Today we’re diving into the eclectic world of Stephen Rodgers’ Scatterbrain, a fascinating puzzle of sound, blending sophisticated ethereal synths, hip-hop infused beats, hot percussion layers, groove switches and a whole lot more. Let’s get into our discussion.
Describe your sound in 3 words
Whimsical, Eccentric, Euphoric
What inspired Scatterbrain and how does it align with your artistic vision?
Scatterbrain was inspired by my dear friend Jerusha Vox, who painted the cover art. We are currently working on a 12 piece project together where I am writing music for 6 of her paintings, and she is painting to 6 of my songs. When I saw the painting for the first time I knew immediately that I wanted to write a piece for it that portrayed her ADHD brain in a musical way. Very chaotic and scattered, bouncing from idea to idea, yet brilliant, imaginative, beautiful, with incredible creative output.
The track composed note by note, no arpeggiators. What did you learn about your own creativity and musicality through this creative process?
I’ve always written this way, I like to fill my pieces with intention, leaving my pieces free of randomness that often plagues electronic music that I find leaves it feeling robotic and uninteresting. My music is often heavily arpeggiated, but with subtle (or not so subtle) changes in the runs to add emotion and variety.
Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?
No. I tend to lean towards writing challenging music because I personally find it more interesting to make, but I believe there is an art to making any kind of music (as long as it’s not AI generated…).
What is the story behind it’s title?
Scatterbrain felt like an appropriate title for both the painting and the ADHD brain concept I was trying to portray in the song
Which is your favorite synth (analog or digital) ?
I use Reaktors Steampipe digital synth quite often in my music for a lot of the flute/plucky sounds. It’s very flexible and expressive.
Artist and people that have influenced you?
Benn Jordan/The Flashbulb is probably my biggest influence when it comes to my solo music. I’m also heavily inspired by Maurice Ravel, Jean Cras, Dosh, Rush, Floating Points, Aphex Twin, to name a few.
Something not many people know about you?
While I’ve never had a live performance of my solo releases, I do play live shows frequently playing mandolin, bass, and piano in a few country, reggae, and pop bands here in Utah.
Thank you!
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