“Pacific 231 came into existence in the early 80s and belonged to the first wave of industrial groups. Early albums were released by VP 231, Le Syndicat, Cause & Effect and Bunker Records. Invaluable assistance in due time was given by Psyclones with whom Pierre recorded a couple of albums under the Psy 231 moniker, which were released on their label Ladd-Frith. While the early Pacific 231 albums like “Thulé Apocalypse” and “Unusual Perversions” show us the bridge between power electronics and old school industrial, the later ones are much more experimental in sound and appeals to quite another perception type – in no way to some numb stupor and paralyzing fear but to a complex balance of concentration and relaxation, governed by the harmony of resonances and transitional processes.(…)” [via official Facebook of the artist]
How would you summarize this past year on an artistic and personal level?
2014 has been particularly fruitful on the production front, two major collaborations has been released: The Traditions of Changes (with Bardosineticcube) and Tour de Force (with Rapoon). A truly enjoyable experience – the mix of harsh electronic and psychedelia with Igor (Bardosineticcube) and Pacific 231 blending with the electro-ethnic approach of Robin (Rapoon).
Which album have you listened the most often this year (not necessarily released in 2014)?
I don’t have much time to listen to others, but, I want to outline two compilations I’ve received recently: MV X Monochrome Visions 2004-2014 (MV50) and Simulacra Soundscape 2 (NCD006). They are both very eclectic and reflect my choices about diversity in experimentation.
What was the best gig you’ve attended?
I’ve performed in the following festivals in the past few months: Sonic Arts Waterford (Ireland) and Intermediale 2014 (Poland) and enjoyed listening to most of the acts. I always try to hear / see other artists, but, the opportunities in Ireland are very limited -so- I resort to my travels to keep myself informed.
What was the best non-music related cultural experience you’ve had?
James Turrell – Blue (1967) presented in the Centro Cultural de Belém (Portugal). I’m currently preparing an installation similarly based on light / senses, but, also introducing a reactive soundscape to the process.
Was there an event within this past year that has significantly influenced your philosophy and outlook on life, or your perception of the world around you? For instance some specific place you visited, people you met and so on?
I’ve traveled extensively in the Middle-East, Asia and South-America over the past 10 years or so. About a specific location to be selected – it’s simply impossible, my music contain so many imprints from those trips (Ethnicities, Palestine, Aramesh, Aunt Sally).
What was your greatest disappointment in 2014?
An aborted DVD video of Im’shi 11 live (Mannheim), it is now a double CD limited edition to be shortly published by Ultra-Mail in Hong Kong.
Your plans, hopes and expectations for 2015?
My major piece of work for 2015 will be Espace Altéré (sensors based reactive installation) as well as the re-issue of Unusual Perversions as vinyl in France on Rotorelief. Beside these two, I’ve a project running for a double LP with Philippe Blanchard and Victor Nubla and will start to work on a new solo production by late 2015.
Santa Sangre 