In Conversation with Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance, Comets on Fire)
Sep 20, 2023
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Ben Chasny, musician known for his work with Six Organs of Admittance and Comets on Fire, talks about his new ambient album 'Sleep Tones'. They discuss the recording process, dissecting music, discovering music in a small town, divinatory playing cards, the influence of a movie on music systems, touring with Bikaki, working with David Tibet, and upcoming releases.
Hexadic System in music is a non-traditional approach to composition that allows for creative exploration outside of traditional music theory.
Luminous Night, a collaboration with Randall Dunn, resulted in a darker and heavier sound influenced by bands like Sunn O))), showcasing the collaborative and creative process behind Six Organs of Admittance's standout album.
The friendly and inclusive nature of David Tibet, founder of Current 93, has led to unique collaborations and opportunities for musicians who may not have initially considered themselves part of the band.
Deep dives
Influences of the Hexadic System
The Hexadic System in music is primarily inspired by the idea of equal temperament, where every note has an equal weight and can work harmoniously with every other note. This concept was influenced by the experimental tuning systems used in ancient Babylon, relying on the number 60 as a base. The hexadic approach aims to explore new realms of musical composition by moving away from traditional music theory and allowing for more creative exploration.
The Making of Luminous Night
Luminous Night, one of the standout albums in the Six Organs of Admittance discography, was recorded in collaboration with Randall Dunn in Seattle. The goal of the record was to create a darker and heavier sound, drawing inspiration from bands like Sunn O))), and Sunn O)))'s sound engineer was also the producer for the record. The recording process was filled with creativity and collaboration, incorporating talented musicians like Avon Kang. The experience was fun and satisfying, resulting in a record that holds a special place within the Six Organs of Admittance catalog.
Collaborating with David Tibet of Current 93
Ben Chasney, the mastermind behind Six Organs of Admittance, became connected with David Tibet of Current 93 through mutual connections, particularly David Keenan. Ben's admiration for Current 93 led to an introduction through email, and after David heard Six Organs of Admittance's music, he showed immediate support. The friendly and open nature of David Tibet made the collaboration very welcoming, and Ben eventually became part of Current 93's lineup. David's inclusive and approachable demeanor has allowed for unique collaborations, opening doors for musicians who may not have initially considered themselves part of Current 93.
Exploring the Hexatic System
The podcast episode delves into the Hexatic system, a unique approach to music composition developed by the guest. The system is based on divinatory practices and uses a standard deck of cards that correspond to actual notes. By arranging the cards in different ways, musicians can create a field of possible notes to play. The system allows for the exploration of new musical ideas and can be a valuable tool for breaking out of creative routines.
Playing with Current 93 and Insights into Collaboration
Another key focus of the podcast episode is the guest's experience playing with the band Current 93. The guest reflects on their time with the band, discussing how the setlists were created through communication with the band, and the creative freedom given to the musicians. The guest also shares insights into their collaborative process, emphasizing the importance of friendships and connections in shaping their musical journey. They highlight the generosity of Tibet, the frontman of Current 93, in sharing books and artistic creations with the band members. Overall, the discussion offers a glimpse into the world of collaboration and creative exploration within the underground music scene.
Ben Chasny of Six Organs of Admittance joins us for a great talk on a different branch of the underground. Six Organs has provided some incredible outer folk and expansive guitar work since the 90s. His newest album “Sleep Tones” is a full on double LP or pure ambient just released on VDSQ. Chasny has also worked closely with David Tibet, from being in the live Current 93 line up to handling some guitar on the magnificent “The Light is Leaving Us All.”
For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we’ve included one side of the “Sleep Tones” album. This selection comes right after the interview to send you to the dream side.
