Dublin-based composer and musician Ian Nyquist has released Gilded, an instrumental-led album featuring vocal contributions from Iona Zajac, Laucan, and Lorcán Mac Mathúna. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Born to American parents, I grew up in Glasgow and moved to Dublin in my early teens so for a long time, I felt like an outsider to the culture. I think the strands of trad influences on Gilded kind of speak to that; It's an interpretation of something associated with home that I’ve mostly felt introverted from until only recently.
While learning to play the bodhrán for this new album, I developed a technique using modelling software to mirror my playing gestures on the drum. As far as I know, it’s the first time this technique has been used in the instrument’s history.
I’ve recently taken an interest in foraging. At this point, it’s only a matter of time before I sever ties with the conveniences of modern life and fully assimilate into the wilderness…
How would you describe your music?
It’s hard for me to pin down exactly what I make. Historically, I’d say it falls somewhere within the distinction of experimental, or a more charged iteration of ambient music - a genre that, unfortunately, has come to gain a reputation for just filling space in the background. In contrast to that, my aim is to make things that are different and to elicit a strong response from the listener.
This new album, for example, formed alongside some major life changes during which, in many ways, felt like I was starting over. The music reflects that shift into a new era and is a departure from how I would have described previous projects. Gilded, for me, is an album rooted in a process of renewal, traversing a line between pastoral trad/folk and something more contemporary.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My creative identity has been shaped by such a wide range of influences. Even from when I first discovered the likes of music blogs in my early teens, I was unknowingly exposing myself to music that would go on to shape the standards and values I look for; both in creating and in listening. Biosphere, Loscil, KMRU to name a varied few with really expansive, "hi-def" sound palettes, are some artists I gravitate back to right now - along with artists who experiment more with sound design or the process of recording itself as a medium; Tim Hecker, Akira Rabelais, Ben Frost, or even Lawrence English, who actually mastered my new LP. Those would be a few examples of artists whose music, on some level, I feel occupies the same creative sphere as my own work.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first gig experience was with a very cool older family friend who took me to see the Scottish band Frightened Rabbit and a few other local acts at the Hard Working Class Heroes festival in Dublin back in 2008. Before that, my only experience with live performance was maybe the occasional recital my parents would bring us to. I still have a soft spot for that, too, though.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think the first piece of music I ever bought for myself was a used copy of Sigur Rós' Untitled album from a record store bargain bin. The sleeve was so mysterious and intriguing. I remember the CD was scratched and always skipped at the same point, so it wasn’t until years later that I finally heard it all the way through.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Rory Sweeney - Entrance Places (ft. Saoirse Miller, Róis & Ristéard ÓhAodha)
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Walking hand in hand with someone you love on a trip to Disneyland" - Time by Otis the 3rd.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet - Gavin Bryars.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My catalogue is up on Bandcamp. I also host a monthly show on Dublin Digital Radio, where I often preview upcoming or unreleased material. Hoping to play some live shows around the country for the album release as well - keep an eye out for where to catch me on stage!
Alan Corr
