DS:
So how did this pairing come about?
Marek:
J put on one of the Prince of Denmark Live from Planet Uterus sets at a party and I was like – ok, we have to work together.
J:
Yeah! I think we clicked on similar inspirations and music choices. I was also very intrigued by the custom hardware Marek was making and wanted to get those sounds on Property Materials.
DS:
What similarities/ differences do you see in each other’s music?
Marek:
I think J’s music is more polished and focused. Maybe part of that comes from his interest in the visual side of things – strong profiles, clear details, persistent musical behaviors. I really admire his structures and also his atmospheres, they are so noisy and dreamy.
J:
Marek’s always impressed with what he can capture in his studio. The tape music he created really breathes and creates its own environment. I’m looking forward to people hearing it.
DS:
How has no shows been for the two of you??
J:
It’s been different, for sure. Lots more demos and ’throwaway’ tracks being shared privately with other musicians than seeing them out in Boston. I’m hoping to frame this as a year to re-focus my label and come out with some new projects when the time is right.
Marek:
I feel like we have both an explosion in the creation of material but also an incredible contraction of the available media with which to consume it. It’s both inspiring and depressing at the same time. I look forward to hearing all the gems that are being polished in secret right now after this is all over.
DS:
What’s next for you and your labels?
Marek:
I’m representing Geryon in this collaboration, a label that has accumulated this awesome community of experimental composers with a mutual interest in electronic music. Check out Immortal Science’s bomb, mega-technical steppas here: https://immortalscience.bandcamp.com/album/navi-darling-ep. I’m currently writing a little OST for one of Toby Alden’s beautiful indie games (https://tobyalden.com/).
J:
Property Materials is currently planning another compilation in the Spring. I hope to have two solo tapes out in the near future.
DS:
If one thing could change for the better in any part of Boston music culture after the pandemic what would it be?
J:
It was appearing like we are losing several spaces this year. I’m hoping the city bounces back with a larger variety of events. I’d like the to see people in the underground culture get some funding from outside their own scene.
Marek:
I come from a fine arts background and in my time there I witnessed some concentration of funding in that arena. In contrast, the experimental scenes adjacent to popular music really struggle because they are expected to participate in the market but do not have access to those resources. Redistribution pls.
