Introducing NERATERRÆ - "The Substance of Perception"

A few months ago I discovered a dark ambient musical project by the name of NERATERRÆ. Their textures on the production where so dark and ritualistic that caught my attention. I wanted to know who was behind those fascinating soundscapes so I got in touch with the mind behind to conduct an exclusive interview for Modulator Records to find out more about their sound and terrifying melodies.

NERATERRÆ is a Dark Ambient music project produced by Italian musician Alessio Antoni. His debut album “The Substance of Perception” (out now on Cyclic Law) is a daring collaborative work featuring some of the finest artists from the Dark Ambient, Drone, Cinematic and Ritual Music scene: Northaunt, Alexey Tegin from Phurpa, Treha Sektori, New Risen Throne, Flowers For Bodysnatchers, Taphephobia, Ugasanie, Xerxes The Dark and Infinexhuma.

The sound palette shifts between both stark atmospheres, melancholic ambiance and dense claustrophobic drones. Alternating between obscurity and light and oscillating between the ineffable detachment from the tangible and the relentless transmogrification of the self.

Official Music Video for the song "Shadows of Regret" (feat. Northaunt). 

Q&A 

How would you describe your sound? 

I make Dark Ambient music alternating a wide range of atmospheres and colors, from more classic melancholic ambiance to cinematic dense drones to ritualistic-alike episodes. I like to move between themes and nuances, I’m not the kind of musician/producer who’s into only one specific color or theme. 

What can you tell us about your musical influences? 

I’ve always been a big fan of good music in general (what sounds good to me, at least), and I may talk for hours about that, let’s limit this to the Electronic field only: there are certain artists that I’ve been listening for over 15 years (and more in some cases) who have always been a big source of inspiration to me, acts such as ASC, Atrium Carceri, Bass Communion, Biosphere, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Cities Last Broadcast, H.U.V.A. Network, Jon Hopkins, Kammarheit, Lustmord, New Risen Throne, Northaunt, Phelios, Richard Barbieri, Solar Fields, Steven Wilson, Svartsinn, Ulver (and maybe some more) have left a mark on the way I conceive my music.

What I love to do is to keep digging, over the last 5/6 years I’ve found some truly amazing records in the fields of Electronic music, It’s a beautiful neverending journey. On an extra-musical aspect, I can get inspired by many different things, like a picture, movies, landscapes, books, art in general, particular events, and personal experiences of course. 

What is your main goal as a producer? 

I tend to do what I want to, no strings attached, and I want to do it at my best, that’s for sure. I think that to produce interesting music, yet emotional and evocative - while keeping an eye open on the aesthetic value of the artwork - is what everyone aims for, I’m into it. 

What drove you to become a musician? 

My parents did since they got me into music when I was a kid. My first instrument was a drumkit and I was like 4 or 5 y.o. From 7 to 12 I pursued classical studies as a pianist, then I switched to guitar but got back to drums at 16 (and never stopped since). 

How do you approach the challenge of being a Musician/Producer in 2019? 

It’s hard, It’s changed a lot during the last 15 years. I personally prefer the way music used to be in the good old times, you know; Let’s say that on a record-deal side I’ve been lucky enough to be covered by a great label, which is undoubtedly helpful. Regardless of the music genre, nowadays the problem is the lack of originality and-or-content and the exposure that everyone is aiming for, no matter what, this “mixture” has altered the fragile equilibrium. There still are some beautiful exceptions, but we all see where the trend has brought us all. 

Talking about live activity, (Dark) Ambient wise, well, that is something almost nonexistent, especially in Italy, which does not help, as you all can easily imagine. 

What can you tell us about the highlights of your career? 

I consider my debut album “The Substance of Perception” the proper ‘highlight’ of my career so far, you know, I just didn’t expect to see my first record to be released by an important label of the scene like Cyclic Law, that’s just beyond great. 

What are your future plans? 

I’m currently working on some new material that is going to be part of my second album; plus, I’m co-writing music for a new project, alongside two other fantastic musicians, and hopefully, we will bring something to light in late 2019/early 2020.

Join me and help NERATERRÆ to push the boundaries of dark electronic music. 

Don't forget to check out NERATERRÆ social network and share if you like! Music is freedom!

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