Written By: JoAnn Snavely

Creating a universe of his own, Chris Torres- the name under the pseudonym vil synth is wholly unafraid and authentic with his sound. From childhood piano lessons to impromptu Chick-fil-A performances, his journey was ignited by a spark that’s only grown brighter over time. vil synth’s music is a vivid, unpredictable trip into his mind, offering listeners a glimpse into his constantly evolving creative universe. In this interview, No Regards caught up with the Raleigh-based artist to dive into his evolution, the eclectic influences shaping his sound, and what’s next for this rising star.

First, let's learn about vil synth, If you had to explain the vil synth in just three words, what would they be?

Let me think about that… Weird, I don’t know. I guess I’ll say I don’t know. I. Don’t. Know. I’m a mysterious character.

What’s the first memory you have of music sparking something in you, and how did that evolve into your journey as a musician today?

I used to do piano lessons, and I did my first concert outside of a Chick-fil-A when I was eight years old, and I think then I was really nervous, but I got a lot of applause and thought ‘Oh wow, this is really cool.’ It definitely piqued my interest in performing- even though I haven’t really done it recently- that kind of sparked my interest that maybe I’ll learn this more, maybe I’ll delve deeper into it.

If you could describe your music using any inanimate object, what would it be?

Probably just a really weirdly shaped mirror. I feel like all my music reflects my brain, my mind, how I work, and it’s all over the place sometimes so if I’m looking into a really weirdly shaped mirror, that kind of distorts my face or something like that- I feel like that kind of describes what my music is, just all over the place, but still reflecting me.

What was the first time music made you feel like it was something bigger than a hobby, and that it was what you were meant to do?

I don’t think I can really count a specific time. I think it’s mainly when I’m making music, and when I’m trying to dig deep into my brain to think of something to say. I’ll just have these moments where it feels releasing, and there’s not many ways I feel like I can release feelings sometimes. I think music was the first time- just writing lyrics or singing just solidifies a feeling that I haven’t felt before and that I need to feel to be ok and to be able to express myself in ways I wouldn’t be able to do in person through conversation.

Growing up in Charlotte, and now being Raleigh-based- how have both of those music scenes shaped the way you create music?

In Charlotte it’s a very weird scene- it’s very rap-focused, and I went to a lot of shows. I did perform twice in Charlotte with some friends, and I don’t think it was really my crowd, but I definitely met a lot of people and creatives in Charlotte that definitely had some influence on my craft. I feel like being in Raleigh, having somebody like my friend Hovis- we’re very like-minded in the sense of music. I think they’re two very different scenes, but I feel like here in Raleigh, I feel like I can express myself better. While in Charlotte, I take a lot of those experiences from home and bring them here.

What’s one way being a part of the ‘aRt’ collective has pushed your boundaries as an artist, whether creatively or emotionally?

I’ve definitely wanted to do interviews before, so this is sick. It just gives me another opportunity to express who I am- show people who I am, what I stand for, how my mind works, and how I work creatively.

You collaborate with Hovis a lot, most recently with your single “Dean’s List,” what is the dynamic like when you two work together, especially in comparison to your solo works?

It’s so effortless, I feel like we both have two distinct styles, but whenever we make something, it’s usually never planned. We never really plan stuff together, it just happens. We’ll just text each other like ‘You wanna make some music?’ and it's just so effortless. I like the fact that it’s not planned because we don’t have to think about it, we just unconsciously put our feelings out there- say what’s on our minds. We make very confident music, I feel like we can both express ourselves more freely when we’re together and making music than if we were to just sit down alone and meticulously plan stuff. It’s so free-flowing, I love it- love working with that dude.

Since pursuing music, what is the most fulfilling moment you’ve had as a musician thus far in your career?

I’d say I have a couple of songs that have hit 10k, 100k [listeners] which have been awesome. In 2022, I was on an editorial playlist on Spotify, which was really sick- that got me a lot of listens, follows, and stuff. Aside from number-based, just being able to make the stuff that I listen to or being able to make stuff that’s fulfilling to me that I’m confident or proud of. I feel like a lot of my recent music too, I’ve been proud of- I have three or four projects out on streaming services which I’m proud of and put a lot of work into.

Your full-length album “Capital Punishment” came out back in July of this year, it touches on some heavy subjects- especially in regards to a sense of self, what’s one emotion or idea that you wanted fans to take away from “Capital Punishment”?

I think just that I’m a very confused person. I’m living like everybody else. I feel like that project- I call it a mixtape because I didn’t plan any of the songs, or wanted it to be cohesive. It was made in the span of six months, just of how I felt. That was a pivotal moment in my life when I moved away from home for the first time- I came here to Raleigh for college- and I was starting my own individual journey for the first time. I just wanted to recount how I felt in those specific moments which is why there are so many songs of different genres. There’s not one song that sounds the same, I just wanted to showcase my feelings throughout that time, and just showcase how I’m growing, how I’m changing to people.

When someone listens to a vil synth song, what’s one thing you hope for them to take away from your music?

I feel like there’s so many things that people can take away from my music. I feel like I make songs with a particular intent sometimes, of how I feel, and I don’t think about how people are going to perceive it, so that’s a little scary. I just want them [listeners] to paint their own picture of what they think. Interpretation is scary but it is also what makes art, art. Feel whatever you want to my music, and come up with your own story.

What’s on the horizon for vil synth? Any upcoming projects or events that fans can look forward to?

I am working on a new project, an alt-rock project, I’m not sure when exactly it’ll be out but I’m just seeing where it goes, making what I feel in the moment. I hope to do a show sometime soon in the next couple of months- I’ve been talking with some people so hopefully either in Charlotte or Raleigh I can do a show. I don’t think I’ll ever stop making music, I’m just going to keep making what I feel, what makes me feel whole. Stay tuned I guess for new music and shows.

vil synth’s new song “hometownn” with hovis is out now!

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