ESB (formerly Elektronische Staubband ) is a project by the three musicians Yann Tiersen, Lionel Laquerrière and Thomas Poli. The three analogue synthesizer aficionados joined forces 2010, played several festivals and released their first single in 2013. Finding time between their myriad other music projects in 2014 the trio finally had a short window to record the debut album. Convening at Tiersen’s studio, each member chose two weapons from his analogue armoury and plugged in for ten days of intense, immersive, cosmic jamming. ARPs glide. Korgs drone. Moogs throb. Electricity breathes life into the strange, tangled melodies. Common influences swirl around. Michael Bundt to Tim Hecker, Klaus Schulze to Fennesz, Popol Vuh to Loscil, Kraftwerk to Fuck Buttons, Delia Derbyshire to Grouper, Neu! to Follakzoid. Accidents are appreciated. Unexpected meeting are welcome. The finished songs giving a cracked, kaleidoscopic view of some exotic retro-futuristic world.

Facts

1: Lionel : Not easy to set an alarm clock for naps as it is really difficult to set exactly the right amount/time of sleep needed according to the tireness. A bad timing can blow a day. Worst is to take too much time setting this timing out.

2: Thomas : People love Berlin.

3: Yann : Economic growth and globalization leads to mass destruction.

Questions

What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Lionel : My instruments. With E S B , we only use analog synthesizers, each one has its own colour, ergonomy, identity. There is so many possibilities according to our state of mind in every moment.

Thomas : Play live on stage, physical sensations / emotions music can create and “classic” recordings.

Yann : Everyday life, nature.

How and when did you get into making music?
Lionel : My father bought an acoustic guitar to my mother for her 35th birthday. I subtilized it right away. I was 7.

Thomas : I started playing piano at 4. Only white keys.

Yann : I thought bows where laser swords so i wanted to play violin but I was too young so i started piano at 3.

What are your 5 favorite albums of all time?
Lionel : dEUS – In a bar under the sea / Slowdive – Souvlaki / DJ Shadow – Endtroducing / Tim Hecker – Ravedeath / Neu! – Hallogallo

Thomas : The Stooges – Au hasard : Fun House / Kraftwerk – Radioaktivität / Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation / Beck – Odelay / Brian Eno – Discreet Music

Yann : Neu! – Hallogallo / Silver Apple – Silver Apple / The Velvet Underground – Andy Warhol / My Bloody Valentine – Loveless / Bill Callahan – I wish i were an eagle

What do you associate with Berlin?
Lionel : Freedom, Respect, Children, Tempelhof, Augustiner, Lonski and Classen.

Thomas : Green, large spaces, nice people, music.

Yann : Lonski and Classen, Schneider’s Buero, west germany venue, wings of desire.

What’s your favorite place in your town?
Lionel : My house door limen.

Thomas : So far, the ex airplane is a place I really liked.

Yann : The Harbour.

If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Lionel : White noise.

Thomas : Instruments.

Yann : Riding a bike, sailing, fishing, growing veg and listening to sounds.

What was the last record you bought?
Lionel : Code Orange – I am King

Thomas : Alessand ro Cortini – Forse III

Yann : Low – Ones and Sixes

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Lionel : My kids

Thomas : 1 D Lloyd Cole

Yann : Tarjei Vesaas (but he’s dead)

What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Lionel : Performing an outdoor show under snow in Austin, Texas.

Thomas : Difficult to answer, it is like the favourite album… I’d say that Neil Young was one of my best gig as a spectator. As a perfomer I hope that it hasn’t happened yet.

Yann: Einstürzende Neubauten in Salle de la cité Rennes, friday 8th of december 1989.

How important is technology to your creative process?
Lionel : Everyone can find its own way to create music thanks to today technology.

Thomas : I think, no matter the instrument, the interface and it’s feel is important. An acoustic instrument is also technology.

Yann : As I like direct feelings and interaction with instruments and as every instrument is a piece of technology in itself (no matter if it’s old or new technology), I would say very important.

Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
Lionel : I have one bigger brother who is really into listenning some electronic music. He brought me loads of different kind of modern music and art expressions. I have a bigger sister that loves indie pop music. They are very happy for me. I owe them a lot.

Thomas : Yes I have one brother, he’s not at all into music but I tink he feels happy for me.

Yann : I have no siblings.

Our Favourites:

Ashes