Belgian outfit Senses Of Mind lies somewhere beyond time, delivering their own visions of melodic techno as they tread through the waters of labels like Black Rose Recordings, Steyoyoke, or Bull In A China Shop. Now, the duo, fresh off from their Extrema Outdoor performance, returns to Untold Stories to deliver ‘Lapis Lazuli’, their most ambitious project to date. The result is immersive, as each track feels like a further step into the unknown.
We caught up with Senses Of Mind to learn about how their experience at Extrema Outdoor went, get the low-down on their ‘Lapis Lazuli’ album, how they met, and more.
Electronic Groove: Hi guys and welcome to EG. How have you’ve been doing? Where are you based right now? What’s the situation looking like over there?
Senses Of Mind: Hey guys, thanks for the invitation. With us everything is going well, we have been busy working on some new music to follow up our upcoming album release. We’re both from Antwerp, Belgium and since October 2nd the clubs are back open. So for us as deejays, things couldn’t be better.
Electronic Groove: How did you guys meet and how did the journey to Senses Of Mind begin? Did you have any kind of blueprint for Senses Of Mind?
Senses Of Mind: We became friends after high school and both have an addiction to music. We have always shared the studio and gave each other feedback. To a point where we worked together on an idea that was finally named ‘Senses Of Mind’. There wasn’t really a blueprint, but there was an idea we wanted to work towards. And we allowed ourselves to be guided by the moments and situations we found ourselves in.
Electronic Groove: We have a couple of exciting things to talk about. The first is about your gig at Extrema Outdoor festival? How did it feel to play again? What can you tell us about the experience?
Senses Of Mind: For us, this was really a high point in our career, we have always dreamed of being able to perform there. The whole Extrema Outdoor concept is unique. Especially since we just got to play our album for the first time in front of people and never got to test it in front of an audience made it even more special. Definitely one for the books.
Electronic Groove: And these new tracks, how were they received?
Senses Of Mind: We wanted to showcase most of the tracks from our album plus a few other unreleased ones. And it turned out well, the reactions were huge.
“For us, this was really a high point in our career, we have always dreamed of being able to perform there. The whole Extrema Outdoor concept is unique”
Electronic Groove: Were you able to listen closely to any other sets? Did anything stand out from the rest? Were you looking forwards to a specific presentation?
Senses Of Mind: We enjoyed the festival and used it to make new contacts. That’s how we got to know Mathame. Such great guys to talk with, their set was outstanding and different, which makes them unique. We also stayed a while for Mind Against since they are one of our all-time favorites in the scene.
Electronic Groove: Now moving into even more exciting things. Your first full-length studio album ‘Lapis Lazuli’ comes out this October, 4th. How does it feel to come out with this 10 track LP?
Senses Of Mind: It gives us immense satisfaction that we were able to do this. It was quite a journey but we are happy with the end result. Especially with the covid period, we had so much time to try different things in the studio and didn’t regret it for a second.
Electronic Groove: What has the reception been so far?
Senses Of Mind: Outstanding, we couldn’t have wished for more. Once the promo was launched we received a lot of feedback from big artists, blogs, magazines, and so on.
Electronic Groove: What can you tell us about the inspiration behind it? What were you trying to convey?
Senses Of Mind: We just wanted to do our own thing, without having to look at the time or anything else. We were purely exploring new sounds other techniques to then bring it all together. This was actually our inspiration to not have to depend on time, directions, or certain theories.
“We really had so many different things worked out in each track that sometimes we felt like ‘does this fit together?’.
So it wasn’t always easy”
Electronic Groove: What would you say were some of the challenges faced during the production of the album? Or was it smooth sailing? How do you usually go about in the studio when writing a track?
Senses Of Mind: When we finally started to get an overview of all the tracks, we really did wonder if we could make this into a whole album. We really had so many different things worked out in each track that sometimes we felt like ‘does this fit together?’. So it wasn’t always easy. But we kept working on it until we were convinced. Usually, we have something, somewhat of an idea before we go into the studio to work out an EP or the like, and start putting it all together that lets us convince ourselves it’s ready to come out. But that wasn’t the case with the album.
Electronic Groove: Do you guys have any remixes lined up? Who do you think would be a good fit?
Senses Of Mind: For the album, we are not going to release any remixes at the moment. Although there have been a lot of questions from artists if they can remix one of the album tracks. So it’s nice news to hear. We’ll see what the future brings. But for now, we’ll leave it as it is.
Electronic Groove: Are you planning a tour to support the album? Is there a chance people will get to see ‘Lapiz Lazuli’ in a live format?
Senses Of Mind: Now that better times are coming back we just look at what gig requests we get in, and discuss it to propose the album or not. We’ve thought about it as a Live performance, but haven’t worked it out. But what is not can still come! Haha!
Electronic Groove: Moving into something different. Do you have any artist friends or colleagues that we should keep an eye out for?
Senses Of Mind: The scene is full of new talent and the times have brought many new creations to work. But really specifically saying a name is still quite difficult.
Electronic Groove: Thank you guys and looking forward to seeing you on the dance floor.
Senses Of Mind: With pleasure, take care and enjoy life!
Senses Of Mind’s ‘Lapis Lazuli’ album is out now via Untold Stories. Purchase your copy here.
Follow Senses Of Mind: Facebook I Soundcloud
