Sunhiilow
Sunhiilow is the moniker used by Valérie Magisson for her analog synthesizer recordings, mainly released on Ikuisuus.
“I wish I could explore more the broad spectrum of emotions with music”
Your first name sounds French, your last name sounds Scandinavian, are you a mix of a French and a Scandinavian background? Where are you from?
Valérie Magisson: Before I met my Finnish husband, I lived in Paris, where I was born. I keep my father’s name as a memory of him. I moved to Finland 10 years ago.
Where do you live now? Turku?
Yes, my home is in Turku. Finnish nature is breathtaking and I adore spending time in nature.
You play modular and analog synthesizers. Why? Why do you prefer working with analog gear, or only with analog gear? With which type of synthesizer do you work with? A Moog Mother-32?
In my previous albums, I was using VST instruments, but it really bothered me. I don’t say that VST’s are bad, I just don’t like them so much. I wished to comprehend more the process of sound with the help of physical equipment. So, in 2018 I bought my first analog synthesizer, a Moog Mother-32, and I don’t regret it. Having that kind of gear, it has taught me a better approach to music. When I have to play with a synthesizer, understanding and listening to the sound is essential to go further. I wanted to learn more because this was such an interesting topic. But the process of comprehension and learning is far from over, I’m still a newbie. While I made ‘Whispers Of A Dream Wind,’ the theories and creativity came together. This was my first album recorded exclusively with Moog Mother-32. I rehearsed that with ‘Beyond The Cycle,’ released on vinyl in 2020. Although I had good memories recording with Mother-32, I wanted to go further and to have a modular synthesizer. We can hear my modular work on my last two albums, ‘Waking Through The Dawned Shades’ and ‘Lost In The Scenery’. There are more abstract songs on these albums, kind of sounds that I didn’t manage to capture before, with Moog Mother-32. My creativity was enhanced by Moog Mother-32 and modular synthesizer. These analog gears are playful and addictive in fact. Since I have both, my music has taken a new direction, becoming more melodic and somewhat minimal. I feel freer in my creativity. Maybe I’ll play with two of them together in my next albums, because they offer great opportunities to get ahead.
The oldest release mentioned on Discogs is from ten years ago. Did you start releasing music ten years ago? And is this also when you started making music?
I started out as a drummer in a band. I listened to psychedelic folk/rock and krautrock at this time, but later I discovered the experimental/ambient/drone genres. I definitely wanted to explore this musical universe with my own abilities. So I got some instruments (guitar and effects pedals, a Microkorg and many acoustic instruments). I played mostly with friends, and rarely alone. Later, I decided to start my solo project and promote my first tracks on Myspace. In 2012, my first album was released. It was a big step in my life, although I must admit it was a little scary. Well, my music has evolved since then and despite my changes, I was able to continue Sunhiilow’s music with the help of life’s opportunities.
You release one record a year. Is this your tempo? Is this about the time you take or need to make an album?
Most of my albums were recorded in one month or two. I make a lot of songs in a short period of time. I let myself flow along the current, which results in my productivity. Sometimes I could even release two albums at the same time, but my sense of criticism takes the lead role and selects the tracks that best fit to my story. It’s common for me not to play for several months, because I don’t feel like doing it. So, this rhythm allows me to release one album per year, and I think that’s enough.
Do you see what you do as ambient music?
The feelings from the past, present and future experiences are my biggest inspirations. Emotions play an important role in my music. In my opinion, composing music is like writing in a diary, for example. Instead of words, I use tones, sounds or melodies. I wish I could explore more the broad spectrum of emotions with music. Between melancholy and happiness, there are different levels of mind. I believe that music can have a therapeutic effect, both for the listeners and for the artists themselves.
Are your tracks improvisations or compositions?
My tracks are a mix of both. I usually begin with improvisations, but when I need to add melodies, the compositions come into play. I never know in advance how the song will end, it always surprises me… in a good or a bad way. But it’s one of the reasons I keep playing. I learned with my own experience that if I play music without totally controlling it, nothing gets monotonous. Thus, the two, improvisations and compositions, are the best match for my creativity and the result obtained.
Do you play and record at home?
Yes, I play and record at home. I’ve never thought of anything else. I like being in my flat where I am surrounded by many plants and with outside views and lots of light. I am used to being more creative at the end of the evening too… when the mind is calm and more receptive.
Your first tape was self-released, after that your records were released on Ikuisuus. which is a good label. How did you get on Ikuisuus? Was ‘Whispers of a Dream Wind’ your first solo release?
Actually, ‘Whispers Of A Dream Wind’ was co-released on cassette by two labels: Ikuisuus and Pantheophania. And it’s the first Sunhiilow cassette. Before that, a couple of split tapes came out with some musicians like Baldruin, Pine Smoke Lodge, Uton and Tim Six. ‘Whispers Of A Dream Wind’ was released four years after ‘Invisible Totem’ (cdr, 2015). Four years without releasing an album is long enough. That’s the reason why I wanted to have this album on cassette, to celebrate Sunhiilow’s return. I remember asking on Facebook if any label would be interested in the release of ‘Whispers Of A Dream Wind’ which was already available on Bandcamp at this time. And that’s how I made a deal with Ikuisuus and Pantheophania.
Joeri Bruyninckx
Sunhiilow Instagram / Bandcamp / SoundCloud
Ikuisuus Instagram / Bandcamp
