VLE

Scorpio: So, introduce yourself and your project VLE. Tell us the history of VLE.

~ the Vle ~: I'm just a lone soul making some noise... So, as the story goes, one day a friend of mine heard a few of my songs and encouraged me to let others hear them. It wasn't until many years later, one night in the summer of 2001, while feeling bored and curious, that I decided to put a song up on MP3.com. After receiving a lot of positive feedback and requests for more music, VLE was finally realized. So everything happened and continues to go along as I receive energy from the people.

Scorpio: What do your pseudonym and project name mean?

~ the Vle ~: The letters VLE are taken from the phrase "the eViL onE." Unfortunately, I've come across many frightened people who like to judge me. They see me as this evil, dark individual... and for a while, I started to believe it myself. I began signing the end of my letters with the eViL onE as a sort of sarcastic mockery. So when I first released this music, I decided to just refer to myself as the VLE and called the project VLE. The music is just a reflection of this misinterpretation... the illusion as seen through the eyes of the flesh. In the end, VLE is just a Virtual Listening Experience, nothing more.

Scorpio: Why did you decide to compose your own music? When did it start?

~ the Vle ~: Many years ago, when I bought my first guitar, I began composing my own music. I never took any guitar lessons, so I just tried to make sounds that were pleasing to my ears. I listened to some bands and tried to play along, but would always get bored trying to learn other people's music. So from the beginning, I tried to write my own music because it was the most pleasurable experience for me.

Scorpio: Your last album "Book Of Illusions: Chapter III" got great reviews worldwide. Did you expect such success?

~ the Vle ~: No. I was very shocked by it... I still am. It's very comforting to know that others can look beyond the rough production and find something within the music. I always thought it was almost impossible to get through to people without the glamour and glitz... especially living here in the US. I find that within the realm of music, I'm most honest, at peace, and free. So when I received all this positive feedback, I almost didn't believe it. I mean, it was through this initial positive feedback from the people that I decided to release more and more music and put it on CD. I would have never done this... not with the way the recordings sounded. I think I'm more of a perfectionist, so for me, I can't really listen to the music too much without picking out all the "wrong" things. But I suppose that's what makes it so special — all the truth is there. There's no sugar and spice... just raw expression. And there are tears as well, because I've been through some crazy shit with people dying all around me... I think the people can feel this. So for me, I'm happy when I hear from people who say the music helped them get through some tough times in their lives or inspired them to create music... this is the ultimate reward for me and makes life on this planet just a bit more bearable.

Scorpio: How do you manage to create such diverse music? Where does it come from?

~ the Vle ~: I don't know... I really don't understand how I create; I just know that it's something I have to do. I don't try to concentrate on any one sound. I love all kinds of music and possess a fantastically endless imagination... maybe that has a lot to do with how I approach things musically. VLE music represents the challenging terrain that's developed in the emotional landscape of my life and exists as a vehicle for my own self-expression.

Scorpio: What do you imagine during the composing process?

~ the Vle ~: Basically, I'm trying to get some release through the sounds I put together, so during the composing process I'm thinking mostly about nothing and everything... When I've finished a piece, then I feel more calm and focused.

Scorpio: All three Chapters begin with the track "Kano." Please explain the idea.

~ the Vle ~: Kano is the torch... the candle to light the way through the darkness. It's the path toward opening up the mind, body, and soul to knowledge by joining opposite elements for the creation of new ideas. So, Kano marks the beginning and the end.

Scorpio: The last song on "Book Of Illusions: Chapter III" is titled "I Will Return... 822." Does that mean you're preparing "Book Of Illusions: Chapter IV"? What are your plans for the future?

~ the Vle ~: No, my song titles are never that transparent. The Book of Illusions Trilogy is complete. I have no plans, only hopes and dreams. I hope to release more music as I continue to dream of my death.

Scorpio: What does the number "822" mean?

~ the Vle ~: It's a burial plot number.

Scorpio: Who is the artist behind the wonderful cover artwork?

~ the Vle ~: Christophe Vacher. You can see more of his work here: http://www.vacher.com

Scorpio: Do you often listen to your own music?

~ the Vle ~: No, I can't say that I do. I don't listen to any one kind of music very often because I'm always in search of variety.

Scorpio: What music do you like? What was the last album you listened to?

~ the Vle ~: I like anything that moves me. Greyswan — "Thought-Tormented Minds."

Scorpio: Who, in your opinion, is the godfather of styles like darkwave/ambient?

~ the Vle ~: I'm sorry, but I really couldn't say because I don't know much about the darkwave/ambient style of music or its artists. I'm sure I've heard some music by ambient artists, but I couldn't tell you who they are. I know my music gets put into many different genres, but the truth is I don't really follow the darkwave/ambient style. I am, however, learning more about this music because some VLE fans often bring up different artists in the field.

Scorpio: A lot of one-man projects have been created lately. Why is that? Maybe people are becoming more misanthropic?

~ the Vle ~: I don't know... maybe people just get tired of working with others. It saves time and a lot of energy.

Scorpio: We could say that people got to know you thanks to the internet, and especially the MP3.com site. What role does the internet play in the promotion of a band or music project today?

~ the Vle ~: Well, VLE probably wouldn't exist without the internet. I think the internet is a great way to promote your music. Right now, I use my MP3.com page as my home site, but I hope to open an official VLE website soon. I also have a fan site that was created by the guys behind Infest Zine in Peru, but unfortunately they're no longer updating those pages.

Scorpio: Have you found distributors of your albums in CIS countries or elsewhere?

~ the Vle ~: Yes, you can order my CDs in your region through Stygian Crypt (russia). If you have a PayPal account or credit card, VLE CDs can be purchased here: http://www.geocities.com/thevle/paypalorders.htm or send me an email ([email protected]) to make other arrangements. You can also order my CDs through Corvus Discos (Chile) and Christcrusher Productions (UK), Diskery (Canada).

Scorpio: If someone five or ten years from now proposed re-releasing "The Book Of Illusions" as a box set — all three chapters in one leather box, designed like a book — what would your decision be?

~ the Vle ~: Yes, but I'd rather do it now!! :)

Scorpio: How do you feel about the US military policy? Are you interested in politics?

~ the Vle ~: I don't like some of the decisions they've made and the propaganda lies they continue to spread. Not really, but these days you can't really ignore it, can you?

Scorpio: Final words:

~ the Vle ~: Thanks for all your support and interest in my art. And to all my comrades who are still reading this, I invite you all to explore my Book of Illusions... Play it loud. Hail and Kill!