Written Interview with Ocoeur for FWD.DJ 2018

Listen to the mix here: http://www.fwd.dj/mix/fwd115-ocoeur/

Where did you record this mix?

This mix was recorded in my home studio in Bordeaux. The quietest place where I can think and create peacefully.

What do you want to convey with this mix?

The most essential thing generally for me in any of my mixes is to share my admiration for sincerely crafted music via a list of artists that I feel close to. It is a suite of pieces that bring a subtle blend of ambient and a delicate electronic touch. I’d say that I’m not seeking direct promotion of my own work but more to convey a similar approach of emotional feelings like Reversed and/or Inner.

What gear do you use in your studio?

I have a light setup actually, including my computer and one 76 key keyboard. My primary equipment is a meticulously chosen group of hand-selected VSTs instruments.

Were you inspired by dance music when you created Reversed?

‘Reversed’ was certainly an evident move for achieving ‘Inner’ afterward. It is the logical progression of synths treatments and cinematic focusing. I wanted to design electronic instruments in a more orchestral way, to conduct the whole pieces into a very deep and
organic course. Beats may be here only for a specific purpose like to enhance the force of the track for example.

Your latest album 'Inner' that was released this month is very appropriately named. If I were to pick one track off the album to show to a friend it would be 'Mother.' Could you tell us a little about this track?

I’d say first it’s a good pick. This track was spontaneously played and recorded with personal presets of synth I previously saved in my database. ‘Mother’ expresses a personal nostalgia about the love between your mom and you when you are a child. The constant support and protection you receive in your youth.

Will there be a reworked EP of inner like there was of Reversed? If so who will you feature?

I intend to prolong ‘Inner’ somehow. But I can’t say more for now. Just stay tuned.

What artists are you listening to at the moment that you love and would recommend?

There are many, but nowadays I’m definitely fond of Wilson Tanner, Jonny Nash, Tigran Hamasyan, and Zinovia Arvanitidi.

Take us through your mix!

01 - Antigone - Anna Livia
Funny enough I have discovered this artist in a nightclub in Bordeaux. Checking his back
catalogue, I think this composer is more into a deep techno style (which I like), although some tracks such as this one are pretty unique in their atmosphere.

02 - Rudy Adrian - Apple Tree Bay
Needless to say how fond I am about Rudy Adrian’s work. Close to Vangelis or Brian Eno, I adore how the compositions are blending emotions and depth.

03 - Rauelsson - Sierra
This track sounds very sincere to me, and the progression of it is simply mindblowing. I adore particularly the work on the main pad and the organ basses, very clever.

04 - Hiroshi Yoshimura - Time Forest
It is a bit hard for me to describe that one as I used it partly as a bridge between Rauelsson’s track and Toytree’s one. Nevertheless, I have a general like for Hiroshi Yoshimura’s stuff and the way he creates peaceful and relaxing ambient pieces.

05 - Toytree - Opal
As an independent and atmospheric games lover, it was quite impossible to not be knocked by the beauty of some Toytree’s music.

06 - Ocoeur - Embers
This track was composed in a more retro way involving some analog synth. I wanted to give it a cinematic state.

07 - Wilson Tanner - Before Lotus
Like shared in the interview, Wilson Tanner sounds one of the most creative ambient makers to me. I adore the blend of acoustic instruments and the subtle additions of electronic backgrounds.

08 - Brian Eno - Dunwich Beach, Autumn, 1960
Not my favourite Eno track. Nevertheless, Brian Eno is a genius for creating such experimental dark ambient, and this track is a perfect fade to the next one.

09 - Oliver Dowie - Stillness Arises Score
Recently discovered via my latest collaboration with Mathieu Lelay for his movie ’In the
Starlight’. It was the opportunity for me to check his previous picture and find this gem. Up to this point, it brings a nice sunrise.

10 - Bibio - Mind Bokeh
I simply adore the unique style of Bibio in creating ambient pieces. This track was an obvious placement into this mix like a smooth ending to Oliver Dowie’s tune.


11 - Carbon Based Lifeforms - Exosphere
This track is an excellent deep dimensional piece for this mix.

12 - Hiroshi Yoshimura - Water Planet
I used that track as an additional layer to the Carbon Based Lifeform’s tune. As I said previously it adds a very serein scape.

13 - Jonny Nash - Down In Babakan
Like Wilson Tanner, Jonny Nash has the asset to create an interesting layering of textural synths.

14 - Ametsub - Sun of Madrid
This track was an obvious intro to the Jon Hopkin’s ‘Form By Firelight’.

15- Jon Hopkins - Form By Firelight
What I admire with Jon Hopkins is his ability to incorporate totally mindblowing beats
edition with sensitive and delicate melodies. This track is the perfect example.

16 - Tigran Hamasyan, Arve Henriksen, Eivind Aarset, Jan Bang - Traces I
Tigran Hamasyan is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting pianist-composer we have nowadays in the genre of modern-jazz music. This piece especially is a fantastic collaboration with a genuine personality and non-repetitive scales.

17 - Vangelis - Creation Du Monde
My admiration for the work of Vangelis Papathanassiou is beyond words. Probably one of my strongest influences. This man has the asset to arrange his music like a true conductor, showing with perfection how electronic music can reveal genuine emotions.

Tags: Ametsub, Brian Eno, John Hopkins, Vangelis