EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW


Known for his high-energy tracks like “Sweat & Blood” and “Masked Rules,” CARV has carved a unique niche within the electronic music scene, blending pulsating beats with a visually enigmatic stage presence. At festivals like Verknipt, where the raw energy of the crowd electrifies the atmosphere, CARV finds a pro- found connection with his audience that transcends the mere act of performance.


Reflecting on his experiences at the festival, CARV shares that every show has been a revelation of the strong energy shared between him and the crowd.


“My sound is a bit unique, but I think that’s what makes me stand out,” he explains.


For CARV, the essence of his performance lies not in adaptation but in authenticity.


“I always just try to pick people up as best I can and transfer the energy.”


This philosophy of remaining true to his sound creates a diverse and engaging experience for the audience, aligning perfectly with Verknipt’s mission of offering something distinct and varied.


In the underground music scene, authenticity often reigns supreme. Artists are expected to dig deep within themselves to deliver not just music, but an experien- ce that resonates on multiple levels. CARV embodies this ethos, refusing to alter his sound to fit conven- tional expectations. This commitment to originality makes his performances a celebration of identity and expression—a dance not just between beats but also between souls.


EMBRACING THE MYSTERY


Adding a layer of mystique to his performances, CARV dons a mask that transforms him from a mere perfor- mer into an enigmatic figure. This choice enhances the connection with the audience at festivals like Verk- nipt, where visual elements are as crucial as the audi- tory experience.


“In my opinion, the mystical atmosphere supports the energetic connection with the crowd,” he reflects.


By obscuring his identity, CARV encourages the au- dience to focus on the music rather than the persona. This approach cultivates an environment where people can lose themselves entirely, liberated from self-com- parison, and allowed to be fully present in the moment. The visually immersive nature of festivals creates a unique backdrop for artistic expression, providing CARV with a canvas that stretches beyond traditional performance limits.


“On stages like Verknipt, it offers me almost limitless possibilities to release my creativity,” he asserts.


It’s this freedom that enables CARV to explore new di- mensions of sound, connecting deeply with his audien- ce as they collectively experience the high stakes of the moment.


A COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE


Being part of Verknipt’s diverse lineup has been a transformative journey for CARV. The festival is not just a platform for individual artists; it is a collective celebration of the underground scene.


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“I am very grateful for the path I have been allowed to take so far, this festival has also played a very big role in this, as the team supported me from the very begin- ning and gave me their trust. So it means a lot to me to be a part of it all. And also to be a part of this lineup, which without question can open doors and allow you to reach more people”.


Festivals serve as a bridge, connecting artists to a broader spectrum of music lovers. This acknowledg- ment reflects the interconnectedness of the music community—how artists uplift one another and how collective experiences shape individual identities. In the fast-paced environment of a festival, CARV approaches his preparation with a spirit of celebration rather than a strict ritual. He acknowledges the pal- pable energy of the team and crowd, which fuels his performance from the outset.


This dynamic environment creates a feedback loop, where the artist and audience coalesce into a singu- lar experience of music and emotion. CARV embraces this, allowing the ambiance, production, and collective energy to guide him.


“During the set, you’re carried by the atmosphere,” he notes,


illustrating how the festival setting elevates the per- formance into something beyond individual control— an exhilarating celebration of sound.


Verknipt is uniquely positioned by a beautiful lake, offering a contrast between the natural world and the industrial sounds of techno. For CARV, the location significantly influences his mood and performance style. He recognizes that different environments evoke distinct emotions, shaping the way he crafts his set.


“There´s a big difference between performing at night in a dark club and during the day at a nice open-air venue. The surroundings alone create different moods. Accordingly, at the Verknipt Festival, which has a very natural and pure environment, I play much more melo- dic, euphoric with a lot of hardness and power, whereas at night in an underground club I would play much dar- ker. So it definitely influences the way I play. But the difference is not that big. You can still hear that it´s me”, he reflects.


At Verknipt, the natural surroundings inspire CARV to explore more melodic and euphoric tones, infused with power and intensity. This exploration of sound is not merely an artistic choice; it is a dialogue between the music and the environment.


In the end, CARV’s journey through the underground techno scene is marked by a profound understanding of connection—both with himself and his audience. His masked persona is more than a gimmick; it is a philosophical approach to music that invites listeners to lose themselves in the experience. As he continues to evolve as an artist, CARV remains committed to his unique sound, fueled by the energy of festivals like Verknipt and the breathtaking beauty of nature that surrounds them.


Text by: Sergio Niño


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