"Exploring the Intricate World-building of Klaus Schulze in Post-Rock: Editors' Russ Leetch's Journey Through Vangelis and Independent Record Stores"
Discovering a Musical Mentor: Russ Leetch and Klaus Schulze's Influential Journey
Russ Leetch, bassist for the British band The Editors, found a musical mentor in the late German electronic composer Klaus Schulze. In 2009, a visit to Polar Bear Records in Birmingham expanded Leetch's musical palette, leading him to discover Schulze's work. Born in 1982, Leetch was in need of a musical education, and Schulze's music provided just that.
Steve, the owner of Polar Bear Records, has a preference for the original pioneers of music. It was Steve's recommendation that led Leetch to consider a more edgy version of the soundtrack for The Editors' third record, In This Light and on This Evening. This record, inspired by the dystopian world of Blade Runner, could potentially include Klaus Schulze's Dune record.
Klaus Schulze's music means a lot to Leetch. His work, as shown in the second track Shadow Of Ignorance, perfectly represents the mixture of machine versus human spirit. This track, featuring vocals by Arthur Brown, blends bubbling synths and expert cello playing, opening possibilities for post-rock.
Schulze's work ethic ensures there will always be more music to discover. He has approximately 40 albums, some of which specialize in specific instruments. Some of his most influential albums for electronic music include Dune (1979), Cyborg (1973), Moondawn (1976), Irrlicht (1972), and the La Vie Electronique series.
Dune is highly regarded for blending machine and human elements, featuring expansive synth work and Brown's vocals. This album influenced post-rock and electronic music with its intricate sequencer patterns and otherworldly atmosphere. Cyborg focuses on drone-style electronic music, showcasing Schulze's pioneering use of synthesizers and long-form compositions. Moondawn, released in 1976, provides a grounding in how to use a sequencer for budding electronic artists. Irrlicht is an early ambient/progressive electronic album, part of the development of the Berlin School and progressive electronic genres.
The La Vie Electronique series reflects the peak of German electronic music during Schulze's golden era in the mid-1970s. His pioneering use of the Moog synthesizer and lengthy, trance-inducing compositions have made him a master of the Berlin School of electronic music and a foundational figure for many electronic musicians.
After discovering Klaus Schulze's music in 2013, Leetch never looked back. Listening to Schulze's lengthy records can lead to losing oneself for a day, sometimes without remembering specific melodies, but in a trance. This experience has undoubtedly influenced The Editors' music, adding a layer of depth and complexity to their sound. As Leetch continues to explore Schulze's work, it's clear that the influence of this musical pioneer will continue to shape The Editors' music for years to come.
- The British band The Editors, led by bassist Russ Leetch, may consider incorporating elements from Klaus Schulze's Dune record into their third album, given Steve's suggestion at Polar Bear Records.
- Russ Leetch's home environment has been significantly impacted by Klaus Schulze's music, as it inspired him to delve deeper into sustainable living and home-and-garden enthusiast magazines, books, and documentaries.
- Beyond music, Leetch's interests expanded to include movies-and-tv shows focusing on technology, entertainment, and lifestyle, illustrating the profound impact of electronic music on his worldview.
- Leetch's appreciation for Klaus Schulze's work extends to his instrumental preferences, as he now seeks out synthesizers and other musical equipment to recreate the sounds heard in Schulze's records.
- As a mentor, Klaus Schulze influenced Leetch's vocals, prompting the bassist to explore diverse soundscapes and evoke the Machine versus Human spirit in his own music.
- The Editors' albums could potentially feature a mix of rock and progressive elements, thanks to the influence of Klaus Schulze's music on their sound.
- Klaus Schulze's prolific discography spans numerous EP and album releases, showcasing his versatility and depth in creating a wide array of electronic music genres.
- Klaus Schulze's La Vie Electronique series represents the peak of German electronic music during the mid-1970s, setting the foundation for future generations of electronic musicians and solidifying his status as a pioneering figure in the Berlin School of electronic music.
