The prolific Berlin-based drummer and producer talks about the magic of John Bonham, why humor is essential, the rhythms of India, and the process of recording his debut album, Circle of Madness.
------------------
Today, the Spotlight shines On Berlin-based drummer, composer, and producer Janek van Laak.
Janek grew up in post-reunification Berlin, giving birth to a vibrant music and art culture. He joined me earlier this year, around the Sonar Kollektiv release of his debut solo album, Circle Of Madness, a work that makes me glad I do not own a record store because I have no idea where I would file it. That said, it might not get filed at all because it would be playing all day.
Listeners will find jazz, improvisation, funk, some Berlin electronica, and more—sometimes all in the same song. Genre is not important when the music is this compelling.
Janek was as much fun to talk to as his record is to listen to. Please enjoy both.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Janek van Laak’s album Circle Of Madness)
------------------
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Recent trip to India and musical experiences
05:45 Composition process and use of technology
10:23 Recording techniques and studio production
15:04 The concept of musical responsibility
18:34 The role of precision and restraint in drumming
24:00 Humor and absurdity in music-making
28:56 Preparing for live performances
34:37 Rehearsal philosophy and band dynamics
39:46 Janek's perspective on the current music scene
40:40 The importance of live music experiences
42:36 Upcoming projects and album artwork
43:49 Reflections on time perception in music
------------------
Purchase Janek van Laak's Circle Of Madness on Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/circle-of-madness-janek-van-laak/ghgppn9zqs7fc
or Bandcamp → https://janekvanlaaksk.bandcamp.com/album/circle-of-madness
and listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://songwhip.com/janekvanlaak/circle-of-madness
Follow Janek van Laak on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/janekvanlaak
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
Spotlight On Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/spotlightonpod
Spotlight On Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/spotlightonpod
Spotlight On LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotlight-on
Spotlight On Mastodon → https://social.lol/@spotlightonpod
------------------
• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.
• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter.
#podcast #JanekVanLaak #CircleOfMadness #DrummerComposer #BerlinMusic #MusicPodcast #SpotlightOn