Loscil is the project of Vancouver based composer Scott Morgan. Morgan’s background in Vancouver’s independent music scene as a drummer and guitarist and his academic composition studies at Simon Fraser University culminated in the creation of Loscil in the late 1990’s.
With Loscil, Morgan explores the marriage of electronic production and acoustic instrumentation to create stark land scapes that are evocative, earthly, anything but abstract, and so much more than merely ‘ambient’.
Facts
1: Day will be followed by night.
2: Death is inevitable.
3: Brussels sprouts are disgusting.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
My small understand ing of the the world and the creatures within it.
How and when did you get into making music?
I was given the gift of a guitar and no instruction how to play it at the age of twelve or so. I think my basic curiosity for sound making happened in the early moments of exploring that instrument.
What are your 5 favorite albums of all time?
I will try to answer this rapidly – as if my life depended on it – because answering this type of question is otherwise incredibly onerous and it feels wrong to only list 5 things.
Velvet Underground & Nico
Ennio Morricone Soundtrack – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Arvo Pärt – Für Alina
Augustus Pablo – King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown
My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
What do you associate with Berlin?
Despite living so far away from Berlin, living within the time of the wall coming down feels like living in a major part of history. Hard to separate that from my thoughts of Berlin. I also associate Berlin with many artist friends who call it home or visit frequently.
What’s your favorite place in your town?
As my last record might suggest, Sea Island : an odd spot where nature, history & industry all collide with my imagination. That and the many local breweries.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Make beer. It’s currently a hobby but I could see doing it all the time.
What was the last record you bought?
Deaf Center Recount EP
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Really tough question. I prefer collaborations when they happen organically. Usually through friendship or some form of happy accident.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
As a spectator, I think seeing My Bloody Valentine back in the 90’s was one of the best live things I’ve ever experienced. As a performer, I don’t think it has happened yet.
How important is technology to your creative process?
It’s crucial. My music as loscil wouldn’t exist without machines and electricity. That being said, I’ve always wanted to write music for an acapella choir. There is something about the collective sound of voices that is fundamentally appealing to me.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
I have a younger brother who is very supportive. He built me a couple guitars. I’m not sure he truly likes my music but he definitely tries.
Our favourite:
Zephyr
Link: Website | Soundcloud | Band camp