Neon Owl Interview with Thracian + Exclusive Release

Vik a.k.a. Thracian does it all from teaching music, production, DJing, vlogging, to even developing his own app. He left the construction industry years ago to pursue his passion in music and entrepreneurship, and never looked back. If you have not checked out the guestmix he did for Neon Owl Radio this past Monday, make sure you visit us on Soundcloud. We are also super excited to exclusively release his latest single, “How Does It Feel” as a free download for you all! You can’t not dance to this one!

www.thracian.co/
www.twitter.com/thracianmusic
www.youtube.com/thracianmusic
www.instagram.com/thracianofficial

What are you grateful for in this moment?

The opportunities that open up for me because of the handwork that I’ve put in to create them.

Where did the name Thracian come from?

I’m from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It’s one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world and it’s founders were the Thracian tribes. They’re ancient warriors like the Romans and Spartans, etc., so I stole their name.

You do a ton with music outside of producing. Tell us a little bit about that.

Well I DJ from time to time, give private lessons, teach classes, make music for videos, master for others, and a bunch of other shit I can’t think of. It sounds like I’m all over the place but I worked really hard on having laser focus, so when it’s time to work I can execute very quickly.

It’s not easy making money in the music industry. How did you find your niche and figure a way to do what you love while supporting yourself? What kind of advice for you have for people who haven’t figured that out yet?

I was working as a construction worker, it was total shit, so I got really sick of it and quit. That forced me to utilize all of my time to the fullest. I walked around and hit up random lounges, bars, and clubs until a week after I landed a residency at a local spot which paid me the same amount to DJ two nights a week as my construction job. I was very happy but I knew it probably wouldn’t last (spoiler: it didn’t) so I continued trying new outlets and got into teaching. For people trying to figure how to make a living…trust your gut, trust your taste, world really hard, work harder, keep working, always strive to be better, don’t settle, learn to take criticism and use it to become better, and always network. You’d be surprised how many people (in any industry) are friendly and will help you as long as they see that you want to help yourself and you are specializing in a skill that they can help you with. Also, don’t be a creep when you talk to people.

For those that are not familiar with your music, how would you describe it to them?

Groovy clubby big room, a bit experimental, but mostly it sounds like the way I was feeling at the moment I made it, so it varies from song to song.

What has been your favorite track produced up to date and why?

It’s an unfinished track but that’s always the case. My favorite song is always the one I’m working on right now because if I’m not getting better with every single track I make then I’m doing something wrong.

Favorite collab or artists you’re hoping to work with in the future?

I’d love to collab with Kryder and Sia.

Who is on your “to watch” list as far as up and coming artists?

My buddy Ben Phipps, he’s a fucking monster and I’m a huge fan of his music.

I think it’s really awesome that you are working on an app right now, totally unrelated to music. I know that you can’t reveal too much, but I admire the fact that you are not confined to one specific industry. Have you always been entrepreneurial? Do you think it’s important for artists to have other passions and skills outside of their music?

Yes, I’m a problem solver by nature, that is why I’m self taught in everything I do and my brain is constantly coming up with better ways to do things. I think it’s very important to listen to yourself and know when to do what. I’m either working or learning and I jump around to my different “occupations” all the time. If artists have other passions they shouldn’t squash them to only work on their “biggest” passion which is music. Eventually they will burn out and wind up hating it. But if they dedicate the time to keep their brain engaged with different tasks that will enable them to be more creative and become better at each one. I believe every person is creative but society has taught us that only certain forms are considered art while others are not, which is total bullshit. That creates unhappy people who only do things for money. The first question you should ask yourself before starting anything that will take up valuable time is “would I do this if it made me no money from it?” If you answer yes, then go ahead, you’re doing it for the proper reason which is because you have the passion for it. So yes, if you’re passionate for more than one thing, go ahead and do it.

What are some of your other hobbies?

Taking really long walks, reading, gardening, cinematography, and cooking.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

Amsterdam, with my wife and dog.

What is something that the music industry and the world could use more or less of right now?

Cowbell. Seriously though, we need people to think critically, use common sense and be better educated.

You just got started with vlogging. Tell us what we can expect from your channel and where we should follow you.

Yeah it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and since I didn’t have enough challenges to deal with, I decided to throw that into the mix because, why not. My vlogs are about all the different shit that I get myself into (I recently got invited by NASA to experience a rocket launch), the places I visit, making music, my company and building our app, etc. Give it a shot and sub – https://www.youtube.com/c/thracianmusic

Which other social media platform are you addicted to, and what’s the best way for your fans to reach you?

Twitter is definitely my favorite but I respond everywhere pretty quickly.

You just did an epic guestmix for Neon Owl. When can we expect the new music to be officially released?

Thank you very much! The new tracks will be out very soon.

At Neon Owl, we are all about connecting artists and fans to help charities around the world. Is there a specific cause that is close to your heart?

Yes two actually…we need to act as one, stop polluting our planet and fight man made climate change, it’s the number one problem that needs our attention. Nothing else is important if that spirals out of control. And I will also be instrumental to ending animal suffering. I just rescued a pigeon…watch the vlog