My name is Alexander Rishaug and I’m from Oslo, Norway. At the moment I live and work in Berlin. I’m an sound artist and electronic musician working with synths, field recordings and granular synthesis. My debut release “Panorama” where released on Smalltown Supersound in 2001. I actually did a lo fi tape before that, but it was very limited. My third solo album “Shadow of Events” where released by Dekorder in 2011. I’m now finalizing my fourth solo album for Cronica Electronica. I work very slow.
How did you become interested in sound construction?
When I was a teenager I started to listen to punk, metal and hardcore. I was interested in the energy and the use of sound effects. After listening to Motorpshyco's "Demon Box" and Deathprod's "Treetop Drive". I was totally blown away by the way they combined sounds and ordinary instruments. I went to art school and were really into drawing and painting for a while, but when I realized the possibility of sound construction and manipulation, I got really hooked.
I feel your music is so many kind of music. Do you think that you were influenced by any kind of music?
When I started making experimental music I didn’t really have a reference. I just created the music I wanted to hear. Later I got inspired by the electronic music scene in the mid nineties. These days I listen to quite a lot of early avant garde stuff. My interest in music is quite broad and I often wanted this to be reflected in my music, so I’m happy that you say that.
What inspires you to create music?
I would say everything from nature to architecture can inspire me to create new music, but in general it's just hard work. Since I got kids, I have limited time and need to be quite structured to get stuff done. When I start a new project, I repeat the idea in my head until it starts to grow. The new album "Ma.org Pa.git" is a bit different, it's based on an old idea I had about making an album using very few sound sources, organ and guitar only. I was lucky to be invited to record in the Norwegian Seamen's Church in Rotterdam in 2012. I've processed the material into a hybrid of electronic and acoustic sound scapes.
What do you have the concept when you start to make new record?
For some reason the title of the album always comes first. The concept develops a bit more along the way. I can have ideas, but I also try to be open to experiments and sudden directions . I like being in the process of creating a new album, but it's also very intense and tiresome.
You will come to Japan soon. I can't wait! How do you feel the Japan Tour?
Touring in Japan is for me very different and exotic, but at the same time i feel really home and relaxed. Travelling with Shinkansen through Japan is like a meditation to me. I also love the politeness and the punctuality.
This tour will be your third time Japan. How do you feel about Japan?
I like Japan, have to go back again and again, but after being here a couple of time I'm a bit more realistic, less romantic. Japan has a great ancient culture and the food traditions are great, it also has its own quirkiness on popular culture that I find very fascinating, but I also see the challenge of being an political activist or feminist. Also I find the the spoil of energy and the use of power plants problematic.
Do you have some Japanese favourite artists?
I always found a lot of inspiration from Japanese musicians. After listening to Neina’s releases on Mille Plataux I got the feeling that there was a specific Japanese sound. In 2000 I was lucky to collaborate with Toshimaru Nakamura with my improv group ARM, that was very special. I also enjoy the sounds of ISO, Ryoji Ikeda, John the Dog, Aki Tsuyuko, Michiyo Yagi, Miki Yui, Minamo and Haco to name a few. Last time I was in Kobe I listened to Japanese tango, it reminded me of Finnish tango which I like a lot.
Please let me know near future plan.
After Japan I hope to take it very slow, think, read books and listen to the records I’ve bought in Japan. Then I need to finalize a couple of collaborative albums.
Please give a message to Japanese fans!
Please come to the concerts and bring some soba noodles, fresh sushi and Calpis soda : )
INTERVIEW in September 2014
TRANSLATED by Naoko Yamada
TEXT by Masato Hoshino