Page 65: Primal Code
It’s been four years since Primal Code made their public debut on The Memoir. Today, they’re a cherished name within the deep techno scene, known for their contemporary and ethereal sound.
What is the philosophy behind Primal Code?
It reminds us of the primordial instinct of music which can unlock the doors inside of us. Over the years, it has taken on a profound meaning: we are all people on the same level. Music is the glue that unites us. It grows and evolves.
How has your music evolved over the years since your Hypnus debut?
Our musical language and style has matured a lot. The deep techno scene that was gravitating around the label influenced us back then. Progressively, we focused more on our personal experiences and experiments in the studio. Today, we are in a new phase, free from the classical techno cannons; playing with various tempos and broken rhythms.
You have expressed that you use music to narratively revolve around stories. How do you interpret that in your creative process?
Making music transports us to imaginary realms that fascinate us, such as distant lands, ancient civilizations and the mysteries of our species.
That can happen without premeditation, just spontaneously riding the flow of the moment. Conceptual patterns then emerge as we compile the music which fall into the same mood.
What are your main challenges when working on a release?
We try to create a mood and scenery in which the listener can be immersed. Working in two allows us to combine two points of view into something new. This process can be slower, but for us, it’s rewarding.
I’ve always admired your unwavering ambition. What are your motivations to release on Hypnus?
Our goal is to create a lasting sonic legacy. Our respect for the label motivates us even more to do our best. We consider it a family, and we want to take Hypnus even further with our contribution.
Making this page for The Memoir has been a long process. Can you tell us a bit about it?
It reflects our life experience, both musical and life.
During the last two years, we have escaped from reality more than usual due to the pandemic, experimenting with new techniques and styles, primarily inspired by the UK style.
Compared to the first page, this one is more stylistically discontinuous but deliberately created for the listeners to enjoy the musical path we’ve been on during this time.
Have your working methods evolved over the years?
We used to focus on specific techno standard. Now, we have adopted a sound that to us feels more personal and intelligent.
We’re inspiried by imperfect sounds and work to improve without editing. This results in a more human sound with a warmth that represent us better.
We have learned that the best intuitions arise without force. It’s not helpful to insist on a concept or a specific mood that does not reflect your feelings.
Are there technical aspects that are essential for your sound?
We have always used field recordings from our travels around the world, as pointed out on our first album La Via Della Seta.
Now, we use these recordings differently. Sometimes denaturalized or to create rhythmic foley, as in our upcoming record on Hypnus. There we further explore organic rhythms and FM-synthesis.
You work as a duo and have not released individually. Why is that?
We consider Primal Code as our main musical path, while we also experiment individually. Hopefully, we’ll be able to share some of that in the future.
