The Scientists found the perfect platform for Quantum Of Sound, their latest release. Innovative and open-minded, Armadillo Records is Guy J’s avant-garde label making a change in the world of electronic music. When it comes to creativity, the 21st outlet in the catalog is proof of the right path.
The connection between science and music advances countless elements of both. Numerous studies have displayed a significant link between mathematics and acoustics. No wonder scholars have been researching the relationship of the musical pitch to the study of numbers since the beginning of time.
Evident in their music, The Scientists take an academic approach to their expression. Their equipment has more of a laboratory look than an archive of musical instruments. Their sound has a quality of top-secret technology and touches the most profound intellectual properties of the mind.
Even though they have been active in their sound research for eons, the wider public has noticed them opening for Jean-Michel Jarre’s concert at the Dead Sea. Impressed by their set, the legendary French composer let them use the vocals from his composition Hypnose as a part of their album. Divided into four tracks, Earth, Time, Quantum, and Redemption, the material delivers a conceptually cohesive soundtrack dealing with utopian and dystopian motifs. The album displays almost fifty minutes of futuristic electronica, expanding the barriers of the genre.
The Scientists are more than just an ordinary electronic music duo from Israel. Surrounded by countless gadgets and synthesizers, Sahar Zangilevitch and Vic Falah, decided to push the barrier and come out with an entirely new sound. Instead of following the safe route they already established with progressive house, they dedicated their time to endless hours of studio experimentation. It took them years to create the material that became the Quantum of Sound, their debut album. Nonetheless, it was worth it.
WWD: When did you start The Scientists and was the concept behind the Quantum of Sound, your debut album on Armadillo Records?
The adventure started a few years ago, and it took us a considerable amount of time. We intended to create something distinctive and different from the dancefloor music we usually produce. When we began the project, there was no concept. Despite that, we aimed to explore the limits of synthesizers and other studio gear. We were motivated by conducting experiments in the unknown, finding new techniques and unusual methods of playing, writing, recording, and designing sounds and grooves. Working on the album expanded our creativity without thinking of any genre or trend but focusing only on the new perspective of our music. The final result is material for all the music lovers who can connect to our music. Hopefully, it can awaken a mind-boggling experience we had in the studio while working on it.
WWD: Guj J’s label Armadillo Records decided to release the album digitally. However, there is also a vinyl version of the album! What do you find remarkable about vinyl releases, and how do you explain the revival of this almost forgotten medium?
First of all, we’re not the kind of people who include one thing and disclude the other. We love the practicality of digital formats and use their advantages every day. Vinyl releases were the main thing while we were growing up. That’s why we feel that music on physical releases is more respectable. The vinyl releases are tangible pieces enhanced by beautiful artwork. Also, the warmth of the sound makes a tremendous difference. All those factors empower the total experience and make it irreplaceable by any other media.
WWD: How has your previous experience influenced the music process on this material that is quite different from your dance works?
For as long as we can remember, we always listened to a lot of various genres. We were both very young when we started our DJ careers, so we listened to rock, disco, funk, pop, classical music, and more. We listened to Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, Cerrone, Giorgio Moroder, James Brown, the Doors, and others. Their music became not only the basis of our aesthetics but also the foundation of our worldview. All of them affected what we do these days. Subconsciously, the influence of our teenage-day heroes is inevitable. WWD: How did it feel opening for Jean-Michel Jarre’s concert at The Dead Sea? Opening for such a legendary artist and one of the pioneers of electronic music is a colossal honor for us. For many years we have been performing at clubs and festivals all over the world. However, it was thrilling and significant to perform live with different music, different gear setup, and in front of a distinct crowd who mostly came to listen to music and not just for dancing.
WWD: Jean-Michel let you use the vocals from his composition Hypnose on your album. How did that happen?
Alexandra Juran, the producer of Jean-Michel Jarre’s concert at The Dead Sea, had an idea. She wanted us to produce a remix for one of Jarre’s tracks. Hypnose is one of her favorite musical pieces, so she asked Jean-Michel to send us the vocals. We messed around with some ideas until we accidentally played the vocal track on top of one of our tracks. It sounded brilliant!
WWD: What discourages you the most in the electronic music scene, and how do you overcome that feeling?
We live in an age where the electronic music market flourishes. On the other hand, there are too many tracks and an unbelievable number of artists. There are some outstanding tracks and inspiring producers, but unfortunately, there are even more of those who don’t fit into that particular category. The only way to overcome the ordinary is by creating something remarkable. That’s why we constantly experiment, pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone. We believe that’s what real artists should do. It’s crucial for any musician worthy of listening to bring interesting stuff to the music scene.
WWD: If you could send a time machine message to a younger and more naive version of yourselves, what would that message say?
Just keep doing what you love the most! Always be curious, learn, explore, dare, love, and be
happy.
WWD: What would be your message to music lovers around the world?
Get yourself a copy of the album, find the perfect timing, put your high-quality headphones