An Interview with Konehead
by Fionn Murray
Ireland’s burgeoning techno scene has seen its fair share of colourful figures drawing influence from the Berlin scene or even Chicago footwork, but Dublin-born Konehead (currently based in London) is one of the more mysterious and enigmatic players in the scene. His lengthy instrumental tracks, as seen on his 2016 EP London, are not based on aggressive, tricksy rhythms and blaring basslines; rather, they are amorphous, soundscaping mood pieces, droning, repetitive and trancelike. We sat down to ask him a few questions about his music and creative process.
How did Konehead come into existence? Is this your first musical project?
Konehead is my first solo project. I have always been interested in producing music, but in the past few years have taken more of an interest in the techno scene. I went through a period of sketching out loads of musical ideas and then took a liking to this to progress with.
How would you describe the Konehead sound? Techno is a very densely populated scene at the moment - what makes Konehead stand out?
I’ve always been focused on keeping the music production sounding solid and organic. I think this helps to keep a sense of space and emotion in the music. A lot of techno artists these days opt for sounding very computerised and foreign, which can sometimes take away from the character of the productions.
What artists have influenced your sound? Do you mainly look to other techno and house artists for inspiration, or do your influences come from further afield?
I have taken influence from all types of music, from techno to heavy metal. Each genre plays its part in the musical spectrum and offers a different take on emotions and feelings. For example, one of my big inspirations is the artist Grimes, who for the most part creates pop music, but has established a very unique sound and style. I think that taking learnings from everything, without pigeonholing yourself to one genre, helps to bring together an original sound.
What's your writing process like? Do you start with a melody, a drumbeat, a bassline? Does it vary from track to track?
It does vary. However, I usually start a track purely from the mood or feeling I’m trying to portray with a song. This could result in starting with either a heavy beat or a bass/synth melody. Typically, all of the ideas would come out at the same time into a mess and would take some time to piece it all together.
Your most recent release was titled London. Was it inspired by living in the city? What were you trying to convey with the release?
Exactly. I started working on the release soon after I moved to the city and it was my way of putting together how I felt at the time.
Click here to listen: https://soundcloud.com/konehead_music/sets/london-ep
Does London have an active techno scene at present? Are you involved much, do you go to many techno events?
London has a massive techno scene which seems to ever grow in popularity. I do try to keep up with it, however a weekend doesn’t goes by where I don’t see myself missing multiple big names!
Are you involved with any other musical projects at the moment?
Yes, I’m currently also bassist in an Ireland-based metal band called Suzaku Avenue. We’re currently recording an EP so I’m very excited to get that out there very soon!
What's next for Konehead? Do you have any gigs or releases planned currently?
No gigs planned as of yet, however I have my next release in the works so keep an eye!
Follow Konehead on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoneheadMusic/
