Interview
1. Cru cru Remi Charles, what first got you into music?
I’m pretty sure I’ve told this story before, but I was about three years old when I first managed to figured out that I could play by ear. My family was listening to this Japanese pop band called Anne Chitai, and while they were having dinner I worked out the melody to one of their songs on this toy plastic keyboard. They went nuts. And I was hooked.
2. What is "Decompression"?
It’s when you take off the limiter to allow maximum dynamics in your transients.
3. Have you seen the best show on TV: Succession?
No, but I hear they’re looking for a new theme tune.
More seriously, it’s high up on my list of things to watch. I hear the writing is excellent. And I’m a big fan of Jesse Armstrong’s work on Peep Show. I’m a bit of a screenwriting hobbyist myself, so I’d like to watch it for academic reasons too.
4. Can you name 3 groovy records that you absolutely love to death?
Hard to say. Groove comes in all shapes and forms, but off the top of my head…
- “Sharpness” - Jamie Woon
- “Cherry” - Jungle
- “Nervous Tics” - Maribou State
But then there’s songs like ’September’ by Earth, Wind and Fire, which is like one of those perfect groove songs of all time.
5. I remember "Hush" being highly emotional. Can I ask you why did you go for a left turn into more groovy and funky sounds?
Hmmm. Well ‘Hush’ is all about trying to come out of the darkness and reach a higher form of existence. So everything I’ve released since then has kind of been about that - there seems to be running theme of transformation. I’ve always been a groove guy, and ‘Succession’ for me feels like a call to celebrating the vitality of life and becoming what you were always meant to be. To me, it’s still a very emotional song. There’s tragedy in life and there is joy, and I think the greatest joy comes out of knowing the deepest tragedy. I’ll definitely be engaging with more of that “Hush” type tragedy in future, but for now I feel like sharing a bit more joy and hope with the world. But I like to think there’s a running thread of soulfulness through my music.
6. What triggers your nostalgic feelings?
Lots of things. I get nostalgic when I’m feeling low and wistful. Certain comfort foods. The smell of a wood fire in the winter air. A song I haven’t heard in a long time. Getting drunk with an old friend.
7. How do you spend your time?
Not as efficiently as I would like. But I try to prioritise a few things:
- Sunlight
- Walking
- Exercise (climbing or running)
- Vocal Practice
- Producing
- Writing
- Cooking
- Making time with friends who make me laugh
8. What’s your favorite movie?
Right now, it’s Interstellar. It’s probably my favourite of Nolan’s movies, and to me it everything about it is perfect. The story, the performances, the music… and there’s this beautiful message about love and humanity. Truly excellent work.
Though Hans Zimmer had the audacity to say that’s the first score of his he considers to be any good.
9. What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
Remembering to love the process and the art for the sake of it; not allowing the struggle with the commercial aspect of the industry to consume you and interfere with your craft.
That, and hearing Hans Zimmer talk about how his work up until Interstellar wasn’t any good. Thanks, Hans.
10. Do you agree with the Pigeon?
I’d like to, but I have to admit there’s some bad blood between myself and pigeons. We don’t get along. But maybe this could be a first step towards a brighter future.
Stop crapping on my balcony.
Review
Check out the new original EP: "Decompression" by Cronam!
"Decompression", the title track of the EP, is an excellent mood settler, preparing us to witness an abrasive experience that privileges weathering. The industrial erosion continues with intriguing progressions that transport us to a mechanic's workshop where. Cronam is committed to pushing the boundaries of experimental music, especially when it introduces metallic textures. There's no doubt that there's a storm of grey emotions here to be decompressed and released after Cronam builds up immense tension and distortion in his mesmerizing synthesizers. On the other hand, although it's still just as abstract, it's much more playful, even venturing into spatial details. To finish off these edgy soundtracks, "By All Means" closes this audacious EP at high speed and with tons of tension still to release. If it were a movie, it would end with a cliffhanger!
The Pigeon added the new single to his Dancing Gems playlist on Spotify.
You can check out the released music below. If you like what you hear, make sure to follow along so you can stay on top of future releases!
Words by The Pigeon
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
This coverage was created via Musosoup