By Nicholas Jason Lopez
On a search for a name for his new audio-visual project, Alexis Pfrimmer stumbled upon the words “22 For Silicon Alone” on the NASA official website and knew immediately it was a perfect fit.
The Brussels-based songwriter/composer/producer/director recently unveiled his debut album under the 22 For Silicon moniker called ‘Only Dark Matters,’ which involved collaborations with the likes of fiction writer François Vinsot and producer Floriane Desperier, to name a few.
The album has already received critical acclaim for released singles “0+1=2,” “Lapazule” and “Flagrants Délices” and was mastered by engineer Tom Baker (Nine Inch Nails, Alanis Morrisette, David Bowie).
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to chat with him about ‘Only Dark Matters’ and more.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Brussels to someone who has never been there before?
22 For Silicon Alone – It’s really rich culturally due to the all-political situation. There’s a lot of uncovered area waiting to be explored and by this, I mean not only physically, but more philosophically. I feel its richness comes from this no man’s land position and so life and surrealistic things tends to happen. It’s a city with two rhythms – one really slow and the other really hectic. This chaos is reflected in its architecture and in the people you meet. It is really fertile and an amazing ground to step on.
Music Bugle – What is your favorite movie soundtrack?
22 For Silicon Alone – If I only have one choice, “Lost Highway.” There is everything I love – sensuality, weirdness and danger.
Music Bugle – What was your goal for your debut album ‘Only Dark Matters’?
22 For Silicon Alone – Leave my mark in the world, showing that rules are meant to be broken and identity is just what you think it is.
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
22 For Silicon Alone – “D’Anges et de Morts” and “Intra Venus.”
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
22 For Silicon Alone – Tigran Hamasyan, Pierre de Maere, Kalika, Gojira, Russian Circles, Dillinger Escape Plan, Igorrr, Shht, Whispering Sons and Tomahawk. I would say these are my go-to for the moment.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
22 For Silicon Alone – Well, I had just left my steady job to focus full-time on producing my own work for 22 For Silicon Alone and other projects. Then, the pandemic struck, so it took me a good four months to prioritize and find balance, but overall, it made the whole communication/interaction thing much more difficult. I’m a social person and it took me a while to get used to the one-to-one meeting or the conference call routine.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
22 For Silicon Alone – In my bed or wherever I can be alone and lie down. I tend to take breaks as much as I need. I work on many different things at the same time and even a good 10-minute break or meditation is more efficient than longing for the perfect time to take the perfect holidays and I allow myself to take a day off whenever I really need it. It’s like hitting the refresh button.
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
22 For Silicon Alone – I love making videos.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
22 For Silicon Alone – I have a couple. One is from Godard – “Making a movie is finding the money” and another is from Lynch – “A movie is done when it’s done” and last, but not least, “Fake it until you make it.”
Music Bugle – What has been your biggest challenge lately?
22 For Silicon Alone – I like to talk to people face-to-face, so for me, managing the project from a computer or on the phone is, most of the time, my biggest challenge.
