The tracks of Lyon-based producer My Sword blur the lines between original composition, bootleg and blend. Most of his compositions involve both an undeniable forward motion and a bizarre stasis, a disorienting clash that makes it an exciting yet difficult music to play out and an undoubted curveball for even the most adventurous dance floors.
Can you talk about your background? How and when did you get to making music?
I started making music nearly 5 years ago. I couldĀ spend hours digging music on Youtube and one day I discovered Soundcloud at a time when witch house and sea punk were the thing. This allowed me toĀ get to know soĀ many unknown indie producers and ephemeral subgenres. It was like a giant lab with no restrictions and no music standards and I started to produce in this context. Besides that, I’d already been a huge fan of Nguzunguzu then Fade to Mind, it was pleasantly different at a time when “Berlin” techno was almost the only thing I could find in local clubs. Generally, I’m always looking for alternative club musicĀ whether it’s strange, aggressive or totally kitsch.
Is music your full-time activity or do you also do something else?
No, I’ve just finished my art studies. I started to perform as a DJ last year. I never planned music as a way to earn a living but more as a hobby that I’m thankfully able to do. The scene here in Europe is very dynamic and it’s a boon for many artists like me. I appreciate having a kind of free relationship with my practice.
Can you talk about how you create your music? How important are external sources, samples, etc? What is the vibe that you are trying to create?
I use everything I can find: samples on the web, video sequences. I also record myself, for instance my voice, but I don’t have a typical process. My taste is very eclectic and what excites me the most isĀ building a bridge between different genres which can vary a lot, but I think my music is somewhat coherent. I also love to be excessive in someĀ respect like using too much reverb and distortion, when the sound is too sharp or when theĀ BPMĀ is a little too high. By making things too smooth and clean maybe we define too strictly what is and isn’t beautiful and end up making the same things again and again.
Can you talk about your current releases/music activities?
No official release, but I started some collaborations with artists that I appreciate a lot. So there are some cool tracks on the way.
Where are you based? How is the music scene there?
Lyon, France. I’m really notĀ so interested about what is done locally. The city has traditionally been a bastion of techno but we have a lot of different collectives which invigorateĀ the nightlife. Lyon is also well known for its big annual electronic music festival in May, “Nuits sonores”. The city is also considered the capital of French gastronomy. I thinkĀ this is a vital information, so you really need to come and visit.
What are your future dreams?
I don’t have any.