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Richard Bone: Explorer of the Inner Universe Serge: Let us start from the most fresh news. As far as I know, not long ago you went to Mexico where you visited pyramids and ancient ruins at Chichen-Itza. I also know that you are interested in Indian culture and philosophy (in particular, Toltec philosophy). You have written me that as a result of your journey you are going to produce a 30-minute black and white film and a new album. Could you please tell me about these projects more in detail. When could we expect their realization and how could you characterize them? Which interesting events and impressions did you experience during these journeys?
Richard:
The video, which was to be color, has been
temporarily shelved. It was to accompany a
live performance which has since been
canceled. Although I am disappointed, I always
remain confident that higher powers guide our
lives. Therefore I take comfort in knowing
that the live performance was not right for me
at this time. There is a new CD, however,
based on my visit to Chichen-Itza and my
Toltec studies. The disc is called "TALES FROM
THE INCANTINA" and will be released in late
March or April. It is a completely ambient
work. It is also very influenced by my love
for the works of Harold
Budd.
Serge: Now I feel this is a good place to move on to your original (and my favorite) trilogy "Electropica", "Coxa" and "Ascensionism". In my view you have an interesting approach to the work with sound: you use very interesting sounds, unexpected sound combinations, and during listening to your e can hear something unusual - a new detail, a change of a mood, and other original things. With that you have very interesting melodies. Your music can' t be compared to music by anyone else. Could you tell me about the process of your creative work? How do you work with sound, what is important for you in the process of your work and how does it all happen in general?
Richard:
My approach
to writing, in the last 7 years, is always the
same. First I take time to silence the world
around me via meditation. Then, I simply begin
to improvise on the keyboard. After that
point, something greater than myself takes
over. Rarely do I even have any recollection
of the writing process. Sometimes I will place
a photograph that symbolizes the current
project. But beyond that I do not have any
preconceived idea when I start to
write.
Serge: Your trilogy differs on its sound from all the music which I have heard before. This is a completely special "cocktail" of jazz, ambient and new age music. How could you characterize your music? That is not for me to say. Which album of the trilogy (they are very different) do you like most of all?
Richard:
I prefer not
to choose. It would be of greater interest to
know which CD is YOUR favorite.
Serge: A detective plot is present in your album "Coxa" (I mean the compositions "Playa Six" and "Outside the Incrimination Field"). What story did you want to tell us here? In general, with what is connected the "detective mood" present in your music as it is felt in the above mentioned album?
Richard:
As I mentioned a moment ago, I do not write
with an attempt to convey ANYTHING. The music
simply evolves to be what it was meant to be.
I do not try to edit that
process.
Serge: In the last album of the trilogy - "Ascensionism", I can feel the ethnical Hebrew and Egyptian tunes are presented. Your music is inspired by mystical teachings of Kabbalah and spiritual schools high over the Ancient Egypt and Luxor. By the way, could you tell me what is Luxor and what is the meaning of Kavvannah?
Richard:
Luxor an
ancient city in Egypt believed by some to be
an energy vortex (as is Sedona, Arizona)... In
the Kabbalah "Kavvannah" just means "one who
is supremely aware of their own existence and
it's vast
implications".
Serge: Thank you. So, please tell more in detail about your interest of the ancient cultures and their music. Is the use of mysterious ethnical tunes part of your spiritual search, and if yes, then how?
Richard:
I have been
blessed with the good fortune to travel to
many exotic parts of the world. With those
travels comes the awareness that, although we
may follow different paths, we are all on a
spiritual journey with the same destination.
The music in Ascensionism, for example, is
simply the result of my personal journey at
that moment. Just as "Tales from the
Incantina" reflects a different point in my
life.
Serge: What is your spiritual development? Are you practicing any spiritual techniques?
Richard:
Since all
doctrines have the same destination, it
changes
constantly.
Serge: In the album "Ascensionism" we have met Jet Swami, a personage which you created. Could you tell me about Jet Swami? Why did you create such a personage?
Richard:
To amuse
myself and possibly others. Mr. Swami has,
however, left
us.
Serge: What are the similarities and differences of your trilogy being compared with your other works? Is it possible you will create something of this kind in the near future?
Richard:
I have no plans, I am but a
vessel.
Serge: Now, let us talk about the other side of your creative work. You are also producing pure ambient projects. Not long ago, Hypnos Records released your albums "The Spectral Ships" and "Ether Dome". Why are the ambient projects important for you and what are you aspiring to express in these works?
Richard:
The ambient
works are simply another aspect of my
personality. To create the same style of music
again and again would not honor
life.
Serge: Are you going to continue your collaboration with Hypnos Records?
Richard:
Time will
tell.
Serge: Could we expect new ambient projects from you?
Richard:
Yes, I have
created an ambient division of my Quirkworks
label called INDIUM. Serge: Could you say a few words about your album "Metaphysic Mambo"? What was important for you to express in this project?
Richard:
I must make
it clear that there is never an attempt to
"express" anything. Whatever CD is created at
any given time is simply the result of my life
experiences at the time combined with guidance
coming to me from beyond.
Serge: In general, which of your many albums is especially dear to you and why?
Richard:
The one I
have yet to
create!
Serge: Universe of Richard Bone: could you describe it, what it looks like and what is present there?
Richard:
It looks like
your very favorite
dream.
Serge: Now we can proceed to the Internet. You have a very aesthetic and informative web site, which was made for you by Marleen Kingsley of her own initiative. How did it all start? How did you meet Marleen?
Richard:
Marleen sent
me a warm and wonderful e-mail after hearing
my track, Cancion del Arco on radio. Although
we live a great distance apart, I have no
doubt that we were once siblings. She is one
the finest people to have ever entered my
life. I am so grateful for all she
does.
Serge: Your albums were released by various record companies. Among them are your own QuirkWorks Laboratory, Halcyon and Hypnos Records. In general where do you prefer to produce your albums? Which company is most easy for you to work with and on which labels are you going to release your future albums?
Richard:
I have no
preconceived ideas or plans. Every day, when I
awake, is filled with endless
possibilities.
Serge: Are you going to make concert tours?
Richard:
Perhaps.
Serge: Do you plan to create movie music?
Richard:
That is a
fantasy of mine. Perhaps
someday!
Serge: What are your interests in life and hobbies?
Richard:
My interests
are: exploring the universe both within myself
and without.
Serge: Are you fond of traveling?
Richard:
Most
definitely!
Serge: What is your family?
Richard:
I am proud to say that I am a gay man
living in a long term relationship. Many of my
fans know that I am gay, some do not. I have
no patience for intolerance, so those who are
offended by my sexual preference must seek an
outlet for their ignorance elsewhere. I would
like to have your reaction to this (possible)
news. I have found that the European view is
usually far more progressive than here in the
US. But, we are all evolving together. Someday
soon this will not even be the slightest
issue.
Richard: The joy of stillness, the magic of attainable peace...and a really great meal!!! |