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Oren Ben Yosef
is an Israeli soundartist
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Interview: 10 questions
1. When did you start making music, what is/was your motivation to do it?
I have always wanted to make music.ever since i was a little child.I finally started making music seriously when i was 21.In 2000,by adding my not-so-good guitar playing to noise computer loops and samples.
2. Tell me something about your living environment and the musical education.
I didnt grow up in a musical house,but i got the support i needed from my family.ever since i was young i was allowed to listen to whatever music i wanted to,be it as horrid as it was.later on i took some guitar courses and some singing courses,which now,as a singer in a band,i do them much injustice.My apologies to my singing teachers.
3.Is making music your profession? What is the context in which you practice music nowadays?
I do work outside of my musical projects.Its not easy to live of making underground music.But i do work in a music store and i DJ.so you might say that.The contexts i work on vary with the projects i work in.My solo project – “Mortalmanifest” is about the monolithic and the unreachable.While the band “Seven morgues” is more emotional and sad.However,I suppose both of them involves memory,myth and monumentalism,and my disgust from most of the main ideas of the post modern thinking.
4. How do you compose or create music or sound? Have you certain principles, use certain styles etc?
Generally,theres a main idea behind every track.Be it the lyrics or a concept.The music comes afterwards and gives that idea more power.
5. Tell me something about the instruments, technical equipment or tools you use?
From acoustic instruments like an acoustic guitar,drums and oriental
percussions and bells to synths,computers and devices that either make melody,atmosphere or harsh noise,which is more welcomed.
6. What are the chances of New Media for the music production in general and you personally?
Of course i cannot ignore the fact that i get people who listen to my music from the internet,and the numerous contacts i have made from this medium in its numerous sites,forums etc etc. But i consider my self old fashioned in the way i will by a cd and not listen to it over the computer.
7. How about producing and financing your musical productions?
Very difficult.But rewarding.
8. Do you work individually as a musician/soundartist or in a group or collaborative? If you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
I do feel like ever since i started working onthe band “Seven morgues” i have been neglecting my solo project.I do not like to perform alone as my solo project because i think its boring.When we perform as a band we do much much better.In my personal experience,the band brings a much richer sound and much deeper impact.
9. Is there any group, composer, style or movement which has a lasting influence on making music?
A lot.Diamanda galas,Nick cave,swans,current 93,neurosis/tribes of neurot to name a few.The lis could go on and on but i wont do it.basically these are bands and singers i learned a lot from,when diamanda galas “Plague mass” shadows everything else,as far as im concerned.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a soundartist or musician?
On the personal level,If i can live happily from my music and from my label then im happy.
On a more general level,my aims in my music and in my label is to bring some positive thinking to the sometimes nihilist-ridden music world,as i see it.And if this positive thinking comes as a punch in the face to the mainstream and sometimes to the underground as well,then this is much better.
Can works of yours experienced online besides on SoundLAB? Where? List some links & resources
Seven morgues : www.myspace.com/sevenmorgues
mortalmanifest : www.myspace.com/mortalmanifest