The Brvtalist is pleased to present the music video premiere of "Company of Lies", a new track from French artist Umwelt. Off the upcoming 2x12", Days of Dissent, out October 17th on the newly launched Killekill sub-level Boidae, "Company of Lies" (and the rest of the release) picks up where you want - punishing dystopian rhythms from a bleak future or perhaps a desolate present. Since the mid 90's, Umwelt has been destroying dance floors with his one of a kind mix of raw electro, pounding techno, burning acid and more. The video, created by The29Nov Films, is the perfect mind trip through the undeniably mesmerizing soundscapes.
Just ahead of Umwelt's album release party at Griessmühle on October 21st, we were able to briefly speak to the artist about this release, his production method and what's next.
The Brvtalist: Coming from the 14 demos you sent to Killekill, Days of Dissent turned out to be a long and powerful 8 track album. Talk about how this release materialized.
Umwelt: Nico of Killekill requested tracks from me during Krake Festival of 2015 for a possible EP. I sent him a selection of fourteen pieces to see which direction to take. After several listens, and exchange of thoughts between us, we collected a tracklist of eight titles and Killekill decided to make an album.
I didn't really have an album in my mind, but doing one ten years after my last one on Satamile caught my interest immediately. Even if these tracks were not made within the framework of an album, the final tracklist is coherent and reflects several universes and facets of my work, perfect for an album. I am very satisfied and proud to inaugurate the Boidae label with this release.
TB: Your material continues to evoke a heavy emotional response and dystopian themes. What is inspiring you when making music now?
Umwelt: One of my influence are fantasy and sci-fi movies. Also I am an activist and very attached to the notion of the power of the collective.
The album the titles evoke the opposition to the system. Do not resign to it! Get organized and revolt!
TB: You're very well known for your production methods. Has it stayed the same since the late 90's or have you modified it at all with new technologies?
Umwelt: My home studio is in perpetual change, i always changed my configuration and machines to bring some new sounds and flesh. I do not use a computer except for the recording of my tracks. I tried Cubase on a Mac, but I found it boring. Currently, I have a setup which works pretty well. I don’t like to use the same old recipes or the same types of sounds, I prefer to take the risk of exploring new tones and different musical universes. I prefer the fast access with machines, it's more direct and so I can more easily transfer emotions. I make music like a dj :-) Now the next step is to find a working configuration for live set. not easy but i'll try!
TB: What's coming up next for Umwelt?
Umwelt: Quite a lot of things - my career as a DJ and producer is going quite well at the moment: I play out a lot, the album release party is planned in Berlin on October 21st at Griessmühle, the next evening of my label Rave Or Die coming on October 28th in Nuits Fauves in Paris... An EP is planned at the end of the year on the excellent Greek label Modal Analysis, to be followed by an EP on Zadig's label Construct Reform for the beginning of 2017. AlsoI work on the follow-up of my EP, Culture of Resistance, which was released in 2014 on the infamous Dutch label Shipwrec. Plus there is a split coming on my label Rave Or Die and some appearances on various other EPs next year…
Days of Dissent has been on repeat since we got the release and Umwelt's production method of all hardware, single takes with no editing or mixing is truly astonishing. It gives the music a soulful energy and this record sees Umwelt at his best. The record is available now via Killekill and October 31st through other fine record outlets. If you're in Berlin, be sure to catch the album release party on October 21st.
-JRS
