SeventhSwami Interview

As featured on Morpheus Music (link)

Q: First off can you give us a bit of background – how did you initially get into making your own music?

I have always been in love with electronic music. I used to make mix tapes of video game music in grade school. By high school, video game music was starting to get really good, and my friends and I would write these cover songs and remixes of them using live drums and cheap keyboards from costco. Then I scored a program called Songwriter for the family apple IIe and it had the same “piano-roll” view that most music software uses today. I loved writing music like that, visually, but I could tell that it would be a long time before a software program would allow me to make the sounds that I really wanted to make, so I drifted off again. The next time it occurred to me to see what was available, Reason v1 had come out… and that was the ticket. Basically I waited it out until a tool that fit my writing style came around.

Q: How did SeventhSwami come into being?

That’s a funny story, actually. I was at work one day, (I think it was 2002) and my friend, Rich found an anagram-maker online. He typed in my name “Steve Wishman” and the 1st thing that popped up was “Seventh Swami”. After that, people just started calling me Swami. I never thought it would make a great DJ name (just try shouting it to someone in a loud club… “no not Seven… SEVENTH… with a TH… no not the number… S-E-V-E… nevermind”) but somehow it stuck.

Q: For those as yet unfamiliar with your music – could you please describe your sound and style.

That’s always a tough one… as of right now, It’s evolved into “glitchy psychedelic downtempo”…  I tend to write a lot of 90-100bpm tracks with hip hop drum patterns… I use rhodes organ sounds pretty frequently… string instruments… chopped up vocals… It’s eclectic but definitely within the realm of glitch-hop, albeit on the slower end of the spectrum… for now at least.

Q: What are some of the music making techniques that you use to get that unique sound?

I like to take a loop of some melody or beat that I’ve written, pipe it through a kaoss pad and then route it back into the computer. That way I can make several variations on a sound very quickly, then cut those up and reassemble them in new ways…  I make a lot of my glitch sounds using kaoss pads… both in live situations and in the studio. There’s something about doing something tactile, in real-time with a piece of hardware, that always comes out sounding warmer and more human. I dig on imperfection… like wobbly bass sounds.  I tend to use un-synced LFOs or, in some cases I’ll manipulate the filter by hand instead of using an LFO at all.

Q: What would you say influences your writing?

I’ve given this a lot of thought actually. I go through these phases where I’m really unproductive for a month or more… like to the point that I can’t even stomach the idea of touching a keyboard… and then right when I start worrying that something is wrong, it comes back hard, and I’ll crank out 2 or 3 tracks in a week. There is an ebb and flow to my creativity, musically and otherwise, that I’ve finally learned to stop fighting. If I want to lay on a couch for a month, so be it. When I force this stuff, it never comes out right. I’m fond of a quote by Hunter Thompson; “All energies flow according to the whims of the great magnet… what a fool I was to defy him.”

Something else really important I’ve noticed about my creative process is that I get inspired by sad situations. For a long time this bothered me because I don’t want to have to choose between being happy and being creative… and I don’t, thankfully… I tend to be a happy person by default. but I’ve come to accept that sadness is one of my muses. This realization has actually been really uplifting to me, because when something comes along that gets me down, I get a little excited because I know great things are likely to come spilling out. Honestly, I think this may be why so many artistic types out there have so many skeletons in their closets. We don’t necessarily like the way they make us feel, but we like to keep our muses nearby. Because when we grapple with them, the dance that ensues is inspirational to us. It’s like the clash between light and darkness; there is no victor, but because of the conflict, the universe exists. What we experience as “reality” is the music that is created by this battle.

This is all stuff that I’m only beginning to really understand and come to grips with. It’s taken my whole life to get here but I’m very happy with this theory because it fits hand-in-glove with my spiritual and scientific beliefs.

Q: When you set about making Here For Now – what was it that you were trying to achieve?

For the first 2/3 of it, I was trying not to think of the end-goal. Instead of putting that kind of pressure on myself, I figured I’d just wait until I had about an hour of music I was happy with, and then think about it. Of course before long ideas started flowing anyway, and the Here For Now idea happened. And suddenly it became this homage to the temporariness of all things, which I think deserves to be shared. I was lucky to have Paul Villinski contribute such a beautiful piece of art for the cover also… He’s done a lot of other butterfly installations but this one, in the shape of a person, was just so perfectly aligned with the “Here For Now” theme… I’m still thrilled to look at it.

Q: How does the album now feel looking back at it as a completed entity?

It feels like a snapshot of part of my life. I notice different things now when I look at the album as a whole… there are stories in there that I did not plan… sounds that have become part of my “sound”… I definitely learned a lot. Also, it just feels good to finish an art project of this size.

Q: What do you find to be the most enjoyable part of your musical career and why?

Finding that “groove”. When you get that extra burst of energy and things seem to start happening on their own… When you start conducting the show from a higher level and all the lower-level functions seem to be running on auto pilot. Those moments kick ass.

Q: How important is live work for you as a musician?

I consider myself really lucky to have the opportunity. Playing in front of a crowd is addictive. It’s definitely the quickest way to find that groove. Plus part of me really wants to contribute something to this scene that I’ve been so lucky to be a part of. I’ve had some of the most transformative experiences of my life while listening to electronic music at parties out here. To be on the other side of that and help another person have that kind of experience is wonderful work.

Q: What does the future hold for your music – where are you heading next?

I think maybe an EP of some of my older stuff is in order. I have unfinished business with a few of those stories. I’d love to do more remixes too. I’ve been having a lot of fun with acapelas lately. I’d love to get another side-project going too, but between SeventhSwami and my graphics work, time is always in short supply. I don’t know how other people do it. If I make progress on any one path, the others suffer for it.

Q: Long term do you have any musical dreams?

I’m thinking something philanthropic. I would love to see this hobby grow into something greater than the sum of its parts. I’ve got an idea or two taking shape right now and hopefully we’ll see some of them start to bear fruit. I definitely didn’t get into this with dreams of making a career out of it, but I think SeventhSwami could easily be one foundational piece of a much bigger thing.

Here For Now… AVAILABLE NOW!

“Muti further solidifies their reputation as a prime west coast outlet for downtempo electronics with this tight release. ‘tornado dreams’ and ‘forever you forever me’ are highlights, with their digitized focus and IDM aesthetic. thanks for sending…” – SHEN / Noah Pred (Native State/GSC)
	With so many modern conveniences it is tempting for us to do as much as we can at any given moment, simply because we CAN. The price to be paid, however, is our own peace of mind. In our effort to stay efficient, we find ourselves in the middle of a time-famine where our modern conveniences and devices have made us more stressed out and overwhelmed than ever. SeventhSwami’s debut album, Here For Now, was created with the intent to help defuse this epidemic of anxiety, overwork, and over-scheduling that is upon us by helping guide people back to the tranquility of the present moment.
You can purchase Here For Now through Amazon, iTunes, and most other online digital retailers… or use the beatport widget below For more about the present moment, please visit the LINKS page on this website.

Tomorrow Night at Silk!

Looks like we got the crew together again to shatter your braindrums! I’ve been putting together a thumpin new set for this all week too. I’m on from 9:30 to 10:30 with Tha Fruitbat, Phokus, Resynthesize, Psylence, and Dirt! You don’t want to miss this rare performance by bay area whompstars and hometown heroes combined!

1011 Del Paso Blvd Sacramento, CA 95815
$5 before 10:30, $10 after…
Live art and visuals by Goren the Robot, Wes Rodriguez and Mr. Fuel

Burnlesque (01-24-09)

“If you went last year, you know not to sleep on this one. If you missed out, here’s the latest iteration for you. Presales are highly encouraged due to limited tickets.”

Saturday, January 24th
Odd But True presents:

Cheap Presales: $10
Limited Door: $15

Tickets, Info and Directions: www.odd-but-true.com

Here For Now (almost here!)

Music – Complete!
Album Art – Complete!
Mastering – (almost there!)

Friends… I am deeply deeply deeply satisfied with how this whole thing has played out.

Historically, I have had a hard time finishing personal projects… but as I’ve matured I have discovered new heights of patience, focus, and dedication. The last few tracks are off being mastered, and already this is the THE most complete production that has ever sprung from my brain. Nothing was rushed or compromised… but somehow I managed to avoid falling victim to my own ADD nature. For the first time, I have nitpicked the shit out of every detail of something, (from the music to the message to the album art) for years and actually finished what I started. I am still sort of shocked, to be honest.

I’ve spent virtually every free moment for the past 2 years working on this thing…  and now that it’s over, I’m not quite sure what to do with myself.

Oh and did I tell you that it’s coming out on Muti? (www.mutimusic.com)

I couldn’t be happier about that.  =) <– beaming swami

Only a few more weeks until the official release! Stay tuned… and thanks for all the love, support, and inspiration!

~S

Evil Breaks White Xmas Party THIS SATURDAY!

You don’t want to miss out on this one…

sign up for the special email list at www.evilbreaks.com

E.B.’s 3rd Annual Xmas party & gift exchange:
White X-Mas
Saturday, December 20th
Underground Location (signup required)

$5 with a gift to exchange
$10 without a gift
10pm-7am

Like the last couple “White X-Mas” parties, you’ll get in on the cheap if you bring a wrapped gift valued between $5 & $10 for our little gift exchange. We’ve had terrific fun with this, and I’d have to say that this event has got to be one of the most interactive events of all time. & to really top off this years show, Bam is also going to be celebrating his graduation from “Expression” which is the night before. So if you see him, give him a congrats & a shot….haha.

As always with this party, we will be limiting attendance to keep it smaller, more personal, and comfortable for everyone attending, the last 2 years we had to shut the door down by midnight.

Oh yeah, wear white.

DJ’s for the night:

Aaron Jae (E.B./Space Cowboys)
Bam (E.B./Invibe)
Mozaic (Nexus/Raindance)
Little John (Raindance)
Ben Haus (Acid Totem)
3L3Tronic (Bianca vs. Devo)
Athena vs. Evinrude

2nd room chill DJ’s:

Mr. Projectile
M.O.D. (E.B./Strategik) – special oldskool hip-hop set
Tamo (Angels of Bass)
Swami (Ambient Mafia)
Dirt – Special sunrise set

Flaming Lotus Girls Fundraiser TONIGHT!

Hey All,

If you haven’t heard already, the Ambient Mafia is teaming up with Evil Breaks to help throw a fundraiser for the Flaming Lotus Girls. They’re totally destitute because of their last Burning Man project, Mutopia.

This is TONIGHT (Friday). The party is at an awesome spot in the East Bay. If you get there early, we’re only asking for a donation. By the way, we predict the party will be at capacity by MIDNIGHT. So yeah, get a presale or get there early!

Actual Rafiq and Redstickman will be starting out the night in the gallery room at 7pm.

The Ambient Mafia will be bringing the chill in the outdoor lounge starting at 9pm.

Yours truly will be on from 12:30-1:30 with some crunchy dubsteppy hip-hoppy haw-flakes

Come by early, save some $$ at the door, and enjoy the art. The event WILL sell out, so either get your presales or come early!

Hope you can make it – we’d love to see you!

http://www.flaminglotus.com/party.html

Flaming Lotus Girls and Evil Breaks Presents:

In The Red!

Gallery Show and late night fundraiser.

Friday December 5th 2009, East Bay Location
7pm Gallery Show and Cocktail Party
10pm-6am Party!

$15 door, $10 presales and before 11.pm
Info line for address: 415.963.3555. Presales Tickets here

Line Up:

Fine Cut Bodies- Budapest
(Chi Recordings/Record Records/Moving Target/FineCutBodies.com)

Aaron Jae (Evil Breaks, Space Cowboys) Vs BAM (Evil Breaks) vs MOD (Evil Breaks)
Mozaic (Raindance/Nexus)
Syd Gris (Opel, Opulent Temple)
JD (False Profit)
Robb Green (Shameless)

Ernie Trevino (Space Cowboys)
U9lift (Ben Maybe/House of Lotus/Additech)
Cumulus (Word-of-Mouth/SF)
Lotus Drops (Street Ritual)
Siren (Space Island/SF)

Chillout door area courtesy of Ambient Mafia
MC Boomerang Fidget (Live/Hatfyr)
SeventhSwami (Escape Artists/Want It/Stilldream)
Redstick Man (FNF)
Peek (Below Zero)
Shane (FNF)
Harken vs Hallucid (The lag/Butterzone)
Drop (Butterzone)

In the Red!!! (12-05-08)

http://www.flaminglotus.com/party.html

Flaming Lotus Girls and Evil Breaks Presents:

In The Red!

Gallery Show and late night fundraiser.

Friday December 5th 2009, East Bay Location
7pm Gallery Show and Cocktail Party
10pm-6am Party!

$15 door, $10 presales and before 11.pm
Info line for address: 415.963.3555. Presales Tickets here

Line Up:

Fine Cut Bodies- Budapest
(Chi Recordings/Record Records/Moving Target/FineCutBodies.com)

Aaron Jae (Evil Breaks, Space Cowboys) Vs BAM (Evil Breaks) vs MOD (Evil Breaks)
Mozaic (Raindance/Nexus)
Syd Gris (Opel, Opulent Temple)
JD (False Profit)
Robb Green (Shameless)

Ernie Trevino (Space Cowboys)
U9lift (Ben Maybe/House of Lotus/Additech)
Cumulus (Word-of-Mouth/SF)
Lotus Drops (Street Ritual)
Siren (Space Island/SF)

Chillout door area courtesy of Ambient Mafia
MC Boomerang Fidget (Live/Hatfyr)
Seventh Swami (Live/Stilldream)
Redstick Man (FNF)
Peek (Below Zero)
Shane (FNF)
Harken vs Hallucid (The lag/Butterzone)
Drop (Butterzone)

Freakers Ball, Tomorrow!

Ooooh Lordie…

http://www.raindancepresents.com/FB08/index.html

Stilldream vids and pics

unf-ckingreal.

That was such a superb weekend i might have gotten a little emotional about it… if i wasn’t so damn exhausted from 3 solid days of busting ass (while drinking).

Despite a little snag on friday night with a neighbor calling in a noise-complaint… at first i thought we were fucked. They determined that our stage, being closest and pointed right at them, was the cause so our stage was shut down at around 2am. But in an impressive demonstration of positivity and ingenuity, we made the decision to move our sound system to the pool on the opposite end of the property and call it a pool party! Everyone was on board with this idea and we waited until we finally got the go-ahead to start moving stuff… Eugene rallied up 15 party-goers to help CARRY THE GEODESIC DOME that once covered our stage and they set it up as a shaded lounge area next to our poolside booth.

BBQ was served right on time, sunset finally arrived, and i lit up the fire art that I got from Kristen Hoard (kristenhoard.com) and much to my surprise, someone else made 4 large fire burning pedestals and lined the back of our stage with it. It felt like a pool party on the playa. The energy kicked ass for the rest of the weekend and I am still in awe of how everyone pulled together to make our little party the funnest time i’ve had at a campout in a long time! I could not have asked for a better situation!

i’m posting links to the videos and photos i took below… if you have any also, please share!

Vids:
Chilldream Stage, take 1 (forest):
www.youtube.com/watch

Moving the Stage:
www.youtube.com/watch

Chilldream Stage, take 2 (Poolside):
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch

Pics:
flickr.com/photos/85931…605645273184/