Over a long and varied career in music Eitan Reiter has achieved plenty. He has done plenty of solo work as well as working with a range of others, most notably Sebastian Mullaert as Minilogue. He has also done ambient, psy trance and many forms of techno on labels like Minus, Traum and Mule Musiq. Now he is back with an ambitious new album under his own name with dark pop, proper song writing, vocalists, collaborators and real instrumentation all making it a fascinating and fresh listen. Here we speak to him how 2017 was for him, why his album took so long and more besides.
Interview by Rob Chadwick
How are you, how was your year?
I am good. Expecting a second daughter in two months and really happy about the new album finally coming out. New studio is ready too. Basically things are so good I can finally really be focused on the happiness of others, which was a state I always really wanted to be at. As for lowlights…I see them as highlights too, it’s all part of the journey and I am lucky enough to be able to translate the lows into music.
Tell us about your new album, what inspired or influenced it?
Everything! It was made at so many places around the globe, it was done with so many great musicians. I learned so much from making it! It feels so good to have it out. Now I am excited to make more music actually.
Why did it take five years? What was the slow part of the process?
Well, I also make dancefloor music, that I would say is my main job. I was touring every weekend worldwide for the past 10 years so there just wasn’t much time. Plus I am really happy it took time and there was no pressure to end it, because I could let time do its thing and really decide which tracks stick with me over time. It felt right to choose which tracks will finally make it to the album that way. Still my huge love for music made me want to create for everyday life situations and not only festivals and parties. Everyday life is where music meets me and sometimes even helps me deal with many issues. I wanted to be a part of that and give back to the world I got so much from.
How do you feel about it now it is done? Was it a painful process or did you enjoy it?
I enjoyed making it. Looking for labels and PR and all that was a bit hard but I needed that to work on communication. It seems like it’s important too and I am thankful I got to get better at things that are less natural to me and not only art which is my “safe zone”. Now it feels amazing and it is as if I have free space in my soul to make new music, maybe even another album.
What is your studio like? How important is the energy and the lay out of the place you make music in?
This is my 8th studio now. I had to move a lot…it was hard but each one gets better. Now I am in a place with amazing people, a lot of stuff going on there with sound and hi-tech and it’s very interesting and inspiring. This studio is white (the previous was so dark so I needed a change), full of plants to get that jungle vibe, ATC 100 and NS10 speakers, no chair, lots of synths, drum machines and effects, a mixer and patch bay in the front. I want to produce less and record more this year. I find myself producing a lot of projects for others and that’s cool, but right now I wanna focus on jamming.
And what are some of the key bits of gear in there? Any you really love?
I wanna say something original but . . . SH101. And I have no idea why…I love them all but that one feels so natural to me.
How much does the gear define your sound? Are the specific characteristics of your tools what makes your music identifiable as yours?
That’s such a hard question. I think whenever I touch an instrument I automatically try to push it to the max and make it sound not like itself. I can not define my sound with instruments. 10 years ago I was so crazy about ACID so I would just say 303. But now I just can’t. I want my sound to always evolve and change so I am afraid to have it linked with something specific
What else are you working on/have you got coming up?
There is a second album with Sebastian Mullaert that we hope to finish soon. Some dancefloor singles and remixes too. Next up is a remix to Noga Erez @ City Slang.I have a special project of filming electronic music in nature (outdoor sessions) so I hope to develop that a bit more. Maybe design my own musical instruments soon. Hopefully be a good father, husband and friend.
Will you ever work with Sebastian Mulleart again? What make that partnership so good?
We just recorded a remix he made for this new album live at The Dead Sea (part of my Outdoor Session project). Our second album is in the making. I would say that I have never had fun in the studio as much as I had with him. And there are some more surprises that I can not really talk about , but maybe he will share the info with you!!
What’s next now the album is done, do you take a break and a rest from making music or do you get right back to it?
I am on my way to a shop in Tel Aviv now to pick up my new Octatrack mkii (sampler/ sequencer) after I have been in the studio last night till 4am. I wish my answer was a big break but making music is my break.
Eitan Reiter – Fade Away…
Outdoor Session #1 – Eitan Reiter – Underwater – Full Live performance of one of the tracks off the album…
Eitan Reiter Full Live show @ The Dome…
