Berlin’s Hendrik Kröz just released Jigsawtooth, his third album of ebullient, emotional IDM as Miwon. His last LP, A to B, came out nine years ago, an eternity in the music world, and Jigsawtooth is both his best offering yet and a long-awaited return to the sound for which he’s known. Marrying rich, slightly krautrock-ish melodies, occasional samples, and cinematic nostalgia, Kröz’s music is a perfect soundtrack to your next adventure. Stream the album and read our quick Q&A with Miwon below.
Current city of residence: Berlin, Germany
Can you tell us a little about the name, Jigsawtooth, and the ideas explored on the album? How does it differ from Pale Glitter and A to B?
The name is a made-up word, it refers to my way of arranging tracks and a certain waveform, which I filter to create smoother sounds. So many things have happened since my first two albums came out, so it’s difficult to compare them to my latest work…Ok, I’ll try. Jigsawtooth sounds more contained than the other two, even though you’ll still find soaring melodies and rhapsodic moments. I’ve reduced things a little more than I used to, but the goal is still the same I guess – making music that reaches listeners on an emotional level, despite being abstract and decidedly minimalist.
What hardware do you use to create your music? Favorite piece of equipment?
Nord Modular G1, Virus TI and Moog Sub 37, all recorded in Ableton Live via RME Fireface. I also get inspired by iOS apps and plug-ins, e.g. Microtonic by Sonic Charge (my preferred virtual drum machine), the classic synth sounds of Diva, and NI’s Reaktor, which I’ve used for many years.
Tell us about the two other projects you’re involved in, Feedbackorchester and Cushion Caroms.
Feedbackorchester consists of eight electric guitarists who are positioned in a circle and exclusively play feedbacks, which creates a slow, rolling stream of vibrations, frictions and walls of sound. Listening to us definitely has a soothing effect, even though it can get loud and unsettling at times. We like to lay at places that are fraught with meaning – war memorials, defunct churches, etc. – and we never rehearse.
Cushion Caroms is my joint venture with the Argentinian sound artist 1605munro, a delicate mix of stuff we like, from ambient pads to jazzy interventions, acoustic guitar loops, and cinematic samples. Still, you’ll find Miwon sounds in there, so don’t hesitate to give our debut LP, Galaxy, a listen.
What plans do you have for the rest of 2017?
slowbreathingcircuit.com 