Part 1

Name: Hannah Schheider
Nationality: Tunisian
Occupation: Sound artist, producer, composer, educator
Current release: Hannah Schheider is one of the artists contributing to the new V/A - Place: Tunisia compilation curated by Azu Tiwaline and Shinigami San and to be released on Air Texture March 24th 2023.
Recommendations: Piece of music: "Around the World in a Tea Daze" by Shpongle; Artwork: Barrier Breaker - transmigration series by Kamora Jones.

If you enjoyed this Hannah Schheider interview and would like to know more about her music, visit her on Instagram, and Soundcloud.




When did you start writing/producing/playing music and what or who were your early passions and influences? What was it about music and/or sound that drew you to it?

I began producing music in 2015. My early passions and influences include Björk, Thom York, Marilyn Manson, The Knives, Shpongle, Infected Mushroom, Tool, Hans Zimmer ... the list is long..



Music and sounds have always had a calming effect on me, helping me to reach a state of mindfulness and providing me with a source of energy and inspiration. These early musical influences continue to shape my artistic vision, guiding my creative process and informing my soundscapes.

Through my music, I aim to bring peace and rejuvenation to those who listen, providing a space for reflection and inner exploration.

When I listen to music, I see shapes, objects and colours. What happens in your body when you're listening and how does it influence your approach to creativity?

Listening to music has a profound impact on my physical and emotional well-being, causing chills or thrills to run through my body depending on the frequency of the music.

When I listen to music, I also see shapes, objects, and colors, and the reverse is also true— when I visualize images, I hear accompanying music. This connection between my senses allows me to create a small space where reality aligns with my perception of it.

Creating music and other forms of art helps me to bring my inner self to the surface. My body and mind become perfectly attuned, allowing me to fully express myself in a way that feels authentic and true to who I am. I find that when I am translating my innermost thoughts and emotions into music and art, I am in my reality. I feel grounded, present, and fully embodied in the moment.

This is when I am at my most creative and inspired, and when my art truly shines.

How would you describe your development as an artist in terms of interests and challenges, searching for a personal voice, as well as breakthroughs?

My artistic journey has been primarily focused on personal therapy.

The challenge was to maintain a connection with myself through my creations, as I believe that staying creative helps to strengthen both my mental and emotional well-being. By continuing to create, I am able to build resilience and keep improving my mental and emotional fortitude.

Through my art, I am able to stay grounded and embodied, using my creative expressions as a tool for self-discovery and growth.

Tell me a bit about your sense of identity and how it influences both your preferences as a listener and your creativity as an artist, please.

I see myself as a cosmic energy embodied in human form.

My inspiration originates from a cosmic source, which has a direct impact on my listening and creative process. I strive to translate this energy into cosmic sounds and shapes, whether through my listening or through my compositions. My aim is to create pieces that possess a haunting drone and an immersive ambient quality, capturing the essence of the cosmic energy that fuels my imagination.

I believe that as a creative individual, I have a unique role in bridging the gap between the cosmos and the tangible world. My art is a manifestation of this cosmic energy, a way to bring the intangible into existence. Through my work, I aim to connect others with the mysterious, infinite universe and its powerful energy.

In conclusion, I see myself as a cosmic translator, using my music to bring the beauty and majesty of the cosmos to life. With every piece I create, I hope to offer a glimpse into the infinite, inspiring others to explore their own connection to the cosmos.

What, would you say, are the key ideas behind your approach to music and art?

The foundation of my artistic process lies in the images and visuals that appear in my mind. I bring these images to life by sketching them out and then expressing them through sound and music. This way, I am able to turn my imagination into tangible, musical creations.

My work is therefore a form of sublimation, a way to elevate my inner visions and make them real.

How would you describe your views on topics like originality and innovation versus perfection and timelessness in music? Are you interested in a “music of the future” or “continuing a tradition”?

In my opinion, any genuine creation is inherently original. When you tap into your imagination and allow your creative source to flow freely, the outcome will be uniquely yours. It may resemble other styles. But if it's sincere, it will be distinct and truly representative of you.

I don't believe in the notion of "music of the future" or "continuing a tradition." Art is fluid and a subjective expression of oneself. You express yourself through various media and under the influence of different social, cultural, and environmental factors. It's about pure self-expression that may sound futuristic, traditional, a combination of both, or something entirely different.

To be original means to be true to yourself, not to imitate others.

Over the course of your development, what have been your most important instruments and tools - and what are the most promising strategies for working with them?

For me, my main production tool is Ableton Live, accompanied by my voice and various plugins such as Nexus, Serum, and Kontakt instruments.

My usual process involves installing the main theme, then adding my voice, followed by arranging the composition, and then adding effects and sound mixing. However, there have been times when I've taken a different approach. At times, I've started by crafting a sound, and from that sound, an entire theme has emerged. It really just depends on the source of inspiration for the particular project.

Overall, my production process is highly adaptable and flexible, allowing me to be creative and spontaneous, as well as responsive to new ideas and possibilities as they arise. By keeping an open mind and embracing different strategies, I am able to produce music that is truly reflective of my unique vision and artistic voice.

Take us through a day in your life, from a possible morning routine through to your work, please.

A typical day in my life starts with me waking up around 7am, getting dressed and having a quick breakfast. I then head to work as an art teacher, where I spend my mornings teaching from 8am to noon. After a short lunch break, I return to work for the afternoon shift, which lasts from 2pm to 8pm. By the time I get home in the evening, I'm usually quite tired and don't have much energy or inspiration left for creating.

Over the past few years, work has taken up most of my time and energy, and I've unfortunately had to put my creative pursuits on hold. However, I still make an effort to engage with the arts in other ways, such as by attending concerts, visiting galleries, and reading about new artists and movements.

I hope to one day find a way to balance my work and creative pursuits, as both are important to me and bring me fulfillment in different ways.

Could you describe your creative process on the basis of a piece, live performance or album that's particularly dear to you, please?

I aspire to reach the level of sound perfection and well-organized, precise experimental composition that Shpongle is known for. Although I am still a ways away from the quality and fluidity of their work, if I were to develop a process for producing music, I would undoubtedly be inspired by their tracks.