We found out some more about rising electronic artist Minev following the release of the captivating ‘Hold On’
His thoughtful soundscapes and deeply emotional connection with his sound have seen Minev‘s music really begin to resonate with and leave an impact on listeners since his arrival on the UK music scene back in 2020, boasting a plethora of tracks that underpin his unique talent for crafting dark and poignant landscapes that get under your skin and take you on a journey through emotions and feelings.
A recent single from the artist is ‘Hold On’, a track that utilises his atmospheric appeal and introspective charm to create something rousing and powerful. The brooding piano melodies and guest female vocals give the track a real sense of weight and impact, taking listeners on a voyage through hurt and healing in a way that the artist so often does. We love the single and how composed and poised it feels throughout, and sought after Minev to find out a bit more about the artist, his journey as a producer and composer and what plans he has for the future.
Who TF is MINEV?
I’m a London based electronic music producer and composer. I think the word ‘producer’ describes my more club-oriented dance tracks but some of the music I make is quite cinematic and emotional which is where the word composer feels like a better fit.
My artist name is just my surname – I chose to use it because it connects me to my native country Bulgaria as well as to my family roots. In fact, there are a few Bulgarian folk music influences peppered amidst my discography.
How long have you been making music?
The first track I composed was for a punk band I was in when I was 12. It was called ‘Anarchy’ and whilst it might find a listener niche even today – it definitely wouldn’t have much appeal to my current fanbase. I then went on to write music in various rock bands but my passion for making music was only fully unleashed when I discovered electronic music. I then spent several years as a teenager getting kicked out of my school’s recording studio by the caretaker because I kept losing myself in the music and not realising everyone else had gone home hours ago.
Why do you make music?
Because it’s such a high when I do it!
My creative process is a mixture of me steering the direction of the songs and them taking on a life of their own and surprising me. I put my heart and soul into each and every composition and when a track is finished it feels like I’ve given birth to something that’s part me expressing myself, part the universe speaking through me. I find it very therapeutic and it takes my mind off the woes of the world.
I also like the idea that my music can bring enjoyment, happiness and even solace to others. It feels very fulfilling.
What are your biggest influences?
For my more clubby tracks my influences tend to be anything gritty or industrial. I’m talking brick walls, freight trains, warehouses. Pair that with a 90s rave aesthetic and that’s my creative sweet spot.
As for my more cinematic and reflective tracks, my main influences are my own life experiences and emotions and my family – especially my sons.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Seeing my music on Spotify for the first time was a special moment and hearing my music on radio was pretty cool too…
But honestly, my best moment was probably nailing the vocal reverb effect on my track Love Is Finally Here.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Electronic dance music that’s both thoughtful and danceable. Music that is equally well suited to a smoky warehouse dance floor as it is for a listen whilst walking around the city in a reflective reverie.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Playing Alexandra Palace in London. One day when I finally get to do that, I’m going to project this interview on the screen and have a little victory dance.
We love your single ‘Hold On’, what more can you tell us about it?
It’s a song about holding on through the tough times and emerging stronger and wiser. It’s meant to provide support and comfort to anyone struggling inside their own head or with what the world’s thrown at them.
There are a number of references in the lyrics to how challenges can build you up as a person. Take the lyric, “out of the pain, a pearl will form” for example. When a grain of sand gets inside an oyster’s shell it’s painful and uncomfortable for it so it turns it over and over coating it in calcium until it becomes smooth. Creating something beautiful out of something painful. I’ve even thrown in a Charles Dickens reference in lyrics for the eagle-eyed literature afficionados out there.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I’m close to releasing my debut album! It’s a concept album that’s roughly themed around mental health. It starts off dark and full of yearning and gradually brightens up track by track, leading to redemption, self-acceptance and even celebration. I’ve got two dancey tracks lined up at the end of the album dedicated to my sons – I’ve tried to capture their relentless positivity and joie-de-vivre energy.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
That’s a toss-up between, my wife, my sons and my mum! But also, there are a few people around the world who’ve had my track ‘Set Me Free’ on repeat over the last year – I am eternally grateful for their support as it helps me keep going and making meaningful music!
