Gusgus

Gusgus is an electronic-soul band formed in 1995. A short brake in the making of the short film Pleasure made it possible for the first Gusgus self-titled album to be born. In 1996, Gusgus got a record deal with 4AD. This collaboration gives birth to three albums: Polydistortion, This Is Normal, and Gusgus vs T-World. During the 4AD years, Gusgus starts touring massively, stirring the music world with their powerful live-show. In 2000, the group changes - Six original members leave and the three remaining producers find hope in a new female singer, Earth. In 2002, Gusgus make their fourth studio album Attention with a new record company: Underwater. Attention arises the techno side of Gusgus and puts the band back on the map with the massive hit David, and the ever amazing tour Look Busy 2002-2004. Today, Gusgus are working on a new album scheduled for fall 2005.

A Few Words with Stephan Stephensen of Gusgus

Maybe you could start by telling us a bit about your background, how did you get into making music?

Gusgus was and is a strange thing that has developed on it's own for the past ten years. It is a kind of life form that you get into and then move along with. Personally, I got into it as a photographer and a visual artist creating the world around the music. Then without any special effort I was into making the music as well, but only full force producing when we've done our fourth studio album, Attention.

What projects have you been working on recently?

Gusgus has been working on a new album for two years now, very much on and off period because everybody in the band needs space for other things to work on such as art exhibitions, programming, DJ'ing around the world and doing music with other people. The album is though coming to a final stage and we are looking forward to present it in the fall...

What are you looking for in an synthesizer/instrument?

I guess that the search for a sound-world that we can call our own has been the major search for always... Using analogue equipment, getting that space in the sound that tickle your ears and activates your dancing skills...

What is the process of getting a particular instrument sound?

Patience, believe in what you hear and knowing how you want it to sound like is the most important thing!

How does Ultra Analog integrates with your work flow?

It has been amazing to follow the unbelievable progress of plug-ins and having the opportunity to make music in your computer with synths that sound properly... just like your analogue synths. Having stuff from AAS has been a ray of sun in the digital world - Ultra Analog has slipped in an empty parking space in my music street and it is like it has been there for all times.

What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of your job/music making?

To find out that you still can make music that make people happy, make yourself happy!

Finally, what's coming up next for you?

World domination or death! :)