Part 1

Name: Sebastian de Beer aka Sebee
Occupation: Producer, DJ
Nationality: South African
Current release: Sebee's Borders EP is out via Metaphysical
Recommendations:
1. Nils Frahm – All Melody … an immersive soundscape, that I’d pay to witness performed in a cathedral or some sort. The use of spacing and silence creates a sense of depth and a massive atmosphere. Expansive, yet intimate. This album is my go-to for introspection. Nils is my musical aspiration. He is a man who loves his craft, and impacts his listeners in such profound ways. Similarly can be said for …

2. Olafur Arnalds – re:member … this album is just hauntingly beautiful. The entire album uses pacing and dynamics in such a creative way, holding tension in such a beautiful narrative. This album is perfect for those who are not familiar with classical music, and would like an introduction of it blended with electronic. This album has too left a profound mark on my life, and when I hear it, I think of the memories associated with my teenage and young adult years.

[Read our Nils Frahm interview]
[Read our Ólafur Arnalds interview]

If you enjoyed this Sebee interview and would like to know more about the project, visit it on Instagram, Facebook, 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 started producing music when I was 12. I later fell in love with piano and self-learnt it. My mother always played classical and Latin music for me when I was very young, my father played me good old rock and roll. Growing up, both my sister and brother were professional dancers - I listened to loads of dance music! I think the biggest inspiration for music in my life has been my family.

Now, I am drawn to it because of its emotional power. But overall, I think it was the ability to create something that didn't exist before that drew me to music and sound. There's something incredibly powerful and transformative about being able to craft a sonic experience that can move people emotionally, intellectually, and physically.

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?

When I'm listening to music, I tend to get very focused and in-tune with the music. I often find myself visualizing scenes or images that are inspired by the sounds I'm hearing.

In terms of how this influences my approach to creativity, I think it gives me a unique perspective on how to build and structure my tracks. If I'm visualizing a particular scene or image while listening to a piece of music, I might try to recreate that feeling or atmosphere in my own music by using certain sounds, textures, or rhythms.

I think this approach allows me to create music that is more than just a collection of sounds, but is instead a fully realized sensory experience that can evoke a wide range of emotions and feelings.

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 development as an artist has been a continuous journey of discovery and growth. Early on, I was focused on creating music that was technically proficient and sonically impressive, but I soon realized that this approach was limiting my ability to connect with my audience on a deeper level. I began to explore different genres and styles of music, and to experiment with new sounds and techniques in order to find my own unique voice.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to trust my own instincts and creative vision. It can be tempting to try to replicate the success of others, but I found that the more I stayed true to myself and my own creative vision, the more my music began to resonate with others.

A breakthrough moment for me came when I realized that the most powerful music is often the simplest. I had been focusing so much on creating complex arrangements and intricate soundscapes, that I had lost sight of the emotional impact that simple, direct melodies and rhythms can have. Once I began to strip away the excess and focus on the core elements of my music, I found that it became more powerful and resonant.

Another breakthrough came when I began to incorporate more organic elements into my music, such as live instruments and field recordings. This allowed me to create a more immersive and textured sonic experience, and to connect more deeply with my audience on a visceral level.

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.

It’s funny, I have been struggling to answer this question for one of my other projects Ad Harmonium with my close friend Felt Habit … We have spent many hours discussing it for the project, and ourselves…

As an artist, my sense of identity plays a major role in both my preferences as a listener and my creativity. I grew up in South Africa, a country with a rich and diverse musical heritage that encompasses everything from traditional African rhythms and melodies to Western pop and electronic music. This cultural context has deeply influenced my own musical preferences and my approach to music production.

As a listener, I'm drawn to music that incorporates a wide range of cultural influences and sounds. I love music that is both familiar and unfamiliar, that blends different styles and genres to create something new and unique. I'm also drawn to music that has a strong emotional and spiritual resonance, that connects with me on a deep level and speaks to my own sense of identity and place in the world.

My artistic sense of identity influences the way I approach my own music production. I'm always looking for ways to incorporate my own cultural heritage into my music, whether that's through the use of traditional African instruments and rhythms, or through more subtle nods to my own cultural background.

I also strive to create music that is emotionally resonant, that connects with my audience on a deep level and speaks to their own sense of identity and place in the world.

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

The key ideas behind my approach to music, and thus art, are rooted in the belief that art is a powerful medium for emotional and spiritual expression. I believe that music has the ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, and to connect with people on a deep and universal level. My approach to music and art is therefore focused on creating work that speaks to the human experience in a meaningful and authentic way.

One of the central ideas that informs my approach to music and art is the importance of experimentation and exploration. I believe that creativity is not a finite resource, but rather something that can be nurtured and developed through a process of continuous learning and experimentation.

I also believe in the importance of authenticity and personal expression. I believe that the most powerful art comes from a place of authenticity and honesty, and that true creative expression requires a willingness to be vulnerable and open. My goal as an artist is to create work that is true to my own experience and perspective, yet can connect with my audience on a meaningful level.

I’d say in short that my approach to music and art is grounded in a belief in the transformative power of creative expression, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of my own creativity in order to create work that is innovative, authentic, and emotionally resonant.

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”?

My views on originality and innovation versus perfection and timelessness in music are nuanced and multifaceted. While I believe that originality and innovation are important drivers of creative expression, I also recognize the value of striving for perfection and timelessness in music.

While the pursuit of perfection can sometimes lead to creative stagnation, I believe that a commitment to excellence is an essential part of any creative endeavour. Similarly, while I'm interested in creating music that is forward-thinking and innovative, I also recognize the importance of honouring and continuing musical traditions that have come before.

I believe that music is a constantly evolving art form, and that the most exciting and meaningful work lies at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Whether I'm creating music that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible or paying homage to the musical traditions that have come before, my goal as an artist is always to create work that is authentic, emotionally resonant, and true to my own experience and perspective.

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?

Over the course of my development as a music producer, my most important tools have been my DAW, and plug-ins. These tools have allowed me to create music on a professional level and have provided me with a nearly infinite range of creative possibilities.

A major strategy for working with my tools has been to remain open to collaboration and feedback. While the creative process can be deeply personal, I believe that working with others can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs and new ideas. I'm always open to collaborating with other artists, musicians, and producers, and I actively seek out feedback from peers and mentors in order to continue to develop my skills and refine my approach to music production.

My most important instrument has been the piano – it just changed me when I let myself dive into the music.