You
have made it no secret that your music reflects the Berlin School
sound especially the productions of Klaus Schulze. When did you first
come across this form of music and why do you prefer to emulate this
style rather than other genres?
The
comparison with Klaus Schulze is often referred to, which quite
satisfies me. Klaus Schulze was a pioneer with a new musical
approach. I appreciate his work. He is without any doubt one of the
symbolic figures of Berliner Schule, and he has been a true
revelation for me.
It
all started while listening to Klaus Schulze's 'Mirage' album, when I
was fifteen. I instantly fell in love with this music. That's how my
passion for Berlin School developed. I then began to play on
synthesizers.
Cosmic
Music is a passion. It's a true delight for me to compose and my mind
is out of this world during a composition session. I like to share my
emotions in my music, give a little bit of dream, allow the listener
to relax and escape this world in turmoil where everything goes too
fast and where standardization reigns.
Considering
the size of the synthesizers and the complexity of creating a basic
pattern in the 70's the time saving of soft synths is probably no
more applicable than here. To re-create the style do you use
hardware, soft synths or a combination of the two?
I
first owned a number of analogic synthesizers (ARP Odyssey, Korg
PS3200, Polymoog, MS20 Korg + SQ10, Crumar Multimans S, Oberheim Two
Voices). Then, when MIDI burst out, I purchased a few digital
machines (DSS1 Korg, TG77 Yamaha, D110 Roland, KM1 Kawai, Microwave
Waldorf, JD800 Roland). And now, I got only virtual synthesizers.
The
Arturia V Collection is a working tool I often use and the Minimoog V
is without a doubt one of my favourite VSTs. After collecting many
hardware synthesizers, my current compositions are now built with
VSTs. I might buy hardware material again in the future though,
especially if I have to deal with stage performance.
Your
track 'AU REVOIR' appeared on the compilation album 'Legacy and
Evolution: A tribute to Edgar Froese' what did it mean to you to be a
part of this tribute to the man who stayed with Tangerine Dream
through various changes in the line up till his demise?
I
was honoured and fortunate enough to have Rebekka Hilgraves propose
me to be part of her project dedicated to the memory of Edgar Froese.
Her project was almost over when I was approached and I had only a
few weeks left to get to the final version of the composition that
was to become 'AU REVOIR'.
I
felt the urge to pay a tribute to one of the forerunners of Berliner
Schule. Edgar Froese was instrumental in the development of
electronic music. Many thanks to him.
Your
début album 'BLUE DREAM' was released last December could you tell
us a little about the release and how it came about?
My
first record 'BLUE DREAM' was finished in late 2014, sixteen
months after starting the project. I am a demanding person, which
explains partly why it took me so long to get to the release of my
first album.
I
am thrilled and proud of the result, the amount of
positive feedback from listeners and reviewers encouraged me to keep
on exploring this realm. I was lucky to make my dream, a blue dream,
come true.
This
was followed shortly after with the single 'AMIRA' what was the
inspiration here and how does it differ to the tracks on the 'BLUE
DREAM' release?
For
the story, I composed in honour of my wife, and for our wedding
celebration, a piece that was soon to become 'Amira'
Short Version, the opening track on my second album, 'AMIRA'. This
album is in the vein of the music I composed for 'BLUE DREAM'. A few
strings came to support the orchestrations.
I
also like 'Somewhere' very much. Whatever the pieces, each has its
own story, its specificity. I like what I do and I want to do it the
best I can.
My
influences are multiple and can be found in an image, a sound, an
atmosphere, an emotion. I like to draw inspiration from novels,
legends, pictures as well. I enjoy anything with mystical,
mysterious, nostalgic and imaginary sides.
Are
you working on any material currently as Sequentia Legenda or any
other projects?
I
am currently working on a new project entitled 'EXTENDED'.
'EXTENDED' will be a double-album with five or six tracks. Some pieces will be long versions from 'BLUE DREAM' and 'AMIRA'. The single 'AU REVOIR' in its long version will also be part of this project. The pieces were re-orchestrated, remixed and remastered, longer versions allowing the listeners to immerse even more in the atmosphere and to fully enter my world. 'Solitudes Lunaires' will be one of the two new pieces.
There
will be also a first for me: a collaboration with German drummer
Tommy Betzler on 'The Approach' and 'Somewhere'. Tommy is experienced
with this kind of music since he accompanied Klaus Schulze on stage
during his tours, and I am proud and happy that he accepted to take
part in this project without hesitation.
For
me 'EXTENDED' is an exciting experience on all levels:
musical
and human.
The
official release of this double-album is planned for
September
2016.
Are
there any live shows planned for the future?
I
was indeed proposed to perform on stage. Doing a show on stage,
including the sonic and visual aspects, is a matter I will think
about. I have the will and slowly, I can see how it can be
presented.
Maybe I would go on stage with Tommy.
Who knows? I will
ponder further
on
this
question.
What
artists currently impress you?
Besides
the last and interesting recordings of Jean-Luc Briançon and of the
Brückner & Betzler duo, I don't have enough time those days to
listen with care to what other musicians do.
I
still listen to the classics of Klaus Schulze or Tangerine Dream, or
else to classical music and jazz aired on radio while driving, but
also to the show of Saturday, 'La Planète Bleue', hosted by Yves
Blanc, who I salute here.
1 comment:
My infinite thanks to Martin for this interview, it was a real delight to I answer his questions.
I am really glad to be featured in this blog, I thank each and everyone who will read the interview and I hope they will derive pleasure from it.
Musically yours,
Sequentia Legenda
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