Revelations from Epiphaneia

Getting Inside Leinender’s Mind

French born DJ and producer Leinender is a multi-faceted musician with carefully crafted melodies that come alive with pulsating percussion. Within his compositions, he transports listeners to a surreal state of altered emotions. Today he sits down with us to give a bit of background on his music career and some revelations into his upcoming release, Epiphaneia.

INDIE ISLANDS: Leinender; thank you so much for taking the time for this interview with us. Our first question is for those that may be not familiar with your work. Tell us how you got into music and evolved into the musician you are today?

LEINENDER: How my interest in music started is actually quite a mystery to me. It was simply always there inside my mind. I do remember that I constantly had my own opinions on music, even at very young age. I also had the opportunity to be exposed to a vast diversity of musical genres throughout my early years. However, in the end, some influenced me more than others… like classical music for example. Eventually, I began to listen to the electronic music of artists such as Jean Michel Jarre and Kraftwerk. They had an influence on me as well. Through their works I suddenly discovered music that could inspire one to dream. This was music that took you somewhere! It was this experience that taught me that music could be something much more, something metaphysical. I was really amazed by these artists and their dreamlike styles and lucidity.

INDIE ISLANDS: Apart from your musical influences, what else led you down the specific path from classical music towards electronic music?

LEINENDER: As I developed musically I discovered electronic instruments to be the best tools to create mystical soundscapes. Later, I started to appreciate the dance music of the time. I got increasingly involved in the electronic genre. It was about this time trance music was revealed to me. I knew immediately that I had to find out and learn everything I possibly could about trance! In sum, I have always been influenced by many artists and in various different genres. The most important thing to remember is that I've always remained open to all musical genres. I feel this allows me to have unlimited creative growth, even within trance.

INDIE ISLANDS: So, you knew what direction you wanted to go in, but how long did it take before you were proficient composition and production?

LEINENDER: As far as composition, it was early on when I happened to get my hands on some music software. I started to experiment and gradually realized that I could also create my own original music. In regard to production, it took me almost seven years to be able to say, “I’m in control.” Still, I’ve not reached that point of perfection…who can? I strive to be perfect, but I realize that is never truly possible. It is that constant quest that makes me a better artist. I always force my mind to push the creative envelope.

INDIE ISLANDS: You were born in France, but have spent time living in so many other countries. I’m sure the exposure to various cultures must affect you creatively?

LEINENDER: Definitely! I would say it helps me break through creative boundaries. It sounds trivial, however it's not! Most people don't even think of the mere possibility that another culture may think differently. The same parallel could be made in music. For instance, why would I follow the “rules” and be boxed into the styles and paradigms of a single style? The added exposure that I've experienced with many different cultures has yielded more creative inspirations to work with. Music, as an art, is a subjective experience. Creatively speaking, I've opened a whole new world of musical possibilities by traveling the globe.

INDIE ISLANDS: Your past EP releases, Wastefulness and Sight of the Unseen, were very popular among your fans. However, you’ve been working on your first full-length album project now for the last three years. Fill us in Epiphaneia, what the title means, and how it came to life?

LEINENDER: Well the “birth” of Epiphaneia came about due to an evolution in my actual creative process. Before, when I created a composition, each track had a life of its own. However, since my live sets tended to be more of an ensemble, I suddenly realized that to create an album that was an anthology was the next logical step in the development of my music. Think of it this way, I wrote the tracks as an author would write chapters in a book. As far as the title, “epiphaneia” is a Greek word meaning manifestation. So, each track is a story, an experience, an emotional vision quest leading to a manifestation of understanding.

INDIE ISLANDS: It does seem to me that Epiphaneia contains the same qualities of a literary piece. Perhaps it is akin to Dante’s Inferno, where the character experiences a progression through various levels of conscious experiences? What do you think?

LEINENDER: The album is definitely progression of emotions and states of mind. The album is both an internal and external adventure. It is internal adventure because it represents the personal growth of an individual to a higher state of awareness. It is also an external adventure because the factors which will cause this growth. However, there is nothing static in this album, everything is fluid and dynamic. It is a journey from one point to another.

INDIE ISLANDS: I can see that the listener is along for the journey, and I suppose each listener would have their own unique experience, perhaps even their own “epiphaneia.”

LEINENDER: Yes! I create the emotional setting. However, I do allow enough ambiguity in the mood, melody and tempo for the listener to also take part in the creative process. In this album, it is the soundscapes I've created that lead one to generate their own scenery, characters, and story. That is the exciting thing! I composed the album in a way that each individual could create their own interpretation of each track, each “chapter.” There's an endless array of revelations each individual could experience. This was my artistic goal.

INDIE ISLANDS: You bring up soundscapes. You are definitely known for your finesse in creating these. When you craft emotions and imagery with instruments, how do you seem mystically to use the melodic messages to convey these feelings?

LEINENDER: That is a tough question. Honestly, I don't know how I do it, it flows naturally. I let my mind flow in one direction and see what happens. It's like having a lucid dream where I can see landscapes and feel diverse emotions. I then use these visual landscapes and emotions and alter them into an aural experience. I presume an analogy may help? It is like a sculptor - he may start out with just a square block of rock, but he can free the sculpture locked within. He can see what the block of stone can become. When I start to "sculpt" my sounds, it is difficult to see the result. In the end, the musical piece becomes further refined, extra detailed, and becomes increasingly apparent. Finally, one is able to hear the whole musical “sculpture.”

INDIE ISLANDS: Let’s get into the tracks - or chapters as you call them - on Epiphaneia. Although they all fit together, I can tell they’re artistically placed in a specific order. “Sin and Symbiosis” is the first track; can you give us some background on that song?

LEINENDER: In short, “Sin and Symbiosis” represents the link between two characters or entities. The music describes the characters’ story with highs and lows. Concealed under the mix is a small melodic pattern that is repeated until the end of the track. This consistent and repetitive sound represents the link between the two. It’s fragile and simple, yet barely audible. Whatever happens, this sound remains. Nothing can stop it. The balance remains unbroken during the entire story. It is this melodic pattern which began so insignificant at first that ends up as something interweaved. It becomes moreover evident. It is that repetitive sound that becomes the essential focus in the end.

INDIE ISLANDS: “Betray Me” is the second track and I must admit I hear some Nine Inch Nails influence here. It’s as dark and elusive as anything Trent Reznor has composed. Do you want to reveal any “secrets” about this track?

LEINENDER: I’ve definitely been influenced by Nine Inch Nails over the years! The reference to NIN you bring up is particularly interesting because the concept of “Betray Me” is somehow similar to some of the themes and messages in Trent’s work. In my opinion, he’s critical of our society and mass media. “Betray Me” contains a similar message. It rebuts what society dictates us to do; it pushes against what is the norm. That is all I’d wish to reveal at this time! (Laughing)

INDIE ISLANDS: The third track is one of my favorites and is entitled “Terreur Nocturne.”  In English it means “Night Terror.” I feel you definitely tapped into the horror and “out of body” feeling. Was this your goal?

LEINENDER: Yes… mostly. “Terreur Nocturne” is an epic adventure in an alternate reality. It is the ripened fruit of one's imagination. It's both a dream and a nightmare - simultaneously. It is beautiful, strange, yet terrifying. I wanted to reproduce musically how the conscious mind can escape and exist in a different reality during sleep. The song captures the most stressful moment when there is the realization of being trapped in a different reality. Suddenly, the soul is ensnared outside the body. One can feel the peril but is unable to do anything to escape. The body can't move, it can't scream, it can't wake up! One is passively witnessing their own fear. Finally, after the climax of the fear, it gradually fades. The nightmare becomes a blurry memory. At the end you either wake up, or fall asleep into the next phase of sleep.

INDIE ISLANDS: “Company of Thieves” is a track that plays like a movie score. It has a feel similar to the climax of a movie. Can you explain the writing process behind this and the emotion intertwined within it?

LEINENDER: Yes, this song could be the climax of a movie or of a story. The “thieves” here are people who steal our trust and thus greatly disappoint us. This track represents a life changing epiphany. If you are able to see it properly, life is extraordinary and beautiful. Life is an awakening to a new reality - as if a veil has been lifted. Reality is now exposed. In this album the song represents a key moment in the progression of the character. After going through so much disappointment and drama suddenly there is the realization and comprehension. It's about the sensation of comprehension and clarity; of simplicity and satisfaction.

INDIE ISLANDS: What are some of the other tracks on Epiphaneia that you would like yield some insight into?

LEINENDER: Well, as I've said, they all have their own story just as the four tracks we've already discussed. It would take too long to go through each one, so I will leave some of the “mystery” linger. However, I do feel like we should talk a bit about “Soundforgers.” It will be the second single from Epiphaneia after “Wastefulness.” “Soundforgers” is a bit unique from the other tracks. It's a simple composition about creation. As humans, we create things with our hands, our minds, or imagination. Everyone forges elements together to construct something more complex. Remember the sculptor's analogy I brought up in your question on soundscapes? Well this is what this song is about. It is about the very process of the creation of an object, of an idea, or perhaps a feeling. The process is simple, but yields something more complex. Here, I symbolize sound being forged. It's forged from my imagination. I use my mind, my hands, and the electronic tools in my repertoire.

INDIE ISLANDS: You’ve evolved as a musician; however, you’ve really progressed as a performer as well. You began as a DJ, but you are now much more than that. Tell us how about your metamorphosis as it applies to your live sets?

LEINENDER: I have to return to the beginning of my career to better explain this. Like most DJs I started on regular turntables and this was fine. However, I began to have the desire to play my own original material. So, from that point forward, I changed my live performances. I would exclusively play and experiment with my own tracks. In lieu of a turntable, I added laptops, synthesizers and all the necessary equipment. The results were that my performances were now something totally original - never heard before.

However, after a while I thought that the connection with public was somehow being lost. I was stuck behind a laptop controlling so many variables in a live set that there was no time to exchange and interact with the crowd! I was a bit reluctant at first, but I decided to give a try to CD turntables, and that has been a complete turning point for me. Now I could mix with even extra creative vitality! Also, at the same time, I could interact with the crowd. Now, my live sets are emotionally powerful and increasingly vivacious. The crowd, the music, and I become one in the experience.

INDIE ISLANDS: I think many people would be surprised to know that you don’t use “traditional” instruments at all. How do you think that is perceived, as a positive or a negative factor?

LEINENDER: I don't think it even matters. I consider myself a trained musician. However, I question the actual definition of an instrument. I believe anything can be made to be an instrument! I use turntables, synthesizers, and laptops... These are my instruments. As far as traditional instruments - I've never played one. To me an instrument is anything that helps create and expand the emotion and atmosphere within any composition. My digital instruments give me the paramount tools to accomplish this. I will use whatever instrument that helps me in generating the emotion that I want enveloped around the listener. A musician's best instrument is their mind! I usually remember to bring that instrument with me! (Laughing)

INDIE ISLANDS: Thanks again to Leinender for an enjoyable view inside his creative and magical mind.  Below are some links where you can find out even more about Leinender and his music.  Thanks again Leinender, and we hope you’ll return to fill us in on your next project!

Words: David E.
IndieIslands Magazine, 2010