Our Ten Questions Go Up To 11

Z: Who are you and how would you personally describe your music?

I am Richard Wileman and I would like to think that I'm a composer! 'Karda Estra' is the title I have given to my recording project that I began in 1998. The music a combination of modern and classical music with a lot of gothic and cinematic atmospherics. I play instruments such as guitars, keys, percussion etc and write / arrange parts for the several string and woodwind players who also feature on the albums. I should add that while the music is instrumental, several tracks feature Ileesha Bailey on wordless (and occasionally Latin) layered 'choral' vocals.

Z: When writing, where do you begin?

I try to get chords and atmospheres that fit the subject I'm writing about. My material is mainly 'concept' orientated, suites or soundtracks and the like. Then I build up instrumentation around it. I 'used' to be an artist and I believe I've come full circle with my composing being as much about adding splashes of colour and shade, as much as it ia about writing a tune.

Z: Which groups, artists and/or bands inspire you?

So many! I think I'll just generalise with genres and a few names ... 70's Prog - especially Genesis, Soundtrack music - Herrmann, Goldsmith, Elfman, 20th Century Classical - Vaughan Williams, Satie, 60's - Lennon/McCartney, Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach etc. I'm kind of very broad minded, but very narrow at the same time! I can be listening to easy listening one moment, then very discordant soundtrack/classical. My stipulation tends to be good chords in the writing with rich, varied arrangements/instrumentation. My current fave new band is Alamaailman Vasarat who have a great line in fuzz cello and a headbanging trombonist!

Z: Are you influenced by art and literature at all?

Yes. Two pieces I've done are are directly influenced. Firstly, the 'Surrealisms' suite on my THIRTEEN FROM THE TWENTY FIRST album was inspired by painters such as Dorothea Tanning, Dali, Burra, Tanguay etc. My album EVE was directly inspired by the gothic novel THE FUTURE EVE written in 1886 by Villiers de L'Isle Adam.
Although I say I 'used' to be an artist myself, I'm slowly returning to pictures and I actually did the artwork for my latest album CONSTELLATIONS. I've actually got the next album (catchy cryptic working title 'VODR04') cover done too! Pity the music isn't ready!!

Z: Are there any songs/tracks that you have heard and thought, I wish
I'd written that?

Not really, although I obviously am in awe of certain pieces of music. I can safely say though that there are pieces of mine I wish I hadn't written! But, you live and learn. I'm ok with being me.

Z: Do you push yourself to write, or do you have to wait until you're
inspired?

Yes, I push. The days of writing for fun are long gone. I have to work hard to get the muse. I'm ok with this, because I don't necessarily subscribe to the idea it should be easy anyhow. I continue to do it more out of compulsion, rather than it being a nice way of relaxing. Obsession and compulsion isn't pleasant in any art form for the practicing artist, but it helps to achieve 'the real deal' - in my opinion anyhow!

Z: What was it that made you go into into making music?

Being a teenager. Heavy Metal. Getting an electric guitar when I was 16.

Z: Do you feel the internet is a good way of helping/promoting your
music?

Absolutely - the musical world is now a much smaller place. I find the 'traditional' distros work very well with internet promotion. As a buyer too, it's a great. I hardly buy anything from record shops anymore - with on-line buying, there is a really great and varied choice. I do let out free mp3's as well which spreads the word.

Z: Has the computer age, and its use in creating, editing and
manipulating music helped you in any way?

Definitely. My recordings are pretty complex and require a lot of multi-tracking and building - especially stuff like the real strings, multiple vocal tracks. There are lots of little touches, fades etc... There's no way I could afford to do this kind of project in a commercial studio. Each album represents a lot of hours work. Apart from the occasional bit here and there, I record on a dedicated hard disc recorder as the fan noise from my PC would be too much for recording quiet orchestral instruments.

Z: Give me three good reasons why someone should buy your CDs, barring
threats of bodily harm?

1) - You get genuinely beautiful and expansive instrumental music that I would hope avoids all the usual ambient and 'classical crossover' cliched cheese!
2) - It would make you happy.
3) - And that would make me happy.

Z: Finally, what happened to my 1st class air tickets, free drink,
drugs and promises of casual sex?

Come down to Swindon and I'll be able to sort you out at least two of the four...

Many thanks to Richard for taking the time to provide an insight into his work. Please take the time to check out his music, available via the Karda Estra website.

Further reading - Zeitgeist reviews are available

 

 

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