To kick start 2018 we caught up with Denmark’s Be Svendsen to discuss his latest release titled Getula, which was put out via Sabo’s label Sol Selectas on Christmas day.
Be Svendsen has also featured music on a wide variety of other labels ranging from All Day I Dream to Crosstown Rebels, and with an album soon to drop in 2018, he is also a popular DJ who shortly before this interview had just arrived back from a mini tour of the US and Thailand…
> For the people reading this who haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe your style, and the key elements that define it?
I often use elements that hold nostalgic value to me. This can be via instrumentation, atmosphere or a melodic sense. Often I blend familiar audio ingredients used in new combinations, and at times I use sounds that remind me of a certain period or era. Other essential elements are organic keys and sometimes a sense of humour.
> Your most recent release is on Sabo’s label Sol Selectas, is there a story behind how the release came to fruition?
My track “Getula” is best described as desert-jazz, as at its core there is a short underlying middle-eastern string sample, with all top and bottom filtered out of it. It also features a Rhodes piano which is one of my favourite instruments. Adding some extra rhythm is a recorded frame-drum, which is an ancient type of hand held drum common to many traditional cultures and spiritual ceremonies.
Towards the end of the track I also added the guitar, key change, sequenced percussion and synth line. The ending gives it a twist in atmosphere that to some might seem a bit excessive, but I chose to leave it as part of the journey, as it brings the track more in the direction I’m heading at the moment.
The foundation of the Getula was actually made in November 2015, and Sabo picked it up much later, when I was finishing it and getting it ready for mastering.
> Sol Selectas I’m told is a very spiritual label that’s influenced heavily by world music… taking this into account, was there a concept behind your new release with them, as you mentioned previously about a desert vibe?
Sol Selectas has played a key role in the Slow-Ethno-Tech wave, putting out high quality releases with a heavy world music influence. They are very passionate about their work and quality on all matters linked to the label, so I’m very happy to be releasing with them, and have become close with the Sol Selectas family. Sabo who runs the label has close ties to Burning Man in America’s Nevada desert, so my tracks desert vibe certainly seems fitting for a Sol Selectas release.
> I spotted that the release date of your Sol Selectas release was Christmas day, how did you spend Christmas this year, and was it any different from normal due to the release?
I had just got back from playing a mini tour in US and Thailand, and now arrived in the beautiful UK countryside shortly after to spend the Christmas holidays with my fiancã plus my new family there. Until I see some sales figures I’m not sure how many people will have been paying attention to a new release on Christmas Day, but for those who took the time to check it out… I hope it was an extra little treat for the holidays.
> Could you talk us through the creative process of putting a track together, and list any specific equipment used to bring you sound to life?
When writing music I navigate from an inner compass, rarely starting with a plan already in mind. Once I’m on to an engaging atmosphere a story usually starts to unfold, and I like things that sound old or classic. Sometimes I start with samples, and other times I record real instruments, or use software emulations. I use a lot of software plug-ins, but often I also run things out of the computer through various analogue outboard gear and back in, as this helps get the warm and rich sound I’m after.
> Following your new Sol Selectas release do you have any other new music or forthcoming gigs we should be keeping an eye out for in 2018?
I’m working on my debut album which should be out in the spring of 2018, as that will be the next big release.
> Could you giving some advice or words of wisdom to any aspiring producers who might look to your music for inspiration?
Feel, and notice what moves your soul then follow that. Do your own thing your own way. The best thing is just to be playful, and experiment to see what happens with your own ideas.
> Thanks for taking the time to speak with us today, we like to finish our interviews with a couple of questions that are a little bit light hearted… without getting to personal, could you tell us something many don’t know about you?
I’m actually not a big fan of club music… don’t tell anyone 😉
> You don’t need to mention names, but what’s the most “outrageous” thing you have ever seen happen in a club… was it something outrageously brilliant, like a blindfolded DJ mixing seamlessly and scratching with his elbows, or something outrageously cringe-worthy, like some embarrassing drunk guy urinating on the dancefloor?
I couldn’t tell you that, my mum might read this lol
> Thanks for taking the time to speak with us and all the best for 2018.
Thanks a lot for your interest in my music, and a I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
> For those interested in picking up your new release on Sol Selectas it can be purchased …HERE…
