Synchronizing with the universe.
The multiple, multiform and ingenious layers of loops in mind-blowing polyrhythms are part of what characterizes the music of Cornelius and it is also what has opened the doors for him to collaborate with many legendary artists.
Taking advantage of the launch of Ethereal Essencealbum released this year, and the EP BAD ADVICE/MIND TRAIN premiering this month, in collaboration with the out-of-this-world talent of Arto Lindsaywe got together with Cornelius to delve into the infinite layers of his musical CV.
The day after my first performance with Yoko, I was invited to record with her. We recorded two albums in New York and performed all over the world.”
The originality of the way of making music Cornelius She is so attractive that she caught the attention of Yoko Ono. “Our musical director was Sean Lennon and he organized everything. Sean He is a truly talented musician and musical director.”
Cornelius next to Yoko, Sean Lennon, Yuka Honda and Yuko Araki They built everything on improvisations and in the end Sean, Yuka and Cornelius They put all the pieces of the puzzle together to create Between My Head and the Sky and Take Me to the Land of Hell.
I was particularly impressed by the song 'The Sun Is Down!', which began with an improvisation between Yoko and I.”
The creation of these records led them to tour together around the world under the name Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band“Everything we experienced was wonderful and unforgettable.”
Yellow Magic Orchestra is one of the most influential electronic music bands in the universe and once again, the hyperactive talent of Cornelius led him to collaborate with the three members of the YMO.
“In the early 2000s, after launching POINTI was invited to join the radio show Haruomi Hosonowhich led me to join his band along with Yukihiro Takahashi call SKETCH SHOW as a guitarist. After that, I participated in the albums and tour of Ryuichi Sakamotothen I joined YMO and I ended up playing in a band called METAFIVE with Yukihiro Takahashi”.
It's impressive that Cornelius have collaborated with all the YMO at a time when the musical evolution of its three members was already at a supreme level, especially the work of Ryuichi Sakamoto which is at a very high point in the world of electronic music.
I have always respected them and they became my best musical friends since 2000. As a musician from Tokyo with a unique shyness, I felt empathy for them. They never taught me anything in particular, but they were always kind and respectful to me. I learned a lot from watching them.”
Cornelius He has a very particular mind and that has led him to devise and admire the packaging of CDs, LPs and cassettes. The silver packaging with the logo mounted as with stencil and the multiple photos on the back of the first LP of Silver Apples is one of the ones he loves the most.
“The optical effect created by embossing patterns on foil is used for jackets. It is really beautiful and I love it,” Prospective 21st Centurya compilation of electronic music and avant-gardeis another of their favorite packages.
Himself Cornelius It has quite unusual packaging, which is no longer manufactured and which is more like collectible art objects than packaging.
I like all my record packaging, but I really like the specs of the origami sleeve for the 5” I Hate, Hate/I Love Love”.
“The first Japanese edition of Ghost was released in 1997, which was the peak year for CD sales in Japan. It came in a two-disc color plastic case with headphones and psychedelic artwork of EYE of the BOREDOMS on the back of the CD tray, which I don't think can be done again.”
The new album, Ethereal Essencecontains a pleasant series of contemplative, relaxed and peaceful sounds, everything we need to escape from an aggressive world, a world of people who want to go faster and faster, a world that is not very pleasant at times. But… it seems that each new album Cornelius becomes more and more focused on peaceful energies.
Maybe it's because I'm getting older and I prefer calm music. However, sometimes I want to be stimulated, so I write songs like that from time to time.
Although, there is an exception to that logic, because in his new song “MIND TRAIN” play powerful guitars in sensations of krautrocka song that will come is a new EP BAD ADVICE/MIND TRAIN to be released on August 21st.
“I’m getting older and it will be difficult for me to play more intense or physical songs in the future. I feel like I should try to do some more while I still can.”
So many things have happened in the musical life of Cornelius which only makes me wonder, what do you like most about being Cornelius nowadays?
“Being able to concentrate on the music I like. Being able to access various worlds through music.”
