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)