'We initially worked in a very small home studio in Brussels, aiming to do everything ourselves. It was a highly creative period, and we spent a considerable amount of time there. We had to be inventive due to our limited resources, which eventually helped us cultivate a more defined and personal sound. ´
The rich history of postpunk and dark wave has long been expanding and evolving, and the era we find ourselves in is no exception. However, what sets the present time apart is the intriguing fusion of the melancholic and existential aesthetic of goth music culture with the infectious rhythms of danceable electro and techno.
Among the pioneers leading this revival of EBM and dark wave is Ultra Sunn, a musical duo consisting of Sam and Gaelle. They firmly believe that dancing is not only an integral part of their music but also the connection point that binds them to their art.
In this special episode of NCOUNTERS, we are thrilled to present none other than Ultra Sunn. We had the incredible opportunity to delve into their musical origins, which included a surprising confession from Gaelle about her first Spice Girls record, and Sam's early encounters with the legendary Frank Sinatra. We also explored their latest release on Berlin based Fleisch Records "Kill Your Idols" and discussed their initial experiences with recording music.
As the interview draws to a close, we unveil lesser-known details about their backstage rituals and discover their favorite post-gig indulgences. Through these intimate revelations, the interview offers a laser-focused glimpse into the captivating world of Ultra Sunn.
Kubi Ozturk: Firstly, congratulations on the release of your latest record "Kill Your Idols" on FLEISCH Records. Your uncompromising cinematic sound that merges different eras of music is truly impressive, and it's no surprise that your growing audience is taking notice. Can you take us through the creative process behind the record and how you worked together to create its unique sound?
Sam and Gaelle: Thank you very much, we are delighted that you like the EP so much! For the creative process, we listened to many records from the beginning of the punk movement. We were inspired by all this pure and refreshing energy. "Kill Your Idols" is a record that is a quest for freedom and rebellion and invites you to assert yourself with all your might. The EP is all about exorcising the old ghosts, burning everything down, and then coming back to life to create the future. We rethought our sound palette with fewer machines; we recorded a lot of real percussions ourselves, like shakers, maracas, triangles, tambourines, etc., to provide a very organic and human contrast with the sound of the machines. There are a lot of breaths and body noises in this record, making it a very lively EP.
Music taste can be influenced by various factors and experiences throughout one's life. Could you share with us some of your earliest memories of music and the first record you remember listening to? How has your music taste evolved over the years? Are there any specific albums or artists that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Sam: The very first record I heard was Vivaldi conducted by Karajan. It's a record my parents played a lot when I was a child. My dad was a Beatles fan, and I grew up mostly with 60s music. In fact, I realized my dad had been cool the day I found Black Sabbath records in his collection. My mother listened to French singers like Claude François, Mike Brant, and Johnny Hallyday, which I didn't enjoy much. For my 6th birthday, my parents gave me a yellow Sony Walkman. I loved it, but sadly, I didn't have any tape to listen to. So, I asked my father for a tape, and he gave me the first one he found, which happened to be Frank Sinatra's Best Off. As it was the only tape I had, I listened to it a lot, especially 'Strangers in the Night'. The drama and Sinatra's voice left a lasting impression on me. Then, I received Michael Jackson's Thriller, which I loved. Apart from these, I've always listened to a lot of classical music, especially Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach. During my teenage years, I was drawn to Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Breeders, Smashing Pumpkins, and the whole British scene like Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand. I discovered New Beat when I was 13 and would listen to it secretly because it was considered weird, old, and dusty. In the early 2000s, I also listened to a lot of French Touch, like the first Daft Punk, Mojo, Stardust, Demon, or Etienne de Crécy. I recall the music videos on MTV and how much they impressed me. My older sister watched MTV a lot, which I found super cool. I passively discovered bands like Soundgarden and Radiohead. It inspired me to form rock bands too, so I played in rock bands for a good part of my twenties. After this period, I finally allowed myself to express my love for electronic music. It felt like I finally found myself. Now, I can be who I am 100%; it's a scene where I feel the most comfortable, both artistically and personally.
Gaelle: When I was a child, my mother only listened to classical music. She'd pick me up from school with Mozart or Bach playing at maximum volume in the car. My father preferred Simon & Garfunkel or Otis Reading, but most of the time, classical music was the norm at home. The first CD I received was 'Wannabe' by the Spice Girls - it was a treasure to me, and I remember that moment vividly. As a teenager, I had friends who introduced me to a range of music, from punk-rock to metal, including bands like Placebo, Marilyn Manson, and Korn. We felt cool and edgy listening to these bands that seem so mainstream now. I recall having an Eminem tape that I'd listen to in secret, hiding it from my parents. Soon after, I discovered Joy Division, The Cure, and delved into a lot of New Wave and electronic music from the 80s and early 90s. I spent my twenties going to numerous concerts and festivals with my sister. Over the years, many bands and artists have contributed to my musical journey, and music has always held, and will continue to hold, a significant place in my life. I'm grateful that these influences have led me to where I am today.
´ Our music remains and must remain danceable and give a feeling of power and strength to the listener. It is important for us to keep a luminous and positive message. In the future, we would like to continue developing the more organic and textured side of our music.´
Before forming ULTRA SUNN, both of us were involved in music. Can you shed some light on your pre-ULTRA SUNN era and how your musical backgrounds have influenced your work with the band?
Gaelle: ULTRA SUNN is my first band. I learned classical piano as a child, so music has always been a crucial part of my life. Later, I switched to synthesizers and machines, which provided me with a different approach and new possibilities. It was like exploring another world. Initially, I noted down the music on sheets, but gradually, I started working more spontaneously and with greater freedom.
Sam: I taught myself to play guitar, learning by listening to The Beatles and American folk music. I played a lot of finger-picking stuff. At 17, I started singing and playing the electric guitar in rock bands. I was totally obsessed with the guitar, and concerts were my entire world. I began to tour a bit with my band, which was a lot of fun. From the start, I was always the frontman, which was a great learning experience for me. I gained a lot during those years.
Could you share how you two first came together to create music? Do you recall a specific memory from your first recording together?
We initially worked in a very small home studio in Brussels, aiming to do everything ourselves. It was a highly creative period, and we spent a considerable amount of time there. We had to be inventive due to our limited resources, which eventually helped us cultivate a more defined and personal sound. After our very first recordings, we began to invest more seriously in our setup and started to build the studio we're in now.
Brussels, with its rich musical history and vibrant sound, has clearly left a profound impact on your music. Your unique blend of genres and musical eras into a cohesive sound showcases your artistic vision and unwavering commitment to your sound. Can you share how the city and its music scene have shaped your creative process? Are there any specific venues or collectives in Brussels that you hold in high regard?
Brussels is indeed a unique city, a melting pot of different vibes, almost like a clash between the medieval and the modern. The city comes alive at night, a transformation that has always inspired us. We spent much of our time exploring the city after dark, becoming part of its electric yet soothing energy. Nighttime in Brussels is when you can truly understand its beauty and strangeness. The city hides some truly amazing musical spots, steeped in a tradition of techno and partying that is both regulated and uninhibited. Many of our tracks are direct outcomes of our urban explorations. Currently, collectives like C12 and CHANOIRS are doing really interesting work. Fuse, an iconic venue, has been a powerhouse of energy for 30 years. And there are many spontaneous one-off parties that capture the spirit of Belgian electronic music, which is all about spontaneity.
´ Our challenge lies in remaining relevant, constantly seeking novelty, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset. The most crucial aspect for us is to remain authentic and never shy away from taking risks.`
You've played some fantastic live shows and tours, including the recent Grauzone. Could you share some of your favourite experiences from touring?
Grauzone was a remarkable experience. We felt a deep connection with the audience, as though we were co-creating something special. The Ombra Festival in Barcelona, our first gig in Spain, also stands out. We were taken aback by the intensity of the energy there. The underground rave vibe was palpable and being a part of it was amazing!
Gaelle, your background in fashion design is quite intriguing. How does this influence the visual aesthetic of ULTRA SUNN's live performances and music videos?
Gaelle: Both Sam and I have a keen interest in fashion and tailoring. My design background has enabled us to think of music as a garment, something we often use as an analogy in our creative process. A piece of clothing, or a track, should fit well, like a three-dimensional object designed to be experienced by the human body. This mindset has given us a unique approach to creating music.
What are some of the challenges you face as individual musicians when creating music?
Our challenge lies in remaining relevant, constantly seeking novelty, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset. The most crucial aspect for us is to remain authentic and never shy away from taking risks.
Your music, a blend of EBM, darkwave, and post-punk, has been gaining momentum. It's clear why, given your talent for merging different musical eras into a unique, cohesive sound. How do you view the evolution of these scenes? How have audiences reacted to your music at your shows?
We're thrilled that the EBM, Darkwave, and Post-punk scenes are so receptive to our work! It's heartening to see how inclusive these scenes are, irrespective of one's background, age, gender, etc. The shared mindset of openness is very important to us. These scenes have a bright future because they reflect contemporary values, something we deeply appreciate.
Could you share about your upcoming projects or releases? Do you have a grand dream for your creative career?
We've just released our 3rd EP 'Kill Your Idols' on Fleisch. We're overjoyed with the response to this EP. It's a wonderful reward to hear our songs being sung by the audience at our concerts. We are now working on a big thing. It's still a little early to talk about it but we can't wait to bring it to life! We can say that summer 2023 will mark a real turning point for us. A big dream would be for us to combine a fashion project with what we are doing now, it would be like gathering all our forces together.
How do you see ULTRA SUNN's music evolving and developing in the future? Are there any new sounds or influences that you are currently exploring or would like to explore in your music?
Our music remains and must remain danceable and give a feeling of power and strength to the listener. It is important for us to keep a luminous and positive message. In the future, we would like to continue developing the more organic and textured side of our music. Let's see where it goes!
Let's end the interview with some fun and lighthearted questions:
What song do you listen to in front of the mirror to boost your mood when getting ready to go out?
We have a little ritual of listening to David Bowie tracks when we're backstage. We dance to funky sounds like "Golden Years," "Fame," or "Let's Dance." It relaxes us and puts us in a good mood before jumping on stage. If the wait is long enough, we can quickly deviate to Beyoncé's latest album. Backstages are fun.
How do you clear your mind when you have too many ideas and decisions to make at once?
We walk in nature, in the forest, or by the sea. It gives us a lot of energy, calm, and inspiration. It feels concrete and true. We have our best ideas when we take a walk. Spending time with our family and friends, or with our pets, is also something that makes us feel good.
What are your favorite foods to eat after a gig or party?
We'll probably sound like 10-year-olds, but fries and pizza are the best options. I mean, you can't go wrong with those two.
If you weren't a musician, what profession would you pursue?
Sam: I studied Greek archaeology, so I guess you'd probably find me on an island digging up cool ceramics. Gaëlle: I would probably have continued as a stylist or a costume designer.
You're stranded on a deserted island and can only bring three tracks each with you. What are they? (Please share the track IDs)
This is a very hard one! Here's a try:
Gaëlle: "Ashes to Ashes" by David Bowie, "Roche" by Sébastien Tellier, and "Hard Corps" by Porte Bonheur.
Sam: "Imagine" by John Lennon, "Stabat Mater" by Vivaldi, and "Miserere" by Allegri.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for the great chat!
NCOUNTERS, Berlin (2023)