Hybrid label and collective, New York.
Cultivated Sound is a hybrid between a collective and label in Brooklyn, New York. We are focusing on showcasing artists locally and internationally. Our mission is constantly evolving as we strive to integrate programs with collaborators and residents. To cultivate music as sound and introduce new music breaking genres.
NODES
CSS082: MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
[DJ Set]
08.03.2023
Text. Mara Peralta
CULTIVATED SOUND 082.
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Text. Mara Peralta
CULTIVATED SOUND 082.
Cultivated Sound presents a new sound session CSS082, we invite Matthieu Benjamin, who delivers dark, psychedelic and atmospheric techno.
MATTHIEU BENJAMIN techno DJ and Producer from Lausanne, Switzerland.
LISTEN TO
CSS082
MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
HERE
INTERVIEW WITH
MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
Continuously seeking rare and unexpected sonorities, Matthieu Benjamin delivers dark, psychedelic and atmospheric techno. After having developed his ear in Hamburg, in 2019 he started playing in Swiss clubs, in particular with his series, and future label, Temporal Variation.
Behind the decks, he is making a name for himself by offering his audience a mystical yet sophisticated sonic journey, which has led to appearances in clubs such as D! Club, Folklor Club, Le Zoo, La Gravière, Nordstern or Zinkbad and to join the Zurich label Adroit. As a producer, he has perfected his style through releases on Illegal Alien, Newrhythmic, Anaøh, Immaterial. Archives, which have been supported by many artists, including DVS1, Richie Hawtin and Laurent Garnier.
We really like the mix you did for us, the sounds and language are very connected, I am a big fan of experimental techno and industrial, what are some of the ideas you had when you recorded this set?
MB: I’m glad you like it, especially as it’s the first time I’m making a mix exclusively with my own music. Since the beginning of the year, I released quite a lot of tracks and the idea of making a live set started to grow on me. So when I saw that you were showcasing work from live acts as well, it gave me the idea to record this mix as a first step into going that path. Moreover, I like to think of this exercice as some kind of exhibition of my tracks and a way to tell a longer story by connecting the different pieces of a puzzle.
MB: I’m glad you like it, especially as it’s the first time I’m making a mix exclusively with my own music. Since the beginning of the year, I released quite a lot of tracks and the idea of making a live set started to grow on me. So when I saw that you were showcasing work from live acts as well, it gave me the idea to record this mix as a first step into going that path. Moreover, I like to think of this exercice as some kind of exhibition of my tracks and a way to tell a longer story by connecting the different pieces of a puzzle.
What are some of your influences over the years?
MB: I think that I have many influences, whether it’s photography, movies, my studies in sociology and everyday life. Within the techno scene, I really like the deeper side of it such as the music that comes from Semantica or Pole Group and some artists such as Mike Parker, Conceptual or Arthur Robert. I like when the music has a strong psychedelic side as well as a cinematographic feel, if that makes sense!
Can you tell us about your background and stories? when and why did you get into making music?
MB: Hi! First of all, thanks a lot for taking the time to make this interview. Regarding my background, I started in the music scene by getting involved as a volunteer in a non-profit venue here in Switzerland. Then, when I was a sociology student, I moved to Hamburg to finish my studies and along the way I got very interested in making and discovering art. I started with photography for about a year until I went to my first techno parties where it became clear that I wanted to make music.
MB: I think that I have many influences, whether it’s photography, movies, my studies in sociology and everyday life. Within the techno scene, I really like the deeper side of it such as the music that comes from Semantica or Pole Group and some artists such as Mike Parker, Conceptual or Arthur Robert. I like when the music has a strong psychedelic side as well as a cinematographic feel, if that makes sense!
Can you tell us about your background and stories? when and why did you get into making music?
MB: Hi! First of all, thanks a lot for taking the time to make this interview. Regarding my background, I started in the music scene by getting involved as a volunteer in a non-profit venue here in Switzerland. Then, when I was a sociology student, I moved to Hamburg to finish my studies and along the way I got very interested in making and discovering art. I started with photography for about a year until I went to my first techno parties where it became clear that I wanted to make music.
We appreciate the label you founded with artist Alex Nantaya, could you tell us a little bit more about the label and how you see the label growing? Next release and who?
MB: The label is the continuation of a party series I originally started which aims to push the deeper and hypnotic side of techno. But when the pandemic came I missed sharing other people’s music, so creating the label became an obvious choice! I got lucky that I had (and still have) a very supportive partner who agreed to join me in this adventure. For the future, we’re going to continue to take our time and release music we both really believe in! I can already say that the next release, a full EP from Magna Pia, one of the most talented musicians I know, is currently in production and should be out physically and digitally by the end of the year.
What was the first analog piece you purchased? Did that set up how your curated/produced music?
MB: My first analog pieces were my Technics 1200 mk2! It definitely played and still plays a huge role in the way I’m making and curating music. I always have vinyl mixing and long blends in mind when I’m producing, especially in the arrangements of my tracks, meaning that I’m trying to keep things simple and “loopy”. I think that nothing beats the sound and the feeling of two records blending together!
What are some of your influences over the years?
MB: I think that I have many influences, whether it’s photography, movies, my studies in sociology and everyday life. Within the techno scene, I really like the deeper side of it such as the music that comes from Semantica or Pole Group and some artists such as Mike Parker, Conceptual or Arthur Robert. I like when the music has a strong psychedelic side as well as a cinematographic feel, if that makes sense!
MB: In Switzerland, we are lucky to have many non profit clubs which is a pretty rare thing in other countries that I know of. I think non profit clubs create a particular environment and the safest atmosphere whether for the party-goers or artists. So, for these type of clubs I would say that my favorite places are le Zoo and La Gravière in Geneva! I also experienced
| incredible parties in Zürich, with Adroit, a label I’m involved with. But I also like to play in bigger venues such as D! Club in Lausanne. I got the chance to do the opening for some of my favorite artists there, such as Jeff Mills and Marcel Dettmann and it’s always a special feeling to do so. What were some memorial moments for you as an artist and do you have any advice for our listeners and artist in the world? MB: My first encounter with Saime, the Adroit label boss. We didn’t speak much, but after I made him listen to my first finished track, our collaboration started. I wasn’t making music for very long by then and I learned how powerful music could be! This was a very important experience for me. My advice to the artists out there would be: keep believing in music even when it seems less important than social media presence. |
RECENT RELEASES FROM MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
Mental Breakdown
MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
LISTEN HERE![]()
MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
LISTEN HERE
SUBCONSCIOUS (TEMPORAL VARIATION)
MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
:
LISTEN HERE![]()
MATTHIEU BENJAMIN
:
LISTEN HERE
SOUNDCLOUD > HERE
INSTAGRAM > HERE
| Any upcoming projects and gigs that you are excited about? Regarding production, I’m currently working on my next Newrhytmic EP. And I’m also excited for our upcoming Temporal Variation party in September! Last track that moved you? |
What's the best club you've played at?
Recently, « The Studio » near my city, it’s a « private » club meaning that you get to experience the best of both club and rave party experiences.
Recently, « The Studio » near my city, it’s a « private » club meaning that you get to experience the best of both club and rave party experiences.
| Last Film you watched? Triangle of Sadness |
| Favorite album to relax to? Sebb Bash - Fluorescent Mud |
| Favorite producer? Oscar Mulero |
| Next city you would like to write and play at? Madrid or Berlin :-) |
CSS082 MIX TRACKLIST
Matthieu Benjamin - Unreleased
Matthieu Benjamin - Demon Drink [Illegal Alien]
Matthieu Benjamin - Public Consciousness [Illegal Alien]
Matthieu Benjamin - Mystical [Illegal Alien]
Matthieu Benjamin - Rhytmical [Illegal Alien]
Matthieu Benjamin - Aerospace [Eclectic Limited]
Matthieu Benjamin - Urge on [R3volution]
Matthieu Benjamin - Troubled Times Ahead [Eclectic Limited]
Matthieu Benjamin - Sunday Night Dance [R3volution]
Matthieu Benjamin - Insomnia [Eclectic Limited]
Matthieu Benjamin - There is method in his madness [R3volution]
Matthieu Benjamin - Storm [Newrhythmic]
Matthieu Benjamin - Fear Of Change [Eclectic Limited]
Matthieu Benjamin - The Devil Takes You Home [Illegal Alien]
Matthieu Benjamin - Life Cycle [Illegal Alien]
Matthieu Benjamin - Summer Depression [Eclectic Limited]
Matthieu Benjamin - Raven [R3volution]
Matthieu Benjamin - Unreleased
Matthieu Benjamin - Unreleased
Matthieu Benjamin - Unreleased
Matthieu Benjamin - Unreleased
Matthieu Benjamin - Unreleased
08.03.2023
Interview by Mara Peralta
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Interview by Mara Peralta
