What was the inspiration behind “Верланг”?
‘Верланг’ is the Russian transliteration we chose for the name ‘Verlang’.
The song is about a girl I met on my way to a festival in São Paulo. Her name was Paula Verlang. We met and, inspired by her, I decided to write a tribute that captured the mood I could feel in her heart.
So, after writing the song, I decided to send it to her. Prophetic Psychosis received her approval, and with the green light, we decided to honor her. Meeting her gave me encouragement at that moment, which reflected in our creative process, unconsciously.
We had penetrated a musical variant that was dormant, but it would serve to amalgamate our post-4th revolution ‘psychosis’. Our interaction with the city’s nocturnal momentum absorbed what came from the ether, permeating our psyche. The contemporaneity we carried shaped the texture with acid, nostalgia, electricity, and impetus.
How did you decide on the unique title and its meaning?
Contrary to what some think, Верланг is not a French or German slang term. It’s a Cyrillic transliteration of ‘Verlang’. The intention was to honor a very dear person. Although uncommon here in Brazil, it’s a surname with Germanic roots from the 16th century.
What was your approach to the song’s minimalist production?
We considered a simple approach. You’re right to mention minimalism. That’s exactly what we were looking for. Something minimalist that expressed essence instead of complexity.
The connection with art should be immediate, and complexity can obstruct that relationship. The openness to highlight the most important details of the verses is paramount. The idea was to highlight, in a minimalist way, the inner essence put to the test.
Which part of the song do you feel is most personal to you?
I believe that ‘Verlang’ can sound personal, yes. But there’s something more. It has something universal in its details. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
It’s something we’re all destined for, overcoming challenges at some point during our journey. I identify with the process of overcoming, of triumphing over any challenge confidently, without doubting oneself. Overcoming oneself is something I consider inspiring and personal in “Verlang” and in a universal way.
How do you hope listeners connect with “Verlang”?
It’s natural that listeners are searching for something. Especially something they identify with. For those who seek meaning in their perceptions, I hope they are open to reflecting on the new times.
There’s a lot of distraction, and particularly, my friends and I, when we hear something unique, feel a certain spark with the power to inspire us or make us think.
We believe we won’t be as well understood by talking about the meanings that give sense to our lives. We believe the best experience in our lives is feeling something that gives us meaning, purpose, and sharper perception. Life is much better when we discover and live this.
We hope listeners will be courageous enough to connect with themselves first, for a better connection with what they seek in their lives, when all that matters are new connections and new meanings.