Social Media Hiatus

Greetings! Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Vítor, an independent music artist and creator of the project NEOVYK, currently residing in Porto, Portugal. At 29 years old, I've been immersed into the world of electronic music for almost a decade. In addition to this creative pursuit, I also delve into digital art, often accompanying my music projects. While my passion for visual art dates back to my childhood, I only truly rediscovered it two years ago, when I made my first attempt to recreate the artwork of my debut album on a physical canvas - and succeeded. Today is Wednesday, May 8, 10:48AM, a couple of weeks before you'll get a chance to read this. I'm reviewing a draft I started writing last evening for this inaugural newsletter. Yesterday was quite nice, mostly spent in my studio. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the entire room. As I sat facing it, gazing into the clear blue sky, little birds flew by while the wind rustled through the tree leaves. Across my apartment, daily life unfolded in the neighboring buildings. Below, most people on park benches were absorbed in their phones and a few others scattered throughout the small park were chatting with friends, walking their pets or simply enjoying nature. I'm trying to write a book, so I'm practicing my descriptive skills. In these quiet moments, my mind wanders, offerering me a chance to reflect, organize and plan the next steps for my creative venture. Interestingly enough, the inspiration for this specific project struck me in that instant. Courage, followed later in the evening. While the concept of writing and the idea of "ITMOA" are not new to me, creating for this particular format is. So, remember when I announced I was taking a break from social media until the end of the year? Quite a bold move in today's world, I know. I decided to hop on the train with those who've chosen to step away from the digital noise and, as cliché as it may sound, embark on a journey of self-discovery. Here I am, five to six months later, launching this newsletter while still in the process of detoxing from those platforms. Just to clarify, YouTube doesn't count, right? Reflecting on this logged off period, it has proven to be a truly valuable experiment, offering me a mixed bag of emotions. Let me explain. While social media has its perks for discovery, networking, sharing life moments and promoting creative work, these past months have solidified my preexisting notions. I've come to acknowledge that its utility in my life was predominantly either a distraction or a promotional tool, and even in the latter capacity, the benefits weren't as significant as I once believed they were. The pressure of validation and high expectations no longer weighs on me as heavily as it once did. Over the years, I've learned to prioritize my own happiness and creative fulfillment above all else. I've consciously reduced my phone usage, often forgetting where it is - which is quite funny when I think about it. With this newfound time, I can focus on what truly matters to me. I've embraced moments of stillness, allowing myself the freedom to simply be. Even on days when I'm not particularly productive, I've come to accept that it's okay to take a step back and just exist without pressure. However, one thing that has left a lasting impression during this period of reflection was the realization that, for me, a creative project isn't complete until it's out there for the world to experience. Analogous to the sentiment I hold towards paintings - I only consider a canvas to be fully finished when it's properly framed and displayed on my wall, ready to be appreciated. Until then, there's always a lingering sense of unfinished potential, as if I could add a few more strokes to enhance its essence. Every piece undergoes a transformative journey from its initial conception to its final form and it's the act of unveiling it to the public that brings a sense of closure to me. While the decision to distance myself from social media initially placed me in this contemplative state, it has also provided me with a unique perspective that I may not have gained otherwise. It's a result of both my intentional action and the valuable insights I've gathered along the way. Does that make sense to you? Looking ahead, with seven months left in this challenge, I remain open to the possibility of using social media again in the future. However, I'm committed to continue to explore alternative avenues like YouTube, newsletters or a personal website that align more with my values. Even if this means sacrificing some reach, prioritizing authenticity and integrity is worth it. I can happily live with that. Now, onto the exciting stuff... I'm releasing new music! The track, named "Nova" and finished after a 24-hour challenge demo I made for Soundcloud, will be my first release of 2024. What makes it particularly more special to me is its artwork. Departing from my usual all-digital approach, I incorporated a real photograph, warped to the point of abstraction, as a texture for my artwork's signature motifs. Taken in Campina Grande, Brazil, during my first-ever intercontinental trip earlier this year. I spent nearly three months there, immersing myself in its culture. Great times! On the horizon - there's a follow-up EP, delving into the Wave genre. I've been listening to it non-stop on SoundCloud, continuously looking for new songs and artists. I'm in love with the entire movement, from its sound, aesthetic, vibe and community. It's truly euphoric to listen to. Thank you for reading "Inside The Mind Of An Artist". Until next time, Vítor