Sarah CVK (SKNOW)
Artist in Residence – 2024
SKNOW is the creative moniker of multi-disciplinary artist Sarah CVK. Her fluid musical style weaves electronic and acoustic fibres that echo the rhythms of the natural world, drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment and its myriad creatures. Heavily influenced by live jams that organically evolve, SKNOW layers sounds and vocals to create more grounded and soothing soundscapes that go against stereotypical dance-floor energy.
How did you first get involved with synths and electronic sound?
My fascination began when I was a boboop. Electronic sound was such a mystery—I wondered about the mechanisms—how did it sound like that?! Later, I met computer DAW-oriented friends who shared their insights. Beloved MESS opened the door to synths! Coming here is like digging down into the roots of electronic music. It’s been great to learn more. Still, there is an element of the inconceivable!
How would you describe the sounds you make today?
Where do you find inspiration, what motivates you?
Inspiration is an environmental conversation. Keeping that relationship firing is important to stay motivated. My day job is an Indigenous Ranger. Working with conservation land management practices that heal country and foster ecosystem health is pivotal to me feeling better too. Healthy country, healthy song!
What’s been one of the most rewarding or satisfying moments of your journey so far?
I’m not here for reward. I’ve asked for many things, and they don’t come easy. But when they do, I celebrate and bring my homies… hehe. Satisfaction comes in acknowledging the prismatic spectrum of musical gifts out there and that genius is not owned. I appreciate when people are generous with each other too. We can all give so much—that’s how we can stay connected. So yeah, finding connection through music has been real!
And the most challenging?
Oh, I’ve seen addiction be the main culprit of disconnection. I have a real sense of teamwork when it comes to music, and I’ve found it hard to stay positive and driven when I see friends and family suffer from addiction. I have even lost family along the way. The challenge is to counteract that pain and carry their essential message of love forward.
Do you have a current ‘go to’ set up at MESS? Any favourite machines or combos that you’re currently digging?
I’m favoring the Tasty Chips Granulator—so much fun to load up your own WAV files and go nuts. Also, the RHODES 77, NINA, Waldorf Quantum, PRO 3, Taal Tauranga Tabla machine, and Dave Smith instruments. Still looking to ground into a ‘go-to.’
Are there any machines in the MESS collection you’ve had your eye on but haven’t tried yet?
If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you first started what would it be?
SKNOW performs at MESS Residents Reveal
Date: Thursday, Aug 7, 2024
Time: Doors at 7pm
Venue: Miscellania
