Loud Headphones by Tania Bleh
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Sweet Ohm, is the musical child of 34 year-old
French man, Pascal Blin. His music can be best described as "old skool"
synth-pop influenced by 80's new wave and early techno. This craftsman
has created simple and catchy melodies with complex layers of synthetic
sounds in his new album, "Stories of Here." Blin is ready to take over
your ears, so brace yourself. This album is so good that you gotta hear
it to believe it.
The Musician, the Person, the Family and the French man
How did the Sweet Ohm start?
Sweet Ohm saw the light in December 1991 in Paris, France. From 1992 to 1997 Sweet Ohm recorded several demos which most of has not been released. In 1998 was recorded "Essais" the first CD included a majority of instrumental tracks. Two songs with voices appeared in. At the beginning of 1998 to October 2000 was recorded "Stories Of Here."
Where/How did you get your name, Sweet ohm?
This name is coming from Kraftwerk and the title of their song called "Ohm sweet Ohm." [The are] two senses in it. You can understand like "sweet home" and "sweet ohm" meaning sweet electricity. Synthesizers using it to produce sounds. Somewhere my songs exist with the help of electricity.
What were your influences? When you were young? Now? For the last album?
Depeche Mode, Severed Heads and Kraftwerk. I can say it was the first Depeche mode "Speak and Spell" which influenced more my passion for music. Visage, Blancmange and Soft Cell etc. ...all that was so new at this time. After all these years, something called synthesizers arrived with great new and strange sounds.
My actual influences are varied. I can appreciate lots of styles. The last "Spock" CD single is great. I like the last one from Karl Bartos too.
How would you describe your style?
Electro-pop - techno-pop - synth-pop, I suppose!
When did you decide that you were a synth guy? What drew you to that instrument?
I didn't decide really. Revelation came when I discovered my first electronic song. Music didn't interest me especially before. I can't explain it. This must be this thing called the passion. I enjoy the sound and possibilities. It sounds unlike any other instrument. Imagination has no limit with it.
How do you react when people call your early 90's work "old skool synth-pop"?
I agree. You can't escape to your style and it's a good thing. I hate people changing their style each year hoping they will be in the good train.
You have a new album out. Can you tell us a lil' bit about it and how is it different from your previous work?
[There are] ten new songs with vocals on all of them, apart from one. It's I think, [it's] an electro-pop album. The first [album] was a bunch of instrumentals with two songs [with vocals.]
From where do you draw your inspiration? What are your songs about?
Well, lyrics are stories from life or inspiration of the day
Do you enjoy the time in the studio?
Ho! Yes. The moment where you have the light is magic. Lots of frustrations and joy both. Things need hard work sometimes or just [a] few minutes.
Is all your music DIY (do it yourself) style?? Is producing your own records hard?
Yes and coffee too :) I like to work with producers. Today you can produce your music at home. It's a great liberation
Do you think synth-pop will make a big comeback? Is there still a market for it?
Huh! I don't know. For me it has always been here. I mean things have not to be marketed to exist. If synth-pop became hype again, lot of bad marketed groups will appear too. I prefer a modest but good presence
Do you plan to make any tours? Any gigs coming up soon?
You know, Sweet Ohm is a man with synthesizers. I'm not sure it will [be] interesting on a scene. The French scene don't exist.
How do you balance the whole family/ steady job lifestyle when having the music goal? Did you ever think of quitting music because of the family life?
Day job first, family second and music late in the night. Not always easy to do. It [has] good aspects. With less time you [need] to have good ideas more quickly :) Quitting music? Never. It's a part of me. I have it in my blood.
What do you think about the music industry in general?
It's business. Major (labels) invent products to earn money, this is their job. It should be the inverse. Find good groups and music will be better and they will earn money too. All that, forgets the human nature somewhere. You have good examples showing it's possible: Mute, A Different Drum. They have to earn money to promote their artists. Today without money you can't support artists. Balance has to be found!
What are your thoughts on the online music revolution? How about Napster?
It's freedom. All can express their ideas without taking in count the money aspect of the things. People can work all over the world. Naspter! Tape existed before and I don't see how one can stop this, if people buy music at the same time. It's a good way to discover artists. [On the] other hand artist need money to live. Here too a balance has to be found.
Are there any indies/online artist/musicians, beside yourself, that you think the world should check and is missing out on?
No. Things are like that. Things grow with time. If I have only two people listening my music I will be glad if thing goes better. Then it will be paradise. Reactions are coming more and more and are good. Let's take things time to time!!
Any shout outs or thank yous?
Thank you Miss Bleth for your support.---
Stand out tracks on "Stories of Here"
I progress - A very strong track with catchy lyrics
Sister - Excellent, well-crafted song
Evil girl - An electro-ballad with a weird atmosphere.---
Visit Tania Bleh's Website at http://geocities.com/skachick182.