Countdown to Epizode Festival in 4 weeks! Electric Soul had a chance to talk to the General Producer of Epizode, Tyoma, and discuss on his role, vision, and aspiration to the upcoming techno festival in Vietnam. Can’t wait for it? You may want to check out their Warm Up Party in Social Room this weekend for a little preview!

TYOMA is the new incarnation of experienced electronic artist and producer Artem Kharchenko, also known for his previous creative endeavors as R-Tem and as part of Kooqla. In 2005, Artem became one of the first dance producers from Russia to receive widespread international recognition and acclaim. Being a perfectionist, he prepares each DJ-set with great care. TYOMA prefers to play vinyl and has a big collection of records, so each of his set is a new musical journey. TYOMA’s musical variety is almost unlimited – he can easily mix atmospheric ambient and old school drum & bass, even though his favorites are techno and house music.

Q1. As the General Producer of Epizode, what do you contribute to the festival?

A: I believe that the most important contribution to the Epizode, is leading the project team. All ideas materialize from there: from the festival season title, lineup, art objects, and so on – everything begins primarily with the discussion in the team, and then it gets realized.

Q2. How did Epizode get its name?

A: Honestly, I can’t recall how that word came into my mind ? But it was guided by a thought, that the title should be transferred from year to year, and that it should inspire people to play. That’s why, the crowd that’s coming to the festival – are not visitors but actors, and the lineup is a soundtrack. This is much more fun – and Epizode sounds perfect. ?

The main goal of the festival is to create a completely new format of the music festival in the Southeast Asia region, through the form of contemporary art and music. Epizode becomes a one-of-a-kind opportunity for locals and international travelers of the region who are searching for exotics, to participate in the establishment of a modern culture.

Q3. Where do you draw inspiration from?

A: From various things in everyday life. From people, events, visual images – everything that is around – it all brings the daily inspiration. But most importantly – from the energy that you get while working at Epizode, and live every day in a few time zones.

Q4. What was it like putting together the first Epizode Festival 3 years ago?

A: Although the team organized many festivals – Epizode was a massive challenge; new country, an unfamiliar island. It was an experiment – and it was successful. Now, looking at how the number of international attendees exploded in three years – we remember the first Epizode with a smile. ?

Q5. What were some of the early challenges after organizing the past 2 editions?

A: It is difficult to isolate particular challenges. There are millions of small and bigger issues every day. The most important is the ability of our team to quickly and efficiently deal with it, and to carry out a complex project as Epizode is. Overall, Epizode itself is a challenge, as we are creating something that is not common in Asia and therefore not easy to promote. But we are happy to be having amazing local partners, in Asia and worldwide, and we are building this project with their support. We hope to grow together – and we see this process as a two-way street: Epizode grows at the same time as the scene grows – and vice versa.

The 10-days long festival EPIZODE is returning to Phu Quoc Island of Vietnam for the third edition of the international techno music festival from December 28, 2018 to January 8, 2019, with a series of international and regional lineup, as well as inspirational soul-touching program, such as movie nights, open deck session, yoga and creative workshops, Happy Holi and more.

Q6. What are some of the artistic highlights at Epizode this year?

A: I would mark each name in the lineup of 132 artists! In my schedule, I want to be an actor during performances of Agents of time (Live), Craig Richards, Dan Andrei, GOLDIE, Mr. G, Praslesh, Nina Kraviz, Seth Troxler, Young Marco. But this is just my program. I’m sure everyone will make their own unique soundtrack this year.

Q7. If you can give 1 piece of advice to a first-time attendee, what would it be?

A: Try to accept that you will not be able to listen to all the artists. It is simply impossible ? After realizing this fact – just enjoy what is happening at the Epizode beach, and as I said above – write your own script for Epizode 3, filling it with music, characters, and colors.

Big thanks to TYOMA for his precious time and share his thoughts with us! If you haven’t got the tickets to Epizode, you might want to read our previous article “? 8 Reasons why Epizode should be your New Year Destination ??” to be convinced! 

Limited Advance Tickets for EPIZODE are on sales now. Catch the festival Warm Up Party this weekend in Social Room with techno DJ Denis Kaznacheev and Social Room Resident DJ Ocean Lam.

Watch the Official Trailer of Epizode now: