Somnium Space Festival Spotlight #2: From VR Open Mics to Festival Fame with Phrozen

As the Somnium Space Festival approaches, we will sit down with some of the incredible artists lighting up the virtual stage. Today we’re joined by Phrozen, who stands as a testament to the power of tech-fueled transformation. After years honing his skills on piano and more recently guitar, Phrozen made his public debut in 2024. Not under bright venue lights, but in immersive VR spaces like VRChat and Somnium Space. What began as a tool to combat introversion during the COVID era has blossomed into thriving musical performances.

In this exclusive interview, Phrozen opens up about the pivotal moments that propelled him from audience observer to virtual headliner, the thrill (and challenges) of performing in VR, and how VR’s superior audio and features in Somnium Space are revolutionizing live music. Join us as Phrozen recounts his journey, from his first nerve-wracking rendition of “Nutshell” to bridging VR crowds with real-world streams, proving that sometimes, the boldest leaps happen in pixels.

The Somnium Space Festival will take place from December 27 to 29, 2025. This three-day extravaganza transforms Somnium into a pulsating hub of immersive music, cutting-edge VR experiences, and unbreakable community vibes. With a stellar lineup of trailblazing artists like Ezk!mo, Wildy, RocketVR, Project Wub, Phrozen and many more, delivering high-energy sets that blend genres, visuals, and real-time interactivity, you’ll feel the holiday magic like never before. From bass-dropping DnB drops to soul-stirring acoustic anthems. Whether you’re dancing with avatars from across the globe, tipping your favorites via the seamless Tip Jar, or exploring persistent worlds that evolve before, during and after the show, this isn’t just a festival. It’s a portal to unforgettable connections and non-stop thrills. Don’t miss out, grab your VR headset, log into Somnium Space, and join the party that’s redefining virtual entertainment!

Somnium Times: You’ve been open about only starting to sing and perform publicly in 2024, after years on piano and picking up guitar more recently. What was the real turning point that finally pushed you onto a virtual stage?

Phrozen: I’ve been using VR specifically as a tool to get more extroverted. I think I’m with many that a lot of the VR crowd jumped on to VR platforms when covid hit due to lack of really being able to go outside and socialize. I started out visiting virtual worlds with an Oculus DK1 (ha!). One thing led to another and I actually attended my first virtual / remote “open mic” as an audience member and was shocked that people were actually able to do this and even hosts had the ability to host the events! It was every Saturday, so I sprinkled in attending almost every weekend and just sat and listened as apart of the audience.

What pushed me to get up on the virtual stage was one day I was playing piano and had a close friend of mine say they didn’t know I played so I did a couple of tunes for them and they really enjoyed it. Because of that reaction, I started to try and piece together what I would need to get it working with VR. I picked guitar because I love the sound of acoustic, though I’m not particularly good at it I do have a lot of fun. It’s also a lot easier for me to set up and do a virtual set than moving my digital piano over which was a little more of a hassle.

Finally, one day I deemed the setup was “ready” and attempted my first stage performance, the song was Nutshell by Alice and Chains. I think it went really well, and I learned a lot I needed to work on and get better at.

Somnium Times: What’s it actually like standing (or sitting) in front of a crowd in VR? How has that experience empowered you to push your skills and grow as an artist?

Phrozen: I like sitting when I get the chance but I recently also have been practicing standing. Because I also have an electric Cajone that’s triggered by my right foot and sometimes a foot tambourine on my left, sitting is usually best.

I think sitting in front of a virtual crowd has empowered me to attempt to do IRL open mics! Very recently I was given the opportunity to do a weekly paid gig at a local brewery. I never thought something like this would happen, and the demo I sent them was one that I did in VR of doing a full hour set. They loved it (and had a lot of questions!) and it was a great ice breaker.

Soon, I’ll be live streaming gigs in my local area for the very good performance group friends I’ve been online, from across the planet and tie both “worlds” together! Very excited about this.

Somnium Times: Walk us through some of your biggest musical influences. Who or what really shaped the sound and style you’re bringing to VR?

Phrozen: My biggest musical influences growing up where mostly 70s rock and then immediately into 90s grunge and ’00s / ’10s. I love so many genres it’s hard to keep track! I think those who really shaped my sound and style were Steve Vai (fret board comfortability), Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alice & Chains, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hootie & the Blowfish, and throw in some Roger Alan Wade for fun

Somnium Times: Most of your journey so far has unfolded in VRChat, but you’ve already delivered some standout performances in Somnium Space too. What draws you to Somnium in particular, and how do you see its features opening new doors for live performers like yourself?

Phrozen: Hey thank you! Yes most of my journey in VR has been in VRChat. I found out about Somnium through a good friend of mine Shadola, who I met there and he told me about it. The biggest difference for me between the two is the Somnium audio quality. Everything sounds better, even just regular speech. I’ve watched clips from friends of mine who sent me after doing some songs in somnium and it sounds loads better!! I think the addition of the tip jars is pure genius, and can definitely see that being a feature to grab the attention of performers as well!

Somnium Times: For anyone out there with musical talent who’s hesitant to perform in real life, what advice would you give them, especially knowing how VR helped you take those first scary steps?

Phrozen: I would say, play in front of some friends and family first. “Hey, mind listening to me for a moment? I’ve been working on singing (or playing, or both!).” Like anything you’ll get comfortable, repetition is key. From there, use VR as the next step to graduate to. Record yourself and yes, listen to it! You have to hear yourself and be honest with things you think you need to work on. Get feedback from loved ones you trust. From there, it’s the snow ball effect. The itch to do it in real life with physical people, on a physical stage I think will naturally come! I’ve had other performers who regularly do open mics ang gigs in real life say there’s a lot of things more DIFFICULT in VR than in real life. So if you can get comfortable with it in VR, you’ll be off to a good start! Biggest thing is, push yourself to do it, then do it again, then do it again … etc. Keep coming back, connect with the community.

Somnium Times: We’re thrilled you’re on the lineup for the Somnium Space festival December 27-29. Got any special surprises planned for your set, or is it best if the crowd just shows up and lets the moment unfold?

Phrozen: Let the moment unfold for sure! I love reading the crowd, and can change things dynamically. I do love a setlist, but it’s great to follow the vibes and read the crowd if I can, which is why I tell everyone out in the crowd to make noise, sing along, let loose and have fun! Shadola from Somnium knows me best when I say “I’m here to make everyone have a good time. If I did that, please let me know!”.

Somnium Times: Last but not least, where’s the best place for people to follow your journey and stay updated on your music and shows?

Phrozen: Right now it’s on instagram mainly: https://www.instagram.com/itsmephrozen/ but ALL of my socials are on my linktree: https://linktr.ee/phrozen

Somnium Times: Thank you Phrozen for this interview. We’re excited about your performance at the Somnium Space Festival!