Julian Schneid a.k.a schneid is an artist and producer of electronic music based in Cologne, Germany. With his new single “The Architect” he explores the Dark Wave genre and shows his craftsmanship as an experienced songwriter and his talent for creating moods from tasteful chords and sounds.
In our interview, Julian delves into his musical influences and career journey of a composer and producer whose work spans the realms of film and advertising.
What connection do you have to 80s music, especially Dark Wave? Which musicians have particularly influenced you?
Julian Schneid: Being a child of the 90s, I can't claim that 80s music is intertwined with my childhood. However, the 80s have birthed many sounds and styles that undoubtedly influenced many of my musical idols. Whether it's the synth sounds (like a Juno 60), the snare sound with Gated Reverb, or the guitar sounds of New Order or Joy Division. I actually listen to many genres from all decades and epochs. Except for Schlager, pretty much everything is there. But I guess the artist with the strongest Dark Wave and 80s connection that I listened to during the composition phase of the album was the Danish producer Trentemøller. I find the sounds and moods in his productions fantastic. Son Lux, James Blake, Radiohead, Weval, Jon Hopkins, and numerous other artists who navigate somewhere between experimentation, exciting sound design, and catchiness have also inspired me in recent years.
You are a composer and producer for film and advertising music. How did your career path lead you there?
Julian Schneid: Composition and sound for film and advertising are part of my work. Originally, I just wanted to be a stage musician. I quickly realized how financially challenging that can be, especially with my own music, so I looked around to see in which other areas I could work musically or at least creatively. Towards the end of school, some friends of mine started making short films. And since I already had the musician label, they asked me if I would like to contribute music and sound. So one thing led to another and sparked my passion for music and film.
Is "The Architect" a song from an upcoming album? What is the song about?
Julian Schneid: "The Architect" is probably the darkest track on the album. It deals with societal dynamics, the winners and losers of a world. It deals with the feeling of one's own powerlessness in the face of grievances and the tendency of many to hide behind protective claims because they either benefit from the system or it's simply easier to blame external authorities for their own misery. The character of the Architect from the Matrix film series definitely inspired me there. The lyrics remain deliberately vague because I find it more exciting to leave room for interpretation in such themes. So not to point the finger in one direction but rather to provide a stimulus.
When will we hear your next songs?
Julian Schneid: The next single from the album will be released on 29.03.24. The album release will follow in the summer.
Can you imagine performing your cutting-edge songs live?
Julian Schneid: Yes, absolutely! I am currently working with the musicians I had in the studio for the album recordings on the live realization of the album and other material. So, I can't wait until we're ready.
Discover "The Architect" by schneid and other favorites on our curated Spotify playlist, "New Dark Wave | Goth | Post Punk," regularly refreshed with fresh tracks from fellow artists and bands within the scene.