Q&A: Violet Sands Explore Tech Anxieties and Sentient Streaming Services in New Single "Are You Still Watching"
IN AN AGE WHERE TECHNOLOGY INTERTWINES with every aspect of our lives, Violet Sands' new single "are you still watching?" delves into the eerie possibility of a sentient streaming service. With their latest release, the bicoastal trio—comprising Deidre Muro, David Perlick-Molinari, and Derek Muro—explores the anxieties and alienation of our tech-saturated world.
Drawing inspiration from Y2K-era technological anxieties and influenced by cyberpunk literature, "are you still watching?" blends stark guitars, swirling atmospherics, and skittering drum grooves to evoke a sound reminiscent of Portishead and Massive Attack while maintaining a contemporary resonance. The track, along with its "blue light mix" counterpart, offers a unique sonic experience that mirrors the unsettling nature of our digital dependencies.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Deidre and Derek Muro to discuss the themes behind "are you still watching?", the creative process, and their views on technology’s impact on society. From the song’s evocative title to the band’s genre-bending approach, Violet Sands continues to push the boundaries of electronica, creating music that resonates deeply with listeners navigating the complexities of modern life.
LUNA: "are you still watching?" seems to explore the concept of a sentient streaming service. What inspired this unique theme?
DEIDRE: I was inspired by the name Derek had given the original instrumental demo he made, which was “are you still watching?” I just thought that was an awesome jumping off point for an off-kilter love song, so we ran with it.
LUNA: The song evokes Y2K-era technological anxieties. Were there any specific films, books, or cultural moments that influenced this feeling?
DEIDRE: For me, it wasn’t influenced by any specific works, but a more broad take on living through Y2K and the evolution of our current state of technological dependence. I think our brains and our bodies are just struggling to keep up.
DEREK: I recently went back to some Cyberpunk books last year like Neuromancer and Snow Crash. I also hadn't seen the movie Dark City and loved how it was like The Matrix’s arty cousin. They all seemed to have some kind of uneasiness about tech in the future.
LUNA: You describe the sound as "alienated electronica" reminiscent of Portishead and Massive Attack. How did you capture that sound while still maintaining a contemporary feel?
DEREK: We had fun tapping into a few key evocative elements of that sound and time without feeling the need to just copy it 100%. Some of that is production, using drum breaks and effects in certain ways that they would have done then, but a lot is the songwriting - the harmonic choices of that time are in there, and I think a lot comes from Deidre’s melodies and inflections in the way she sings.
LUNA: The "blue light mix" sounds intriguing. Can you tell us more about how it alters the overall mood and atmosphere of the song compared to the original version?
DEREK: The "blue light mix" was an attempt at a faster tempo, more minimal arrangement and a groove reminiscent of UK Garage. I think the tempo and darker groove give it a bit more anxiety & intensity while still being fun to nod your head to.
LUNA: Derek Muro's background includes scoring films and exploring the human connection through music. How did his influence shape the narrative and emotional core of "are you still watching?"
DEREK: I think the flavor of Y2K-era movies in general was an influence here - a friend said that this song sounds like “a montage dipped in acid,” which we love. In these montages you’d hear elements of electronica, dance music and samplers, etc.
LUNA: Beyond the technological anxieties, is there a deeper message or question you're hoping listeners will ponder with this song?
DEIDRE: No, I think the stress and imagination surrounding this area of our lives is deep enough.
DEREK: I feel tech anxieties pretty deeply at this point.
LUNA: Given the song's theme, do you think artificial intelligence will ever become truly sentient, and if so, what are the potential implications?
DEREK: Either completely fine or totally terrifying.
LUNA: You have a history of genre-bending. How does "are you still watching?" fit into your overall sonic palette?
DEREK: I think this song is a step in a darker direction. While we're not giving up the sunnier moods we've created in the past, this is an interesting territory to explore in terms of tone and feels more mature in some way. It was nice to push ourselves and branch out in terms of subject matter and sound.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this upcoming summer season?
DEREK: Gratitude and getting to a beach a few times.
