INSPECTING: ANKOU.

Introducing a new editorial series between us and the artists we love.

New-gen sonic darksmith, based in Poland, graduate of many murked academies – Ankou has dedicated his latest release to the ideas and complexities of fate… And across the four track Inspected EP debut ‘Fatum’ he maps out a whole new path before our very ears in the process..

1. Tell us everything there is to know about your new EP “Fatum”

I should probably start with the backstory of the name and explain what fatum is. In Greek mythology it is a personification of an inevitable, irreversible fate. The irrevocable will of the gods over which no one can influence. The fate of man limited the scope of his free will, directing the effects of actions in only one, disastrous direction. It was the direct cause of his final defeat and tragedy.

I started making this EP about a year ago, starting with the title track. I knew I wanted it to be heavy but I wanted to give it a soul. Usually when I start a project like that I collect different ideas but in order to glue them together and make them coherent I need a solid narrative background. I had a concept in my head that was based on an idea of inertia states which can be understood as a physical phenomenon but also as a spiritual event of going out of your body. It was a long journey and that idea has changed during the creating process. Instead of inertia states, the EP focused on fate. 

‘Amorphous’ was originally meant to be an outro of my EP because of its narration but it was replaced by ‘Tears In Rain’ which is an emotional finale of the whole project. The track is inspired by Rutger Hauer’s improvised monologue from the originalBlade Runner.I thought that the idea of replicants fleeing their destiny suited the main concept of my EP very well. ‘Ghostly’ was my first attempt at making UK Garage and two-step Breakbeat kind of stuff but you can be sure to hear more of it in the future.

There are a lot of things that helped me find the direction, motivation and inspiration to make this project happen but I definitely have to mention the support of my friends here.

2. What’s the most useful piece of equipment or software in your musical toolkit?

I use quite a lot of stuff so it’s not an easy one!

Although, I undoubtedly have to choose my headphones - Sennheiser HD 650. They are my portable studio and making music would be impossible for me without them. Currently, I live in two cities. I travel all the time between my hometown and Wrocław where I study. 

3. Where does the name Ankou spring from?

I was trying to come up with an alias that would suit the vision of my new project. I must tell you that I’m terrible at coming up with names. 

I have always been interested in myths and beliefs. I found a website with a list of demons and creatures in all cultures. That’s how I found the name Ankou. It refers to a mythological servant of death in Breton, Cornish, Welsh and Norman folklore. It’s often confused with the personification of death. I am also asked quite frequently if my name refers to RuneScape but it’s not that.

Ankou generally appears as a skeleton or sometimes as a shadow. He’s usually wearing a black robe and a large hat.He wields a scythe and is said to sit atop a cart for collecting the dead, or to drive a large, black coach pulled by four black horses and accompanied by two ghostly figures on foot.

4. What’s your most played song this year?

It’s hard to tell because I listen to loads of music during one year.

I would probably say “Petrichor” by Tek Genesis & Quiet Bison. It is such an amazing track mixing energy, melody, sound design and groove. It’s reminiscent of Flume vibes which is an enormous advantage because I’ve been a huge fan of his latest work. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Gyrofield this year, her sound is so fresh!

5. What obsessions do you explore in your spare time?

I love watching movies. This is a huge source of inspiration for me. I’m attached to good stories but the atmosphere and the general vibe is the most important for me. I’m a big fan of horrors, especially so-called new wave horrors.The Witch: A New England Folktaleby Robert Eggers is one of my favourite movies of all time and I cannot wait for his new workThe Northman.Generally I really enjoy independent film and I think we should pay more attention to lesser known creators. 

In addition to movies I play a lot of video games and I think it’s also a great source of inspiration. A lot of my music was inspired by the work of Hidetaka Miyazaki. I’m a bigDark Soulsnerd andBloodborneis my favourite game of all time.

Also I need to mention skateboarding but I haven’t been doing it that much lately.

6. What is something that you believe that other people think is insane?

We should avoid humanity and return to monke, no doubt about it.

7. If you could merge 2-3 musicians/artists into one super musician/artist, who would you choose?

Flying Lotus, Burial & Aphex Twin would be an interesting combination. Would love to hear it one day!