Things of value
There seem to be two fundamental tendencies in music today: On the one hand, a move towards complete virtualisation, where tracks and albums are merely released as digital files. And, on the other, an even closer union between music, artwork, packaging and physical presentation. Where do you stand between these poles?
In my drawers I have precious stacks of slides and negatives, in my shelves I have my favourite books and publications. I archive old letters, photographs and what some consider as old unwanted objects I treasure and display. I do love objects; I do love to touch texture and to smell scents. During the turn of the era, the fact that images and sounds and things of valued importance could disappear with a single click was a disturbing thought. However as artists we do have to be aware of the state of the traditional physical copy in these digitally focused times. It is always arguable if technology is for the better or worse but I choose to look on the positive side and I believe both formats can co-exist for the benefit of each other.
The role of an artist is always subject to change. What's your view on the (e.g. political/social/creative) tasks of artists today and how do you try to meet these goals in your work?
From the time I decided to pursue a creative career I looked at the artists, writers, photographers, fashion designers, film directors and musicians that I loved and how their work had filled up certain voids of my existence. They gave me the courage to question, to imagine, to remember and to feel. I would like to do the same for the people who enjoy my work.
Music-sharing sites and -blogs as well as a flood of releases in general are presenting both listeners and artists with challenging questions. What's your view on the value of music today? In what way does the abundance of music change our perception of it?
It's a revolution, and it's something we cannot deny or stifle. Without limiting the question to music, I curate a Tumblr blog where I discover and share art and photography on a daily basis and by connecting with others and seeing what they share, I absorb new possibilities and ideas. I think it's the same for music. As for the question of piracy I think it has less to do with technology than social values and responsibilities.
How, would you say, could non-mainstream forms of music reach wider audiences?
It isn't a consideration to me because I love the perfectly natural process of self-discovery as you unknowingly chance upon treasures. Recently I found the wonderful world of a quiet fashion publication called GREY. It didn't rely on loud or deliberate advertising to find me. I hope people can discover ASPIDISTRAFLY in the same way.
Usually, it is considered that it is the job of the artist to win over an audience. But listening is also an active, rather than just a passive process. How do you see the role of the listener in the musical communication process?
As above I’d like the listener to naturally chance upon music at the right place and time.
Reaching audiences usually involves reaching out to the press and possibly working with a PR company. What's your perspective on the promo system? In which way do music journalism and PR companies change the way music is perceived by the public?
In Japan, our distributor pdis* usually handles the promotional work for us. They put in a lot of painstaking effort to understand us as individuals and artists, and to find the right channels for our music. In Japan there are no lack of music stores with their own communities and subculture and because pdis* understands what we do, we are happy to leave things up to them. Their work, and the community as a whole greatly attributes to the success of each release. I'm truly indebted.
Please recommend two artists to our readers which you feel deserve their attention.
I was told that my music evokes the images of French photographer Sarah Moon, and I am honoured and humbled by that. I highly recommend her world of painterly images. Macau-based trio Evade just released their first album on my label Kitchen. Label. They are 3 very interesting individuals who concoct music that is almost uncategorisable, highly unaffected and unpredictable. I admire artists who approach their work with a brutal honesty and abundant imagination.
Read and hear more April Lee at www.aspidistrafly.com
