Directions In Groove: At The Moment This Deep House Legend Is Super Interested In Anything Acoustic.
Nothing short of a legend in the German Deep House scene the Bodensee resident Henrik Schwarz is an innovator, a pioneer and ultimately one of the most passionate names in electronic music. Beginning his career as a DJ over two decades ago, Schwarz’ infatuation with the music only grew. His immaculate productions began to flourish, his shows moved to live laptop performances and his reputation as a true musical romantic further developed. At the conclusion of yet another magnificent yet frenzied year he reminisces about the path followed.
“At the end of 2009 I took a step back and contemplate more on bigger projects for myself and stepping back from all of my remixes” he tells quietly, “During the whole year I was working on quite a lot of projects.”
“Most of them are nearly finished now” he laughs with relief, “The first one was a joint project with the Chamber Music Orchestra where I took some of my pieces and transcribed them into notes and arranged them for an orchestra and now we’re ready to make them into recordings. We’ve already played a few concerts which is quite exciting.”
“Another project was the album that I’ve just finished with the Norwegian jazz virtuoso Bugge Wesseltoft. We played quite a few concerts also, but the album is set to come out in Spring. I’ve half-finished a new album for myself along with putting out some 12”s. It’s been a good year. It may look quiet from the outside but many things have been happening in here.”
The word of new material comes as nothing short from salivating to the electronic lover. Whether original or remixed, Schwarz is renowned for his intricate and meticulous productions. With his methods and approaches within the studio constantly developing and changing, each step is a defining yet welcomed direction to his musical evolution.
“At the moment I’m super interested in anything acoustic, in a way. I’m interested in acoustic instruments as a sound source and then how I can use my computer and what can I do with this sort of sound source. I’m trying to bringing together acoustic source with the possibilities that the computer has and create something very unique. Of course there is still drum machines and all of that sort of stuff, but you could say I’m trying to bind the electronic world with the acoustic world. “
As a live performer Schwarz is revered for his transcendent sets, effortlessly merging the worlds of House, Techno, Jazz and Soul. Continuously searching for augmentation and expansion within his music Schwarz’ live performances are dynamic and energetic, encompassing his many years and experience as a performer with his raw and vibrant love of music.
“I don’t know what the difference between myself as a performer and a producer really is. I put a lot of energy into both. Of course as a producer you need to focus at some point, but when you play live it has to be a balance between total freedom and still knowing what you’re doing. You have to take high risks on stage but I also have to think that the audience is very open and are able to follow and enjoy the risks and when the music just happens in the moment.
Henrik Schwarz [GER] plays Blow Your Own Way at Roxanne Parlour on Friday January 14.
