Can you tell us about your background and how you first got started in music? How did you first become interested in electronic music and what drew you to it as a medium for self-expression?
My journey as a listener starts very early, as a kid exposed to a lot of classical music, due to the fact of my grandfather being a classical composer and conductor. The beginning as a musician started when I moved to Berlin as an 11 year old and started taking drum lessons. Shortly after I was a drummer in different bands until I discovered electronic music in my later teens. It was like an epiphany, but it took a while until I started producing. I clearly remember a moment where I was overcome with a strong joint emotion of curiosity and inspiration. I had so much curiosity towards it and absolutely wanted to know how it was made. Growing up in Berlin surely helped fuel my fire of curiosity and kept me exposed to many different genres and styles.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both within electronic music and outside of it? How have these influences shaped your sound and approach to creating music?
I have at least 3 big inspirations when it comes to musical influences. First big one is Bonobo, which connects to the time I just mentioned about my youth and discovering electronic music. The harmonic and rhythmic complexity in his music, and the use of so many acoustic instruments blended with electronics are characteristics that I really like and myself try to achieve with my music. Another very important influence is that of my grandfather, who in my eyes is the pinnacle of music composition, instrumentation, and class. His infinite knowledge never ceases to amaze me. Last but not least Nelson of the East, my teacher and mentor. I’m fascinated by his ability to always reinvent himself and dig deeper into the possibilities of music production. He works really hard and that motivates me to do more and be better every day.
Can you walk us through your creative process for writing and recording a new song? How do you typically begin a new track, and what are some of the key elements or techniques you focus on as you develop it
I have a lot of hardware synthesizers and drum machines so generally I start programming and experimenting with them until I get a result that I’m satisfied with. I try to jam and have fun as much as I can with them before starting the recording process, to make sure I feel out the track and enjoy it, because I think ultimately having fun with it has a big impact on how the track turns out in the end. After that’s been done I start the recording process, where I run the hardware through pedals, EQs and effects. When everything is recorded the arrangement process starts, which is probably my favourite. Then it’s all about making the elements work with each other and creating moments and a flow that somewhat respects my taste as well as the initial part of the process when the track was created.
Your latest project is really gaining traction, can you tell us about it? How did this project come about and what inspired you to create it? What was your approach to making it and what do you think sets it apart from your previous work?
This project is the result of a couple of years of learning jazz-focused piano and harmony studies. It was something I always was curious about and felt was needed to give my music an additional dimension. Fortunately my teacher turned out to be a producer as well, which resulted in applying the learned knowledge directly on new music, also following his guidance. The tracks in this EP are a mirror of what I’ve learned and applied.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Can you talk about a specific moment or accomplishment that stands out as particularly meaningful to you?
Probably very recently, getting to hold a vinyl with my music in my hands for the first time was a moment I was waiting for for a long time and will be forever grateful for.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works? Are there any new directions or sounds you’re exploring in your music right now?
I’m currently working on a tape which will possibly turn out to be my first album, even though this last release almost feels like one. I’m following a self imposed concept which gives it more depth, while at the same time I’m exploring new soundscapes and techniques. It’s possible that it will be too particular for a larger audience, but I’m giving myself a bit more room to experiment and feel out what I deeply intend to express.
As a musician, what message do you hope to convey through your music? What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?
My biggest hope is to transmit a kind of spark of inspiration to the listener, in the best case just like it happened to me in my teenage years. I’m aware that most listeners don’t pay as much attention to detail as musicians while listening to music, so if that’s not the case generally the message I’m trying to send is a somewhat calm and relaxing one, I suppose.
Can you tell us about any challenges you have faced in your career and how you overcame them? Have there been any specific obstacles or difficulties you’ve had to navigate as an electronic musician?
Honestly, nothing specific comes to mind. It’s truly hard to make sure your music gets seen nowadays, that’s for sure.
How do you see the music industry evolving in the next 5 years? What changes do you think we’ll see in terms of technology, distribution, and audience engagement?
Currently electronic music is thriving, there is a big movement towards the mainstream and i’m not sure what I think about that. On one side it’s great that clubs gain so much traction and recognition, on the other it makes the market even more oversaturated than it already is, often with a loss of quality as a result. I think in 5 years either it will be more mainstream than ever, or the trend will pass and the independent labels and artists that kept on forging their sound and legacy will be the ones who hold the fort and show the way forward.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to make it in the industry? Are there any particular tips or strategies you’ve found to be particularly effective in building a career as an electronic musician?
The number one advice that I’m giving out to people who are starting is to find a mentor or teacher with years of experience in the industry and in production that follows you along your journey. I was very lucky to find Nelson of the East, who not only taught me a lot but also genuinely hoped for my success and helped me achieve it. It’s really important to strive into the unknown and try to gain as much knowledge as possible, and to find someone on a similar wavelength that keeps on inspiring you. I’m currently starting to give out 1v1 lessons as well, trying to give back what I’ve received, and it’s truly a wonderful experience to see people grow and improve every week.
What’s next for you?
If all goes according to plan my next record will be out on Cognitiva Records in March 2024, this one’s been due since a while, and i’m very excited for it. Includes some amazing remixes by Turbojazz, Gary Superfly and Reekee, can’t wait to have that out in the wild. Until then I will be working on my first tape and on new material for the second half of the year.
