Electronic Music World

In the year 2000, Acid Artist Colin Walker (a.k.a. PARALiSYS) decided to do more than just acid. Though his acid music was (and is) quite popular, something different was on his mind. We´re going to find out all the details on his project Random Elements.

Why did you start Random Elements?

I have listened to ambient music for many years and for a long time wanted to create some of my own but never had the resources to do so. When I changed from using just ReBirth to Cubase with VSTi´s (Virtual Instruments) I had before me the tools which I could use to create more than just acid/techno based music. For years my head was full of ideas so I could now create an outlet for this area of my creativity.

Why minimal and dark ambient, and not big beat, or for instance that immensely popular trance music?

My existing project PARALiSYS is primarily acid/techno based with elements of Hard trance so I already had the “dance music” side of things covered. Being a huge fan of ambient music I feel comfortable with this genre, with the emotions behind it and so it was only natural that I should pursue this area for my side project (although the two are now of equal importance to me).
I use music as a means of relaxation so ambience is perfect for this.
Why not trance? Well, in my opinion the definition of trance has become corrupted beyond all recognition. For me true trance music is music which is relentless, repetitive, absorbs you in a constant groove and won´t let go. It should be literally trance inducing – gets you in the groove and lets you lose yourself in the music. The so-called trance of today is nothing more than a commercialised monstrosity designed purely for clubs – the meaning, emotion and raison d`etre have all gone.

What is the secret behind Random Elements?

A secret? There is no secret – I just do what feels right. I dont try to kid myself that I´m something I´m not so, I suppose staying true to myself is the secret if you want to call it that.
In creating tracks for Random Elements I try to stick to the original concepts that Brian Eno laid down when he was on the early projects like “Music for Airports” – that is ambient music should be”elusive enough to reward attention, but not so strict as to demand it”. I like to call it “Music to be heard, not listened to!”

Why the name “Random Elements”? Is everything you do in this project _that_ random?

I was looking for a name for the project and couldnt think of anything. Random Elements was actually the name of a division where I work that used to perform varied training activities – it just seemed to fit!

Who/what is influencing your music?

Anything and everything influences me, but generally I tend not to have any particular plans for the tracks that I write. I usually sit in front of the PC playing with sounds and the inspiration comes from the sounds themselves.
People that influence me are many and varied from signed artists like Brian Eno, Tangerine Dream and Pete Namlook to unsigned artists like (((Stereofect))), Matthew Florianz/Liquid Morphine and Mindspawn in so far as they inspire to keep creating and keep hoping that one day I will be at least half as good as any of them.

You´re getting quite some recognition from other ambient artists. Does this change your music, or your view on your own music?

Recognition is any artists wish – although the act of creation is entirely self indulgent it has little meaning unless the result is shared with others. So any recognition I do get makes me feel that it is all worth it, that I should continue and am not just fooling myself with the notion that I have any sort of talent.
The recognition doesnt actually affect the music – nothing really affects the music apart from the sounds or software I happen to have open in front of me. The biggest effect that anything has had on Random Elements is discovering the program “Audiomulch“.

Do you like peanut butter?

Ooh Yum! On toast- loverly!

What are your favorite signed artists at the moment?

I havent really bought any Records, CDs or tapes from retail outlets for years so I´m not really sure whats out there. The only CDs I have bought have been Plastikman who is my all time hero and influences the PARALiSYS project quite heavily.
Other favourites are those mentioned previously: Eno, T-Dream, Namlook etc.

What are your favorite unsigned artists at the moment?

Again the favourites include those who have already been mentioned but these are just the tip of the iceberg. For me there is so much talent out there that is far better than the rubbish I hear signed to majors that it makes me sick. There isnt room for a full list so to avoid upsetting anyone I´d just say check the links on my artist pages.

What album have you listened to the most in the past month?

I have to say that its one of my own – the “Nebulae :: Variations” CD.
The most frequently listened to CD that is not my own would be “Recurring Dream of the Urban Myth” by Chris Meloche on Fax Records.

Anyone you want to say hi to?

My wife Sal – I love you.

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