Interview by Helena Markos
We had a chat with Ultra Sunn, a great Belgium-based duo that caught our attention through their latest EP ‘Night is Mine’ released in March, on Oraculo Records. This is their first EP and it is a limited copies vinyl release that it also includes a wild, industrial remix of the track ‘Night is Mine’, made by SARIN. A great tale in which EBM sounds is embraced by a gothic/coldwave aura, expressed by Sam’s deeply emotive vocals. Today Sam and Gaelle, share with us a few things about themselves and their connection, their music and their debut EP. Talking about the post-covid word, they vote for the non-stop creativity and they sound quite positive, predicting that people will try to regain their recklessness. We are very much looking forward to listening to their upcoming work and we hope we will be able to see them performing live in the near future.
T.O.P: Thanks guys for accepting my invitation. I want to ask you how the pandemic and current status quo affect you? How are things in Belgium right now?
Like most artists we had to cancel or postpone a lot of concerts, like the support act for KOMPROMAT, we also had to play with Ritual Howls and Box and the Twins. We are lucky that our EP met such enthusiasm. We try to stay positive and optimistic, we focus on the future. In fact, apart from stopping the concerts, we didn’t have a status quo feeling, we had to work a lot on our first EP and on the upcoming tracks. In Belgium, the situation is becoming complex for the youngest. We feel a lot of distress, we have the feeling that our leaders do not care about mental health and that the climate is getting harsher. On the other hand, we think that the new generations are thirsty for justice and equality. We really hope to achieve something more peaceful and that people will listen to each other in the future.
T.O.P: Do you wanna sure a few things about yourselves? How did the connection occur?
We’ve been in a relationship for several years. Sam makes music for like 12 years and Gaelle is passionate about music. We dreamed of a common artistic project and it was the right time for us to do it. This is Gaelle’s first experience as a musician, she learned piano and she has always been passionate about analog synthesizers sounds. We are a Coldwave / EBM duo based in Brussels. Sam sings and plays the synth, Gaelle is on the synth and drum machines.
T.O.P: How do you feel the electronic music world will emerge in a post-pandemic era?
Our music scene is very inclusive and respectful, like no toxic expectations. We think people need to break free from these normative codes and electronic music could be a positive response to these needs. Actually, we are sure that people will want to party and regain their recklessness in this safer environment.
Ultra Sunn
Our music scene is very inclusive and respectful, like no toxic expectations. We think people need to break free from these normative codes and electronic music could be a positive response to these needs. Actually, we are sure that people will want to party and regain their recklessness in this safer environment.
T.O.P: You have recently released a great EBM EP on Oraculo records, under the name Night Is Mine, with a quiet gothic atmosphere. Do you want to tell us a few things about this release?
This EP contains our two first singles and an unreleased track. We are so grateful that so many people have been touched by our music. We had the pleasure to work with Sarin who remixed our track ‘Night Is Mine’. It’s a great achievement to put our tracks together on this beautiful vinyl that we send all over the world!
T.O.P: How would you describe your creative process?
We like to work at night. Our studio is at home, it’s important for us to take care of the whole process from start to finish. We decided to limit ourselves to 5 synthesizers and a drum machine, to have a true sound and to avoid the trap of thousands of VST’s and programs. It allows us to have harmony in our sound. We like to think of our project as something global that’s why the visuals, music, photos, videos respond to the same aesthetic. We also care to keep everything spontaneous and intuitive, we are not afraid to throw away a session that took too much time or hesitation.
T.O.P: What do you think are the major challenges that artists face nowadays?
Hold on during this time and keep the faith. Despite the blurry future, keep creating new things.
T.O.P: Any upcoming projects/collaborations to announce?
Shortly after the release of our first EP, we had the pleasure to sign with the label Cold Transmission. Now, we are preparing our second EP for the autumn. The first track will be released very soon.
T.O.P: Which piece of music or album would you suggest as a mind/soul healer?
Gaelle: Ashes to Ashes – David Bowie
Sam: Stabat Mater – Vivaldi
Tales of Psychofonia 