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)

 

 

            

Renaud Joly highlights Sequentia Legenda's music

"In summary, I would say that Sequentia Legenda's music
represents a fabulous regenerative capacity that allows 
me to find a new breath despite the challenges I face."
Renaud Joly

Thanks to Renaud Joly for this photo

I WOULD SAY THAT SEQUENTIA LEGENDA'S MUSIC
represents a fabulous regenerative capacity

Sequentia Legenda: What does Sequentia Legenda's music represent for you?

Renaud Joly: It represents a lot to me. Even though I really enjoy my work, it remains a job for a company with its profitability rules that generate a certain amount of stress. Furthermore, my personal life involves challenges related to a rare genetic disease that affects a loved one, progressively impacting their physical abilities. This situation adds significant stress and pressure to my life. One of the ways that allows me to maintain hope and joy in life is to embark on a small journey almost every day by listening to Sequentia Legenda's music. Whether it's after lunch or in the evening before sleeping, I choose a track and it allows me to completely escape, to go somewhere else. In summary, I would say that Sequentia Legenda's music represents a fabulous regenerative capacity that allows me to find a new breath despite the challenges I face.


Sequentia Legenda: What are your feelings regarding ALCYONE?

Renaud Joly: In "ALCYONE," I fully feel that constant regenerative capacity that can be found in almost all of Sequentia Legenda's creations. When listening to this album, I have the sensation of hearing music in three dimensions. The sequences overlap, intertwine, offering a certain depth to the entire album. I find the sound particularly well-crafted, with finesse, precision, and melody. Each of the tracks paints different landscapes for me.

For example, when listening to "AROUND THE GREAT CENTRAL SUN", I feel like I'm flying or soaring through spaces. At certain moments, the crystalline notes allow me to imagine various landscapes or creatures.

"THE RING OF GOLDEN LIGHT", evokes space, stars, a focus on the future and hope. It gives me a revitalizing and energetic sensation.

With "BON VOYAGE", I go diving (I actually enjoy scuba diving). This piece is very colorful in my eyes, reminiscent of corals.

"LOVE FEEDS LOVE", although short (it leaves us wanting more, I am waiting for an extended version like the one you did with "THE RETURN"), is both nostalgic, a look at the past and the passing of time, but also carries hope, mystery, dreams, an invitation to travel.

 

BLUE DREAM TO ALCYONE
is a true invitation for me to explore
new musical dimensions

Sequentia Legenda: As someone who has almost all of my discography, how do you perceive the evolution of my music from BLUE DREAM to ALCYONE?

Renaud Joly:  For me, I perceive a greater depth of sound. As the albums progress, the sequences become more complex, more refined. I sense the emergence of new elements, surprises that arise, crystalline notes. The sounds become more enjoyable to listen to; they speak to me much more than on the early records. I find greater complexity in the overall composition. In the new tracks, I also feel a multiplication of sequences, the loops become more subtle and numerous. The sounds become more spatial, more crystalline. All of this creates an immersive and captivating musical experience that transports me to unexplored sonic horizons.

In summary, the evolution of your creations is a true invitation for me to explore new musical dimensions and dive into a constantly expanding sound universe, embarking on a journey.

CREATIVE IDEAS
express themselves to me spontaneously
like synchronicities

Renaud Joly: In general, how do you come up with creative ideas for your compositions?

Sequentia Legenda: It's a fascinating subject, and one that probably varies from one artist to another. As far as I'm concerned, inspiration and creativity express themselves to me spontaneously like synchronicities, like an attractive force, like real guidance, support and enlightenment. In fact, I don't choose, I let this divine presence come to me, so to speak. Then elements such as images and texts come along to complete this exciting phase of expansion. Not forgetting the mystical and spiritual facets that play a major role. It's magical, a kind of joyful drunkenness, an artistic firework display. I never know where I'm going in advance, but I move forward with serenity and the ideas keep coming to me and influencing my compositional work.

Renaud Joly: What emotions do you feel when you listen to your creations again?

Sequentia Legenda: I usually feel a certain nostalgia when I listen to music again. It's a rediscovery, with memories and emotions flooding back, as well as musical and/or technical challenges. Each creation is a unique experience in itself, a story, an atmosphere, an experience linked to a very specific moment in my life. Listening to my albums again is a good time for a new exploration, sometimes leading me towards new ideas and new experiments. I revisit certain aspects that can sometimes fuel my inspiration.

Renaud Joly: Apart from Klaus Schulze, of course, what other major sources have influenced you?

Sequentia Legenda: The legendary group Tangerine Dream was the other major source of inspiration after Klaus Schulze. Occasionally, I found the work of Kraftwerk (Trans Europe Express in particular) interesting and in a more melodic style Vangelis (the soundtrack to Blade Runner is a reference). Then there was Jean-Michel Jarre in his early days, with his interesting atmospheres. On a completely different note, classical and symphonic music also inspire me.

ALCYONE'S MISSION IS TO BE AN INVITATION
to come into harmony with the Light

Renaud Joly: For me, each of your albums is both an internal and external journey. With Alcyone, what kind of journey would you like the listener to take, and what kind of journey has this album been for you?

Sequentia Legenda: Thank you very much for your beautiful testimony.

ALCYONE's mission is to be an invitation to come into harmony with the Light, to revisit ourselves, to go deep within ourselves, to refocus, to let go by following our heart, so that we can embark on an initiatory journey guided by a gentle and benevolent vibration. It's the illumination of an energy that is the source of life, that animates our feelings and our thoughts, for an elevation towards a serene, luminous world bathed in unconditional love.

For me, ALCYONE is all this, it's much more than just music, it's a heart-to-heart sharing, a communion, a prayer dedicated to the Light.


Presentation of Renaud Joly
Let me introduce myself, my name is Renaud, I am of Swiss origin and have been living in Asia in Singapore since 2005. I followed my Singaporean wife, whom I met in Geneva through my work. By the way, I am passionate about my work as I have been working in the field of perfume development and creation for over 24 years. I have two sons, Yueh, who is 17 years old, and Jie, who is 13 years old.

I have a passion for wines, teas, gastronomy (high-quality, authentic, simple, and traditional foods), and perfumes. I enjoy adventure activities such as mountaineering, ski touring, rock climbing, scuba diving, long-distance running, and triathlons, and I consider myself a world traveler. Thanks to my work, I have had the opportunity to visit many countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, China, India, and see how people live locally.

Finally, on a daily basis, I love reading and, above all, listening to music. It is actually my passion for travel and discovering new universes that led me to discover and greatly appreciate the creations of Sequentia Legenda. The first time I heard the track "Vibrations" while listening to Volume 9 of the "La Planète Bleue" collection, I immediately hooked and sought to discover more pieces. What I loved from the start is the ability to embark on a journey while listening to your creations.

ALCYONE