDM. I was inspired by the infectious beats and uplifting melodies that characterize the genre, and I wanted to explore that side of music production as well. As I delved deeper into the EDM scene, I discovered a love for blending elements of video game vibes and kawaii/Japanese universes into my music. I was inspired by the nostalgia of classic video game soundtracks and the playful, whimsical aesthetic of kawaii culture, and I began incorporating these influences into my compositions. The result was a unique fusion of ambient sounds and electro-chiptune elements that formed the signature style of Karasu Merodi. By blending ambient textures with upbeat rhythms and quirky melodies, I aimed to create a sound that was both immersive and danceable, inviting listeners to lose themselves in a vibrant and enchanting sonic universe. In essence, my signature style of play emerged organically as a result of my exploration and experimentation with different sounds and influences. It reflects my passion for creating music that is both emotionally resonant and irresistibly catchy, drawing listeners into a world of endless possibilities and boundless imagination.”

Enhancing your status with each endeavour, could you talk us through the origin of your Karasu Merodi pseudonym, and the main reason behind its selection?

“Certainly! The origin of my pseudonym, Karasu Merodi, is a tale of fascination with Japanese culture, a love for the enigmatic crow, and a humorous twist of fate. I’ve always been drawn to the mystique and elegance of Japanese culture, and I wanted my stage name to reflect that admiration. Additionally, crows have always held a special place in my heart; their intelligence, adaptability, and mysterious aura captivate me. With these inspirations in mind, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect Japanese pseudonym that encapsulated the essence of the crow. After hours of research and discussions with a friend, we stumbled upon “Karasu Merodi,” which Google Translate informed us meant “the melody of the crow” in Japanese. However, as fate would have it, it turned out to be a translation error. The correct translation would have been “Karasu no merodī.” Despite this linguistic discrepancy, we found the mistranslation amusing and decided to stick with “Karasu Merodi” as my stage name. So, in essence, Karasu Merodi was born out of a blend of my admiration for Japanese culture, my fondness for crows, and a humorous twist of fate. It may not mean “the melody of the crow” as intended, but it has become a unique and memorable moniker that perfectly represents my artistic identity.”

With versatility a key aspect in the dance industry, we would like to know your own outlook on the type of music you produce, and how you plan to evolve your sound as time progresses?

“Absolutely, versatility is indeed a crucial aspect of success in the dance industry. My outlook on the type of music I produce is rooted in authenticity and staying true to my artistic vision while embracing a wide range of influences and styles. I firmly believe in maintaining a signature sound that embodies the essence of Karasu Merodi, regardless of the genre I explore. Whether it’s chill and ambient tracks or high-energy EDM bangers, I strive to infuse each composition with my unique sonic identity, creating an immersive experience for listeners. For me, music is not just about entertainment; it’s a form of personal therapy and a means of expression. I aim to create music that resonates with me on a deeply emotional level, hoping to connect with listeners and take them on a journey through sound. As time progresses, I aspire to evolve my sound while staying true to my core principles. This may involve experimenting with new genres, incorporating fresh elements into my music, or collaborating with other artists to explore new creative avenues. I’m particularly excited about the prospect of collaborating with both friends and established names in the EDM scene. These collaborations offer opportunities for growth, learning, and pushing boundaries, all while maintaining authenticity and staying faithful to the universe I’ve created around Karasu Merodi. In essence, my goal is to continue producing music that I love, while embracing new opportunities for growth and collaboration. By staying true to myself and my artistic vision, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the dance music industry and continue to connect with audiences around the world.”

Gearing up for the release of your album ‘Astral Light,’ could you talk us through the main thought process behind this body of work, the message you have set out to portray through each featured track, as well as an insight into the artistic vision behind this album?

“Absolutely! ‘Astral Light’ is more than just an album to me; it’s a journey through sonic landscapes, a reflection of personal experiences, and a celebration of the boundless possibilities of music. The main thought process behind ‘Astral Light’ was to create a cohesive body of work that takes listeners on an immersive voyage through a universe of sound and emotion. Each track on the album is a chapter in this journey, carefully crafted to evoke specific feelings and evoke vivid imagery. The message I aimed to portray through each featured track varies, but at its core, ‘Astral Light’ is about transcending boundaries, embracing change, and finding beauty in the unknown. From uplifting anthems that inspire hope and resilience to introspective ballads that delve into the depths of the soul, each song tells a unique story and contributes to the overarching narrative of the album. In terms of artistic vision, ‘Astral Light’ is a fusion of diverse influences and styles, ranging from ambient and chillout to upbeat EDM and future bass. Drawing inspiration from my love for video games, Japanese culture, and the mystical allure of the cosmos, I sought to create a sound that is both familiar and otherworldly, inviting listeners to lose themselves in a world of enchantment and wonder. Visually, ‘Astral Light’ is accompanied by mesmerizing artwork and immersive visuals that complement the music and enhance the overall listening experience. From cosmic landscapes to ethereal beings, the artwork reflects the album’s themes of exploration, discovery, and transformation. Overall, ‘Astral Light’ is a labor of love, a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect us on a deeper level. My hope is that listeners will embark on this journey with me, letting the music guide them through the vast expanse of the imagination and beyond.”

Blessing fans alike with the most electrifying of sounds, we would like to know your main goals going forward, as well as your desire to one day perform live on stage at major events and festivals?

“Thank you for the question! My main goals going forward are deeply rooted in connecting with my fans on a personal level and continuing to create music that resonates with them. Whether it’s through electrifying beats or heartfelt melodies, I want to inspire and uplift listeners, providing them with an escape from the mundane and a soundtrack to their lives.Performing live on stage at major events and festivals has always been a dream of mine, and it remains a top priority as I move forward in my career. There’s something truly magical about the energy exchange between an artist and their audience in a live setting, and I can’t wait to experience that connection firsthand. My desire to perform live stems from a longing to share my music with the world in its purest form, to see the joy and excitement on people’s faces as they dance and sing along to the songs they love. Whether it’s a small intimate venue or a massive festival stage, I’m committed to delivering unforgettable performances that leave a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Ultimately, my goal is to continue pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and reaching new heights in my musical journey. Whether it’s through live performances, new releases, or innovative collaborations, I’m dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through the power of music. And I can’t wait to see where this incredible journey takes me next.”

With 2024 in full flow, we would like to know what the future holds for Karasu Merodi, always in terms of new music and collaborations?

“As 2024 unfolds, the future holds a myriad of exciting possibilities for Karasu Merodi, filled with new music and thrilling collaborations. First and foremost, I’m incredibly excited to continue releasing fresh tracks that push the boundaries of my sound and captivate listeners with their infectious energy and emotion. From high-energy EDM anthems to introspective chillout tunes, I’m committed to delivering a diverse array of music that resonates with fans old and new. In addition to solo releases, I’m also eager to explore new collaborations with both emerging talents and established artists in the EDM scene. Collaborations offer a unique opportunity to blend different styles and perspectives, resulting in truly innovative and dynamic music that transcends genres and captivates audiences worldwide. Whether it’s teaming up with friends and fellow producers or joining forces with renowned names in the industry, I’m dedicated to creating music that inspires, uplifts, and unites listeners from all walks of life. Together, we’ll embark on a sonic journey filled with passion, creativity, and boundless imagination. So, as we venture further into 2024 and beyond, you can expect Karasu Merodi to continue pushing the boundaries of electronic music, delivering unforgettable experiences and forging connections that resonate long after the music fades. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.”

Remarkable in every sense of the word, we will be keeping a close eye on Karasu Merodi and all his future endeavours within our community, but for the time being, you can stay fully up to date by following this artist to watch on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify!