Artificial Limb's experiments in sound
June 28, 2015 in West Footscray, Sound
West Footscray’s The Artificial Limb is Marc Eiden, electronic music producer and filmmaker whose experimental electro and raucous beats create a sonic alchemy brewed from influences right across the musical spectrum.
One of the founding members of label Elefant Traks, Artificial Limb was born out of Sydney’s underground electro and hip hop movement and creates music that opens your ears and takes you into a world of imagination.
What are you working on right now?
I’m collaborating with Josh Thillagaratnam (aka Nonagon) to create Mixed Signals, a night of live electronic music and art at Loop Bar in the city on 3 July.
Josh and I are both playing along with a line up of talented Melbourne electro producers. My good friend, graphic designer and artist Sean Hogan has created artwork that will be projected as we play. It's really amazing work and will meld beautifully with the music. It’s been a great collaboration.
How would you describe your music?
I’m very beat driven - more than melody or harmony and my hip hop influences are always lurking in the background.
The experimental side probably comes from my lack of formal training. For instance I don't play guitar well but I can pick one up and play it like a percussion instrument.
I’ve always had an instinctive rather than a prescriptive process. I have a strong desire to create sound - I’m really interested in how sounds work together or repel each other.
I want my music to be an adventure when I create it and for the audience when they hear it.
What's your process for composing a song?
The beat comes first. Then I might find a sample from a record and loop it and play over the top and then I remove the sample all together. The sample I bring in is usually chopped up so it sounds nothing like the original, but it gives me ideas and will take me in a whole other direction.
Then I work out the structure of the song – where it needs to build or change. That’s about it. It’s not much of a mystery.
One way is instinct – and the other way is finding the sounds that fit an idea or emotion.
The latest track I’ve been working on was created from an idea. I was in Germany a few months ago – everything was snow-covered – it was so sparse, it reminded me of static and echoes and I wanted to make a track that reflected that. So the track was all about building layers to create a sense of atmosphere.
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Who's your biggest musical influence?
Musically, my influences are all over the shop, but the Beastie Boys are hard to beat. Their fearlessness and DIY attitude was so inspiring. Albums circa Paul's Boutique, Check Your head, Ill Communication and In Sounds from Way Out have such raw energy, they just played whatever they wanted. It all sounded good.
The kickdrum distortion in their track Hello Brooklyn is genius.
Who’s had the biggest influence on your creativity and why?
There’s not really a single source or person. So much: music, film, art, books, pop culture. But often it’s little things that have a massive impact - like the clapping solo in Nina Simone’s Sinnerman and the way the piano comes in. It’s just electric. And artists like Jan Svankmajer and David Lynch had a big influence on me.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Four Tet’s new EP Morning Evening. I love its minimalism. It’s really beautiful. Also Berlin community radio on Soundcloud.
Describe your perfect creative day?
Making music, making film, drawing, making art, doing whatever I feel like in the moment with no pressure, no fixed plan, just pure creative joy and freedom.
"This is what it sounds like when thumbs cry"
words+pictures = jessica dean