Posted on: June 1, 2017 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0
Robert Slump Interview

Today, we are talking with Robert Slump, composer and engineer. How is life and your label treating you this week?

Life has been great these last few months. Mainly because of my newborn boy of 4 months old. I had to let go of the idea that I could write music 24/7 like I used to do, but as my little boy is getting older, I seem to have more time for writing music again and finding the right balance between family life, social life and a professional career in music.

The label Hyperreal Records has been nothing but great so far. From the moment I signed they have been guiding me into this release and before I knew it, they had the songs lined up, artwork ready and a solid release date. Very cool and professional.

You’ve been fortunate to release a large amount of music. Can you let us know about some of your earlier discography?

Sure. So my earlier work had nothing to do with trailer music. I have always been into electronic and industrial metal like Fear Factory, Sybreed and Strapping Young Lad. So I started recording music in that genre. Not much later I found a great singer named Trevor Marks in the states, and thanks to the awesome internet we released a digital album with our project called Toxic Grind Machine. Which is heavy hybrid electronic melodic metal. Think Sybreed, or Slipknot meets Fear Factory. After that I felt the need to write very mellow music. So I started writing classical music like waltzes, and basically just more cinematic and melodic orchestral music. Doing this I was learning how it all works when it comes to mixing, mastering, using virtual instruments and libraries.

After a while I wanted to go back to heavy again, but I wanted to keep it cinematic as well. So that’s when I, once again, found a nice balance between cinematic music and hybrid rock and metal.

What sorts of logistical (and other) difficulties do you experience coordinatingthe creation and releasing of music from different projects?

Not much difficulties really.. Mainly getting the songs at the same volume and having to pick the right songsand the right song order. Nothing major really.

Which artists are the greatest influences for you and your music? Is there a dream movie, video game, or other creative project that you would like to contribute music to if given the chance?

There are just so many artists out there I look up to and inspire me. Martijn de Bont is my main hero when it comes to trailer music. A great guy in general and he has just such a great feel  for building up tension and keeping cinematic music excited with just the right pace. Other artists on my list are Mark Petrie, Titan Slayer, Mick Gordon and artists I look up to are not necessarily trailer music writers.. but I just love to be influenced by Devin Townsend, Rammstein, Celldweller, Blue Stahli, Fear Factory and Sybreed. Just to name a few.

As far as a dream movie goes, I would love to score a movie like Blade Runner or Alien. Or music for a game like Cyberpunk 2077. Just decent movies and games that either need something heavy, or sci-fi.. or both offcourse.

What has provided more of your fans – Facebook / Instagram / Twitter or traditional word of mouth? How has the creation and promotion of music changed over the years?

For me personally, I could never have done what I have done so far without internet and social media. Word of mouth can certainly help, but I have the feeling most of the interest is gained via channels like facebook, soundcloud and twitter these days.

Promotion has made such a big shiftwith the entry of digital album releases. I remember talking to a well known musician who wished me a sarcastic “good luck with that” when I mentioned I wanted to release my music without touring and playing live. And I am sure that was unthinkable a few years ago, but now in this digital day and age, if your music is good enough you can get plenty of traction with “just” digital promotion and sales.

What are your plans for the rest of 2017?

Create more music and albums, and try to keep a healthy balance. And improve myself offcourse, you can never stop learning.

Do you have any new releases or soundtracks in the wings?

You bet! I am always working on more material, and right now I have about 10 songs ready for re-recording. Meaning, I have about 10 demos and now it’s time to really start with tight guitar and bass recordings. Then I take a look at the synths, samples, mix and master and blend it all into a brutal hybrid beast of destruction. (that’s a album title if I have ever seen one, trademarked!).

How can listeners contact you and find information about yourself?

I prefer smoke signals, but you can always try these links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RobertSlumpMusic

Twitter:http://twitter.com/RobertSlump

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/robert-slump

Thank you so much for your time.

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