SpavenxSandunes
by Mister Mime
3rd October 2020
Blurring, nay, erasing the boundaries between jazz and electronica is all in a day’s work for both of these artists, drummer Richard Spaven from London and composer Sandunes from Mumbai. Their latest collaborative effort ‘SpavenxSandunes’ is testament to the fact that music truly has no boundaries, and creating music collaboratively can be organic and ebullient inspite of apparent logistical challenges. The sensitivity of Sandunes' harmonic meandering combined with the tactful mastery of Richard's stellar syncopated drumming gives rise to a minimal and pensive piece of jazz-tronica. Mellifluous streams of melody woven intricately into a modern, jazzy, progressive rhythmic language create a rather timeless musical tapestry. This is definitely a win for music!
MM: I am aware of how your collaboration with Sandunes came to be. Are there any stories behind any of the tracks and their names? Like “Tree of Life” or “Evelyn” perhaps
RS: Yes there certainly are. 'In Readiness' I prepped back in London and this was before meeting Sanaya. I wanted to set the mood - and get ready for the trip - 'In Readiness' to start on a project with somebody you haven't met yet!
'Sustain' was funny - me and Sanaya were working long days in the studio in Mumbai. She had her back pack on ready to leave one evening and we were exhausted. Fast forward and she's at the piano (still with her back pack on) with a little idea that just caught our imagination at that moment. Sustained energy in to the night on that one.
MM: With respect to your compositional process for this album: You adopted a method of motific development of one single idea into a full fledged track. Can you elaborate a little on this simplistic and focused approach to music making? Especially in today's time of musical ADD, information overload, and having a plethora of ideas, tools and options due to technology.
RS: Really its just about letting the ideas and the music guide you. A piece doesn't need to be verse / chorus just for the sake of it. Letting simplicity unfold can be a great way of writing - its just about approaching certain things with no pre-existing format.
MM: Your sound in this record is an amalgamation of an electronic/modern sound with live instrumental-jazz roots. Did this conception happen deliberately with conscious intent or more organically by following your instinct?
RS: Its always conscious. Whether at the writing stage, recording stage or mixing - each phase adds to the aesthetic. I listen to so much electronic / programmed music, so its not a new scenario for me. On this project, as is the case when making my own records - I love to create a drum sound that evokes samples and hip hop records - blurring the lines between acoustic and electronic.
MM: Regarding the musical synergy in your collaboration : What was the process like of combining each of your individual musical styles, tastes and languages to find a common ground, and an agreeable vibe and sonic palette for the record?
RS: I don't think we ever discussed it. I find proper collaborations to be very rewarding - you learn a lot from being open to somebody else's involvement in the writing process - from them but also about yourself. The process requires honesty and respect - and I believe that was the mutual attitude that brought this record in to being.
MM: Crossing between genres: jazz, electronica, hip-hop, drum and bass, dubstep and other UK genres, techno, soul/pop; You seem to blend seamlessly with many types of outfits while maintaining your distinct sound and style. How did you develop your unique yet versatile voice on the drums and a musical sensibility that enables you to fit in with and contribute to such a wide range of music?
RS: I have absorbed a lot of those genres first hand and learned a lot from these records and the scenes that surround them. Once you have all that language, the genres melt away and you're left with a vast palette to draw from. Experiencing so much music directly in clubs and sound systems altered my drumming DNA!
MM: How did the logistical challenges, and working remotely affect and contribute to the music making process in this album?
RS: Mostly there were no adverse effects - as in we wrote the majority of the record during that intense week in Mumbai. (The best week for food I have ever had by the way - not that there was a great deal of time for that). We made the most of the in person time - which continued when Sanaya came to London and Bristol for the recording. I don't think a remote 'file sharing' type of collaboration would have inspired us particularly.
MM: What are your interests outside of music, and do you draw inspiration from other art forms such as the visual arts, literature, gastronomy, etc.?
RS: I keep it pretty simple - I was in my kitchen perfecting my daal on my return from India. A London pub with friends is my favourite way to unwind. Definitely some books that have inspired my compositions (and have lead to some track titles).
MM: What advice would you give to upcoming drummers who would like to expand their drumming and musical capabilities into composition and music production?
RS: Well - really to just get hands on with it. I know it can feel daunting to find a way in, but making a record is such a multifaceted process and every time you do it it seems to teach you so much - whatever stage you are at in career or stature. Just start something - and then finish it.
You Can Follow Richard Spaven on:
https://www.richardspaven.com/
https://richardspaven.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/richardspaven
https://www.instagram.com/spaven23/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/richardspavendrummer/
https://soundcloud.com/richardspaven
You can follow Sandunes on:
https://www.sandunesmusic.com/
https://sandunes.bandcamp.com/album/spaven-x-sandunes
https://soundcloud.com/sandunes
https://www.instagram.com/sandunesmusic
https://www.facebook.com/sandunesmusic/
All Images courtesy of Richard Spaven & Sandunes
