EGRES dives into psychology, intuition, and cinematic soundscapes with their new single "Retrieval." In this interview, they discuss creative processes, evolving artistry, and the collaborative journey behind their music.
1.
"Retrieval" explores the impact of memories and the concept of two
selves. What inspired you to dive into these themes, and how did psychology and
Daniel Kahneman's work influence the songwriting process?
Hanna: I’ve
always been interested in psychology and how the human mind works. Upon hearing
Pekka’s composition the melody, rhythm and ambient kind of spoke to me and I
just instantly knew what the main themes were going to be about from a lyrical
point of view. Some years ago I read this book Thinking, fast and slow by the
late Daniel Kahnemann and was greatly impressed by it. It helped me in
structurizing the lyrics. I think that it is still a timely book.
2. The
song features unconventional structures and semitone progressions that grab
attention immediately. How do you approach composing music that balances
complexity with accessibility?
Pekka: I
don't really think about it when composing. At the production and arrangement
stage I consider it to some extent, but still respecting the original vision of
the work. For me, adding commercialism and listener-friendliness has become a
kind of fun game interestingly increasing the difficulty level. Often,
developing in this way challenges the resulting art in a healthy way, and in
this way the key features of the work are clarified.
3.
Hanna, your lyrics for "Retrieval" are described as playful and
cryptic. Can you walk us through the process of crafting these verses and how
they complement the music?
Hanna: As
Pekka came up with this staccato-like vocal melody, I wanted the lyrics to
reflect both its disciplined nature and playful spirit.
I rather
not over explain the lyrics and the meaning behind them, since it can be
different for every listener. I would like the people to explore and interpret
the lyrics themselves.
What I want
to say, though, is that I received a lot of help from our producer Mikko Aaltio
during the writing process. He helped me in brainstorming and achieving some
balance between clarity and secretivity. Another key person was our vocal
producer Helena Haaparanta, who helped me to find the right feeling and
articulation to the story upon the recordings.
4.
Tristan, you mentioned that the robotic piano in the demo initially horrified
you but eventually amazed you. What led to this change in perspective as the
song evolved?
Tristan:
The original demo had a lot more of that “roboticness". Those sounds were
pruned and placed in much more meaningful spots. They then worked better as
purposeful effects. I composed more piano parts to the song, increasing the
organic feel and vividity. In the end it was the song as a whole which made me
fall in love with it.
5.
Pekka, the piano’s rhythm and your contributions to the vocal melody are
central to the song. How did you shape these elements, and what challenges did
you face in making them stand out?
Pekka: The
pounding rhythm was the very first element I started to build the song on. From
there I intuitively moved forward and let the song take me where I thought it
was going. In this way, I think things fell into place very naturally,
simultaneously offering surprises to the listeners.
6. The
music video for "Retrieval" was an ambitious project involving a
large team and extensive post-production. How did this collaborative effort
enhance the song’s themes, and what were the biggest surprises during the
filming process?
All: The
music video project was ambitious indeed. We originally planned to make the
video by ourselves, but as the production company Woodpecker, who is also our
bassist’s employee, came along, things escalated quickly and we got more and
more people on board.
The
experience was amazing, and we are forever grateful to all the people who
contributed their talent, time, and effort to this. The entire process was full
of surprises. Being part of it was an unforgettable journey that reminds us how
often it is the people around us who help us make the most of life.
7. With
its cinematic and progressive style, EGRES's music leans heavily on intuition.
How do you balance intuition with technical precision when creating your songs?
Pekka: I do
not have to worry about finding the balance between intuition and technical
execution. I create songs with a free mind, and technical solutions will always
follow. With modern technology I feel I can do anything.
8. Your
live performances have been well-received across Finland and Estonia. How do
you adapt your complex and cinematic sound for the stage, and what can
audiences expect at an EGRES show?
All: The
show requires a lot from the facility and technical execution, since we have a
really wide and dynamic soundscape. We use a lot of different sounds and
effects and aim for perfect balance between the instruments. Upon each gig we
aim to offer no less than an audiovisual experience and captivating show. We
bring heat and stardust to the room and love to connect with the audience
during and after the show.
9. The
band has evolved significantly since its experimental beginnings. How has this
journey shaped your identity as a group, and where do you see EGRES heading
next?
All:
Experimental approach is something we are likely to hold on to. We are
constantly evolving as a band. We do not see genre or other limits for our
future endeavours. EGRES is an advendure for us, bringing joy and sometimes
pushing ourselves to the limits. We are keen to see what the future holds for
us.
10.
Lastly, what message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from
"Retrieval," and how does it set the tone for future EGRES projects?
All: We see
that Retrieval offers many layers to explore, holding the
potential for versatile and meaningful interpretations. Even when reduced to
its bare musical essence, the song remains catchy, thrilling and captivating.
Pekka: I
feel that Retrieval serves as a market for the band's musical direction.
Personally, I feel that with this song the band has found a credible,
self-contained and somehow mature expression that doesn't bow down
unnecessarily. Retrieval represents a direction that currently inspires
me enormously.
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