We were fortunate enough to catch up with NAKED FACE following the superb release of ‘Eyes In Love’. Enjoy the full interview below!

How did you first get into music?

Steve Slik: My journey into the world of music began at the age of four when my father first introduced me to the keyboard. This early exposure to music ignited a passion within me that led me to commence classical piano and contemporary guitar lessons at the age of five.

Since then, I have been on a continuous journey of musical discovery, delving into various genres and styles to find my own unique voice as a musician. Music has been an integral part of my life ever since, providing me with a constant source of joy, inspiration, and creativity.

Who influenced your brilliant latest release, ‘Eyes In Love’?

Apart from my love for dance music, my life experiences have been a major source of inspiration for my music. The more I delve into it, the more I realize that my music is autobiographical. Every song, beat and melody is a reflection of my personal journey and carries emotions and memories that are unique to me. By tapping into this well of inspiration, I create music that is not only authentic but also deeply meaningful to me.

‘Eyes In Love’ is a great electronic-pop track release; what draws you to the genre?

What draws me to the genre of electro-pop is my deep-seated passion for dance music, which spans decades from the 70s to the present day. Electro-pop, in particular, has always resonated with me on a personal level, evoking emotions and sensations that are difficult to put into words. The genre’s unique blend of electronic beats and pop melodies creates a sound that is both infectious and uplifting, making it the perfect medium for me to express myself as an artist.

What’s the music scene like in Melbourne in 2023?

The music scene in Melbourne in 2023 is a multifaceted and ever-evolving landscape, influenced by a range of factors, including technological advancements, shifting cultural attitudes, and the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. While there are certainly challenges facing the industry, such as a prevalence of rock and indie bands attempting to rehash music that has already been done before, we remain optimistic about the future of music in this city.

One of the most significant challenges facing the music scene in Melbourne is the decline of live performances, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. As musicians, we recognize the importance of live shows in fostering a sense of community and shared experience, and we are committed to doing our part to revitalize this aspect of the industry. By creating our own movement and bringing people together through the power of music, we hope to inspire others to do the same and breathe new life into the local music scene.

What motivates you to make music?

Our love of music motivates us! As musicians, we are driven by a deep passion for music and a desire to create something meaningful and authentic. Music has the power to connect people on a deep, emotional level, and we believe that there is nothing more rewarding than sharing our music with others and seeing the impact that it can have.

Moreover, music can inspire and uplift people, and we believe that it is our responsibility as artists to use our platform to make a positive impact in the world. Whether it is through writing songs that address important social issues or using our music to bring people together, we are constantly seeking new ways to make a difference through our music.

Ultimately, our love of music is what motivates us to create, perform, and share our work with others. We believe that music has the power to change lives, and we are committed to using our talents to make a positive impact in the world.

If you could open for any artist/band, who would it be?

As a musician, one of the greatest honours is to share the stage with artists who have inspired and influenced your work. Two artists that we would love to open for are Twenty-One Pilots and The Weeknd.

Both Twenty-One Pilots and The Weeknd have made a significant impact on the music industry with their unique sound, captivating performances, and innovative approach to music. Their ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level is truly inspiring, and we believe that opening for them would be an incredible opportunity to showcase our own music and connect with new fans.

Moreover, opening for these artists would provide an opportunity to learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights into the music industry. As emerging artists, we are constantly seeking new ways to improve our craft and connect with audiences. We believe that opening for Twenty-One Pilots and The Weeknd would be an invaluable experience that would help us to grow as an artist.

What is your biggest mistake in the music industry so far?

In retrospect, one of the most significant mistakes we made in the music industry was not exploring the world of electro-pop earlier. While we have always had a deep love for rock music, we found ourselves held back by a series of uncommitted musicians and band members who were riddled with insecurity, doubt, toxicity, and negativity.

Over the course of several years, we underwent an extensive audition process involving hundreds of potential members and experienced numerous changes in our lineup and permanent members. However, the departure of the aforementioned individuals was a necessary and transformative moment for us as a band. It unburdened us and empowered us to explore the sounds and styles that truly resonated with us as artists, and to create in an environment free from toxicity and negativity

This realization was a valuable learning experience and has taught us the importance of staying true to ourselves and our artistic vision. As we move forward in our careers, we are excited to continue exploring the world of electro-pop and dance and to share our passion for these genres with audiences around the world.

Ultimately, we believe that success in the music industry depends on staying true to oneself and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share one’s passion and commitment. While it can be difficult to let go of old relationships, it is essential to do so to create space for new, positive experiences to come into one’s life. We are grateful for the lessons we have learned and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

What are your other passions aside from music?

As a band, we are constantly seeking to improve and grow in our craft. While we have a deep love for music, we also have diverse interests and passions outside of our work as musicians.

I (Steve Slik) am an avid gamer and love spending time playing Xbox. I am also a passionate Manchester United fan and enjoy following football (soccer). In addition to these hobbies, I love building with Legos, watching movies and TV shows, and I am a proud pet owner.

Luke, our bassist, is also a man of many passions. He is an avid car enthusiast and loves building, collecting, and driving cars. He has a particular interest in classic cars and is always on the lookout for his next project. Like me, Luke is also a passionate gamer and enjoys playing and following esports.

While our passions outside of music may seem unrelated to our work as musicians, they provide us with inspiration and new ideas for our creative work. We believe that having diverse interests and hobbies is essential for personal growth and development, and we are constantly seeking to expand our knowledge and experiences.

If you’re interested in learning more about our passions and interests, we invite you to check out our social media pages and follow along on our journey as musicians and individuals.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

As independent musicians, we have experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the competitive music industry, which is largely controlled by major record labels. When asked what we would change about the music industry, we believe that it is crucial for artists to have more accessibility to radio stations and various platforms that are still controlled by major record labels.

While the music industry has certainly evolved with the rise of digital platforms, it remains difficult for independent artists to gain exposure and reach new audiences, particularly without the support of major record labels. As a result, many talented artists struggle to break into the industry and achieve the recognition they deserve.

We believe that the music industry should be more inclusive and provide equal opportunities for all artists to showcase their work and connect with fans. This could be achieved through increased support for independent radio stations and other platforms that are more accessible to independent artists.

Despite the challenges of the music industry, we remain dedicated to our craft and committed to creating meaningful and authentic music. I believe that with hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck, independent artists can achieve success and make a lasting impact in the industry.

What sets you apart from other artists?

Our unique sound, commitment to authenticity, and not sounding like everyone else distinguishes us from other artists. We write songs and lyrics that are true to ourselves, which connect to our audience and resonate with people.

What is the best music advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I was ever given was from Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s. He said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of good old persistence”. This advice has stuck with me and reminds me that success requires hard work, determination, and a never give up attitude.

What new music are you listening to at the moment?

Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of new dance hits and Twenty-One Pilots lately. I’m really excited about discovering new music and expanding my musical horizons. These artists have such great energy and creativity, and I love how their music makes me feel. It’s been a great way to add some excitement and variety to my daily routine.

What musical plans do you have for the next two years?

As a band, our primary goal is to share our music with as many people as possible and connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. To achieve this, we are constantly seeking new opportunities to expand our reach and share our work with new audiences.

One of our main priorities is to release as much unreleased material as possible. We believe that this is an important way to connect with fans and build a deeper relationship with our audience. By sharing our work in its raw and unfiltered form, we hope to provide fans with a more intimate and authentic look at our creative process and the stories behind our music.

In addition to releasing new material, we are also committed to touring overseas and exploring new parts of the world. As a band, we believe that it is important to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds and to use music as a way to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding and unity.

Finally, we are passionate about spreading the Naked Face movement and using our music to inspire others to embrace their true selves and live authentically. Through our music and our message, we hope to empower others to be proud of who they are and to embrace their unique identity and perspective.

Overall, our goal as a band is to use our music to make a positive impact in the world and to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. Whether through releasing new material, touring overseas, or spreading the Naked Face movement, we are committed to using our platform to make a difference and inspire others to be their best selves.

FVMusicBlog April 2023

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