As a multidisciplinary artist, SHEDDE0D never considered music to be his main medium, but he was always driven to use it in some way. Took that action and, after nearly two years of work, this past Christmas Eve released his debut album. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
SHEDDE0D: I am from a semi-rural area of Lisbonโs district, in Portugal, and it all started almost two years ago. I have been a creative person all my life, but until I started working on this first album, I was mainly an illustrator and painter. Music has always been a constant for me, from a listenerโs standpoint, but then I thought I could try to do it, because I am so drawn to it as a form of expression. So I just started picking up the tools, experimenting, finishing a first song, thinking of a concept, and โThe New Kidโ was made.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
SHEDDE0D: Except for some basic music classes everyone around here receives around 5th grade, were you learn the notes(I forgot all of that), and learn the flute(still know how to play, in terms of hand placement), I am completely self-taught. I just play by ear, and explore and improvise.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name โSHEDDE0D?
SHEDDE0D: When I was a kid, I was always listening to Queen, The Beach Boys, and Roy Orbinson. But, even though I think it doesnโt show in my music, the strongest musical influence has to be the composer Yuzo Koshiro, as I grew up listening to his music on the MegaDrive(Sega Genesis, in the U.S.A) games(Streets of Rage, I am looking at you <3). I wish someday I can make music that leaves such a long lasting effect on my listeners. Also, my father used to leave his jazz mixtapes playing when I went to sleep, and I would fall asleep to that. I think jazzโs free form is definitely a big influence on me, for that. My artistic name, is a reflection on what I think art is. Something I shed, like a plant, or an animal, in fact, any living organism, or simple object, sheds something. Shedded things might transform into new life, or they can rot, and even that becomes something new entirely. I am shedde0d(the zero is silent) because I want my art to be lifelike.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
SHEDDE0D: I feel the key elements of my music are the melodies and the way they transform, the layered sounds, and the imperfections which I donโt mind keeping in the final versions. Perfection is dull, like a blank page. Imperfections throw you offbalance, and make you question. I like that. I would say my sound is a mix of grit and softness, but mostly grit. I am always thorn between putting my shields up, and go agressive on the sound, or lower the defenses and show the soft heart under all the armor. With my music, I would like to evoke narratives, that my listeners can build upon by working with their imaginations.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as Experimental?
SHEDDE0D: Musically, I donโt think I went through that phase of emulating others. I started working on my album when I was 33 years old, and my musical taste, even though ecletic, was already formed. I just started doing what I felt like doing, surely inspired by many wonderful artists, but I had to discover things by myself. That formed my style.
6. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
SHEDDE0D: My first album ever was just released in the wild, and I donโt have a distanced view of the events yet. But the fact that I have a completed work, is very fullfilling to me already. As for the future, I would like to be referenced as an inspiration to others, to help propel new ideas, to light a torch that others will be able to carry to feed other larger fires, metaphorically speaking.
7. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
SHEDDE0D: I usually start with a concept that develops into a narrative. In my โThe New Kidโ album, the narratives are 90% linked to events of my childhood. The next step for me, is just getting down to playing and find the sound and mood I want. As I donโt have any knowledge of music notation, I can only rely on playing and listening to what I am playing. I will record basically everything I play, then I will select the best takes, and put them in the DAW. I use the DAW like a canvas. I throw stuff in there, try combinations, mess with the sounds, and discover transitions. When I feel satisfied with what I have, I rely on my friend who mastered the album for me, because I am practically deaf from my right ear. In that sense, I would say that collaborating is essential for me, and I hope someday I can find more people to be creative with.
8. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore
SHEDDE0D: Because I am unknown, I havenโt had to deal with such troupes, and even if one day I have some following, I feel my music is so niche that, to have one of those ill meaned people cross my way, will be rare. If it happens, Iโll drop them a wink. Nonetheless, constructive criticism is welcome.
9. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
SHEDDE0D: A home environment excites me the most. I donโt have the skill or experience to make a live show. Unless people would like to have a totally experimental kind of concert, where I would try to recreate something similar to my album, for their pleasure. But because I lack the musical knowledge to repeat my compositions, it would be an organic experience(that could be insteresting), not a live version, as a traditional concert. I prefer a private environment, where I can develop my ideas free from external judgement. Once again, I will compare it to painting. If you look at a painting I just started, it might look like just a blob, or something completely abstract, but I see a horse laying eggs. So, I prefer to just present the finished pieces.
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
SHEDDE0D: I really want everyone to be free to interpret my songs on their own. I love knowing what my works make others feel and imagine. Like with my paintings and drawings, if someone asks me the meaning of something, first, I always ask them to tell me what they see, what my art inspires on them. The same applies to my music. I am always thrilled to tell my ideias and vision, but I love hearing other peopleโs thoughts, untainted by the โofficial explanationโ, first.
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