Home » Jazz News » Interview

An Interview With Jude Gwynaire

Source:

Sign in to view read count
Q: Where did the interest in music originate from?

A: I guess I’ve always had a natural interest in music from an early age. I started playing keyboards when I was about 12 (a home organ), and this led onto an electric piano and guitars when I was about 17. I’m also an aspiring author and finished my first (unpublished) novel at the age of 15. It was called ‘Dr Clef’s Psychedelic World of Music’ and, although probably badly written, I remember sending off a cassette tape of my own music to the publisher when I sent it in for consideration (it was based on the book). So I’ve always had a strong interest in making music. I find it very easy to compose, and I am never stuck for an idea. In fact, I often get too many ideas all at once, which sometimes takes me away from the composition I’m working on.

Q: Were your parents supportive of your musical ambitions?

A: Not really, to tell you the truth. I guess they were impartial. I suppose they just wanted me to settle down to a normal career that didn’t involve any risk. I guess making a success out of anything artistic can be a struggle. So many people fail even though they are very good at what they do.

Q: How would you say you have musically evolved?

A: With regards to composing, the ability to afford better quality keyboards has certainly given me more sounds to play with. Some of my earlier material was composed on cheaper Yamaha workstations (they were all I could afford!). However, I now have a Korg M50, a Korg Triton Extreme and a Novation Ultranova, which have better sounds on them. So having better equipment has allowed me to evolve further musically. I compose, record, mix and master everything myself at my own home studio, though I occasionally send material away for mastering.

Q: Many musicians I’ve spoken to in the past find it difficult to retain a positive attitude towards the industry after a while. Is it the same for you?

A: I guess so. It’s always been difficult to make it as a composer/musician. I used to send loads of stuff off to record companies and never heard back. I think they’re only looking for big money-making acts these days and are not so ready to give smaller, struggling acts a chance. I believe it’s a similar story in the book publishing world. I’ve known Terry Pratchett’s agent for many years (he tried to place one of my books with an agent many years ago) and he more or less said the same thing to me recently. It’s getting more difficult now to be find a deal with a major company. However, with the rise of online portals like CD Baby etc, it’s actually easier now to get your music heard in public. The key to getting anywhere if you’re a creative person is to never give up.

Q: Electronica music seems to come and go in the public consciousness. How do you feel about the state of the genre now?

A: These days it's hard to think of a hit track that isn't electronic to some degree. The difference is that synthesized sounds have become almost indistinguishable from the original instrument, so as a musician, I can choose digital instrumentation that sounds completely organic. Of course, as a musician, I can chose to go in the other direction and use the digital character of a sound to move it beyond anything generated in nature. Modern equipment is so good; we have control over everything.

Q: What are your goals as an artist?

A: My goals as an artist is to keep composing and find a sound that is commercial, imaginative and interesting. So much modern music is very boring!

Visit Website | Purchase

Comments

Tags

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.