EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW


Few events carry the weight of significance as Ver- knipt Festival, a vibrant gathering that not only ce- lebrates hard techno but also fosters the growth of emerging artists. One such talent is Kenzo Meservey, who performs under the moniker Fantasm. Originating from Los Angeles, Fantasm made a striking entrance into the scene in 2023, swiftly positioning himself as a formidable presence within the industrial and rave techno realms.


With an irresistible energy and steadfast dedication to his art, Fantasm has enthralled audiences and earned the admiration of fellow artists, all while highlighting his deep-rooted connection to Verknipt.


For Fantasm, stepping onto the stage at Verknipt was a defining moment in his burgeoning career. Reflecting on his first performance, he shared,


“First time I stepped on that stage, knowing the in- fluence Verknipt has was truly a victory in my way. It was my time to show their crowd that I belong here and to show them who I really am. After playing that first track, I was fired up like never before.”


This sentiment encapsulates not only his excitement but also the deep-seated belief that he has found his place within the techno community. As he prepared for his set, Fantasm felt a mix of joy and responsibi- lity, viewing the event as a battle he was determined to win.


“Going into Verknipt, I felt mostly joy and a big sense of responsibility. It was like I was going to battle, and to win the war, I needed to win this one,” he recounted.


This mindset illustrates his dedication to delivering an unforgettable experience for the audience, under- scoring the importance of engaging with them. Rather than adhering to a rigid setlist, Fantasm chose to re- main flexible, focusing on what felt right in the mo- ment.


“I love to mix whatever feels right and give the best I can, so I went there with just one job: please everyone including myself.”


The festival provided an ideal platform for Fantasm to showcase his unique sound. He aimed to present the most authentic version of himself, which included featuring many of his original tracks alongside some crowd-pleasers.


“Knowing the environment I was going into, I wanted to show the best I could give. The most Fantasm set pos- sible. So naturally a lot of my own tracks with bangers no one has ever heard,” he explained.


This approach to his performance allowed him to crea- te a distinct atmosphere that resonated deeply with the audience. One of the most profound experiences for Fantasm occurred during his set when he felt an intense connection with the crowd.


“Going back, I think that the moments that I really felt in sync with the crowd was when I played my originals and when I closed with a raw style track”.


The opportunity to close the set enabled him to explo- re a range of emotions and energy levels, leading to a powerful exchange between him and the audience. The festival experience became a shared journey, with both the artist and the crowd immersed in the eupho- ric waves of sound.


Fantasm’s journey to Verknipt has roots in his earlier experiences as a raver. He vividly remembers attending the festival for the first time on New Year’s Eve in Eind- hoven.


“Before I even had my first track out, I remember going to Verknipt nye in Eindhoven and I remember seeing all my favorite artists and how they played. This was a huge moment for me because I saw what this techno movement is all about,” he reflected.


This realization of the sense of belonging within the techno community has significantly shaped his iden- tity as an artist.


The energy of the crowd serves as a catalyst for Fan- tasm’s performances. He described the exhilarating fe- eling that comes from sharing this passion with others.


“The crowd is really what pushes me the most. I have so much fun playing alone, but with people enjoying themselves in front of me and giving the energy back, I feel unstoppable,” he stated.


This symbiotic relationship reinforces the idea that performances at Verknipt are not just about the mu- sic; they are about creating lasting memories and sha- red experiences.


Furthermore, Fantasm’s interactions with both establi- shed artists and newcomers have fostered a sense of camaraderie within the techno community. He belie- ves that all artists, regardless of their experience level, share a common bond through their passion for music.


“Being alongside legends and newcomers like me showed me that we don’t have a role to play in anything. We all share one passion, and in the end, we are all hu- mans,” he noted.


This collaborative spirit has inspired him to work har- der and refine his craft. The environment at Verknipt also ignites Fantasm’s creativity, pushing him to eleva- te his performances.


“Playing in this type of environment truly pushes my creativity. I see great artists playing better every day, and that only makes me want to go harder and stronger than before,” he expressed.


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