An interview with SCETI

Latvian Alisa Scetinina, also known as Gaisma, is joining Rework for an exciting new collaboration project, SCETI. They make their debut on the Exlove label with a fantastic four-track synthesized disco EP.

Scetinina is a former ballet dancer at the Stuttgarter Ballet, and now an accomplished vocalist. She leads this powerful new team produced by Playhouse and Exlove artists Rework AKA Daniel Varga and Michael Kuebler. Between them, they create a unique vibe that runs along the lines between disco, new wave, indie, electro, and synthpop. They do it with classic synths, minimal drum machine patterns, and dreamy voices like soundscapes from Alisa. We do not know where to record her latest work, as she is able to navigate between various genres with ease and mastery. ‘Feel Alive’ is probably her most honest and eclectic retro-futuristic electronic album to date. This latest work, more narrative and cinematographic, invites us to enjoy it both at home and on the dance floor.

We have had the pleasure of speaking with Sceti, and this has been the result.

Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from / how did you get into music? Was it all internet based?

We are all based in Stuttgart, Germany, but i originally come from Latvia. I started playing piano, when i was around 6 years old, as well as doing acting, singing and dancing classes. I guess it was all connected to the music.I guess internet does play a role, but i think i can answer for all of us, that jamming with friends and all that jazz

Who have been your main inspirations (both musical and in “life”)? And how have they affected your sound?

I guess there are quite a few things, and people that played a big influence in my life.  I enjoy very broad spectrum of music, and sound in general just fascinates and motivates me. Amy Winehouse, Mary J Blige, Sonja Moonear,  many House and soul Producers, rappers like Eminem and Snoop Dog, and many others artists from the the r&b and rap scene.

How would you define your sound?

We love to produce a lot of different sounds and genres, but i guess there are some bouncy, groovy and soul influenced elements in our music.
With Sceti we are influenced by 80s synthpop, disco and new wave bands. I love writing lyrics that pop into my mind and find a perfect home (track) for them.

How has your sound evolved so far?

I actually started with classical music when i was around seven years old, and  got my first guitar with fourteen. I guess there where two tipping points. Then moment when i discovered Garage Band for myself. First on Ipad and then on computer. I did switch to Logic now but that was my introduction into the DAW world. I did use it though mostly for the recordings and mixing, since my second point is – falling in love with the Analog Music World. I love producing music with  my “ Team Members”. I even have short names for them like – Electribe, is my Tribe, my Roland Synth – Synthia and so on…

What can you tell us about your last job? What inspired you? What do you want to convey?

Before i started working in the Restaurant, little delicacy shop, and having some other little jobs on my side, i was dancing in the Theater. It was a very exciting time, being on stage, getting into the roles, touring to Asia and much more. My inspiration is  life itself, sometimes it is  hard for me to understand where exactly it is coming from. But when i feel that flow, all i need to do is ride it .We are constantly bombarded with so much data in our daily lives, and much of thinking happens unconsciously.

What can you tell us about each song that makes up your latest work? What is hidden behind?

With “ Feel Alive” this energy of everything being in the right place, and also the connection with nature and life around us. Just being present now and here, and having a good time. Being happy with ourselves and the world around us.

Dancing All Alone – is when you are waiting for the other person to  change, because you believe in them, and u can’t let go of this picture or illusion of how it could be.

Sweet Sour – is  about a fruit of unhonest relationship. When you catch someone cheating, and then listen to their nonsense and things with which they come up with to cover their ass.

It’s Not A Goodbye – is quite different song comparing to the rest of the EP. It is a about a young, bold couple, and the end of their beautiful romance.  They go their own ways after their relationship ends, but the connection and love between them will never fade.

How are you living the current situation because of COVID? Has your work affected you a lot? Do you think there is hope? I feel like the underground scene will continue to persist.

I did need to change my job, since the Restaurant was closed for some time, and i landed in a beautiful little shop where i work now. I think it is okey times to loose hope, to then find it again in a different place. I believe in power of people, love, light and sound. I just want everyone around me to live a fulfilling life.

What projects are you working on right now?

My main Project “Gaisma”, which is  supper diverse with it’s  musical style as well as art in a way of performance and video making.
Of course “Sceti” our new exciting disco, new wave, indie, electro and synthpop Project with Rework guys Daniel Varga & Michael Kuebler
from the Exlove Records. I tend to focus  more on the lyrics and the singing, and they on the music. And “Annatomy”  with Michael Worlordsky, which  gravitates toward a darker, acid house sound, filled with lush basslines and heavy beats. Our own productions attempt to be true to our analog jams, capturing the raw energy of the moment. Playing Live and Dj sets, but still didn’t have any official releases.