Interface - c-jeff interview.

When and why did you start to make spectrum music?

Spectrum music I began to make in 2001, in December, to be more
correct. It started from bronchitis that I had at that time, so
I spent almost a month at home. I was occupied with Basic
programming, and I wanted to make some musical accompaniment
for a game, I wanted it to be done by myself instead of taking
it form Soundtracker's attachment. I tried to make something in
STP, but the result was not so good because I understood
nothing in that numbers and letters. Little later I tried to do
my best in Pro Tracker. Version 3.4 at that time. I remember
how I loaded the track 'X-files remix' by Akira and started to
examine it. Then, based on the author's text tried to vary
sample values. Finally, by the evening I explored enough and
made 'Dreams of my memory 128k'. It was a big success for me at
that time and after it was completed I listened it again and
again.

I suppose, the first technical experience you gained exploring
someone's tunes for samples, ornaments and other tricks. Who
was that spectrum musician who influenced your music and whom
you can call your teacher?

I was strongly affected by Key-Jee, Andy Fer, Siril and n1k-o.
I often loaded Insanity to listen 'Beautiful moments',' The end
is out there 'one more time ... I can't call anybody 'teacher'.
For me they are the people without whom there might be nothing.

What was the first music editor that you used?

Heh. I think it's Pro Tracker 3.4, cos I made nothing in
Soundtracker.

What do you think about your past as a spectrum musician, what
important moments in your progression can you note?

The past ... Hmm ... I miss it. I just like that atmosphere that
was at that time when I began to make music. In other words,
now when I'm starting a track I'm sure that it will be
finished, but at that time I wasn't. And one more guy, who
involved me in 'scene' - arhon. Because of him I saw my name in
a e-paper (Body), he forced me to take part in different
parties ... So, that's it.

How do you think, do you have any fans, and what do you think
they particularly like in your music? Would you like to say
some words for them?

Fans? ... Probably there are some: sometimes I recieve letters
from people that like my music and I'm pleased with it. I'm
pleased by the fact that somebody is interested in me.
Concerning particularities of my music ... It's hard to say,
maybe its uncommonness. Maybe something else ... And I want to
say that I'll try to rejoice you with my tracks whatever it
takes and as long as possible.

What musical instruments do you use (if you ever used) during
composing prosess? Do you have any experience of musicmaking on
other platforms? What do you think about it?

I don't use musical instruments, because I simply have none.
But I plat piano though. I start composing in my head and then
write it down in PT. Sometimes I make something non-melodical,
then it's just pure emotions. You even can try to determine
what mood I had while writing a track. Other platforms.
Sometimes I compose on PC. But mainly on a request. I won't
join a compo with it. And I think that using PC is not so bad,
cos I'm still here, on Spectrum, right?

Do you like to criticize yourself? What is the weakest spot in
your techniques (rythm, melody, arrangement or something else)?

Sometimes, when nothing comes in my mind, problems with melody
can appear. Seems everything else is OK.

What kind of music do you listen, what bands / projects affect
you, what moods and feelings you try to put in your own
compositions? Remixes: what do you think of this?

Mainly electronica, but not only. I like Enigma, Robert Miles,
Era, JMJ. Among trackers I prefer Mosaik (Radix), Little
Bitchard, DJ Kor, Vibe, Vic. Also I like drum'n'bass and in my
last works you can hear its influence. In my music I try to
deliver the mood I have while composing, to make the listener
understand the track, to understand me. Remixes ... They must be
really good. No, I'm not against it, it is great to listen to
some track on AY! It's kewl!

What music compos did you participate in, what was the highest
rate and what do you think about your achievements?

Ooohh ... OK, I'l try to mention them according to the order:

Cafe'o2. My mind is free. 13th place.

Paradox'o2. Lonely soul. 2nd place.

Antique toy'o2. Beside impressions. 2nd place.

Antique toyz present (e n1k-o). 1st place. Amadeus voxon. 1st
place.

Forever quattro. Deaf'n'dump. 12th (?) Place.

Ascii'o3. Peculiar peace. Feel. ! No results yet! Paradigmus'o3
letigan noise rain. 5th place.

Cafe'o3 fioletto. 3rd place.

Millenium'o3. Acid voodoo bass. 6th (?) Place.

As you can see - the highest place was teken in a virtual compo
- 1st. On a real party - 2nd. But the greatest achievement is
Fioletto, I reckon.

Anyway, I think there must be much more parties, virtual and
not.

What do you feel when your track is playing on a party? Are you
concerned with sound equipment, people that vote or it doesn't
bother you much?

I just sit and listen. And let come what may ...

Do you have any interesting ideas about the future of spectrum
music? Maybe there are some hardware or software innovations
that you would like to have?

The future ... I wish many old ZX musicians to return, and many
new to appear. About hard and soft ... I wish some new things to
appear. For example, a compo where the works combining digital
samples and original AY sound could compete. I think it could
be really interesting. And it would be great to restore the
Digital Music Compo.

What is the most interesting aspect in spectrum music composing
for you - to perfect your skills within the bounds of one
'Style' or 'genre', or to continue the thorny path of
experiments with sound and techniques?

I think the second. Now I try to experiment as much as possible
with sound. I don't know, whether it is good or bad, but I like
it and many other people like it too. I suppose, it is the main
aspect.

Can you tell us some your original ideas that you want to
realize in your music, maybe you want to make a demo or a game
soundtrack, maybe just to try what you have never tried yet,
the new field of applying your talent?

Honestly? I would like to make a soundtrack to a demo, some
really unusual demo, extraordinary demo so I had to make a
proper uncommon track.

What do you think about co-operative composing, is it
interesting for you, whom would you like to make music with?
Please name three authors among the contemporary spectrum 
musicians that you like most.


Yes. It is very interesting for me. I try to co-operate with
people with different styles, with variety of themes. Just like
this summer together with Yerzmyey we made 'Sound Fields'. I
think these actions must be.

OK. Currently, the most interesting people for me are key-jee,
n1k-o and Fatal Snipe.

Can you say some words of advise for those musicians who are
just starting out?

People! Do what you wanna do! Do as you want it to be done! AY
music is the art, it's the very amazing world. And there are a
lot of undiscovered things! So, work on yourself and
everything's gonna be all right!