Veteran CJ Bolland discusses being a pioneer of acid techno in Belgium and blending new beat with Detroit techno. He delves into Belgium's music scene evolution and reflects on his favorite music-making tools. Bolland shares insights on vintage equipment, music production trends, collaborations, and the impact of cultural exchange on music styles.
CJ Bolland pioneered the fusion of acid techno and proto-techno in Belgium.
Belgium's unique position among techno hubs influenced its music evolution and creativity.
Deep dives
CJ Boland's Musical Evolution and Influences in New Beat, EBM, and Techno
CJ Boland's journey through the evolution of Belgian new beat, influenced by the European house and techno sound, was shaped by his exposure to underground music, particularly EBM. Boland's unique mix of influences from Detroit and new wave led to the creation of his distinctive rave and acid techno sound. Collaborations with techno pioneers like Juan Atkins and Richie Hotten enriched his creative process, while his gearhead nature and studio setup at R&S Records added depth to his production style.
Belgian New Beat and Sociopolitical Influence on Music Scene
Belgian New Beat, emerging from EBM bands like Front 242 and Neon Judgment, served as a precursor to the European house and techno sound. Boland's roots in the dark Belgian new wave scene were infused with influences from American techno, shaping his musical preferences. The socio-political climate during the Cold War era in Belgium, marked by nuclear war fears, influenced the dark, underground vibe of the music scene, aligning with Boland's musical inclinations.
Musical Landscape of Belgium: Influenced by European Diversity
Belgium's diverse music scene, situated among distinct styles in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, offered a unique creative advantage. The fusion of cultural influences from neighboring countries allowed Belgian artists like Boland to absorb and adapt varied musical elements, enhancing their creative palette. Belgium's rich cultural tapestry, although overshadowed by larger European powers, provided artists with a blend of musical inspirations that fueled their innovative outputs.
Exploration of Music Production Tools and Evolution
Boland's exploration of music production tools shifted from analog synths and hardware sequences to the vast possibilities of modern software. The evolution of sound production highlighted the sonic prowess of software-based tools, offering intricate control over musical elements. Boland's affinity for granular synthesis and experimentation with electronic music genres showcased his adaptability to changing production landscapes, balancing traditional hardware with contemporary software advancements.
Recorded live at Brussels festival Listen, the veteran talks about leading the birth of acid techno and the sound of proto-techno in Belgium.
At the turn of the '90s, Belgium was under the twin influences of early techno and '80s new beat. It was artists like CJ Bolland who helped usher these two sounds together, bridging the low-slung sludge of bands like A Split Second and Lords of Acid with the futuristic chug of Juan Atkins, Jeff Mills and Detroit's first guard.
Bolland grew up in Antwerp and was exposed to underground music from his parents, who owned a club. Eventually beginning to produce himself, he helped create the early acid rave sound that would take over Europe. He signed to then-powerhouse label R&S Records with his career-defining single, "Horsepower," in 1991, and from there embarked on a prolific touring career.
In this Exchange, he talks to RA's senior producer Chloe Lula live from Listen Festival in Brussels, diving deep into Belgium's unique musical landscape and his thoughts on how it's evolved in response to its position between major techno hubs like The Netherlands and France. A massive gear head, Bolland also shares his favourite tools and reflects on how the state of music-making has changed in the years since he first started his career. Listen to the episode in full.
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