Can you tell us about this track?
This track is actually a reworked version of a Les Rallizes Dénudés cover I did in March 2023, which was released under my old moniker Xv06-y. On this version it samples a conversation between the Hetapods and Dr. Louise Banks, instead of featuring the original lyrics. “A pure white awakening opens my eyes / I had no want for peace of mind / Too much joy / Wounds my heart / It hurts more, it hurts, it hurts more / Even after the wind had passed / I wanted only you and the fragrance of your light.”
The original song “White Awakening” has been one of those OST-of-my-life tracks since I was about 16. I think the first time I developed a nerdy attitude to music was when I came across noise rock and rock in general. SYR4: Goodbye 20th Century album by Sonic Youth was my gateway drug to the music I make today. I’ve always been drawn to sound that carries a certain physicality. It’s the same sensation of flipping through an old book of poetry ... Whisky and a gun on the table ... The works of artists like bod [包家巷], Racine, and Visio carry that same physicality to me.
What's your process?
Besides ten years of professionally playing the oboe I have no other formal training in music, which doesn’t give me a lot to work with besides my intuition. And my intuition works at its own pace, in erratic patterns and impulses. My formula for a beautiful track is probably falling in love with everything that surrounds me and eventually, I find myself in front of Ableton trying to materialize that sensation of pure nonlinear nostalgia.
Tell us about being a musician in Switzerland. Who are your favorite Swiss artists?
It’s great because Switzerland actually offers funding and some sort of support system for artists. I’ve been able to navigate my career without ever having to compromise, which to me is one of the most valuable things as an artist. But even though it’s easier to make a living, it comes with a lack of counterculture. There are passionate collectives and projects that are able to bring the community together on occasion, but all in all it is definitely a bit of a void. The walls of the echo chamber here are tighter than elsewhere. Especially Zurich is more a city of introspection than anything else. To name some of my favorite musicians, I really like what Alban Schelbert, Pastelfuneral, Pr1nc1p3s4, and Rougehotel do.
Who would you like to see perform in Switzerland?
I don’t really think about that. Maybe A.G. Cook, and Finn Keane.
Any shoutouts?
A heartfelt shoutout to 300ofu164637. I probably wouldn’t have any music out without his unwavering support, always being there for me, reassuring me, encouraging me, and believing in me every step of the way.
