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Daily Discovery is a feature that highlights a new or recently discovered artist who we’re excited about. See the rest of our Daily Discoveries here.
UPDATE (January 22, 2016): Klangstof is now signed to Mind of a Genius.
Dutch artist Klangstof was a rare type of discovery. “Hostage” was one of those next songs on SoundCloud that automatically starts playing when the song you’re listening to ends. That next song always feels awkward because it’s not a choice—a random song just barges into your life as if these were the old days of radio or something. It’s like one step up from an advertisement, but in this case, it worked out.
I forget what I was listening to before “Hostage” started, but now I’m hooked. Klangstof exudes this sort of cold intimacy that draws you in without ever feeling cozy. It’s got that icy, metallic feel to it, like My Morning Jacket’s “Wordless Chorus” or Wilco’s “Poor Places.” And like those songs, “Hostage” ends up being way more than you expected. Somehow the simple, minimal track ends up in outer space.
Get to know Klangstof below, and hear more on SoundCloud.
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Can you explain your name to us? What is Klangstof?
I have a Norwegian background and wanted a name that connects with both the Dutchies and the Norwegians. Stof in dutch means dust, and klang in Norwegian means reverb. It’s as easy as that.
Who makes up Klangstof?
We are a four-piece indie electronic whatever band from Amsterdam. I, Koen, write and record all the music on my computer. When all the hard work is done we gather in an old Cold War bunker in the Vondelpark to work on and re-record the parts. In this process we also have been working very close with a well-known producer here in the Netherlands.
There are only a few songs online. How long have you guys been making music together? Were you all doing other things before that?
As a band Klangstof has just been around since the end of 2014, but we have all been making music together for a few years now. Many of the demos date back to 2012.
I don’t hear much music coming out of Amsterdam. What is the scene like? Is there a lot of good music there?
If you look hard, you will find a lot of great music. Because of the massive EDM-scene over here it is extremely hard for bands to get enough attention. You see a lot of bands giving up after a few years, just because the lack of support they get by the masses.
Are you guys on a label or doing things independently?
Independently. We felt like we didn’t need one. At least not yet. I think it’s good to first get some attention before going to a label.
If you’re not on a label, are you looking to sign to one?
Of course! We’re always on the lookout for a cool deal.
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Artwork by Jenna Arts
Who are your influences?
For me it all started with OK Computer by Radiohead. I could play the “Paranoid Android” solo before I even knew who the Beatles were. As a band, we were very influenced by Phoenix. Just really fat sounding shit.
What music are you listening to lately?
The new Lower Dens album. Ekkolodd, very charming Norwegian dream-pop, also still very much into Slow Club.
How do you describe your music to people who have never heard it?
I always answer that question by saying that we sound like Celine Dion. Last week there actually was a guy in the audience who was expecting us to do Celine Dion songs and got really mad afterwords. So I’m working hard on something new now.
Perhaps dreamy indie with some exploding synth outbursts.
If you could create a song with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be?
I always find it very awkward to write with other musicians. So I would just prefer not to. I’d rather have Nels Cline to come over and give it a final touch. I think he has the most beautiful guitar sound ever.
What’s next for you guys? When can we expect an album?
Some cool festivals, a lot of traveling, and a single will be out on May 28. The recordings are going very smoothly. If we work our asses off, there will be an album near the end of this year!
