Darkwave rock artist Rain Carnation has returned with "Beautiful Ghost," a track that not only pushes the limits of genre sonically, but delves into intriguing dynamics lyrically. With a poignant pen, he sings of the haunting power of memories, melancholia also evident in atmospheric, nostalgic instrumentals: 80s-influenced synths, echoing vocals, and rock-centered drums and guitar.
Currently based in San Diego, Rain Carnation has been a pioneer of his own sound, straying from genre-specific labels and letting listeners interpret his music themselves. This grey area allows for major innovation, and broadens the appeal to listeners and critics. "Beautiful Ghost" is not only a stunning take on wistful feelings, but an example of a true artist bringing forth something entirely original - a rarity these days.
We sat down with Rain Carnation to discuss "Beautiful Ghost," his musical background, and his plans for this upcoming year.
FLEX: "Beautiful Ghost" combines influences across many different genres, while staying true to darkwave rock. How did you craft this unique sound as an artist?
Rain Carnation: The Rain Carnation project started pretty much as a chillwave/IDM . Later I rediscovered 80s wave music, as well as integrated Soviet new wave sound in what I was writing. But at its core I would say my music is still more electronic than rock, even though I love rock and everything that it created!
F: What drew you to music growing up, and when did you realize you wanted to pursue it professionally?
RC: I never had musicians in my family. But growing up in a very poor country, I was lucky enough to be among few people who had cassette player in their home. Music was nothing interesting. My father was mostly listening to a very basic Russian pop of the 90s. But later my cousin introduced me to big beat, nu metal, and punk rock. I started learning how to play guitar and was spending a significant amount of time doing that. Never stopped since.
I realized that I wanted to be out there as a musician when I was at a Seven Lions show. I thought, "I want to be on the stage." And that was very first time thinking that.
F: What was the songwriting process like for this track? How was it to record?
RC: I always start by writing a chord progression. When its done, I connect my guitar with a midi pickup to FL Studio, connect it to one of my favorite synths and start working on an arrangement. I always write lyrics and a melody after I am done with the arrangement. After that I am adding more synthesizer fillings.
F: The theme here of memories and their power is moving and universally relatable - what inspired you to explore this musically?
RC: I think life in the end is what your experience is. It's not what you do day to day, but what happened that changed you.
Memories are a very powerful feature of our mind. They are a foundation of our existence. In the end it's all we have. If we don't remember anything, then in the moment, we don't even exist.
F: What can fans expect from your upcoming work in 2023?
RC: Definitely more experiments, more meaning, and possibly my first music video!