Interview: Five minutes with Medium Douce
Medium Douce was formed in Paris in early 2016 by four passionate percussionists with a love for electro music. The band members are formally trained in jazz and classical music, but the band infuses sounds from techno, minimal, house and even post-rock music genres into their original compositions. The band’s signature sound can be attributed to the unique combination of synthesizers and a variety of percussion instruments – including the marimba, vibraphone, drums heads and hand percussion instruments.
The electronic percussionist act released their new EP ATTACCA on July 19th via Uppwind Records. The EP is a spirited collection of arrangements that allow the listener to fully immerse themselves in a warm, richly textured sonic embrace. It is an impressive showcase of musical talent, sensitivity and creative synthesis.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
This is the best way to express our feelings. – x x
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
It’s mostly starting with a sound, 2-3 chords, then we come up with an idea that unites us.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Not yet, but we would love to collaborate with other artists!
What’s on your current playlist?
‘Muyè’ – Black Coffee Remix (Adam Port, &ME, Rampa, Black Coffee)
‘Singularity’ – Stephan Bodzin
‘LesAlpx’ – Floating Points
‘Cabaret Contemporain’ – La Chambre claire
‘Linked’ – Bonobo
‘Maybe There’ – Affelaye
‘Magnetic Ensemble’ – Bleu de perse
‘Necessity’ – Rampa
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
When we’re on stage, there’s always a connection between us. It leads everyone to something transcendent and mystical. Every time they start dancing or react by screaming , it reinforces us in the idea that we’re going in the right way… It’s really soothing!
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
We must find the right amount of electronic, and acoustic sound to make that original. It’s always a gymnastic between the initial idea, the sound of our instruments (marimba, vibes and drums), and the synths/DAW. Sometimes the electronic leads, sometimes it’s the opposite!
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
It’s something we all wanted somehow, but we didn’t know how to make it happens. We spoke a lot about it and then one day, we tried something with a marimba, a vibes, a computer, a few synths, … et voilà !
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Nothing yet!
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Listening to music, no matter the genre. Playing in other projects is verry helpful and inspiring!
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
Software: Ableton Live
Synths: MicroKorg, Roland SH-201
Controller: APC40 mk2, M-Audio Keystation 61es, Roland SPDX
Marimba: YAMAHA 5100
Vibraphone: MUSSER M55
Drumset: Yamaha Custom
Any side projects you’re working on?
Johann and Maxime each have a side DJ/producer project. Respectively:
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
We always try to be efficient and as professional possible
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
A video of a live session is about to be released very soon, and more concerts to come!
Follow Medium Douce:
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
