Elektroklänge interview – A love letter to ‘Autobahn’
Elektroklänge
On their second conceptual album “Motorik”, the Swedish minimalistic electro-pop act, ELEKTROKLÄNGE revives the vintage Kraftwerkian “Düsseldorf sound” with their topnotch synth-pop signature style. “Motorik” is a sonic journey inspired by KRAFTWERK’s groundbreaking “Autobahn” album, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Curiosity serves as the compass, and humour as the travel companion, as ELEKTROKLÄNGE explores and enhances the lyrical, musical, and conceptual themes presented in KRAFTWERK’s masterpiece… We hacked ELEKTROKLÄNGE’s “Bordcomputer” to better understand how we should best read/listen to all these tiny well-hidden details…
The release is available as download via Bandcamp and other services plus on CD via the Alfa Matrix webstore.
S. “Motorik” is described as a sonic journey inspired by KRAFTWERK’s “Autobahn” album. What drew you to pay homage to this particular album, and how did it influence the creation of your own conceptual work?
F. “Motorik” is basically a love letter to “Autobahn”, a record that has meant a lot to us. “Autobahn” captured (and still captures) our imagination with its hypnotic rhythms and minimalist aesthetic. The electronic textures, melodic motifs, and thematic depth inspired us to explore similar themes in our own work while also paying homage to the iconic soundscapes and visionary spirit of Kraftwerk.
S. You mention curiosity and humour as key elements of “Motorik.” How do these themes manifest in the album’s lyrics, music, and overall concept?
F. For us, curiosity and humour have served as guiding principles in “Motorik”, shaping the album’s lyrical content, musical compositions and visual presentation. We definitely sprinkle in some lyrical and biographical Easter eggs throughout “Motorik” for attentive listeners. There might be a turn of phrase or a specific sound effect that subtly (and sometimes, perhaps, not so subtly) nods to “Autobahn” and other albums by Kraftwerk. Curiosity and humour add layers of depth and entertainment, encouraging listeners to engage with the music on multiple levels. A little bit like a journey down the autobahn, “Motorik” unfolds with twists and turns, surprises and revelations.
S. The album features tracks with titles like “Abfahrt,” “Bordcomputer,” and “AutoRadio.” Can you elaborate on the narrative or thematic journey these tracks represent as listeners progress through the album?
F. Each track on “Motorik” serves as a chapter in our sonic journey. “Abfahrt” sets the stage for the entire album, acting as the sonic ignition for the journey with its pulsating rhythms and playful melodies, evoking the excitement and anticipation of embarking on a journey. “Bordcomputer” (together with the first track “Vorprogrammierung”) explores the connection between man and machine, echoing the thematic exploration present in much of Kraftwerk’s work. As the album progresses, “Autoradio” introduces upbeat melodies and catchy synth hooks that evoke the sound of classic driving music. Just as drivers tune their car radios to find the perfect soundtrack for their journey, this track perhaps explores the significance of music as a companion on life’s road. Or, the lyrics could just be nods to different song lyrics by Kraftwerk.
S. ELEKTROKLÄNGE is known for reviving the vintage Kraftwerkian “Düsseldorf sound.” How do you balance staying true to this classic style while also incorporating your unique modern twist?
F. You could think of it as an ongoing, and sometimes lively, conversation between the past and the future, where Kraftwerk’s legacy paves the way for Elektroklänge’s sonic exploration. We might reimagine a particular melody, chord progression or rhythmic pattern, but recontextualize it within our own sonic and thematic framework. We believe that our commitment to the “Düsseldorf sound” ensures continuity, while our forays into unexpected sonic territories keep the journey exciting and somewhat relevant. We hope that listeners will appreciate the respectful references and subtle nods to the original while also recognizing the melody-driven retro-future sound that makes “Motorik” distinctly Elektroklänge.
S. “Motorik” aims to envelop listeners like passing landscapes on a journey. Can you describe the creative process behind crafting the repetitive yet evolving motifs and rhythms that define the album?
F. “Autobahn” functions as a cohesive journey and we wanted “Motorik” to achieve a similar effect, but through the lens of Elektroklänge. To achieve this, we developed a narrative arc that explores the themes of “Autobahn” from our perspective. This involved crafting a thematic flow between tracks on the album, ensuring they built upon each other and hopefully offer a fresh interpretation of the original concepts. On a song level, this meant meticulously crafting repetitive motifs and rhythms that would become the building blocks of the album. We built upon these motifs and rhythms, adding layers of texture and variation throughout each track. This involved introducing new sonic elements, such as shimmering synth pads or vintage speech synthesis.
S. With tracks like “Glitzerstrahl” and “Auf der schönen grauen Autobahn,” how do you use musical elements to evoke the imagery and feeling of a car journey?
F. We used a variety of musical elements to evoke the imagery and feeling of a car journey. Both tracks build on a steady, driving beat that creates a sense of forward motion and momentum. We also use different synth textures such as lush, evolving synth pads that represent the vastness of the open road ahead, while arpeggios and simple repeating melodies evoke a sense of hypnotic movement akin to watching the scenery fly by. Perhaps most evident on “Auf der schönen grauen Autobahn”, the compositional structure plays a big part. The track (just like the album itself) is structured to mirror the flow of a car trip by combining faster, more intense sections representing high-speed stretches with sections of a more meditative quality reflecting long stretches of highway.
S. What was the most challenging aspect of creating “Motorik,” and how did you overcome it to ensure the album captured the essence of both ELEKTROKLÄNGE and KRAFTWERK’s influence?
F. We hold immense respect for Kraftwerk’s pioneering work and their influence is undeniable in our music. The most challenging aspect was creating an album that paid tribute while retaining Elektroklänge’s distinct sonic identity. We tried to overcome this by focusing on reinterpreting, not replicating. We meticulously programmed sounds and textures that resonated with “Autobahn’s” core aesthetic while adding different layers that reflected our signature style. This involved a lot of experimentation and refinement to ensure each element served the music without cluttering the sonic space. We used “Autobahn” as a sort of blueprint, employing its themes and motifs to craft new compositions that reflect our own musical perspective. In that sense “Motorik” is a tribute to the past, reimagined for the present.
S. As you celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Autobahn,” what do you hope listeners take away from “Motorik,” and how do you want it to impact their perception of electro-pop and its roots?
F. We haven’t given much consideration to that question. But ultimately, “Motorik” isn’t just an homage; it’s an invitation. We invite listeners to explore the roots of what you call electro-pop and appreciate the enduring influence of these musical pioneers. We hope “Motorik” inspires a renewed appreciation for the power of minimalism and experimentation. We also want listeners to rediscover the potential of the concept album format, where music and ideas intertwine to create a more cohesive experience.
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