Hauschka, also known as Volker Bertelmann, is a talented musician famed for his prepared piano techniques and a fascinating transition from rap to contemporary classical music. He discusses the unique texture of his latest album, philanthropy, emphasizing its detail-rich sound. The conversation also explores his journey in film scoring, including his acclaimed work on 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' Hauschka shares insights on collaboration, the impact of Düsseldorf's music scene, and the innovative blending of traditional and modern sounds in his creative process.
Hauschka’s unique journey from a rapper to a prepared piano innovator illustrates the diverse paths artists can take in their creative careers.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of collaboration, showcasing how sharing a creative space can enhance the dynamism and satisfaction of musical explorations.
Advancements in technology, such as portable setups and software like Ableton Link, have transformed music production, making it more accessible and efficient for modern musicians.
Deep dives
Musical Setup and Creative Process
The speaker describes their current musical setup, highlighting a range of synthesizers, including a custom SID synth and various Moog instruments. They've integrated multiple synthesizers into their workflow, allowing for a more streamlined setup for recording and co-writing sessions. Collaborating with a friend who has an impressive portable looping rig has opened new possibilities for jam sessions. This collaborative experience has led to unique and satisfying musical explorations, where the creative process is as crucial as the final product.
The Power of Collaboration
Sharing the creative space with another musician has brought exciting dynamics to the speaker's work. The use of technology, such as Ableton Link, has enhanced their ability to collaborate seamlessly. Each session yields vibrant creative energy, allowing both musicians to freely express themselves while building upon each other's ideas. This synergy ultimately results in satisfying jams that are both spontaneous and fulfilling.
Technological Advancements in Music Production
The conversation delves into the capabilities of modern technology, including the power of devices like the iPad Pro in music production. These advancements have transformed the way musicians create, compose, and collaborate. The speaker emphasizes how impressive portable setups can yield high-quality results, making the production process more accessible and efficient. The blend of hardware and software continues to evolve, reshaping the music industry landscape.
Exploring New Musical Horizons
The speaker shares their excitement about building a Push 3 controlled synthesizer setup, aiming to blend traditional and modern techniques in their music. They underline the importance of addressing their curious nature in exploring new musical territories, particularly with the challenges of looping and improvisation. The dialogue reflects a commitment to rediscovering spontaneity and finding joy in the unexpected occurrences during music creation. This exploration is likely to lead to rich, dynamic performances filled with unique sounds.
Insights from Hauschka
The conversation transitions to Hauschka, the guest musician known for his innovative use of prepared piano. His ability to blend diverse musical influences—from being a rapper to a film composer—provides a unique perspective on creativity. His acclaimed work emphasizes the importance of texture in music, showcasing how sound can evoke emotions beyond traditional melodies. Hauschka’s interdisciplinary approach exemplifies how curiosity and exploration drive artistic growth.
Navigating the Film Music Landscape
The challenges of composing music for films are discussed, particularly the pressures of deadlines and creative expectations. Hauschka shares insights into balancing personal artistic expression with the demands of the film industry. He emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and open dialogue in the creative process. This environment of trust fosters a dynamic workflow that allows both artists and filmmakers to bring their shared vision to life.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to Hauschka a.k.a. Volker Bertelmann thanks to my friend Dana Wachs who was a pod guest on EP71.
He’s had quite the wonderful and interesting adventure in music. It’s quite rare that you find someone who plays prepared Piano so deftly and was also once known as a rapper. Clearly, this was not going to be your average chat.
If we place ourselves in the present (which I’m told is always a good place to be !)
Our ears might find the dancing frequencies from his newest album philanthropy which was released in the 2023. It’s a tremendous listen. Dare I say a real headphone listen as there are wonderful, textual details to catch in amongst the kind of more zoomed out satisfaction of the rather accomplished arrangements. Perhaps this ability to both evoke emotion, and to coax huge tonal intrigue placed him in good stead as a composer for film
He is most certainly made his mark in that area with a wide ranging set of scores and notably an Academy award for his work on all quiet on the Western front in 2022. Badass!
He’s collaborated with another podcast guest Dustin O’Halloran (EP 92) on several works, including their highly acclaimed score for the film Lion. In fact, looking at the credits for his releases over the years it’s quite mind-boggling. Often he will deliver multiple film soundtracks a year alongside his own solo albums. He's like Prince!
Happy listening :)
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