Interview: Alec Coiro
Photo: Esstro9
I don’t think it’s too controversial to say that while “pop” music started out as shorthand for popular music, it now describes a genre unto itself. So as with any genre, it makes sense that there will be musicians who seek approach the genre with a particularly artistic bent. This is where Tatiana Heuman comes in. She is already an accomplished drummer who has created her first pop album, which sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Although, if it sounds esoteric, there is also another level on which it is somehow familiar; this is because her tracks manage to distill the newness of the culture that surrounds us. This becomes particularly clear when you watch the video for “Quemó Tu Curuyú.” The visuals are extremely cutting edge and the perfect compliment to the music.
The album QEEI was recorded in Argentina, Mexico, and Germany by an artist who is both a drummer, a producer, and a singer. There is obviously much to discuss, and we just scratch the surface in our interview below. For the full experience, it’s highly recommended to grab the album and give it a listen.
This album was composed in three locations spanning two continents; did the shifting terrain influence what you created?
Yes, definitely. And I was also going through the different steps of making the release. My sound was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am Latin American and I think my music represents that, but I have to admit that I feel very close to European influences as well, I took a lot from wonderful and talented artists from there and I love to spend time learning from them. When I was in Berlin last year I was composing some of the songs of the LP, reconstructing demos I already had I went through a very deep production process. I counted with the help of Markus Popp, who guided me in certain important decisions that helped me to improve this release a lot. This was very important for me.
But in Mexico, I had an amazing encounter with myself; the time was very different, swimming and watching the sunset was an important part of the day… I felt so grateful with life and nature. This context gave me the force to work very energetically to finish a global mixing of most of the songs.
Each song on the album is so unique, but one thing that unites them is your very innovative approach to rhythm. What can you tell us about how you approach the beats on the album, and what are some of your rhythmic inspirations?
I see music as movement, as body, and I am aware of the rhythm of my body.
I am a drummer and I like loops, repetitions but I also like surprises.
I think silence is very important in my compositions, cuts, moments of air.
The video for “Quemó Tu Curuyú“ is quite amazing. How did you come up with the concept?
Everything started worked with Harm Coordes on certain references that I had. Youtube situations that I wanted to steal and recycle.
I had an idea of the textures and the sensations that I wanted from the first moment. But putting this into reality was the real challenge.
Auto-Satisfying and ASMR videos were our main references for this. I was a total fan of Asian food girl; I think this is a kind of tribute for her and all this people on YouTube who share their deep intimacy to the world.
I am a drummer and I like loops, repetitions but I also like surprises.
What’s the meaning behind your album title “QEEI”?
Well, QEEI is a name I sometimes use to call my artist self. QEEI is part of the band… And a character that could be a hologram or a robot in the future (I hope one day!)
Do you perform these tracks live? Do you have any plans for appearances in North America?
Yes, i have a live set, a cool one, that is being developed. I will be soon in the US sharing my music around.
