Producer and DJ from Edinburgh, Chris Braun aka Duellist creates incisive and intense techno that stands out with a sound design drenched in a cryptic and nightmarish atmosphere. Strongly inspired by horror films from the 80s and 90s, which he complements with his own field recordings, Duellist has continuously refined his style since his first releases in 2015. The omnipresent cinematic approach in his productions is the result of a thorough sound research, aiming to offer a listening experience straight out of a terrifying film soundtrack.
With several releases on respected labels such as Instruments of Discipline, Mindcut, OBSCUUR, and Scuderia, Duellist will release his new album “Oblivion Shores” on June 28, 2024, on Repitch Recordings.
In this new interview for Rust, we explore the foundational influences of his sound, his journey, his growing presence in the United States, and his future projects.
Rust : Your sound and especially the rhythms remind me a lot of the 90s hardcore sound, and I feel a huge influence. The power in your incisive percussions, overlaid with a very industrial atmosphere, builds a soundscape of hard, cracked and sometimes horrific noises, via a sharp sound design and 20 BPM less…! What founding elements do you draw on to shape Duellist’s unique sound?
Duellist : I draw heavily from the evocative sound design of 80s and 90s horror films, fills such as Nightmare on Elm Street, Hell Raiser, Re-Animator etc, which profoundly influence my atmospheric and rhythmic elements. I incorporate field recordings to add organic texture, seamlessly integrating them into my production setup. For instance, I utilize hardware like the Dave Smith Mopho to craft rich, analog tones. My percussion foundation often relies on the Roland TR-8S, which not only provides a robust selection of drum sounds but also allows for the integration of new samples. These samples are then processed through a fuzz effects pedal, adding a gritty, distorted layer that enhances the industrial atmosphere. This combination of cinematic inspiration, field recordings, and meticulous sound processing culminates in the incisive, hard-hitting soundscape that defines
Rust : Regarding your early releases back in 2015, there’s a constant evolution of your sound. Every artist on the techno scene sees his or her music change enormously over time, due to the evolution of tools, machines, technology etc. But for you, what has been the most important element in this very industrial, noise and cinematographic sound orientation in your music and when did it happen exactly?
Duellist : That’s a great question, and one that invites a bit of reflection. I believe the most significant element in shaping my very industrial, noise-infused, and cinematographic sound has been my continuous learning and exploration of new techniques. Since my early releases in 2015, I’ve dedicated substantial time to honing my craft, striving to improve and evolve as a producer. This journey has involved mastering better mixdown techniques and getting more effective use out of specific pieces of hardware, which has been pivotal in refining my sound. The accessibility of platforms like YouTube has also played a crucial role, providing a wealth of tutorials and resources that have allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills. This ongoing education has been instrumental in incorporating new elements into my music, ensuring that it remains fresh and innovative.
Rust : The theme of terror is very present in your tracks. You even include artists such as Kenny Campbell (a Scottish producer and DJ with whom you often collaborate) on a tape you released on Phage Tapes in 2022 with the more than explicit title “Adult Themes and Violent Scenes”, in an otherwise less dancefloor and more experimental noise register. Is it easier to compose this kind of music work than the dancefloor-oriented one ?
Duellist : I do find that I can produce experimental tracks more quickly, as they tend to be less constrained by the rules typically associated with dancefloor-oriented music. The freedom to explore unconventional sounds and structures allows for a more spontaneous and fluid creative process. Additionally, collaborating with Kenny Campbell, who is not only a good friend but also an exceptional producer, significantly enhances the workflow. Being on the same page workflow wise enables us to generate ideas rapidly, making the composition process more dynamic and efficient. This collaborative energy is particularly evident in our work on “Adult Themes and Violent Scenes,” where the experimental nature of the project allowed us to push boundaries and innovate without limitations.
“Adult Themes and Violent Scenes” by Duellist X Kenny Campbell released in 2022 on Phage Tapes
Rust : Cinematographic aspects seem to be crucial to your work, for example we can hear screams from movie excerpts. Are there any movies that have particularly influenced you?
Duellist : Due to copyright laws, I usually record my own screams and groans for my tracks, which I then process heavily to achieve the desired effect. However, in terms of inspiration, films like “The Crow” and “Event Horizon” have had a significant impact on my work. Their dark, atmospheric tones and intense soundscapes resonate deeply with the kind of mood and energy I strive to create in my music. These films provide a rich source of inspiration, helping me to craft a cinematic and immersive auditory experience.
Rust : Your new album “Oblivion Shores” will be released on June 28 on the Repitch label, 2 years after your first album on Instrument of Discipline. On first listen, we’re caught up in the fantasy of a crypt opening, where monsters and wild creatures rub shoulders and manage to create a horrific, apocalyptic atmosphere. A concept album that opens with a completely cathartic piece, “Androgyny Reflecting”, continuing its journey with sounds, full of icy textures and frantic rhythms hammered out with ultra-solid kicks. Can you tell us about the genesis of this album? What were the main creative sources behind this ultra-cinematic ambience?
Duellist : I always enjoy working on albums, and “Oblivion Shoreds” was an especially intriguing project that evolved over time. Initially, it was meant to be an EP, but due to some scheduling issues, the EP release was delayed. Fortunately, this delay presented the opportunity to release it on Repitch Recordings, which allowed me to expand the project, adding more tracks and ultimately developing it into a full album. I like incorporating experimental tracks into my albums because they provide a contrast to the peak-time dancefloor tracks, creating a more varied and engaging listening experience. The primary influence for this album was my desire to craft a narrative with a horror-esque theme. I wanted listeners to feel as though they’ve been transported into a world akin to a John Carpenter or George Romero film, experiencing that same sense of tension and atmosphere. This cinematic approach is central to the album’s ambiance, aiming to immerse the audience in a dark, apocalyptic soundscape.
Rust : I’ve noticed that you have performed sometimes at The Mash House, an iconic venue for underground techno nights in Edinburgh. You seem to enjoy leading audiences into what you describe as “an atmosphere that’s all about the music. No gimmicks, just pure, unadulterated hard techno..”. Can you tell us a bit about the scene in Scotland and how the Scottish public has evolved in this respect? Does the “Sound of Edinburgh” really exist?
Duellist : I think there are definitely nights in Edinburgh where people come out genuinely interested in the music, like events such as Pulse, Powerhouse, and Parabellvm. However, it’s unfortunate that the city council hasn’t been as supportive of arts spaces, leading to the closure of many venues. This has limited the opportunities for such nights to thrive, often forcing locals to travel further to find quality events. The “Sound of Edinburgh” was more prominent in the 90s and early 2000s when events were more experimental and eager to push boundaries. Nowadays, aside from the standout nights I mentioned, many promoters tend to play it safe with familiar headliners, avoiding risks that could lead to financial loss. This has made the scene more cautious and less adventurous compared to its earlier days.
Rust : Your EP released in 2022 on Omen Recordings, your presence on the line up at their showcase Movement Detroit, your recent gig in NYC, also your latest mix for 6AM Group shows a growing presence in the United States. Do you think you have a musical card to play with the American public?
Duellist : It’s been a truly rewarding journey so far. Working closely with Axkan on his esteemed imprint, Omen Recordings, has been a pivotal experience for me. Through this collaboration,like you mentioned I’ve had the privilege of participating in prestigious afterparty events at Movement Detroit, which not only provided a platform for my music but also allowed me to connect with influential figures in the American electronic music scene. These interactions have been invaluable in terms of my artistic growth and understanding of the American audience’s preferences and tastes. Each opportunity, whether it’s releasing my EP in 2022 (and a new vinyl e.p in 2024) or performing at notable venues in NYC, it has contributed significantly to establishing a foothold and gaining traction with audiences across the United States. I remain grateful for these opportunities and look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections in the American music landscape.
Rust : What can we expect for the future and what are your plans?
Duellist : Predicting the future is always uncertain, but I’m excited about what lies ahead. Following the release of my upcoming album, there’s more music in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share. I’ll also be working on another podcast this year. On the performance front, I’ll be playing gigs across Europe in the near future and heading to Asia later this year, so stay tuned for updates and upcoming shows !
Thank you Chris !
Interview by F.Carbone (June 2024)
“Oblivion Shores” will be released on June 28th 2024 on Repitch.
Follow Duellist : Soundcloud – Facebook – Instagram
