Pigeon Opinion Featuring an Interview with V.E.N!

Interview with V.E.N!

The title “NOW” immediately evokes a sense of urgency. What inspired you to write a song about living in the present?

I think most of us are caught between the past and the future. The past no longer exists; we rebuild it in our minds, coloring it with frustrations and vague memories. The future sometimes feels like a threat because we can’t control it, and that creates anxiety. Yet we live in the present, and that’s where I try to stay, letting myself go and fighting against the urge to control everything.

There’s a bittersweet tone to the track, yet the rhythm feels upbeat. How did you approach blending those contrasting emotions musically?

I think we all live in a kind of emotional Ferris wheel. That’s what reality looks like. Lately, melodic melancholy seems to be rejected while constant celebration is rewarded, but life is full of gray shades. Accepting that and reflecting it feels healthy, even within a song that blends both emotions.

You mention themes of freedom and reinvention. Are these ideas drawn from personal experiences, observations, or both?

Even if I haven’t lived everything I describe in my lyrics, I always try to look both inward and outward, not to fall into poses or pretend to be someone I’m not. I talk about freedom as being true to oneself, but not from an isolated individualistic view, rather, something shared with others.

The arpeggiated guitars stand out. How did you decide on that particular sound for this song?

At first it was a slow track, just acoustic guitar and maybe some string arrangements. But when I reached the second verse, I changed the direction: I wanted to spin it around with bright arpeggios and a more energetic rhythm. Even though my lyrics sometimes deal with disconnection or isolation, I always end up searching for hope, perhaps too inclined toward the spiritual side.

If you could describe the feeling you want listeners to have after hearing “NOW” in one word, what would it be?

Hope.

Were there any challenges during the recording or production that shaped the final version of the song?

Yes, mainly the shift in concept. It evolved from a more folk-acoustic idea into something electric and dynamic, with a different tone and energy. It was an interesting process, but felt natural in the end.

How do you see “NOW” fitting into the bigger picture of your musical journey or upcoming projects?

It’s an opportunity to reach new listeners. A sample of what can be found in my repertoire. I’m already working on new songs and encourage people to follow me on platforms and social media, it’s essential to recharge energy and keep moving forward.

V.E.N! is a fascinating acronym—Virtual Emotions Network. How does this concept reflect the music and themes of your project?

It somehow defines the world we live in, a global network where emotions travel across the planet in seconds. Yet that constant, sometimes obsessive connection fails to hide that loneliness is one of the great illnesses of our time.

Your sound blends melodic power pop with hints of progressive rock. How do you navigate these different genres when creating a song?

It happens naturally. These are styles that shaped me from the start. I listened to everything, from melodic ‘60s bands to progressive rock, punk, post-punk, and new wave. The song itself tells me what it needs. Sometimes it develops longer structures or rhythmic twists, close to progressive, but the essence of power pop is always there, even in quieter songs.

You’ve cited influences ranging from 60s pop to post-punk. Are there any moments in the music where you feel these influences really shine?

The melodic component clearly comes from the sixties, but the bittersweet or slightly dark atmosphere of some tracks may come from bands like The Sound, which I listened to a lot years ago. That balance between light and shadow allows me to express different states and ideas.

Lyrically, your songs are intimate but also socially aware. How do you balance personal introspection with commentary on the world?

We live both inwardly and outwardly. The external world affects us and brings emotions that eventually turn into songs. I’m interested in the political and social side of things because our lives depend heavily on it. We live in community, and social awareness is essential—the cult of individualism only benefits a few. And everything starts from within. As Novalis said, the true journey is toward the interior.

Pop art and collage imagery are tied to your project’s aesthetic. How important are visuals in conveying V.E.N!’s musical identity?

Since I was a kid, I loved cutting up old magazines and making collages. Eventually I began using them as cover art for each song. I feel comfortable in that visual chaos of colors and contrasts, mixing analog and digital elements. Through those images, I try to show what inspires me, moves me, or what I wish to question, both inside and outside myself.

Can you walk us through your songwriting process—do lyrics come first, or the music, or does it vary?

Almost always the music comes first, then I adapt the lyrics to the melody, though sometimes I look for contrast.

It usually begins with an acoustic guitar. If a song moves me in that pure form, without arrangements yet, I know it has something. From there, I start layering instruments while trying not to lose its original essence.

If you could pick one V.E.N! track to introduce new listeners to your world, which one would it be, and why?

I’d say “Masks and Dangerous Dreams.” It encapsulates the essence of V.E.N!: energetic melodies with lyrics that bridge the intimate and the social.

Thanks to Pigeon Opinion for giving me the opportunity to reach its audience. Greetings to everyone, I hope we meet out there in that Virtual Emotions Network.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out V.E.N! on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist