1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
AKSU is a duet composed of my cousin Guillaume (guitar, effects, trumpet) and I (drums and percussion). The project was born at the end of 2011 in Brussels, Belgium. At this time Gui was studying architecture and he was working on some contemporary asian artists and architects.
One day his teaching staff imposed him some sort of workshop exam and he didn't want to present a classical architectural project with model, plan, outlines etc. so he called me, and we decided to make something special. A sort of spatial exploration of the museum near to the architectural school.
An exploration based on improvisation and feelings related with the place we were in.
At the very beginning AKSU was supposed to be an ephemeral project but after this 1st try we understood that we've created something we liked and we wanted to develop.
2.Recently you have released a new album, can you tell us a little bit about the musical direction it has taken?
"The Way to Destroy and Create things/ Screenplay and Outline for an Unexpected Space" is our 1st full length album. The other recordings you can listen on our Bandcamp are some live recordings.
We have recorded it during one night in the same architectural museum where we played the first time.
This album is also entirely improvised, we've only chosen what we wanted to maintain for the album. We wanted something loud but complex at the same time. A mix between fury, dark ambient and spontaneity.
3.A few years back you released 3 separete live ep's which where all recorded on the same night, what was the decision behind releasing them in 3 different installments than putting them on a full or double album?
Actually they are 3 different live recordings, recorded during 3 differents events in 3 differents locations.
We would like to release them together in cassette. A box containing those 3 cassettes could be a nice object! If one day a label is interested we will make it.
4.What are some of the themes and concepts the band brings out with its music?
We don't have any particular concepts. Every time we play, the only goal is to make something special and the most spontaneous possible. We try most of the time to divert sleeping architecture and conventional live conditions to create an other reflection of space and sounds, to be connected together and with the place we are in. The process is the most important for us. Improvisation is the core of our actions. It reminds me a sentence by Genesis P-Orridge, I can't remember it exactly but it's something like: "The joy of real creativity comes from the exploration of the unexpected".
5.Currently all of the music is instrumental, are you planning on using vocals in the future or do you choose to remain instrumental?
Our music is changing all the time. For exemple Gui was singing during our last show.. so yes I think we could use vocals at some point. Maybe in the next album, maybe not.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Aksu'?
Lots of meanings, lots of possibilities.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We are not playing lots of shows but we try to make something musically different each time. Our stage performances are short, various and intense.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Yes we really would like to tour but only if it's to play in special places, or at least not exclusively in classical shows venue.
9.Currently is located in Belgium but all of the members are French, what was the decision behind moving to a different country?
We are both from south of France. We came to Belgium at first because we decided to studying here. Gui just finish his architectural studies and I'm finishing mine but in History of Art. Belgium is a great country for music. Lots of great bands, great shows etc. we really like Brussels and Belgium.
10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your recordings by fans of underground music?
For the moment we have a very good feedback. Generally people find the album intriguing at first, then they really enter in it after
a second listening. For the moment we have only positive feedbacks which is really rewarning for us, apprently we have made a good job!
11.Where do you see the band heading into music wise during the future
Don't know.. we will continue to record albums, find labels, trying to find great places to play..
12.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We have a lots of influences from the musical world like SWANS, Boris, John Cage, Glenn Branca, Peter Brötzmann, Max Roach, Genesis P-Orridge, KTL, Steve Noble, Deathspell Omega and lots of other metal bands. Electronica and classical stuff as well.
We are also very influenced by architecture (especially by ruins, bunkers, brutalism etc.) and art (Joseph Beuys and Piranesi among others).
13. What are some of your interests outside of music?
Too much things.. Gui paint and draws a lot since this year, some beautiful and very detailed pieces. I'm currently finishing my studies so I don't have a lot of time to spend in museums and exhibitions but it's of course something we love to do.
14.Before we wrap up this interview do you have any final words or thoughts?
PEOPLE, don't hesitate to visit our pages and spread them everywhere!
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