Muse Chronicle

SIMESKY+FRITCH embark on a sonic odyssey with their latest creation, SKALA.02, a mesmerizing blend of retro vibes and symphonic mastery that sets them apart in the musical landscape. What adds an intriguing twist is the geographical separation, one in Belgium and the other in Wales, yet their collaboration transcends borders to produce captivating frequencies. This album emerges from the creative synergy between the Belgium-based UNITED SIMESKY INSTITUTES and the Welsh artist FRITCH, also known as Will Wilkinson and Alex Simesky. FRITCH joins forces with SIMESKY for a nostalgic nod to the synth-pop and new wave sounds of the eighties.

“SIMESKY+FRITCH redefines the essence of a new wave with their symphonically rich offering, SKALA.02, presenting a unique musical comeback that stands out with originality.“

The Journey of SKALA.02 unfolds with the enchanting “Back and Down Again,” a testament to their vocal finesse and a triumphant return to their signature sound. Transitioning seamlessly, “White Lies” immerses the listener in warm synth waves and a rhythmic bassline, creating a tapestry of melancholic beauty.

“Delicate Intricacies” keeps the party alive, showcasing their mastery in maintaining a retro aura through meticulous details in vocal filters and layering.”Colour Running Away” pays homage to 80s synthwave, crafting a groove without percussion and delivering lyrically rich content. SKALA.02 is a testament to their ability to revive and reinvent, promising a nostalgic yet refreshing musical journey for enthusiasts of the genre.

We had a Chance to have a little chat with the artist and here’s how it went-

1. What are the major challenges that you face as a duo while living far from each other?

Will (Fritch): Absolutely awfully synced diaries! And that explains the delay in getting this to you. We would love to be closer to each other, at least I would, we’d take it in turns to crack the whip. But with so far between us and the separate lives we lead…. It can sometimes slow things down a little. Though with my ‘everythingnowpaymeattention’ take on writing, it probably does Alex some good!

But it definitely has upsides to it too. As we bounce our ideas back and forth building ideas and layers into songs, it gives us a space and a breathing room. A step back to think ‘is that part really needed?’ Do I wish we were closer, crammed together in a studio? Oh for sure. All that spark and the synergy bounces. But for now we have what we have and it’s what we learnt first and it doesn’t hinder the excitement of creating. 

2. How was the collective Simesky+Fritch born?

Alex (Simesky): Oh, it was one of those classic serendipitous things! I had contacted Will as I found his awesome Rats On the Run blog and he had the kindness to review my solo albums. One day he offered to collab, it seems that his 80’s extravaganza itch was a bit scratched by my retro vibes. After listening to his mesmerising Fritch records, I was immediately hooked on the voice and artistry, so we were on.

Fast forward a bit and he did such an incredible job on our first song, Back and Down Again – the synergy, how the vocals were so well integrated with the initial instrumental demo… It’s as if they both came from one mind. I still remember the feeling listening to that first demo and I kept that curiosity ever since: what will he find this time?

3. Which released project till date did you have the most fun making?

Will: As for fun I’d say ‘Colour Running Away’. It was the third or fourth song that we wrote and shared and we were just getting to grips with each other. All the nerves and the and nerve-shredding scary of ‘oh man, what if he thinks I just f*cked up his song?’ that was there when we first started working, that was replaced with a new kind of confidence.  

We still never know what to expect from each other, but by this song we knew how to navigate. We’d worked out how to build songs by feel and we weren’t scared to be blunt or suggest. Then when the single took off across countries and airwaves… Oh man, I admit, we were stunned.  

4. It is clear from your up songs that you do not stick to a genre but draw elements from various genres and create your own style. What kind of music do you all generally listen to and get inspiration from?

Alex: Well, it’s true that I could listen to anything from baroque music to synthwave, going through prog rock and instrumental electronic music in between. All in one playlist, perhaps! The record (or rather cassettes and VHS) collection in the family kind of opened up the field of possibilities – the detached, but deeply human, blues infused mysteries of Pink Floyd, the epic instrumental inventiveness of Genesis, the visceral sheer power of Led Zeppelin, the contemplative melancholy of Jean-Michel Jarre, the irresistible groove of Michael Jackson… 

But one artist in particular showed me the power of different styles and that’s Mike Oldfield. The way he combined different genres into one cohesive album, the way he crystallised the essence of a style while always preserving his unique (guitar) voice, it’s a rare feat and such an inspiration. Ultimately, any style is potentially interesting to my ears, as long as the song has some kind of a… soul? And that can manifest in wildly different ways – just listen to Kraftwerk’s ode to the joys of the Autobahn!

5. Your vocal styles are quite unique. What is your mindset while recording a song?

Will: That completely depends on the song, and on the music that Alex sends my way. On the songs that originate from Alex’s ideas, I’m always worried about what I attach to them. I might have lines that have been gathering dust or phrases that have been percolating slowly that I’m eager to put some use. Or maybe a cadence, a chord, a repetition while I’m editing, they might strike up a whole new direction. I always fear dirtying Alex’s original ideas but I trust him, with a vulnerable trust, to tell me if what I add vocal or subject wise is welcome… Or if it’s way oh way off the mark.

So the mindset is wherever the song takes us. And the vocals are as honest as possible. Honed in on the subject, the feel. We have three minutes to make a mood, an environment, a narrative, and a feeling, and if we do it right, make a connection. And that that first listen only comes once. 

And I’m lucky to write music with someone who’s happy for me to explore thoughts and truths around love, death, family, joy, addiction, deontology, sexuality, ambition, or whatever inane other takes my fancy. When it clicks for a song, it just clicks. Then we get lost in the world of that song. 

Catch a muse down here-