In terms of modern day music, when I read the words "young", "electronica" and "Scottish" I fear another Unicorn Kid. Thankfully, this is not the case. Sefiros is the moniker of Bryan Henderson, a young electronica artist from North Lanarkshire. A hard-working individual with a burning passion for music and the talent to match.
There is something rather unnerving yet beautiful about Sefiros' music. Large orchestral sounds, ominous tones and beautiful compositions all with the trademark 8-bit bleeps make for a compelling and thought-provoking listen, something which makes it truly unique.
As to the inspiration behind his musical creations, Bryan explains further. "There are a few artists such as Aphex Twin, 65daysofstatic, Ólafur Arnalds, M83, and video game composers like Akira Yamaoka. Trent Reznor is probably my biggest influence though, although my material doesn't sound anything like his musically. I admire what he's done throughout the years, including all his post-label self release of free albums"
His music may not be an echo of Reznor but Bryan has definitely drawn inspiration in other ways. To date, Sefiros has produced various EPs and albums culminating in a total of nine releases, eight of which are free to download.
"I certainly don't think downloading has any sort of the same effect on the industry as the RIAA and co think. I know if I downloaded music by an artist I liked I'd be more likely to buy releases from them, see them live, buy merchandise, etc. We all know artists make more money from the merchandise and concerts than they do from their share of album sales anyway. As long as my music is being heard I don't mind how they get a hold of it. Although I do like money."
It's this positive attitude to music along with his effort and passion that have helped to create a respectable and impressive back catalogue - and he hasn't even turned 25 yet.
So what's a typical songwriting process like for Sefiros?
"I tend to write straight into FLStudio using several free virtual instruments, samples, and effects. Usually I'll start with a beat or a chord progression and just branch off of that. Sometimes I'll come up with ideas away from the computer, but most of my songs just flow onto the screen when I start writing."
If all this has whet your appetite to catch Sefiros performing near you then you may be waiting a while.
"I haven't played live yet, but I am toying with the idea. I recently bought a Novation Launchpad, but I think I'd need another couple of pieces of kit before I could do anything that people would find interesting. Otherwise I'd just be standing on stage pressing the play button." A very fair point I'm sure you will agree.
Being an independent Scottish musician, I wondered if there were any other unsigned Scottish artists out there whom he admires or would consider working with.
"I know of one artist - Gordon McNeil - who is trying to break into the video game industry with his music. We were both working on a rock opera concept album together for a while, but we never got around to finishing it."
So what does 2010 have in store for Sefiros?
"Since I've just released my first album into download stores, I think I'll be trying to promote that for a while. Then I'll probably start working on some more music. I used to release an album or two a year, but I've slowed down considerably since then."
Sefiros first commercially released album Stop Becoming is available now from iTunes, Amazon and the Sefiros official website.
As well as his website you can find Sefiros on MySpace, SoundCloud, LastFM, Facebook and Twitter. Phew.
