Doomed Confessionary: Ventsislav Lalev & Penko Skumov (Tidemachine)
Tidemachine is an alternative/stoner rock band based out of Sofia, Bulgaria. Started out as a side project of Soundprophet members in 2020, the band now consists of four members: Penko Skumov (vocals), Ventsislav Lalev (guitars), Georgi Mihaylov (bass, vocals) and Georgi Denchev (drums).
They attracted attention with their first single »East Of Babylon«, which was presented on Z-Rock Radio. Following the lead single and music video »Wasteland«, Tidemachine’s debut full-length album »What Remains« dropped on October 20th, 2024. Available now on all major streaming platforms.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Ventsislav: Tidemachine started out as a side project brought together by Penko Skumov and Georgi Mihaylov from the well known local alternative band Soundprophet with myself (Ventsislav Lalev) on guitars and Georgi Denchev (Skoda) on drums. The four of us quickly started to blend in our musical tastes which will later form the unique sounding style of the band, resulting in heavy stoner riffs, alternative rock energy and indie rock melancholy. Our first single »East Of Babylon« was released in 2020. Soon after we received several propositions to become a support act for bands like Supersuckers (USA) and 1000mods (Greece).
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Ventsislav: To make a name for ourselves and to be heard, playing original music.
Penko: To find our audience in the today’s social media chaos and informational mess.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Ventsislav: Mostly proud with finishing out our first LP »What Remains«.
Penko: We are proud to make our own original music and managing the band ourselves. We believe that our music and messages are true and meaningful.
What was your biggest regret?
Ventsislav: No remorse, no regrets!
Penko: I can say I regret not having more time for music and art in general. We spend most of our time working for a living and hanging out in social media instead of getting together and making music.
Photo by Kalin Kostov
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Ventsislav: Us opening for 1000mods in 2022. It was a sold out show, but we never expected that much people to enter the venue in time for the support band. We played in front of a great crowd and it was definitely a night to remember.
Penko: As a relatively new band to play in front of 800 people was an amazing experience!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Ventsislav: How easy it is to hear your music on the radio.
Penko: Emily Armstrong as Linkin Park’s new lead singer. 😀
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Ventsislav: Slomosa – »Tundra Rock«…
Penko: Is worth mentioning these three new bands that I love listening to: The Post War, Roxferry and a Bulgarian band called Scotopia.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Ventsislav: To trust my ears.
Penko: To be myself and follow my inner voice.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Ventsislav: I’m a sucker for good, well produced pop songs. My current fave is »Balance Of Love« by Leoniden.
Penko: Books, cigarettes, alcohol, and some time for myself…
Can you say something more about current music scene in Sofia / Bulgaria?
Penko: The Bulgarian alternative rock scene is constantly evolving and now we have so many brilliant bands such as the well-known Odd Crew, Smallman, Der Hunds and Hellion Stone as well as newer names such as Me And My Devil and Scotopia. I think the main problem we’re facing is that we don’t have good promoters to help those bands play more frequently and abroad – at big European festivals for instance.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Penko: That’s a tricky question, because we have only one scheduled gig until the end of this year…
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Penko: More gigs, new material, albums and festivals…
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Ventsislav: We are kinda old, so you can bet that we’ll be with our families at home on New Year’s Eve.
How can people best support your band?
Ventsislav: Listen to our stuff online and if possible, come to some of our live shows.
Penko: Please, share our music and videos on the social media platforms.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Penko: Just one big thank to all of you who like, support and listen to our music. Without you nothing is possible! Support your local bands and keep on rockin’!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well