Interview with Sekuoia

Αλλά ο Sekuoia δεν αρκέστηκε σε αυτά. Αντιθέτως με την χώρα καταγωγής του, την Δανία, το flac μπορεί κάλλιστα να χαρακτηριστεί ως πολυεπίπεδο. Στο σύνολό του είναι εμφανώς λιγότερο πειραματικό από τις προηγούμενες κυκλοφορίες του, ενώ υπό συνθήκες μπορεί με την ίδια ευκολία να σταθεί τόσο σε μεγάλα dancefloors, όσο και σε ηχεία περίκλειστου δωματίου.

Η επίσημη κυκλοφορία του flac έγινε το περασμένο Σάββατο στο Pumpehuset της Κοπεγχάγης, και ήταν ονειρική.

Επί τη ευκαιρία, ο Sekuoia μας παραχώρησε αποκλειστική συνέντευξη αναφερόμενος στην σκηνή της Δανίας και τις επιρροές του, στην ηχογράφηση του flac και στα μελλοντικά του σχέδια.

So first things first, is there a specific meaning of the name Sekuoia and what is the story behind it?

Well, I had to name the project something, and when browsing different names in my mind, I stumbled across a fridge magnet hanging in my parents house. It’s from when we visited Sequoia national Park. I liked the name and the association, so I called it sequoia, but misspelled it in order to make it unique.

To those not familiar with your releases, how would you describe your sound?

I would describe it as being narrative. I feel despite my tracks spanning from being either dreamy or rather harsh, they all tell some sort of story.

It seems that your sound has evolved much over the years? What were the key life events or inspirations that affected this evolvement?

I guess it has just been a natural evolvement for me. I have been going out in Copenhagen a lot, and finding inspiration in various club nights, with house and techno.

What’s your view on the Beat scene (or just electronic) in Denmark? Who are some danish producers we should be keeping an eye on?

There is a quite strong house and techno scene, which I find really creative and filled with people who produce amazing stuff. In general there are really inspring bands and producers coming out of Denmark which e.g. Kenton Slash Demon, Taragana Pyjarama, Central, Erosion Flow. Also, we are a small collective of people that I went to folk high school with, that inspire each other, Code Walk , Smerz and Chinah.

Favourite old school Danish inspiration?

Bjørn Svin, is probably the most old school inspiration I have. He has done some really good and weird tracks throughout the years.

Let’s talk about your latest album flac. Could you describe the writing and recording process?

Well, the record has been on the way for some time. The first and last track to be finished is “beau”. We have played that track live for some time, but I sort of re-produced it for the record in order to make it fit more in. The writing and recording process is sort of combined when i make music. The tracked is sort of written as i produce the track, and add various layers. A lot of the tracks where written in my studio. I used some more outboard gear for this record. I have fallen deeply in love with my space echo pedal, and use it for my productions a lot.

What was the feedback you received?

I am actually quite amazed with the feedback. People seem to enjoy it, and the reviews have been really kind:)) Also the live feedback we have gotten so far has been amazing :)

What kind of visuals do you see in your head when making music?

I sort of see the colors of an oil spill. I love the way it sort of looks like a warped rainbow.

You are up to start a tour with more than 20 stops within the next two months. What have you been looking forward to most for this tour?

I have been looking forward to a Copenhagen show, which was this Saturday. It was a real good night, and a lot of my friends were there, so there was a really relaxed and happy vibe. Otherwise it has just been seeing new places. I love to travel, and have the opportunity to either get about the clouds when flying or being the countryside when driving.

What gear do you use to produce and perform live?

In the studio I use a Dave Smith Mopho and Prophet ‘O8, a Roland space echo pedal, a tape machine, guitar, bass and various plugins. When I perform live, it’s with a three piece band. Søren plays the drums, Simon plays guitar and some samplers and I play synth, a drum pad and control the tracks.

Have you ever been to Greece? Do you know any greek producers?

I have been to Rhodos once for holiday. That’s some years ago now :) I was also in Athens to play at Plisskën festival, a year or so ago. It was really nice, and I got to see Mogwai, Seaford mods, and chill with my friends in Whomadwho. I know the the Greek producer duo Tendts, they make some lovely stuff :)

Besides your tour, what else does the future hold for Sekuoia?

Hmm good question. New and different music :)

Thanks a lot for your time!