FiXT New Noise: Ars Nikonov – One Man, 3 Bands

From cinematic synthwave to cyberpunk electro and hard-hitting alternative rock, Ars Nikonov (Instagram) has essentially turned genre-hopping into an art form. As a longtime member of the FiXT label, known for its genre-shape-shifting artists, Nikonov is no exception to the rule. Whether creating neon-soaked synthwave through Fury Weekend, unleashing high-voltage nu-metal with Nitroverts, or diving into a dystopian cyberpunk underworld with Kodeseven, Ars Nikonov’s projects feel like a full-blown audio identity crisis in the best possible way. Despite sounding like three entirely different artists sharing one central nervous system, each project still carries Nikonov’s signature cinematic atmosphere, massive production values, and obsession with futuristic storytelling.

In this latest FiXT New Noise interview, Nikonov discusses his three main musical endeavours, the differences between audiences and live performance, which he views as most foundational, and what he sees for the future.

You currently operate three distinct projects: Fury Weekend, Nitroverts, and Kodeseven. What initially drove you to split your creative output into separate identities rather than one evolving project?

Ars Nikonov: “I write too much different music, which ultimately cannot literally fit into a single project. And of course, it’s the desire to try something new. Since I am a fan of various genres myself, I think mixing everything into one pile, especially completely opposite styles, would probably not be the best idea. Plus, I love to develop and try new things. For me as an artist and creator, this is the best manifestation of growth. And growth does not stop for a single minute in a creative life.”

How do you personally define the core identity of each project, and where do you intentionally allow them to overlap?

“I allow them to overlap intentionally where the styles can sound absolutely harmonious with each other. For example, Fury Weekend and Kodeseven started to overlap (and will do so even more in the future) because they have a shared DNA, a certain metaphorical nature of events. Moreover, they belong to the same universe, I would say.

“Fury Weekend is retrowave, a look into retro-nostalgia through the present. Kodeseven is cyber-futurism, the music of the future, utopia, and self-awareness at the dawn of technology and progress.

“​With Nitroverts, it’s a different story — it is more about reality, about emotions and thoughts in real time, not in a fictional universe, having a deeper personal and social subtext.”

When starting a new track, how do you decide which project it belongs to? Is it an emotional instinct, a sonic rule set, or something else entirely?

“​It comes with experience over the years. When something comes to mind, or you play something on the keys during experiments, you already know in advance what goes where, into which project it will go, and you don’t have to think about it for long. Very rarely does something not go according to plan. So, if I write a Nitroverts track, I already know perfectly well what I am doing.

“​And since I possess the entire DNA of the projects, I always know exactly what to do.

“Emotional instincts should not be ruled out either, but they will still be consciously directed toward one project or another.”

Do these projects represent different facets of your personality, or are they responses to different cultural or technological ideas?

“Absolutely. This is definitely a reflection of me. As for the reaction, it is certainly present in one way or another, but it does not play a decisive role. So I am all for reflecting various facets; that is definitely about me.

“Fury Weekend has a strong retro-futuristic and synthwave lineage. How do you keep nostalgia from becoming a limitation?

“Because the given vibe of the project allows moving in any direction I want. That’s why I love the style of Fury Weekend so much — it is completely diverse, although it has roots in synthwave, electronic, pop, and rock music of the past. Nevertheless, it allows playing with different styles of music without setting limitations. So in Fury Weekend, you can find a hard rock song, a disco-funk track, and electropop. Every album sounds in its own way, but at the same time, you will never confuse the FW style with anything else.”

Kodeseven often feels more confrontational and cyberpunk in tone. What themes does that project allow you to explore that the others do not?

“The theme of the future, the theme of machines and dystopia. What is the music of the future? How could it sound? What aesthetics would it pursue? What vibe of the future will it breathe? Will it be the music of only machines, or the operators who control the machines? Will it only be music of hooks and drops, or will there be soul left? There are many questions, but it is very interesting.”

Nitroverts brings hard rock energy into the mix. What role does experimentation play in that project compared to the others?

“​I would say alternatives, nu-metal, and alternative metal. Basically, we are returning to the sound of the era when nu-metal flourished, and it seems we can observe this happening now. I like this concept, which, among other things, allows exploring more modern styles, and I am not stopping at just one sound. You will hear all of this perfectly on the new album. I consider it one of my best works, undoubtedly.”

Across all three projects, technology is a recurring presence. How do you view the relationship between human emotion and machines in your work?

“​They are continuously connected to each other. I doubt that without a person, machines could successfully exist, as they are their creator. For me, technology is a wonderful tool that helps explore new facets of one’s capabilities. By itself, it just sounds cool. The main thing is to approach it with a smart and well-practiced approach. Today, the theme of human emotion and machines is more relevant than ever and has practically reached its peak.”

How has running multiple projects simultaneously changed your creative discipline and workflow?

“​I would say it added more dynamics to the creative process. And it is also a great reason not to stand still but to give a push and development to other projects, because they are closely interconnected, and one project gives a push to another. Having a completely broad musical taste of my own, it is a great opportunity not to bring everything I do to creative stagnation and a standstill.”

Is there a risk of creative dilution when managing three identities, and if so, how do you actively guard against it?

“I would like to correct that these are only three main projects, and there are several other projects, so I do not have three, but many more. Honestly, I never understood such claims about spreading myself too thin, although I have often heard this directed at me. Each identity has its own time and season. But I do what I think is right. Therefore, do not even rush to understand this if you are not me. Just accept it as a fact and enjoy the music. That’s all.”

Do you approach live performance, visuals, or branding differently for each project—or is there a unifying philosophy beneath them all?

“At the moment, the projects have a studio format for a number of reasons, and a lot of emphasis here is placed on the musical content. Yes, I approach each project differently in terms of visual design, as each has its own style. But since the worlds intersect — for example, in the case of Kodeseven and Fury Weekend, as in the recent and upcoming new collaboration — a new joint visual also appeared. This is also something new and, as it seems to me, has its own charm.”

Which project do you feel has challenged you the most as an artist, and why?

“I think each of them, in its own time and during a different period, has given me challenges. But Kodeseven, being more subject to the modern interpretation of music styles, is probably the most interesting in terms of the challenge. Because it is a challenge to your own perception, skill, and understanding of your capabilities in general.”

Over time, how has your audience shaped—or resisted—the evolution of these projects?

“It seems to me that different camps are constantly forming there. For example, those who like only instrumental Fury Weekend, and those who like it with guitars and vocals. And there are those who simply listen, accept everything, and develop along with the project, its sound, and its ideas. Nevertheless, I am sure that everyone is united by one common vibe.”

Have there been moments where one project influenced the direction of another in unexpected ways?

“Yes, in the same example, when Fury Weekend indirectly and directly influenced Kodeseven. This can be seen both in the joint track ‘Exiles’ and in future works that will come. But I consider this only a plus, adding a certain kick and zest. Nitroverts, on the other hand, is influenced only by me and my ideas.”

How do you measure success across projects that may serve very different artistic purposes?

“Honestly, it’s hard for me to measure it. I’d rather just write music; I love making and composing it, and that is where the greatest pleasure lies. And of course, a huge thank you to my label and to all the people who support it.”

What lessons from your earliest releases still guide how you operate today?

“​Do everything for the thrill, catch the moment, enjoy yourself, and express yourself. And remember, sometimes you can stay up working until dawn.”

In an era of fast content and short attention spans, how do you maintain long-term vision across multiple projects?

“In the era of ‘fast food,’ I prefer a ‘well-cooked, signature lasagna.’”

If someone were discovering your work for the first time, which project would you want them to encounter first, and why?

“Fury Weekend is the foundation for everything, I think. Each album sounds different, and there are many songs for absolutely any taste. It will perfectly determine the range of your taste, and everyone will find something for themselves. And those who are more curious can try something else from the other projects.”

Looking ahead, do you see these three projects continuing indefinitely, or are they chapters leading toward something larger?

“Everything I do is a chapter in one big book called creativity. It would be interesting to look into the future, but nevertheless, we will never know it until it arrives.”

Ultimately, what do you hope listeners understand about you as an artist after experiencing all three projects together?

“At the very least, that I am a rather interesting personality, that I write great melodies, and that at least one song will stay in your playlist for a long time!”