Scenius
... draws inspiration from the early electro-pop outfits - both pre-punk (Kraftwerk, Brian Eno…) and post-punk (New Order, Depeche Mode ...), through to contemporary bands (LCD Sound System and Boards Of Canada) - to pursue in their own way the same thrilling mission: make vintage synths and rhythm machines sound soulful, touching and catchy.
The band is a cross-channel project, composed of Steve Whitfield - based in Leeds, UK - (synths) and Fabrice Nau (vocals) - based in Angers, France.
Scenius are ..?
Fabrice : We are an electronic dark-pop duo based in UK and France. We're inspired by the sounds of vintage hardware synths and drum machines and by what you could call the non-mainstream-yet-accessible approach to making music that has developed during the post-punk era.
The bands that you might think of when listening to our music are Kraftwerk, OMD, Gary Numan, New Order… Our first single was released in early 2020 and our debut album came out that same year.
Steve : But at the same time we do feel we belong in 2022. We hope we have taken those influences (and many other contemporary ones) and squashed them into something relevant to now.
What's the story behind your latest release "High Low”?
Steve : I bought an ARP Odyssey synth and while learning how it works, High Low popped out!
Fabrice : It’s one of those tracks that doesn't have a chorus and ends on a whole new part. We’ve thought it was interesting to release it as a single in these times when most songs have become quite predictable.
How would you describe your creative process?
Steve : Random! Once I have an idea I send it to Fabrice and he rearranges it to suit his lyrics. He records his vocals and then sends it back to me to mix. It’s all done via the internet, as I live in the UK and Fabrice in France.
Fabrice : Same for vocals, I never start with an idea in mind. I just try to let melodies and lyrics kind of spring up from the music.
Is there a chance to see you somewhere live on stage?
Steve : Yes but there’s nothing booked in as yet, but you can watch a full gig we did in France in March at https://youtu.be/NBNYVMMiPJ4
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Fabrice : Without the Internet, Scenius wouldn’t even exist as it’s allowed us to create music together despite not living in the same country.
And it’s also allowed us - like many other bands - to promote and share our music worldwide for almost no cost. It obviously has its flip sides too. But the music business has always had flip sides anyway.
What's in your opinion the last big "Turning Point" in music history?
Steve : Unfortunately musically I feel it’s been a while, maybe it’s even as far back as Drum + Bass since something completely new happened.
Fabrice : Business wise it’s definitely streaming and it’s not even done turning.
What's your most useful talent besides music?
Fabrice : Creating our records covers and band artwork and handling the PR work ourselves.
Steve : Yeah as Fabrice said, nowadays you have to do everything yourselves. We even did the new video ourselves.
What's next for you?
Steve: Finishing off the 2nd album, seeing if we can sign it to a good label (if not we’ll release it on ours) and organising more gigs.
