Interview: Heartthrob

Photo Taken by Markus Jans

The world of techno has a revolving door of faces and styles, but over the last 10 years a constant has been the M-nus label. Founded by Richie Hawtin, the label has flourished as of late with a roster of talent that continues to push the boundaries of techno. One of the new stars of the label is Heartthrob, aka Jesse Siminski. His melodic yet dark productions, as well as his live sets have made him a standout in the already stellar M-nus group. Heartthrob's new album Dear Painter, Paint Me will be released June 30th.

Here's an interview I did recently with Heartthrob. If you're lucky to be in any of the towns below, go check out an experience you will soon not forget. Your mind will thank you, later.


FoeWeel: How has your environment, from living in a small town in Michigan, to New York, and now to Paris affected your music ?

Heartthrob: The track's that appear on Dear Painter, Paint Me were written in Paris. The feel of the city, mostly the experience of being an outsider influenced the way they sound. Paris is a very romantic museum of a city, but it also can be cold place at times, especially after living in New York for 8 years. Being on the road constantly also had a hand in how the songs turned out.

FoeWeel: What's albums are you listening to now ?

Heartthrob: Radiohead's "In Rainbows" and Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" Both are very powerfully emotional records.

FoeWeel: What is your live/dj setup and how does playing live influence your production ?

Heartthrob: I use a computer abelton live and a sequenced synth/ drummachine. I do a lot of stuff on the fly which sometimes becomes elements of new tracks and I always play new unreleased ideas live.

FoeWeel: What city do you most enjoy playing live ?

Heartthrob: I love Fabric in London, Paradiso in Amsterdam, Rex in Paris and Watergate in Berlin. These cities all have great venues and very eager crowds.

FoeWeel: I get this sense of being in an altered reality listening to your new album, Dear Painter, Paint Me, what track took you the longest to produce ?

Heartthrob: Confession is the most complex tune on the record and took the most time arranging. I made a real effort to layer the musical elements to create a rich atmosphere while keeping things more of less stripped. Its more epic than the other tracks and has a few twists and turns...


FoeWeel: Thanks for your time. We look forward to your appearance in San Francisco on the 30th at 103 Harriet.



MINUS ANNIVERSARY TOUR

RICHIE HAWTIN, MAGDA & HEARTTHROB live

MAY 24 detroit @ st. andrew's hall
MAY 25 detroit @ demf
MAY 28 vancouver @ celebrities
MAY 29 portland @ holocene
MAY 30 san francisco @ 103 harriet st
MAY 31 los angeles @ cinespace