When it comes to Dark Ambient music, the name Onasander should come up when discussing the modern chieftains of the genre. With a consistent amount of captivating releases as a stand-alone producer, as well as a consistent contributor to many other releases, this is an artist that must not go overlooked (or unheard). With a new magnificent album (‘Dawn Metrics’) just released yesterday on the mighty Winter-Light label, Onasander is out to prove that his unique brand of dark, audial visions are as good as they come. I recently had the opportunity to interview the mastermind behind this great project and learn what the driving force behind his reign of terror is. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did putting it all together!
1. Thanks for taking some time out of your schedule for this interview. You’ve been busy this year with some amazing releases. Let’s start with ‘Under Unknown Stars’ released on Dark Odyssey Records. How did that album come about?
The idea for “Under…” came from my passion for Alien movies, not just the original quadrilogy but also the prequels. I thought of creating a space horror story using the sound of Onasander. I’m quite satisfied with the result.
2. With the space theme of this album, were there certain techniques you relied on to create suck a dark, immersive atmosphere?
In my opinion, the use of synths like the ASM Hydrasynth and the Waldorf Iridium, in combination with various software, made all the difference.
3. How do you know when a track has been completed and it’s time to move on to the next one?
Usually, my work sessions are short. If a track works, I stop working on it and let it sit for a few days. Then I come back to listen to it.
4. Congrats on your collaboration release with Alphaxone, ‘Futuristic Dereliction’, out now on Cryo Chamber. How was this experience working with one of the (other) greats of the Dark Ambient genre?
Mehdi is a great musician, perhaps the greatest in space dark ambient currently around. You can learn so much from him, and every time you listen to one of his elaborations, you’re literally blown away.
5. This album has such a broad sound that covers a large realm of the soundscape spectrum. What was the focus of the music on this release?
A dystopian vision of the future that touched on different genres and different sonic contaminations (like cyberpunk, for example); I think it’s very common in more modern dark ambient.
6. Whose idea was it to incorporate the Berlin School sequences on the track, “Time Fracture”?
Honestly, it was Mehdi’s great idea. In that wonderful track, I contributed by giving depth with the drones in the background.
7. Another release from earlier this year was the collaborative powerhouse, ‘Animic Atmospheres’, featuring yourself, Ashtoreth and Gydja. How did this creation come about?
The idea for Animic Atmospheres came entirely from me as a big fan of theosophy and anthroposophy, especially the works of Rudolf Steiner. I then chose some musician friends who were very close to an “esoteric” sound and definitely of a very high level.
8. There are some really dark tones on this album, dare I say ritualistic even. What inspired the bleak, tonal passages throughout this recording?
Definitely the idea of the relationship between man and the cosmos, theorized by the father of anthroposophy. We are nothing but “a thought that is thought” by unknown cosmic entities…
9. Throughout your recording career, what role has sound improvisation play?
It has played a predominant role. And it still does. I don’t consider myself a musician but a lover of sounds that I use to express what I have inside.
10. Do you already have a good plan, or set of ideas ready to go before you begin recording each album?
Sometimes it can be a book you’ve read; other times, a movie. Suggestions can come from literature, philosophy, or cinema. Very rarely do they come from other listening experiences.
11. Are there any specific synths or sound processors that are essential to your sound?
Yes, I use several synths like the ASM Hydrasynth, the Waldorf Iridium, the Moog Subharmonicon, Korg Modwave and several SOMA instruments.
12. How do you balance darkness with musicality in your compositions?
For me it’s pretty simple, since my idea of sound is essentially based on dark atmospheres.
13. How does your background or personal experiences help shape your music?
Very little, I would say. My personal experiences are quite distant from my idea of music.
14. With each recording, is there a specific story you’re trying to tell with your music?
For some records, I would say yes, like for “Under Unknown Stars,” for example. For others, they are just philosophical concepts put to music (“Cosmic Extinction”).
15. Is there a particular artist that influenced your passion for Dark Ambient music?
There are so many artists that I love but if I had to choose just one, I would say without a doubt Collapsar.
16. What are some things you hope to achieve with future projects or albums?
I hope to improve the sound I have in mind more and more; that is, to give a sound to the darkest aspects of the cosmos.
17. How important is performing Dark Ambient music in a live setting? Is this something that is a priority for you?
I don’t find it that important but I would love to play live.
18. What can we expect to hear from Onasander in the years to come?
Currently in my mind there are two orientations: that of “Under Unknown Stars” and that of “Cosmic Extinction”. My future sound starts from these two albums that I adore.
19. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer a few questions for The Dungeon In Deep Space. Are there any final words for those that will be reading this publishing?
I want to thank The Dungeon In Deep Space (this name is beautiful!) for hosting me and all those who have supported and continue to support Onasander and the side projects. Thank you very much!
Links:
BC: https://onasander.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onasander_lam?igsh=MWxjNmZubmNjcG1pbA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/13kaU3xaef/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
