READERSVOICE.COM: Twilight Sessions Volume 20 is a serene album, good for detoxing the day. What situations do you listen to ambience and what albums do you keep returning to?

BRIN COLEMAN: I listen to music most on the bus on my way to work, college or grocery shopping and in that case it tends to be Ulrich Schnauss, Ultravox, My Bloody Valentine, Dead Kennedys or even ABBA. A strange mix, I know, but something loud enough to drown out the outside world.
I’m really only just learning to relax again at home. I used to relax just by making music – another reason why I’ve made so much. But now I find time to listen while lying on my couch in the dark. I love the music of Pete Namlook. His “record something, release it quickly and move on to the next project” ethos is something that has inspired me. He released most of his music himself, independent of anyone. He was 20 years ahead of us all!
I listen to Thomas Fehlmann a lot. Again, ahead of his time and much copied and his work as part of The Orb is fantastic.
I’m also a huge fan of American experimental composer Steve Reich. Another huge influence. With the techniques he uses, his music could be so cold but I find his music incredibly expressive and emotive.

RV: How do you find the new and old music for your ALL FM 96.9 ambience radio show?

BC: Unfortunately, I no longer have time to produce my weekly show for ALL FM, which is a terrible shame. I did carry it on independently for a while but I’ve not made one for some time. I may return to it later this year. All my previous shows are available to listen via my website though. I prided myself on giving good, original but not necessarily radio friendly music airtime.
Bandcamp is a great resource for new music and a good way of supporting independent artists and you can get notifications when an artist you like release new music. I made so many great discoveries that I kept going back to.

RV: What do you think makes for good ambience and electronic music?

BC: While I generally make ambient music, I am not really fussy about genres. In fact, music that sticks to particular genres can be so boring and unoriginal. What I make just ends up being floaty and ethereal.
My rule applies to all kinds of music – it has to be interesting and honest. Generally, I have no interest in the clean, new age type of ambient. I like a bit of grit or dissonance in there and if there’s something I’ve never heard before, all the better!

RV: Can you mention some of your favorite books of all time, fiction or non fiction?

BC: My absolute favourite author is Kurt Vonnegut. I’ve read everything I’ve been able to get my hands on. I’ve heard it said that his style is heavy going but I find him very easy to read. I think we come at life from the same angle. Melancholy and whimsy in equal amounts. He was a huge influence on Douglas Adams, another favourite of mine.
I enjoy Jon Ronson’s work. His books focus on the most unusual people in society. I highly recommend his books.

-continued next page
-copyright Simon Sandall.