CRYPTOCHROMA
'I have a profound passion for dystopian, post apocalyptic and scientific themes.'
14/07/2025, Fred GADGET
Name: CRYPTOCHROMA
Genre: Cold Analogue Synth
Residence: St. Niklaas, Belgium
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Why did you choose this name for this musical project?
"CryptoChroma...” It’s the name of a protein buried deep inside every living thing—a tiny timekeeper that listens to blue light and tells us when to sleep, when to wake, when to feel alive. But the protein is getting messed up in a world where the sky’s gone artificial and clocks don’t tick anymore. I guess I took the name because it’s a striking metaphor for what we’ve become—creatures following broken signals, chasing a rhythm that isn’t ours anymore. Imagine we're not synced to nature anymore—And we’re synced to algorithms, surveillance, static and destruction instead.
Members & their role:
As a soloproject I mainly do the writing of the lyrics and music. I'm the kind of DIY musician that feels comfortable in my tiny introverted universe where I have absolute control. Every now and then I escape this universe and collaborate with vocalists.
What's the most important instrument you use in your music and why?
Although I prefer to use analog synths, the DAW is the heart that glues everything together. If I have to choose a synth it would be the MS 101 based on the fabulous Roland SH 101. Often songs start with a jam on this synthesizer for a solid bass line and songs evolve.
Why did you start making music?
As a kid I was fascinated by synthesizers. I had access to a nearby music store in Sint-Niklaas located in a former movie theater where I spent many hours dreaming of getting my own synth one day. Eventually that day came and the fun started. Back in the eighties I played keys in a few bands and always loved the synergy that rose when playing.
Who are your inspirators / musical heroes?
My musical heroes ? Definitely Jim Thirlwell (Scraping Foetus Of The Wheel), Front 242, The Neon Judgement. Logic System, a musical project of Japanese composer and programmer Hideki Matsutake. Just to name some.
Wherefrom do you take get your inspiration to write music?
Things that affect/infect people. I also have a profound passion for dystopian, post apocalyptic and scientific themes.
Which (musical) achievement are you most proud of?
Fernando Wax (Red Maze Records) contacted me a while ago with the opportunity to release a vinyl album. It took quite some time but in the end we released a great album ‘Ominous Clouds’.
What is your most recent release and/or what are you working on right now?
My most recent song ‘Silent Echoes’ will be part of an EP, release date is not yet set. Probably on a typical Bandcamp Friday in the future.
Who would you like to collaborate with?
Rina Pavar, Beta Evers have an amazing voices. Also I would like to be involved one day with someone who plays heavy distorted guitar to record some industrial metal tracks. Maybe under my other moniker Cape Sidereal.
What can we expect from you on the Dark Demo(n)s 2025 event?30 minutes of old school dark-wave, synthetic sorrow, songs with intro’s, ends and contemporary themes in the middle.
More info about the Dark Demo(n)s 2025 concept & Event!
Fred GADGET
14/07/2025
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ENZO KREFT • Dictatorships always fall eventually, because words are more powerful than weapons, and ideas live longer than regimes.
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Other reviews from CRYPTOCHROMA
CRYPTOCHROMA • What interests me are fields of tension: between control and surrender, between the individual and the system, between reality and perception.
