Pjusk Interview: Data Wave (2017)
1. Who became the ideological inspirers of Pjusk?
If we should narrow it all down to one major inspiration and influence, it has to be the Norwegian project Biosphere. Basically this is where it all started. His music has been a true source of creativity. Of course we have a lot of other projects that has meant a lot to us – too many to mention.
2. Pjusk is the project with quite depressive shade. It is not the mighty force of fjords? Your music is connected with the nature? Describe in general.
We know that a lot of people consider our music to be closely linked to nature. I guess that is correct, but it is more on a subconscious level, really. It is only natural that our music reflects our environment somehow when living in the countryside. Depressive is perhaps a bit too strong a word – perhaps melancholy is more fitting. We are certainly not trying to sound depressive.
3. How both of you understands the term «destructive music»? Your work belongs to this concept?
Although Norway is known for dark ambient and black metal, we don’t really see ourselves as part of that scene. Ambient minimalism – experimental ambient – but not dark. But we understand why, some tracks would probably be fitting within a dark ambient framework.
4. You often use field recordings in the works. What sounds attract you? What is the most exciting for you in this process?
We were very into fan noise on our first album, Sart. We got a fair amount of nice soundscapes from hotel fans. We’re also fond of noise and sounds that have a rhythmic quality to them. Sounds that could work as a pulse or backbone in a track. Noise or sounds from a wonky machine or factory equipment can often sound great after a bit of processing. The favourite moments with fieldrecording are initially when we discover the sound, and then when we reach the end result, the sound or loop that ends up in a tune.
5. Your two last EP have appeared in the free access. What is it? It’s the end of cooperation with 12k?
Not at all. We started our own label “Fono Fonogram” and released three EPs by the end of last year really to investigate the reception and concepts of using Bandcamp and digital distribution. The test was really about checking if we should continue establishing a label for our collaborative work and then perhaps do other releases later on. I guess we have abandoned that idea. Still happy to be with 12k.
6. In your opinion the modern musician needs a label or Bandcamp, SoundCloud and Facebook is enough?
It all depends on your goals as a musician. It is certainly a good start, but getting out on the road is certainly the best part of releasing music.
7. It is possible to consider that the most widespread genre of electronic music in Norway at the moment is ambient?
Well, the two biggest electronic artists (in the wider term – thinking commercially) is Kygo and Alan Walker. The latter being responsible for hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. Ambient is a small genre for the initiated few.
8. What Norwegian musicians and labels you especially recommend? Do you have some original festivals which are held in Norway and should be visited?
We are quite fond of the Hubro label. Lots of interesting artists (mostly jazz). Also Smalltown Supersound and Rune Grammofondeserve a mention. When it comes to festivals, the Punkt festival in Kristiansand and Insomnia in Tromsø are worth a visit.
Recommended artists from Norway:
Morten Qvenild
(latest album: Personal Piano)
Todd Terje
Erik Skodvin and Otto Totland
9. You started the project in Bergen – in the city where the great composer Edvard Grieg lived and created. What do you think of him and his works?
We are of course proud of Grieg and his works – it is part of our Norwegian heritage and culture.
10. Pjusk is the home project or you are always ready to do a performances? Do you like any movements or just prefer to remain on one place?
We love doing live performances. It is a great opportunity to meet new people. Although we think we haven´t cracked the live code entirely yet. It is about balancing risk and safety and I guess we still have a way to go. Anyway. Great fun. Please invite us to Russia. We would love that.
11. Give us the list of your favorite movies and books if it’s possible. Have this inspired you to create a music ever? From where do you derive the inspiration?
Well, being electronica fans, we probably wont suprise anyone when we spill the beans about being sci-fi nerds. We love Blade Runner, the Alien franchise, 12 Monkeys and etc.
12. Jostein, how the Circular project was born and has influenced on your further work? What was the idea of it? It continues to function or it is finally closed?
Not closed at all. At the moment progress has been quite slow due to many reasons, but we are working on new material – to be honest we probably have hours of music almost finished, so I guess we should expect a new album out by 2017.
13. Each your album looks very spectacular graphically. You ask about it the designer or carry out everything personally?
Thanks! We have always a very defined visual style in mind when releasing an album. This is important factors and we take it seriously. A lot of great music has been let down by lousy covers and stock photos.
14. What you would like to wish to the Data.Wave listeners?
Live long and prosper! Or simply: Peace, love and unity!