GENRE-BLENDING ARTIST VIISI IS DELIVERING AN OUTSTANDING NEW EP “EPISODE I: AUTOPHOBIA”
Photography by SJ Spreng
I'm excited to present to you an amazing new artist I recently got introduced to. Genre-bending and abstract musician viisi doesn't know what boundaries are. Moving effortlessly through genres, he's releasing a duet of songs. Episode I: Autophobia contains the melancholic pop anthem "chasing ghosts" with his blazing fast hip-hop tune "na na na".
Diving into viisi’s past, following an introduction to hip hop by his father in his teenage years, Matthew Borley was profoundly influenced by his connection with hip hop's cutting and unapologetic nature. Inspired heavily by Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Tupac, and in search of deeper meanings, viisi descended into the hip-hop rabbit hole. A combination of past, present, and future, viisi is synonymous with the Finnish word for "five".
With his new series Liiminal, viisi challenges the definition of artistry in an entirely new way. Throughout his music, he conveys rich, universal stories of human experiences that have shaped who he is as an artist and as a person. He is unafraid to explore personal experiences like family struggles, falling out with loved ones, career choices, failure, self-worth, etc., with lyrical honesty and unwavering dedication to his craft. Writing about his life and dreams, his visceral approach to his evolution will surely leave anyone stunned.
Episode I: Autophobia starts strong with "chasing ghosts", featuring Chelsea Collins. Is embedded with sublime echoes and almost ghostly reverbs. During their performance, viisi and Collins fuse their vocals making for an explosive rush of emotions. The duo creates an atmosphere of mystery that gradually builds until the end of the song. The combination of their voices creates an unforgettable, haunting sound that builds until the song's climax. viisi and Collins’ musical chemistry is palpable, with their vocals blending together in impeccable harmony, resulting in an utterly captivating and mesmerizing experience. The track serves as an excellent opener for Episode I setting the tone for what's to come. viisi admits “chasing ghosts is a turning point in my career. It represents my dedication to keep pushing myself as an artist… we made a beautiful song that perfectly represents our personal struggles with our own relationships falling apart.”
He then follows with "na na na" a lightning-charged rap melody. This is when he shows us what's truly capable of. He switches styles and tempos throughout the song, showcasing his versatility and skill as an artist. He seamlessly transitions from rap to singing and back seamlessly. viisi is aiming high and warns other rappers of his immense ambitions.
“Episode I of this creative project is a significant step in a larger world I have been building during a period of both personal and artistic growth. My aim with this project is to invite others to relate to each episode/ story and become completely immersed in places of my vulnerability.” - viisi
Episode I: Autophobia represents his life experiences, and emotions, and showcases the incredible range of his talent. By pairing both of these tracks together, he creates something truly unforgettable. The combination of the two tracks creates an emotional journey that leaves the listener feeling connected to the message that he is trying to convey. He masterfully weaves together the two tracks to create something unique and powerful. His skill and artistry are undeniable. Anyone who loves amazing music should follow viisi closely, I'm sure I'll do it. Thanks for reading, until next time.
Story by Armando Vera