Blanck Mass

As one half of electronic noise duo Fuck Buttons, Ben Power’s solo work as Blanck Mass was never going to be an easy listen. It’s like being trapped in a windsock with a punishing beat, the dwarf from Twin Peaks, and a swirling vortex of euphoric tuneage. It’s the rockiest electronica you will ever hear, but there are moments of stillness and peace within it. This is music for adults. I spoke to Ben ahead of his show at Norwich Arts Centre.

How did you first start making music?

I remember when I was around eight years old or so I was bought a Yamaha keyboard as a gift. I really can’t remember which model it was bit it definitely wasn’t a DX7. I have strong memories of writing songs using the demo rhythms, fingered chords, writing lyrics about Indiana Jones and performing them live for my family in the kitchen

How would you describe the music you make as Blanck Mass?

I’d try not to really; that’s somebody else’s job. I hate to think of myself occupying one space. I think it’s safe to say that I would get thrown into the electronic category by journos but historically, and especially with Fuck Buttons, I have seen us and myself as a rock band.

It’s been four years since the debut Blanck Mass album. What have you been up to since then?

Quite a bit! Andy Hung and I made the third Fuck Buttons record which we subsequently toured extensively. I moved from London to Edinburgh, wrote and recorded Dumb Flesh and worked on an alternative horror movie soundtrack and various production projects for other artists.

Your new album, Dumb Flesh, explores the ways the human body can betray itself. What was it that lead you to write songs on this concept?

The album’s identity is a manifestation of my experiences during the time of writing the album. Some testing things happened to me considering my own human form and that of loved ones no longer with us. This mood and theme crept its way into the creative process and seemed not to leave throughout.

You make electronic music but often Fuck Buttons and Blanck Mass play with rock or indie bands. Why do you think that is?

As I said before, I’ve always seen Fuck Buttons as a rock band and myself as a live musician. When I write it’s not a case of being sat in front of a computer screen; I am much more inclined to get my hands onto the hardware when writing. I think this leads to tracks being formed with the live show considered just as much as the recorded output.

This album’s a bit beefier than the debut Blanck Mass record. Did you set out to make something a bit…dancier?

I had no clear image of what the final result was going to be when I set out to write the record. In fact, I never have with any of my projects. I think if you approach something in this way, then you have boxed yourself in from the start. I enjoy having a lot of space to move around in when writing; it allows for more creative freedom. It just so happens that a lot of the instrumentation I was using this time around lent itself to something a little more ‘beat heavy’.

Will there be visuals? We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Dan Tombs (Outline’s friend from Norwich) will be doing it!

t’s been a pleasure working with Dan on the visuals for Dumb Flesh live. He has an amazing way of working. It’s all analogue in its inception so the live shows are very hands on for him, as well as myself. He has a strong eye for detail and is very idealistic in his approach. He’s a very unique and talented artist.

How do you imagine people listening to and enjoying this album? Do you picture someone sitting still with headphones on, or jogging, or sitting on a mountain, or something else?

It’s difficult to say really as there’s no right or wrong way to experience this kind of music. All images you just mentioned are valid, plus more. I do more often than not find that people report back to me about listening to my music when working out. I never thought I’d make workout music!

What are you working on now?

I have an EP coming out very soon and I am constantly working on new music. cataloguing sounds, textures for the next release. Myself and Andy are starting work on a new Fuck buttons album very soon swell so there is plenty incoming.

Blanck Mass plays at Norwich Arts Centre on 22nd November. Tickets available from ueaticketbookings.co.uk