Heavy French Touch: Carpenter Brut

At first glance, Carpenter Brut‘s influences are 80s TV shows, B-movies loaded with synthesizer music. Listening to his home made EPs, however, one would rather bet on a black metal background, a crush for Dario Argento and a force-fed religious education. This would explain his satanic mood, his passion for kitsch sounds and his adoration for all kinds of enjoyment. Whatever his influences, Carpenter Brut does not lack the talent to create in-your-face vintage killer tracks, as you will experience it on September 11 at the A38 Ship. Before his devastating show, he sat down for a chat with the Hungarian synthwave-producer, Lazerpunk – who will open for him together with Quixotic – to discuss inspirations, future plans and a lot more.

Why synthwave? What made you fall in love with this genre?

When I started Carpenter Brut I just knew Kavinsky through Drive. He didn’t really sparkle something in me to play this genre though. I loved Justice and John Carpenter. I just wanted to mix them, nothing more. When the first EP came out I heard about synthwave, Perturbator, etc. I am not particularly attracted to that scene, although I like to listen to Drive Radio and discover new stuff.

What motivated you to write music when you just started it?

I wanted to listen to something that did not exist. Or at least that I thought did not exist because I quickly realized that we were a bunch of artists playing that genre. I thought it was cool actually. But I never wanted to copy this or that, it’s rather getting elements from this or that and mix them with other elements.

What other passions and interests do you have?

Aside music I don’t really have other passions. I like to watch movies and series, play videogames and procrestinate just like everyone else. I do all those when I have some spare time, meaning less and less.

 What are the things you miss the most from the ’80s and ’90s?

Nothing but the age I was. You can be nostalgic of course, but it is pointless in everyday life. But yeah, maybe it was , maybe we will never get back this lightness that was proper to the 80s, even if the U.S. and the Soviets were always on the verge of starting a war.

Tell me something surprising about yourself.

I’m 2,32 meters tall.

What do you do when you can’t find inspiration and you just can’t get yourself to write music?

I persevere until something happens. I would start unusual and different stuff just to see what happens. Sometimes something unexpected would result from mistakes. But most of the time it is not satisfying enough.

What was the biggest compliment you ever got?

I don’t recall getting any particular one. But I did get several one that really made me happy.

Other than you great music, what helped you become one of the most popular synthwave producers?

I’m not sure I’m very popular in the synthwave scene, maybe not even known. I might have more recognition in the classic electro scene at the end. I have to admit I have no overview on this.

Do you have any weird or unusual habits?

Nope.

Name three things you really hate and tell us why.

Cyclists, trucks, and old people driving cars because they waste my time.

Talking about your career and your choices in the past, what is the thing you regret the most?

So far I have no particular regrets. At least nothing telling me that if I had done things differently I would not be where I am now. I just try to anticipate as much as possible to precisely avoid having regrets later.

Are you going to stick to this sound, or can we expect big changes in the future?

I’ll keep doing what I do while trying to evolve not to get bored. It’s starting to be complicated for me. I don’t want my next tracks to sound too much like the previous ones and take the risk to become less relevant. I don’t want my tracks to sound all the same so I push myself to search for something new.

What are your plans for the near future as a musician?

Nothing exceptional: touring, composing, a musician’s routine. But it is more exciting than working in a factory.