#garvie

･☾･ General Information ･☽･

Focolare stands as the biggest country and Aneva, almost comparable to that of the size of the continent of Europe and Asia all at once, allowing itself to operate akin to an actual continent.

As it stands, it seems to consists of multiple regions that we currently mostly do not know of other than the Ursa Region. (See information below)

Focolare acts as the starting point of the party after their hopefully successful escape from imprisonment.

Focolare is described as “The Heart” of Aneva, providing aid and hospitality to it's citizens and travelers-alike.

Focolare's government operates in a Federalistic manner with their Archon as the head of government.

･☾･ The Archon ･☽･

There is little to no information yet of their archon though we do know of their title as “The Omnikrator” and their possible race that is a Golem.

･☾･ Known Regions ･☽･

The “Ursa Region” is the first known region of Focolare as it was the home of the party member named “Marco”.

The region was named Ursa due to the massive population of bears, where the citizens had come to view them similar to that of rodents. (but in this case, massive and dangerous rodents.)

Another Currently Unnamed area within Focolare is a forest wherein the tribe of the party member, “Garvie” resides.

With his love for video games seeping more and more into his life during the expanse of COVID lockdown, artist Garvie soon found his musical world enveloped in gaming too. Writing primarily for other artists when he first stepped foot within the music industry, Garvie learned through his time alone that he could not only produce, but could create a whole universe of his own within his own musical projects - thus forming the pseudonym known as Garvie. This 8-bit inspired artist has received airplay from BBC Radio 6 as well as countless support from music publications after only two single releases in 2021, undoubtably making him one to watch on the music scene as this is only the beginning.

Starting off 2022 with a bang, Garvie drops newest single, 'What Did I Do', bringing more layers to his signature sound than ever before. This indie-pop single is smooth from the get-go, with a subtle jazz undertone reminiscent of a handful of romantic releases. A steady bassline paves the way for such a breezy soundscape, adding catchy electric guitar twangs and a more obscure drum beat for sure-fire individuality within this highly encapsulating three minute personal ballad. Not without featuring his staple video-game effects that seep into the track as backing flairs rather than overrunning the release, creatively incorporating known sounds for a perfected, upbeat touch. Vocally, 'What Did I Do' is by far the most impressive release yet at showcasing Garvie's impressive vocal range and heavenly tones that are sure to make for the perfect background for a romantic night in. It would be a crime not to sway side to side, perhaps with a friend or a lover, and take in the expertly crafted instrumentals that 'What Did I Do' does best; leaving you sure to feel a rush of nostalgia even with Garvie's modern twists.

With no doubt that Garvie chose this Valentine's Day release date for a purpose, the lyrical nature of 'What Did I Do' certainly stood out underneath his polished retro instrumental stylings. Focusing on the all too commonly known imposter syndrome - a belief you are not as competent as those around you - this single dives into how this may affect your work life or relationships with a constant lingering self-doubt. As many struggle with the feelings that they'll be found out, Garvie hopes to unite and relate to his audience as 'What Did I Do' features a more personal chorus criticising his own self-destructive behaviours within relationships. Lines like 'When it looks like I'm listening, I'm just waiting to talk... I'm my own worst enemy, I know you're too good to be mine' best showcases Garvie's personal struggles and inadequacies within a relationship and the overwhelming feelings that any minor fault makes him undeserving of love. That's not to say that this track is all doom and gloom, in fact even with it's anxieties and criticisms under the microscope, 'What Did I Do' does an excellent job at continually feeling only airy and loved-up on a surface level unless you desire to look a little deeper.

Adding to his repertoire of video game-esque music videos, this 8-bit blocky world showcases a new narrative within Garvie's troubles. Breaking from the past stories built within his other music videos, this track shines some light relief between his typically heavy bearing narratives and adds a 'bonus level' to the world we're so accustomed to seeing Garvie flourish within.

Playing in co-op mode, Garvie meets new character Mirie. Within this seemingly wholesome game, an edge of underlying darkness from Garvie's initial decisions serves to open up a conversation on the toxic masculinity seen not only in retro gaming conventions, but within the real world too. Check out the video below for a more personal experience of the world Garvie has expertly created!

Alternatively, you can give a listen to the new single 'What Did I Do' here, to get a feel for Garvie's iconic sound and video game inspiration even without the visuals!

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow

Photo/Art Credits: Garvie/Vicente Nitti