Sequentia Legenda Decade view by Paul

Sequentia Legenda Celebrates 10 Years
with the Album DECEM

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA
with the Album DECEM

As an artist of the Berlin School for a decade now, I have had the privilege of sharing musical and spiritual journeys with many passionate fans. Today, I am excited to announce the release of my new album, DECEM, scheduled for December 27, 2015, marking my ten-year presence on the music scene.

Discover the insights of Paul Rijkens, an avid listener from the early days and a contributor for iO Pages magazine. His unique perspective and in-depth analysis offer enriching views on the musical evolution of Sequentia Legenda over the years.

DECEM Trailer

THE MUSICAL EVOLUTION OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA
As Seen by Paul Rijkens

Laurent: Which Sequentia Legenda track or album has had the most impact on you and why?

Paul: For me, it is Float Among The Stars from the album Beyond The Stars. This song embodies everything I love about Sequentia Legenda's music. It has a magnificent sequence, excellent choir sounds, and a melancholic atmosphere that brings me back to the late 70s when the Berlin School style was flourishing.

Laurent: What aspect of Sequentia Legenda's music touches you the most and why?

Paul: In Sequentia Legenda's music, you can clearly hear the love and devotion for the Berlin School. All the albums breathe the Berlin School. It is the music Laurent grew up with. The same goes for me, so I think we have something in common here. I am a bit of a gear freak. Laurent uses software to make his music. But I don't hear any difference with hardware instruments. Using software in such a way that I don't notice it is also a quality of Laurent, in my opinion.

Laurent: How would you describe Sequentia Legenda's musical evolution from the album BLUE DREAM to today?

Paul: It is certain that Laurent is a big fan of Klaus Schulze's music, especially that from the late 70s. This can be clearly heard in BLUE DREAM. This is also true for the other albums, but I hear more and more that he brings in sometimes very subtle changes that can be called his own style. The sequences, the sounds, the drums, but overall the great atmosphere make the music.

THE TOTAL FREEDOM TO TRAVEL, TO IMAGINE, TO DREAM
For me, the Berlin School is all of that

Paul: What has drawn you to the Berlin School style of electronic music?

Laurent: Freedom. The total freedom to travel, to imagine, to dream. It is precisely this spirit of freedom that I still hold dear today to share with listeners. What is more beautiful than freedom, especially after what humanity has experienced? Music has no boundaries; vibrations are everywhere around us, they are energy, they are an integral part of life here and elsewhere. For me, the Berlin School is all of that.

It is precisely this freedom that has allowed me to explore new sounds and create compositions that escape conventional structures. For example, in my tracks, I enjoy playing with long and hypnotic sequences, sophisticated layers, and sequences in perpetual change, immersive sound textures that invite the listener to travel beyond our constraints, beyond our limits. It is a way to liberate the imagination and allow everyone to escape, to find their own space of dream and contemplation. The Berlin School is more than a musical genre; it is a philosophy, a way of perceiving and feeling music as a universal and timeless language, free from any constraints.

 

Paul: I have seen earlier pictures of you where you set behind hardware synthesizers. On your Sequentia Legenda albums you use software synthesizers. What made you decide to use software? I must honestly say, I don't hear a difference.

Laurent: It's a great compliment to hear that you don't notice the difference between software and physical instruments. I place great importance on the sound texture, particularly the analog grain that is typical of the mid-70s. I had the chance to acquire some prestigious analog machines such as the Korg modular, the famous PS3200, the MS20 and its companion, the SQ10 sequencer, the Oberheim DuoVoices, and the iconic ARP Odyssey, to name a few. Later, with the arrival of the MIDI standard, I traded my machines for digital synthesizers like the Roland JD800 or the Waldorf Microwave. I was able to experiment with different types of synthesis, which allowed me to quickly become comfortable with virtual synthesizers. I feel at ease with them; I've learned to get the best out of them to closely approach the sound grain that I love. The possibilities are vast, and I follow my heart in choosing these options. 

In conclusion:

I am deeply touched by Paul's words and his perspective on my work. His feedback, both on the technical and emotional aspects of my music, shows me that my quest to create and share positive vibrations and an immersive atmosphere is achieving its goal. Knowing that Paul does not notice any differences between the physical synthesizers and the VSTs in my work is a great recognition for me. The fact that I was able to work on subtractive synthesis in my youth has served me well. The feelings of the listeners are always important to me, and knowing that my compositions can resemble the best years of the Berlin School is an immense reward. Knowing that my love and dedication to this beautiful movement are apparent in my soundscapes makes me extremely happy.

For those who missed it, don't forget to check out my interview with Renaud Joly, where we discussed the significant moments of my last ten years in music. Read here.

While waiting for the release of DECEM, I also invite you to discover the DVD LIVE in EINDHOVEN, which captures the essence of our performance, Tommy Betzler and myself.

Thank you again for your continuous support.

Musicales Greetings,
Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

 

 

            

Sequentia Legenda Decade view by Renaud

Celebrating 10 Years of Sequentia Legenda
with the Album DECEM

10 YEARS OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA
New Album DECEM Available December 27, 2024

As an artist of the Berlin School for now a decade, I have had the privilege of traveling musically and spiritually alongside many dedicated fans. Today, I am pleased to announce the release of my new album, DECEM, scheduled for December 27th, 2024, thus celebrating my ten years of presence on the musical scene.

I would like to share with you the reflections of Renaud Joly, an early listener living in Singapore, whose support and feedback have always been enriching both musically and humanly.

DECEM Trailer

THE MUSICAL EVOLUTION OF SEQUENTIA LEGENDA
As Seen by Renaud Joly

Laurent: Which Sequentia Legenda track or album has had the most impact on you and why?

Renaud: For me, The Return - experimental version, is one of the tracks that has touched me the most deeply. First, there is this unique sound, almost with an analog texture, which evokes a bygone era while maintaining a magical and timeless aura. This track evokes a certain nostalgia in me, like a gentle and profound reminiscence, but there is also a cosmic breath, a futuristic vision that blends with this nostalgia to create a fascinating sound universe.

From the first notes, the melody transports me, making me travel beyond the boundaries of reality. The captivating loops succeed each other, intertwine, and each new listening reveals subtle details that amplify the depth of this composition. The density of these elements creates an immersive soundscape, an almost tangible texture that invites contemplation.

Limiting the duration of this experimental version to just over ten minutes also makes it an ideal track for a meditative break in the middle of the day, a moment of recentring and rejuvenation. Then, the release of the extended version in 2001 brought a new dimension, further enriching the work, before the 432 Hz tuned version in 2022 came to sublime the whole. This latest version THE RETURN (Long version) is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of this composition, a major work, a peak of emotion and resonance.

 

Laurent: What aspect of Sequentia Legenda's music touches you the most and why?

Renaud: For me, Sequentia Legenda's music has a unique power: it emits a profoundly positive spiritual energy. It's difficult to describe precisely, but with each listening, the sounds, the loops, and all the sonic elements seem to awaken parts of the mind, opening the doors to an inner journey without needing to move physically. It is an experience where one is transported while remaining grounded, a sound meditation that invites self-discovery.

This attentive listening becomes almost therapeutic, bringing real well-being, like a source of regeneration that allows finding serenity and balance. Sequentia Legenda's music, with its subtle texture and immersive structure, creates a space where one can recharge, feel inner peace, and reconnect with positive emotions.

Laurent: How would you describe Sequentia Legenda's musical evolution from the album BLUE DREAM to today?

Renaud: In ten years, many elements have evolved. First, on the sound side, there has been a quest for a more crystalline purity. At the beginning, the sound textures were perhaps denser, thicker, but over the albums, they have become increasingly refined, offering an improved spatial diffusion, in my opinion. The switch to 432 Hz has also accentuated this spatial dimension, making the listening experience even more immersive.

Furthermore, the sonic complexity has enriched over time. The progressive multiplication of instruments has given the music richness, depth, a bit like a space that initially contained a few elements and which, over the years, has filled with subtle details and a diversity of nuances.

Finally, the spiritual and contemplative aspect has asserted itself over this evolution. The whole creates something absolutely unique and authentic, a work that deeply touches and personally resonates, inviting an inner journey and intimate reflection.

A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE, A HEART-TO-HEART SHARING
Before the Release of DECEM

Renaud: What were the most transformative or decisive moments for you over these ten years on the Berlin School scene, and how did they influence your musical evolution as well as your inner and transcendental journey?

Laurent: During these ten years, there have been some material and technical changes, but the deepest transformation is spiritual, and that's the one I want to highlight here. The awareness of composing only in 432 Hz was a crucial turning point for me. It's a step further towards a musical vision in harmony with our environment, nature, and the cosmos.

I find it essential to share regenerative vibrations, allowing listeners to freely escape in serene immersion. This approach has enabled me to create music that not only awakens the senses but also nourishes the soul, offering a truly transcendent experience.

It's a joy, a divine chance to musically share a bit of well-being, dream, and freedom – I now consider this one of my life's missions on this earth. I deeply thank my listeners for their continued support and connection with my musical vision. Their presence and encouragements motivate me to continue this spiritual and musical journey.

 

Renaud: How do you perceive the evolution of the Berlin School as a genre, and how does your music fit into or distinguish itself from it, especially in shaping your sound, rhythms, and other musical elements over time?

Laurent: For me, the Berlin School remains a rich and inspiring musical movement, with still great days ahead. Of course, it is difficult to compare the current Berlin School with that of the 70s, a time when pioneers like Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream laid the foundations of the genre. Over the decades, the genre has evolved, integrating new technologies such as virtual synthesizers.

Personally, I have always sought to stay true to the original spirit of the Berlin School, especially with the sound grain so typical of the analog era, while bringing my own vision, creativity, and sensitivity. My sound is characterized by immersive sound textures and hypnotic rhythmic sequences, reflecting my musical vision and personal evolution.

My goal is to capture the essence of the Berlin School while offering a unique, contemplative, and spiritual musical experience. The fusion of the old and the new allows me to create music that, I hope, resonates with today's listeners while honoring the genre's legacy.

My authentic and thoughtful approach is my humble contribution to the Berlin School. Every vibration and nuance of my music aims to deeply touch the listener's soul.

Looking Forward to DECEM

DECEM is set to release on December 27, 2024. This opus encapsulates a decade of musical and spiritual evolution, offering a unique blend that continues to highlight the essence of the Berlin School in an extended version. Journey and experience the transcendental sounds that have defined Sequentia Legenda. Mark this date on your calendars and let's celebrate together.

In conclusion:

I am deeply touched by Renaud's words and his perspective on my work. The listeners' feelings remain important to me; it's a heart-to-heart sharing. And I am delighted to learn that my soundscapes can provide serenity and well-being for Renaud. Hearing that my music is somewhat therapeutic is a very nice compliment and a comfort.

For a complementary perspective, don't miss the article with Arnaud, where we explored the inspirations behind my compositions and where Arnaud Joly shares his feelings on the key moments of my musical career. Read here.

While waiting for the release of DECEM, I also invite you to discover the DVD LIVE in EINDHOVEN, which captures the essence of our performance, Tommy Betzler and myself.

Thank you again for your continuous support.

Musicales Greetings,
Laurent Schieber (Sequentia Legenda)

 

 

            

LIVE in EINDHOVEN the essence of the concert

LIVE in EINDHOVEN capture and share these precious moments,
to extend the magic of the concert beyond the stage.

THE DVD LIVE IN EINDHOVEN
captures the essence of our concert in the Netherlands

The DVD LIVE in EINDHOVEN captures the essence of our concert in the Netherlands with three tracks: THE RETURN, CRYSTAL OF LIGHT and AU REVOIR.
Each performance immerses the audience in a unique sonic universe:

• THE RETURN: A powerful opener that immediately transports the audience into a spellbinding atmosphere.

• CRYSTAL OF LIGHT: A luminous, energetic piece featuring crystalline melodies and captivating harmonies.

• AU REVOIR: An emotional and introspective conclusion, offering a moment of reflection and serenity.

It also includes a bonus featuring unique moments and fresh perspectives to enhance the experience.

• Total running time: 65 minutes
• Video format: PAL
• Subtitles: occasional English
• Slim Digipack + 4-page booklet
  

The DVD LIVE in EINDHOVEN will be available from 9 October 2024 on my bandcamp page via the Patch Work Music website, and from the usual distributors such as Groove Unlimited.
 

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE
relive the emotion and energy of this unique concert

Preparation and Planning:
After our concert in the Netherlands, the enthusiasm of our listeners quickly pushed us to plan this DVD project. With seriousness and passion, I threw myself into the task spontaneously. The selection of titles was clear in my mind: present the three main tracks, then add exclusive facets in the form of bonuses.

The main challenge was to recreate the sound and visual atmosphere of the concert. I used video recordings from four cameras, and my warmest thanks go to Enrico Corsano for his high-quality work. For the sound, in addition to the camera recordings, I used the sound recordings from the mixing desk made by Ron Boots, whom I would also like to thank. I reworked the soundtrack individually to highlight certain passages and correct certain frequencies and levels, in order to deliver good listening quality while retaining the typical character of a live performance.

There were a few problems during the concert, particularly during the first track when Tommy's headphones broke down. I didn't want to over-correct these imperfections, because they're part and parcel of playing live and the technical risks involved. For the image, I worked with the ‘multiple camera’ technique, making the most of Enrico's four video sources. Some corrections (sharpness, luminosity) were made to provide an appropriate and pleasant visual experience.

This project has been an incredible adventure, and I hope that the DVD will enable viewers to relive the emotion and energy of this unique concert.

THE IDEA FOR THE DVD
the passion and energy I felt at the concert

Video Editing :
The DVD's home page consists of four menus: three for the titles and one for the bonus. The bonus, which is mainly informative, is made up of various video sources, such as cameras and smartphones, from different people. English subtitles have been included for this bonus. As for the format, I opted for the PAL standard.

Context of the concert:
The concert in the Netherlands was a highlight for Tommy and myself. It was an opportunity to share our vision of the Berlin School with an enthusiastic audience of connoisseurs. It was also an opportunity to perform live (something we hadn't done since 2019) and to highlight our presence on the international scene. Ron Boots had been in touch with me on several occasions, and finally things came together at the end of 2023 to culminate in this concert.

Inspiration for the DVD:
The idea for the DVD came from the passion and energy I felt at the concert. The positive feedback from fans and Tommy's encouragement motivated me to immortalise this unique experience and share it with a wider audience. We wanted to give our listeners a tangible memory of this memorable evening, while revealing what goes on behind the scenes of our work.

Choice of tracks:
I selected the three tracks from the concert for this DVD in order to preserve the full ambience of the event. They represent the essence of our musical style on stage. The exclusive bonus adds an extra dimension, allowing fans to discover previously unseen aspects of our music and creative process.

Graphic design:
As well as the music and video, I was also responsible for the graphic design of the project. I designed the Digipack cover and the 4-page booklet myself. This allowed me to ensure that the visual aesthetic perfectly reflected the spirit of the concert.

ENJOY THE SHOW
let yourself be swept away by the magic of this concert

Thanks:
Many thanks to Ron Boots and his team for the perfect organization and the warm welcome we received at this beautiful E-Day 2024 festival, alongside other artists such as Matsumi (Katrin Manz), Perge (Matthews Stringer), Gert Emmens & Ron Boots, and Kellerkind Berlin (Christian Gorsky). Thanks to Enrico Corsano for his shots. Thanks to Daniela Grau, Anke Betzler, Marc van Oers, Jan Buddenberg, AstroGeert Fotografie, Andre Stooker, Alfred Arnold, and Alex Wijffels for kindly sharing the various videos/photos included in the bonus. Thanks to Nicolas Picciotto for his attention. Special thanks to my 💗💗 two sons for their kindness and goodwill. Thanks, of course, to my stage mate Tommy Betzler🥁

Conclusion:
This DVD project has been an incredible adventure, full of technical challenges and memorable moments. Every stage, from the selection of titles to post-production and graphic design, has been carried out with passion and dedication. I am deeply grateful to Enrico Corsano and Ron Boots for their expertise and invaluable support.

By watching this DVD, I hope you can feel the energy and emotion that marked this concert. The imponderables and spontaneous moments captured add an authenticity that I hope will transport you to the heart of this unique live experience.

For me, this project is much more than just a recording; it's a testament to our musical journey and the special connection we share with the audience. Thank you to everyone who has made this project possible and to you, our listeners, for your continued support.

Enjoy the show and let yourself be swept away by the magic of this concert!

Overviews:
Trailer LIVE in EINDHOVEN
LIVE in EINDHOVEN - DVD BONUS preview
E-Day 2024 Sequentia Legenda LIVE in Eindhoven

 

 

            

Hidden facets of GALACTIC CRYSTALS seen by Clavius Reticulus

"After the magical album ALCYONE,
which took us to the Pleiades, I invite you to continue
the journey and let yourself be carried away by the galactic crystals to discover Plenitude and crystalline Light,
where all is Love and Unity."
Clavius Reticulus

LAURENT SCHIEBER EXPERIENCES
THESE COSMIC VIBRATIONS
and plunges us into it to open the portal of perceptions

The stars twinkle in the galactic quadrant, where adamantine crystals float. Laurent Schieber experiences these cosmic vibrations and plunges us into them to open the gateway to hitherto unsuspected perceptions. Perception of the Absolute, the Infinite. An album of universal timelessness.

 

THE SONGS OF ORION
magically transcended into divine harmony

THE SONGS OF ORION evokes a summer when birdsong blends with the psithurism of flora lulled into a Zephyrian languor. Orion, one of the most beautiful constellations and nebulae in our sky, is magically transcended into divine harmony.

Laurent: "For this very special title I had to show as much courage as for the central title. While at the beginning it went surprisingly smoothly, the second part of the work was much more complex. From a technical point of view, something significant happened: voices literally emerged from the soundtrack. You can make them out as early as minute 2:33, with a subtle and increasing evolution to finally occupy all their place. These murmurs, these songs, these choirs, they were born from the Minimoog! An incredible alchemy. In fact, there's a module in the VST (virtual synth) version of Arturia called Vocal Filter, consisting of a formant filter and an LFO (inaudible low-frequency oscillator used to modulate the signal). It was here that I created these subtly-tuned voices from Orion (with the resonances playing their secret role), to remind us how important freedom is and how crystalline the Light is. Then, in the final third of this composition, the voices from the Minimoog fade away, giving way to the choirs of the Mellotron".

CRYSTAL OF LIGHT
is once again close to the galaxy of the great Klaus

CRYSTAL OF LIGHT is once again close to the galaxy of the great Klaus, Laurent's master thinker. The man who started it all. Veils of synth float over hypnotic sequences, gradually bewitching us, freeing our minds from material and physical constraints and allowing us to slide little by little into the depths of the multiverse. Suddenly we take off towards the great Light and, surrounded by Akashic entities, we embark on a journey that is both inner and cosmic.

Laurent continues: "The creation of the album required a considerable investment of energy, particularly for the centrepiece, CRYSTAL OF LIGHT, which benefited from the collaboration of Tommy Betzler on percussion! After many exchanges, I had to adjust certain fundamental aspects to achieve perfect harmony and best express the richness of this composition, which is both sonorous and full of emotion. The piece exudes an abundance of cosmic, crystalline vibrations."

RETURN TO MESHALEA
a journey to the end of the dream and to the very edge
of the ultimate Truth

RETURN TO MESHALEA is without doubt my favourite track on the album. Already for its mystical side. Meshalea is the name given by the Andromedians to the spiral galaxy they inhabit. They believe in Unity. The synthetic moires are once again synonymous with astral vibrations; celestial choirs can be heard mingling with the backwash of the space-time ocean of the cosmos. A journey through a vortex where everything is splendour, majesty and pure light. Laurent's sublime compositions translate the language of the Aeons, which can only be understood by those who align themselves with these frequencies and take off with him on a journey to the end of the dream and to the very edge of the ultimate Truth. 

 

 

LET YOURSELF BE CARRIED AWAY
BY THE GALACTIC CRYSTALS
to discover Plenitude and crystalline Light

 

After the magical album ALCYONE, which took us to the Pleiades, I invite you to continue the journey and let yourself be carried away by the GALACTIC CRYSTALS to discover Plenitude and crystalline Light, where all is Love and Unity. 

 

As essential as each new Sequentia Legenda opus! 5/5

El Jice
(Clavius Reticulus by Prog censor : https://www.facebook.com/progcensor)
 

Jean-Claude Leroy (Clavius Reticulus) is a Belgian music reviewer.
His branch is electronic music. He has also composed four albums to date under the pseudonyms El Jice and Avian (eljiceavian.bandcamp.com). A fan of science fiction, he has created illustrations on the theme and wrote a novel in the early 2000s. He has worked for the Mellow Records label and for synthesist Andy Pickford.
His work can be found on facebook.com/zeta2reticuli/
and on his Youtube channel El Jice Arghones.

GALACTIC CRYSTALS

 

 

            

Crystalline conversation with Michel Newsouljazz and Sequentia Legenda

I enjoyed answering Michel's questions as an enlightened listener. Our discussions were enriched by a few personal questions that I had the pleasure of asking him

MY MUSICAL VISION FOLLOWS A PATH
THAT RISES SPIRITUALLY
musical and vibratory sharing that stems
from my emotion and intuitions

Michel: Hello Laurent, let's start by talking about the recent release of your new album GALACTIC CRYSTALS. Can't we say that, like the name SEQUENTIA LEGENDA, this album is also inspired by a certain mysticism?

Laurent: Hello Michel, we can indeed talk about that.
My musical vision follows a path that rises spiritually, ever higher. Creating this album required a lot of emotional resources and courage. In a way, GALACTIC CRYSTALS represents the continuity of ALCYONE. Above all, it's a musical and vibratory sharing that stems from my emotions and intuitions. Despite the constraints, this opus was released just as I wanted, on 2 July, my late Mum's birthday. I'm deeply grateful 🙏

Mysticism and spirituality are, in my opinion, treasures of beautiful and luminous truths. It's a connection to something greater, a dimension of transcendence. In this spiritual quest, we discover profound answers and meanings that nourish our soul.

In a way, this is what I want to share with my listeners: a musical journey, an inner exploration that allows us to grow and evolve.

Mysticism and spirituality are, in my view, treasures of beautiful and luminous truths.

Michel: When you listen to the first track, THE SONGS OF ORION, you'd be forgiven for thinking that your music is cosmic and universal! But does this title refer to the giant hunter of Greek mythology, or rather to the constellation Orion?

Laurent: The title THE SONGS OF ORION is particularly evocative and linked to the constellation Orion. In this composition, the spiritual and emotional aspect plays an essential role. During the creation of this work, I had a number of significant experiences that left a deep impression on me. I have established a link between these experiences and everything that surrounds Orion: its history, its influence on our beautiful planet Terra. I'd like to express my gratitude to my Guidance, which has supported me throughout this creative process.

From a technical point of view, a surprising phenomenon occurred during the recording: Voices emerged not from the Mellotron, as you might expect, but from the Minimoog! From minute 2:33 onwards, murmurs, chants and choruses subtly evolve to take up their full place in the composition. These voices, born of the Minimoog, create an incredible alchemy. I used Arturia's Vocal Filter module (VST) to adjust these voices from Orion, subtly adjusting the resonances.

In short, THE SONGS OF ORION is my tribute to all those who have shown themselves to be valiant and magnificent, bearers of Light and Love. It's also a way of transcending time and space, of connecting with something greater than ourselves. These choirs, these voices, these songs and Orion murmurs from the Minimoog carry within them echoes of wars and periods of peace, and so become messengers of this deep connection, inviting us to reflect on our place in the universe and our quest for Light and Freedom.

Watch the GALACTIC CRYSTALS trailer

 

TOMMY HAS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE
on stage we communicate in symbiosis

Michel: The second track, CRYSTAL OF LIGHT, features Tommy Betzler, who played with Klaus Schulze. Did this collaboration, which has been going on for several years now, influence the way you composed this track? (In particular, here, which might remind you of Cristal Lake from the album "Mirage", of which I know you are an admirer).

Laurent: After the release of my second album, I contacted Tommy via Messenger to ask him if he'd be interested in playing drums on my music. He responded enthusiastically and we soon collaborated on two tracks on the double album EXTENDED in 2016. Our collaboration continued in 2017 for the album ETHEREAL, where Tommy played on the central track. Since then, we've shared the stage in Nantes during Synthfest, in Tübingen and Soligen in Germany, and in Chexbres in Switzerland. More recently, we played together in Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Tommy also contributed the central track to my latest album, GALACTIC CRYSTALS.

Tommy has a wealth of experience, having played with Klaus Schulze on tour in the 80s. Our collaboration is fluid and instinctive, and on stage we communicate in symbiosis, without needing to talk to each other too much.

And to answer your question more precisely, as far as my composition method is concerned, I don't plan anything too precise in advance. I leave room for intuition and let myself be guided. Then I arrange certain parts to give Tommy enough space to express himself. I still sometimes give him ideas based on my own feelings and my own vision, but I always leave him some room for manoeuvre. Then I work on inserting the rhythmic elements and mixing. This is a technical stage where I make sure that each instrument is well balanced and that the composition sounds harmonious.

 

Michel: You compose, record, mix, play and even do the artwork for your albums. Do you think you'll ever be able to share all that, or do you prefer to keep control of everything?

Laurent: I'd like to point out that I also do the mastering 😉 More seriously, I have to admit that I'm pretty demanding, I have a global vision of everything that revolves around my music and the release of a new album. As I work in marketing as a computer graphics designer, this experience helps me enormously when it comes to managing my music. However, I don't rule out delegating certain tasks from time to time. For example, Nicolas Picciotto remixed and mastered two tracks on my double album The 432 Hz Berlin School Box.

I like to invest myself fully in my music, even if it takes time. It's my passion!

Finally, the arts have always been part of my life: painting, drawing, writing, photography and of course music. It's important for me to find the visual, the words that will highlight the spirit of the album, of my music.

RETURN TO MESHALEA
dedicated to the constellation of Andromeda

Michel: Returning to your last album, the third and final track RETURN TO MESHALEA refers to Andromeda, a galaxy inhabited by magnificent beings who see life through a lens of love! As on your last album, you make a lot of references to the celestial, human and interplanetary aspects of music. How does this influence your composition?

Laurent: First of all, I'd like to congratulate you on your personal research into MESHALEA.

The origins of MESHALEA go back to a walk in the forest, or more precisely to a channelling experience I was offered. While I was in a clearing, I felt a powerful energy in and around me, and I perceived the name "Andromeda" and the association with the Andromedans. From that moment on, it was clear to me that the musical composition I had just begun should be dedicated to the constellation of Andromeda, or MESHALEA. Everyone is free to follow their intuitions or not, and personally, ever since I was young, I've always listened to my heart and my intuitions. It's a state of mind that I cultivate.

In the end, it's this state of mind that I believe allows me to receive, rather like a receiver, a set of emotions that reach me and which I then share from heart to heart.
I need to feel this call, this excitement that guides me forcefully towards my keyboards, like a magnet. It's a spontaneous state of grace, a very special and magical moment. In any case, this is how my heart can really express itself and release all my energy, all my sensitivity, all my deepest emotions.

Music is a sacred vibration that transcends words. It is the universal language of the soul. Music is vibration, vibration is life.

DESCRIBE SEQUENTIA LEGENDA'S MUSICAL
STYLE IN A FEW WORDS
Universal music and therapeutic music

Laurent: How did you discover Sequentia Legenda's music? Can you tell us about your first impressions?

Michel: About 9 years ago, I was searching YouTube for something new in the so-called Berlin School. And I discovered a video entitled 'Au Revoir', a tribute to Edgar Froese. The musician's name: SEQUENTIA LEGENDA. Immediately won over by what I heard, I went to the web and the FaceBook page to discover an artist bursting with talent and composing music that comes straight from the heart. Since then, I've been eagerly following the release of his albums.

Laurent: How do you feel about GALACTIC CRYSTALS? And more generally, what emotions do you feel when you listen to my music?

Michel: You mention emotions, and that's exactly the first thing that comes to mind. The music on this new album, and in general on all SEQUENTIA LEGENDA's albums, is very much about the emotional, but also the inner journey, giving a certain sense of peace, in short, leaving you with a free and benevolent spirit. And above all, this impressive mastery of the various keyboards and the legacy of the Berlin school, while renewing the genre.

Laurent: How do you see the musical evolution of Sequentia Legenda?

Michel: The collaboration with a percussionist (Tommy Betzler in particular) is a plus and I think it brings a new dimension to your music. Working with a percussionist on a regular basis is a really fruitful next step.

Laurent: If you had to describe Sequentia Legenda's musical style in a few words, what would they be?

Michel: "Universal music" is the first thing that comes to mind. I'd add "therapeutic music" because it's so good for the spirit.

Universal music: while we try to confine all kinds of music, SEQUENTIA LEGENDA's music is whole, complete, global, even celestial. It's for anyone who accepts it and opens their heart. As soon as you confide in this universe, you feel good.

Therapeutic music: like many people, I have my ups and downs, but listening to SEQUENTIA LEGENDA's albums immediately calms me down, leaving me relaxed and charmed by the often surprising melodic lines.

Laurent: What does the Berlin School mean to you?

Michel: I discovered the Berlin School with Tangerine Dream's Rubycon, which for me remains one of the peaks of the genre (along with Moondawn by Klaus Schulze). It's hard to describe what I felt the first time, but this music literally transported me, I was going to say out of my mind! It's music that conveys feelings that are hard to describe: melancholy, well-being, nostalgia - in short, a bit of everything. Once again, this is emotional music.

Presentation: Hi! My name is Michel Newsouljazz (Verreckt Maurice Michel). Born in the Namur region (in Belgium), I studied to become a paper technician and an industrial engineer. I worked in the printing industry as a quality manager and then in the food industry, always in quality. I was also managing director of a non-profit organisation building schools in South Kivu (Democratic Republic of Congo).

For over twenty years, my hobby (outside music) was photographing jazz musicians (mainly).

I was immersed in music from a very early age, and it has never left me. I was lucky enough to see some extraordinary musicians in concert: Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Klaus Schulze, Genesis, John Mc Laughlin, Weather Report, Porcupine Tree, Santana, Keith Jarrett and a few hundred others... but not yet Sequentia Legenda!

Now that I'm retired, I'm taking the opportunity to listen to my 2000+ CDs.
My musical tastes: jazz, jazz-rock, Berlin school, progressive rock, Brazilian, African and Cuban music, as well as classical.