We found out some more about Holy Trigger following the release of the project’s enticing second single ‘Painted’
Armed with a modern electronic pop sound that is packed full of creativity, atmospheric darkness, and a one-of-a-kind, distinctive appeal that feels as gritty and absorbing as it is ambitious, Holy Trigger has immediately positioned itself as a fiercely exciting, experimental audio-visual project that is packed full of intrigue and a murky, memorable cutting edge.
The cinematic and seductive nature of sophomore single ‘Painted’ goes along way towards encapsulating the appeal of the project, offering a gripping and captivating look at the artist’s unique appeal and the dark, expansive current that pulsates throughout it and gives it such a powerful aura. The modern and creative nature of the different sounds and the eerie tension that is created throughout feels bold and engrossing, we love how different and exciting Holy Trigger feels, so had a chat with Ira Rokka, the Paris-based multimedia artist and creative director who is behind the project.
How long have you been making music?
I started singing at two weeks old, according to family legend. I grew up immersed in music, then at some point stepped back and took a long detour as a visual artist. Now it’s my time for a beautiful revanche — to build a project rooted in music while giving a significant place to visual arts.
Why do you make music?
A hundred reasons. My favourite one is that music has the power to divinize a moment. I really like the idea that it can become the soundtrack to someone’s life, adding a unique aesthetic touch to their personal stories. Plus, it’s my personal rabbit hole.
What are your biggest influences?
My mom. She was in love with life, and it made her a radiant person. And musically, it comes to mind to talk about vocalists, because the voice is at the center of the project — so Jeff Buckley, Björk, Trent Reznor, Craig Walker, kind of poetic and experimental approach to vocal. And a special room for Rachmaninoff.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
I think one of my favourite recent shows was at Silencio by BLT. Not long ago, I made a radical decision for myself — to allow my new artistic personality to absorb the old one, Ira Rokka.Emmanuel Caurel proposed a format: a concert on the main stage and a cinema performance with video art screening and live vocals — so I showcased both sides of the project as Holy Trigger. It was a turning point. I was thrilled and happy. And this release, of course!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Empowering dark-sexy-chic music, perfect for fast driving and dynamic bed scenes.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Mmmm. Let’s say the album is ready and we’re proud of it. We present it with a big show combining live electronics, a symphonic orchestra, and gorgeous conceptual art direction. A multiply divinized moment to remember. I want to live it.
We love your new single ‘Painted’, what more can you tell us about it?
“Painted” is based on an autobiographical moment of fleeting infatuation that happened 6 years ago in Saint Petersburg during the White Nights – this sweet torture moment I turned it into а song. The track has an erotic thriller spirit — dark, sensual, magnetic, with a hypnotizing repeating rhythm, culminating in a cinematic climax.
It was a long way to create it, and I want to thank all my collaborators for their dedication and talents: Alexander Luzin @bamex_102, godfather of the spirit; Jun @julien_fremiot, major development; and Bilie @holladaze_mvp, for the final edit, vocal recording, and elaborate mixing, mastered by Dominique.
For the cover concept, I used miraculous crying icon as a reference — a kind of swag joke.And for the shoot, we collaborated with Selena Oley @selenaoley. First we settled on a yellow/black palette, but during editing, I started to play with the idea of power dynamics between colors, like in Albers’ works. So now the acid green background oppresses the pale lemon halo, and it makes it glow with a dusky hallucinogenic light from inside. That’s my favourite artistic approach actually — to start with a punchy idea and then refine the execution. Both in music and visuals.
Special thanks to Taktic music label, Jean-Michel Reusser, Fabien Ouaki, and Dominika Kundertova for massive support and inspiration.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
Studio. I plan to dive into production of the next tracks.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
My higher self, probably?) This project is pushing me to change in the way I’ve always wanted.
