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pipeline5.interview:Solex
The Queen of the Netherlands has arrived. Recording, producing, and mixing her own tunes, Solex, the one and only Elisabeth Esselink, has been concocting enchanting ditties in the basement of her Amsterdam used CD shop for just a few years. From her first album Solex vs. the Hitmeister (1998), to her more magestic Pick Up (1999--both albums on Matador), to her recent cover of Echo and the Bunnymen's "The Cutter" and the remix Malaria!'s "Kaltes Klares Wasser," Solex is consistently spinning out unique and enjoyable rhythms. After her 2000 U.S. tour, Elisabeth agreed to do a quick e-mail interview with Pipeline, here's what she had to say:
interview by Lori Felker
Lori: This one is pretty basic, but for everyone out there who is intrigued by your unique sound,could you describe the SOLEX songwriting process?
Solex: I've got a 16-track digital hard-disk recorder,...so plenty tracks for a single song to fill. Usually I start with a drumloop which also functions as a clicktrack,....the remaining tracks I reserve for single samples and the vocals.
I never have a certain structure or 'plan' beforehand. I start cutting & pasting when all the tracks are completely filled with samples. The vocals come last.
Are there any particular musicians or groups you see as very influential on
your style/way of songwriting or just in general?
The most influential are the companies that sell equipment & instruments. They're all very aware of the limitations & possibilities of every instrument.
Especially limitations can be very inspiring.
And, since this sound, as i personally believe and read in most reviews about you, is so unique, what leads you to this sound? In other words, what/who are some of your influences and what led you to the world of music?
I don't really know anyone personally who works in a similar way. Most musicians I know are in somewhat more conventional guitar/bass/drum - bands. Musicians that work in a similar way most often make dance-music. So,....even though I prefer to listen to 'real' instruments,....I don't really want to lay my hands on them.
So, what do you usually label yourself as in interviews and descriptions? Is
there a particular genre you feel you fit into, or have you disregarded all of
that and just made your own genre? If so, what would you call your style/genre?
Probably cut & paste sampling-pop covers it the best. Since this is not the most catchy description,.....what about:
...............uh.......uh......anyone ????
......cut & pa stesam plingpo p ???
Isn't a prize winner either....
I'll leave this one open-ended, since it can go in any direction. But, in light of the current industry fascination (especially in the U.S.) with girl power, female singer-songwriters, and teenage girl pop ala Britney Spears, what do you, as a female, solo musician, have to say about gender politics in the music world?
These politics are only powerful / dangerous if you're under 30.
....... ask Patti Smith.
I was hoping you'd say that. I think that what Patti has to say about this
subject is so true and wise. You seem then, to avoid labels, demands and
expectations (as implied in the song "Solex All Lickety Split"). Do you have any
comments on this topic?
I'm glad I'm not old & fat,.....just old.....
Is there anything happening on the Dutch music scene that you think we should know about or that you are excited about?
I hate it,....most musicians are really bitter.
So, do you think that you have more fans in the US, Europe, or elsewhere? Why? Does it have something to do with your distance from this bitter scene?
I actually only notice the bitterness in musicians I know personally. If everyone would just forget about a music carreer they not only would be much nicer people, but probably also far better musicians.
America = o.k. except for some towns.
Europe = o.k. except for some countries.
If you could work with anyone, who would it be and why?
I don't want to work with anyone. I'm still very happy doing things on my own.