IN CONVERSATION WITH DAS MÖRTAL
Interview by Samo Šajn
Montreal-based producer Das Mörtal has become known for his mix of darkwave, synthwave and techno. Ahead of the release of his new mini-album DECVY I, he returns with the double single PARASITE & GHOST. We caught up with him to talk about the new music, his creative process and what fans can expect next.
‘PARASITE & GHOST’ is a double single. What connects these two tracks and made you release them together?
They are connected by the overall theme of my own decaying body and mind, which is the central subject of the next album. I wanted to let people know right out of the gate to expect a variety of styles and vibes, which I think these singles express.
You said ‘PARASITE’ was made while dealing with physical pain. How did that affect the way the track sounds and feels?
I think it's in the pulsating and frantic rhythm of the track, which was driven by the frustration of dealing with constant pain.
The two tracks feel quite different, one darker and more intense and the other more dance driven. Was that contrast something you planned from the start?
It's never planned, it just becomes what it's meant to be during the production process. I love many subgenres of electronic music, which constantly influence what I do. So it's not uncommon to find different vibes and energies in my work. Sometimes you'll even get that contrast within a single track. I think that helps keep music interesting rather than giving in to what is expected.
Your music moves between darkwave, techno, synthwave and more. Do you still think about genres when you make music?
I used to many years ago and would try to make releases feel cohesive by keeping similar genres together. But in the past few years, I've preferred that cohesion to come more from a theme or storyline connecting the tracks. To me, this approach is more reflective of who I am as an artist and person.
You have played almost 100 shows around the world. How has performing live changed the way you see your own music?
It changed how I prepare music that was made to be listened to rather than danced to. Sometimes a track that works great on an album doesn't translate as well in a live setting, so I make sure to tweak it so it doesn't feel lost among the rest of my set and keeps people engaged.
Your sound often feels both nostalgic and futuristic. What attracts you to that mix?
I have a deep love for the things I grew up with in the late '80s and '90s. A lot of those things were looking into the future, for example films like Terminator 2 or Blade Runner. So there are a lot of feelings associated with the time when I experienced that media and with what it portrayed, and those influences seep into what I do.
You started your journey in Berlin and are now based in Montréal. How have those two cities shaped your music?
Berlin was really where I fell in love with and finally understood the art of DJing, while Montréal is where I first performed live music and became part of the local underground electronic music scene. Those two elements continue to shape how I make music today, as I love the energy a DJ set brings along with the craftsmanship that goes into creating a live performance.
You have toured with artists like Vitalic, Perturbator and Carpenter Brut. What did you learn from those experiences?
Tour life, which is such a different rhythm and way of spending your time day to day. It is so far removed from what I experience on a regular day back home. I've also made lifelong friendships with some of the people I've had the chance to tour with. Living outside the comfort of your own home teaches you how to make any place your own and feel, even if only temporarily, like you're at home.
Your music often feels cinematic. Do you imagine visuals or stories when you are making tracks?
Yes, all the time. I often find myself making music for what is basically an imaginary film. In a way, my last few albums are scores to themes I needed to explore at the moments they were created.
Your mini album DECVY I is coming soon. What feels different about this new project compared to your earlier work?
Mostly, it comes from a more painful place than my previous work. That said, I still try to make the music feel fun, even if the subject matter isn't.
"PARASITE & GHOST is a double single where pain becomes rhythm and the invisible takes shape on the dancefloor”.
