Here at When We Dip we’re no one trick ponies. We strive to bring our readers quality music in all its forms and today we’ve got a very special Q&A for you. We’ve sat down with talented producer Aurelien Riviere aka DoubtingThomas, a man we’ve been following for over a year now, to get an insight into his creative process and find out all about new EP Avec Parcimonie. The release is a delicate construction of emotional and atmospheric experimental Techno (which you can here below).
Doubting Thomas talks to When We Dip
WWD: First off Aurelien, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions!
Hi ! thanks for having me.
WWD: What can tell us about the release?
DT: “Avec Parcimonie” is my second release with “Organic”.
it’s a 3 tracker EP with 3 different moods that represents quite well what i do as i am trying to explore variants in mood, Tempo and rhythm structures. We also chose Ben Vedren to remix “Apikoros” to have a distinct club number wish was delivered in the most elegant way by this talented French scientist. There will also be a bonus track on the Digital release wish will come out soon after the vinyl on April the 15th.
WWD: The atmosphere and emotion are two standout elements for us, how do you go about selecting your sound?
DT: Good question, i never really plan ahead when producing, it kind of happens sort of naturally. A sound leads to one another and so forth. I often get carried away by the sequences and let it dictate the steps as it comes . There is obviously a list of instruments that i like to use because of their tones and textures and also i use a great deal of sound fields that indirectly set the emotions from the start.
WWD: Can you give us an insight into your production process?
DT: It varies a lot, but i split a lot of elements and experiment with sequences quite a bit, especially with rythm structures. I also record instruments and field stuff, destroy and research within the sounds then often set a big running open loop and jam with it until it start being the shape of a track. The technicality comes last as for me the content matters the most.
WWD: It’s not your first time on Berlin’s Organic Music, what is it about the label that attracts you?
DT: This guys have a true passion for music and also their concept is genius. They actually run a Organic strawberry farm half of the year and the other half is spent running the label and organising gigs and events.
Niko and the guys are extremely great in a lot of ways and it’s always a pleasure to work with them as they are very close to their artists and are always ready to push things forward. There is a true natural and human approach to what they do and it’s all about the music. They are ready to take risks and not necessarily follow trends. They trusted me twice already and never questioned my music integrity wish for me is a must. Also they are great Lambada dancers.
WWD: We’re heading into the summer months, what can we expect from DoubtingThomas? More new music? Any
festival appearances lined up?
DT: I am waiting for a few confirmations but i will be playing at Sonar and at Gaasper pleasure festival in Amsterdam, and will probably go back to the U.S and Canada for a few gigs.
WWD: What was the best experience of summer 2013 for you?
DT: Leaving London.
WWD: Any gigs/venues you love to play this year?
DT: I would really love to play in Japan, this is actually in my head for a few months now, fingers crossed it’ll happen one day 🙂
WWD: Lastly, will there be a chance for our readers to catch you in Dublin soon?
DT: I truly hope so, i never played in Ireland and would really love to come visit. Hopefully a Dublin promoter will dare having me somedays let see…