Moiré (a mathematical / visual process that creates optical illusions from overlayed patterns) is also the name of London based producer who recently blessed the public consciousness with his well received Gel EP on R&S Records.
Much can be lauded for the representation that Moiré upholds, having released on some of the most revered labels including, Ghostly Intl., R&S Records, and Ninja Tune imprint Werkdiscs – of which label owner Actress collaborated on a remix of his original. This level of affiliation can only come from years of obsessive passion and a keen eye to details.
And this you can hear in his brand of uniquely obscure sound structures. Thick textures that tightly weave, yet cease to follow any grid like template. His sound has frequently been compared to the likes of Actress – which is testament in itself.
With a forthcoming release in the pipeline pitted for Spectral Sound / Ghostly Intl. It seems like a ripe time to be catching up with the man himself to learn more about his interests, his thoughts on the state of London, and French Nouvelle Vague.
Hi Moiré, what have you been up to today?
So far… Drunk loads of coffee and have been working on some tracks.
What’s your normal morning routine?
It really depends on the night before – sometimes there is just no morning. I love a good sleep and all that but recently been up everyday super early, too many cool things to do and finish.
And how about your routine in the studio?
I don’t have anything like “studio routine ” – I kind of make music all the time – in my head. The studio is where the ideas get transformed to musical format so people can hear it.
I’ve heard that you rent studio space and equipment as opposed to owning the equipment outright – can you explain this?
I’ve got equipment all over the place – some at the home studio and some in the other studio. Yes me and my mate rent specific studio space because it sounds amazing so the production process is more enjoyable than a bedroom.
I think this idea of simplicity, and less is more can be transferred throughout all walks of life. Do you have quite a messy house or are you an organised person?
I’m organised to the point … I mean sometimes I have to prioritise what is the most important thing, but at the same time I like simplicity and not owning too much stuff.
I’ve also read that you like to party (guess in your line of work it’s kind of necessary). What are your favourite places to hang out in London?
Usually friends houses, or some pubs recently in Deptford… I like this one tapas bar opposite ex-plastic people they have good gin selection – and I love a good gin session.
What’s your thoughts on the club closures in London. I read somewhere that in the last decade almost half of UK clubs have closed down. Where’s London heading? And once the sun is up, where are your favourite places to hangout in London?
I hate to be pessimistic but the word utopia comes to my mind 🙂
I think London is heading towards what people currently in power like – for example, cities like Singapore – I’ve read somewhere that apparently our mayor Boris is a huge admirer of the Singapore model. Boring, unaffordable, exclusive, full of expensive cocktail bars with a mixture of rich kids and suits. With occasional one-off nights headlined by the same 5 DJs, and if there is 1 good alternative night, usually that will be half empty because that kind of society doesn’t care about music really.
If the property market will continue to go the way it does, surely there won’t be much left……. but till then I would enjoy Barbican, ICA, Tate modern, Moth, Corsica Studios and Bussey Building/ Rye Wax to mention a few.
Let’s talk about the music then. You recently released Gel EP on R&S records. It’s a pretty trippy release. You’ve titled a previous record as ‘Drugs’. What influence do drugs have on your music?
The music itself is like an addiction and I don’t need much else. I use drugs for different things – to escape, disconnect, or to come down hahah. The most important for me is the reason, when and with whom you take it – so that the atmosphere is right.
You’ve mentioned in the past your affection to Jazz and African music. How do you incorporate those faculties into the rigid frameworks of dance music?
Unconsciously – because of what I have been listening to. I try to stay open when I write so all I love and experience comes out in my art. I listen to a lot of Jazz and African music because I simply love it.
For me it is all “dance music”.
You studied Design and architecture, before working as a creative director. Is music now your full time goal?
Some people try to make music, I have to. Music was always my priority but I have my own idea on how I approach it. I find other things in life equally important and inspiring. The design, architecture or visual art gets expressed in my music – it’s like having some counterbalance to what you love the most so you can see the bigger picture.
When you’re struggling with creative gusto, how do you like to step away from things?
I don’t step away. I just sit on it till it’s done.
I’m also aware you have a love for french Nouvelle Vague. For the novices out there, could you give us a list of your three favourite titles to watch.
That would be the works of J.L.Godard
Weekend
Band a Part
A bout de Souffle
And finally, what’s next for Moiré?
Next is Ep on Spectral Sound / Ghostly coming out in March !!!!