Since his 2019 debut, Armenian artist Socko has been a dynamic force in the organic house scene, blending world music influences into his unique sound. His return to The Gardens of Babylon label in July with ‘I Need,’ featuring D’Litte, set the stage for his ‘Blast’ EP, a captivating fusion of traditional Armenian instruments and contemporary electronic production. The EP’s lead track, ‘I Need,’ combines organic instrumentation with cinematic allure. ‘Together Again’ features Sevada, blending indie dance with Armenian elements. ‘Ultimate Reality’ is an experimental masterpiece, and ‘What We Feel’ offers deep house bliss with Armenian-inspired melodies. Socko’s music continues to push boundaries in the dance music world.
We had a chance to talk to Socko and we asked him about the inspiration behind the project and the unique fusion of world music and electronic elements influenced by his Armenian heritage. He also shares insights into collaborating with Armenian vocalist D’Litte and the creative concept behind the stunning music video for ‘I Need.’ Socko’s return to The Gardens of Babylon record label is celebrated, and he reflects on his journey in the electronic music scene. As a member of the Gardens of Babylon community, his music aligns with their mission of uniting people through music and spirituality.
Congratulations on your brand new ‘Blast’ EP. Can you tell us about the inspiration and creative process behind this project?
Thank you very much. Blast EP is such a special one for me. Going through some uncertainty is the important part of any milestone. For me it has been sublimed in this 4 track EP where you can sense all the feelings I got.
‘I Need’ is the first single from your EP and features the esteemed Armenian vocalist D’Litte. How did this collaboration come about, and what was it like working together on this track?
My collaboration with Lilit (D’Litte) has started from Red Wet Dress track, released last year. She has an amazing distinct voice, a recognizable manner of singing. We experimented with her a lot, trying to combine her voice and electronic music. One of the results of which is I need.
Your music is known for blending world-music sentiments with electronic elements. How does your Armenian heritage influence your sound, and what can listeners expect from the tracks on the ‘Blast’ EP in terms of this unique fusion?
When we talk about Armenian musical heritage one should know that it’s not only about duduk and other woodwinds. It’s wide and broad and is intertwined with the sad events of the past, of which there were a lot. Real Armenian music is saturated with pain through and through. It is deep and very emotional, but at the same time you can find serenity and peace in it. This feature influenced my style of music as well. It is very difficult for me to write major tracks, I write in minor more often, although I do not consider myself a depressive person
The official music video for ‘I Need’ offers a stunning visual representation of the track. Could you share some insights into the creative concept behind the video and how it complements the song’s message?
“I need” is a reflection on the hard times every one of us faces from time to time. Redundant to say, I am not an exception. At that time, I felt like I do things that don’t have a payoff, I experienced a creativity stagnation, felt useless, lost, depressed, weak. The moment I dig deep into my emotions “I need” was born and all I needed was to be alone with myself, have the personal space to recover and find the inner strength to keep going my way. To make my message more “tangible” we created a visual manifestation of emotional swing many artists go through.
You’ve previously released music on The Gardens of Babylon. How does it feel to return to this renowned record label with the ‘Blast’ EP, and what does it mean to you to be a part of the Gardens of Babylon community?
The Gardens of Babylon is my all time favourite. When I got back to the label, I felt like home. I think it says all.
Your career has seen rapid elevation in the electronic music scene. What have been some key milestones or experiences that have shaped your journey as an artist, leading up to this EP release?
You know, I don’t find my career growing fast. Sometimes it feels like I am not moving anymore, but I know that it’s a perceptive distortion. I was a professional athlete and music was a hobby for me, and I never allowed myself to think that can become my future and life’s work. So the main milestone happened to me 5 years ago, when life brought me into industry and I got my first instruments and learnt Ableton. The rest is just my way and experience, my errors and trials that brought me to the point where I am now.
The Gardens of Babylon is known for uniting people through music and spirituality. How do you see your music fitting into this larger movement, and what do you hope listeners take away from your ‘Blast’ EP?
For me, the Gardens of Babylon is a community of conscious and internally strong people who seek and find meanings through continuous study of themselves, their capabilities and inner potential. People who serve as an endless source of inspiration for me and whose position in life I share completely. And “Blast” EP is the soundtrack of my personal spiritual growth and knowledge.