INTERVIEW: Soviet Dropout releases new album

Based in Tallahassee, Soviet Dropout is the musical project of Ukrainian-American producer Alexandra Naparstek, who seamlessly blends retro and futuristic influences to take listeners on a sonic journey through their search for identity, truth and belonging. Their latest album, don’t forget about me, dives into profound themes of grief, gender identity, experimentalism and family, offering a collection of songs that challenge traditional structures and immerses the listener in a deeply personal and evocative musical experience.

From the outset, it is clear that Soviet Dropout’s don’t forget about me is an album of raw and highly original sonic exploration. Opening with the avant-garde tones of “drain,” the album immediately captivates with its crunchy percussive textures, intricate synth layers and intimate vocals. The title track, “don’t forget about me,” continues the mesmerising journey, pairing glitching beats with piquant synth tones to create a kaleidoscopic soundscape that brims with haunting atmosphere and shifting rhythms.

Throughout the album, Soviet Dropout masterfully crafts a sonic landscape that combines dream pop and dark wave elements with their unique experimental style. Each track tells a story, inviting the listener into the artist’s inner psyche, with the incorporation of different cultures and languages in the songs further wrapping the listener in Soviet Dropout’s multifaceted world.

Songs like “residue” showcase Soviet Dropout’s ability to fuse gentle twanging guitar chords with hushed vocals, gradually building up to a buzzing synth-driven crescendo. The evolving sonic landscape of the track mirrors the concept of residue, where everyday objects trigger memories of past experiences. “woman, i” stands out with its driving drum and bass-style beat and ethereal synth tapestry, capturing the artist’s exploration of gender identity and the disconnect from femininity.

As the album reaches its finale with “so much more,” Soviet Dropout delivers a spacey and experimental electronic outing that pushes the boundaries of sound. A flurry of synths dances over a subtly snapping beat, creating a hypnotic atmosphere, while the artist’s otherworldly vocal leads weave their way above, crafting a truly unique and captivating conclusion to this groundbreaking album.

don’t forget about me is work of art that’s at once challenging and enjoyable, showcasing Soviet Dropout’s exceptional talent and unique vision. With its fusion of dream pop and dark wave elements, experimental sounds and deeply personal lyrics, Soviet Dropout’s ability to combine innovation with raw vulnerability creates a musical experience that is truly captivating and unforgettable.

We caught up with Soviet Dropout to find out more about their musical journey so far, their new album don’t forget about me and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Soviet Dropout below.

Hey Soviet Dropout, how’s things?

Hey! Everything is going well. I can’t complain.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Probably Lady Gaga or Kesha. When I was little, I was obsessed with both (and still am). I even had a fanpage for Kesha in middle school. I just saw these strong, super-talented women be their unabashed selves and realized I could do that too. Both women instilled the power of self-expression and courage from a very young age.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

When I was in middle school I would play around with Garageband on my family’s computer. I remember showing my dad some of my songs and he was so excited that he told me to show my older cousin who is a musician as well. I had instruments all my life, from harmonicas to keyboards to guitars so I have always been messing around.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Currently I am very inspired by Aphex Twin and Grimes, but I’ve also been listening to a lot of Radiohead and Issy Wood. It’s very important to me to get inspiration from a bunch of different artists and genres because who knows what techniques I could be missing out on.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I am a literature major and a biology minor, so I draw a lot of inspiration from science and literary theory. My mom was an art collector so I also grew up with art appreciation which definitely seeps into my music. My album “don’t forget about me” has two songs inspired by art: “woman, i” is inspired by Willem de Kooning’s painting of the same title, and “wheredowecomefrom” is inspired by Paul Gauguin’s painting “Where Do Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?”

What do you love about your local music scene?

My local music scene is very influenced by college kids and artists, so it’s nice to see a blend of punk music with the synth wave or hip-hop scene. I like that everyone is themselves and doesn’t care about numbers or popularity. I feel as though many communities build this sense of competition but I don’t find that in my local scene. We’re all just artists having fun.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Ideally listeners should sit down with my music by themselves or with one or two other people. I don’t think I make music for big crowds—it’s a very solitary experience. I often say that my music should be listened to at night, specifically late at night, with a cigarette or whatever vice suits you. My music is primarily made late at night, it is only fitting to be listened to at the same hours. Maybe in a car or dimly lit room. Wherever the listener likes to be pensive.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

My sound has always been synth-heavy, but as I’ve developed as an artist I’ve become more knowledgeable about sound design and intention. I’ve always wanted to make sounds that are unnerving or odd, something that someone hasn’t really heard yet in a song, and something that sonically emulates the emotions present. I was trained as a poet for many years so I incorporate poetic technique and literary theory into what I make as well. No sound or break is done without intention, much like white space or enjambment in poetry.

As a self-taught musician and producer, how do you think that influences you crafting a unique sound?

Since I’m self-taught I’ve had to really rely on my ears and myself. I think it’s cool that people get taught by professionals, but if you really want to make your sound you should learn things by yourself. So much of it is trial and error and trusting your gut. Because I have never been formally taught, I make what I want and don’t feel pressured to impress anyone or get good feedback. I don’t think about music theory or what sounds pretty or what will give me that “big break”. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to impress teachers and other figures, but at the end of the day, I report to myself. Everything is uniquely me, from my posture to arrangement decisions to experimental sounds. If anything, being self-taught has made me become more experimental and unafraid to create something different.

How did you find making your new album ‘don’t forget about me’?

I’ll be honest—I made the album during a real manic episode. I don’t really remember how I made a lot of it but I know I was on my floor for most of it. I just wanted to create something I was proud of and also get out all the energy within me. It was very rushed and was uploaded and reuploaded. But now I can look back and say the process was very cathartic. I’d even say it helped pull me out of my episode.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

“don’t forget about me” is meant to creep inside your brain and stay there when you’re not paying attention, hence the title. I am a very existential person and I wanted this album to reflect that as well as all the different identities and niches I’m part of. There’s my mom speaking Greek and me singing in Russian, there are purely instrumental tracks and more traditional songs. Basically, it’s all over the place—much like myself. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could make a full project and show other small producers that they can do it too. You don’t need to go to a fancy school or have fancy equipment or major connections to make great art, you just have to find the courage to do so. I learned to trust myself and tune out others.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Grimes. Like…a lot. I’ve also been super into Saâda Bonaire and Machine Girl.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

You can make your art with what you have, just do it and who cares what people think. You made something and no one can take that away from you. Be proud!

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I haven’t done any live performances yet. I’m a bit scared to honestly.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

My dream festival would be in Athens, Greece because my mom is from there and I just love that city. I would love to have Lady Gaga, Arca, and probably Fiona Apple. It would be a very interesting group.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Make your art and just say “f-ck it”. Put it out there, you have nothing to lose. And that goes with any and all types of art, whether it be music, writing, visual, or film—life is too short to be afraid to be seen or heard. And if some people don’t like it, who cares? I want the world to be full of art and expression, ranging from commercial to avant-garde, and I want more people to be confident in their creations. So, if you need a push, this is that push. Just go out and do it.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

2023 has been very weird for me creatively. I’ve released two projects and I’m working on more. I would like to make a visualizer for at least one of my songs and play around with the world I’ve created. Perhaps I’ll ask to do a gig, but I need to muster up the courage to do so. As always, I will be creating and creating and sharing and sharing.

Listen to don’t forget about me below