Pure psytech is flowing through the recently launched Digital Diamonds series on radiOzora, the latest of which featured Portuguese tech-electronic live performer CrennWiick (half of Code Therapy). Find out more about who’s behind the sounds, audioillustrated for the full experience.

–What were some of the events or experiences that set you off on this sonic journey? 

It all began in the early 90’s when Technotronic awoke my spirit. At the time I was only 10 years old and never imagined the ways in which music would forever change my life. Shortly after, I got to work and began to learn the electric organ, music theory, and rhythmic dictation. Then at the age of 15 I experienced what can only be described as a dizzying change in my life – the moment I bought my first vinyl turntable, and from then on, nothing remained the same.

–Why did you choose this project name as your alias?

The name came from Greenwich Village and Greenwich Meridian. I believe differences can balance and focus my life.

–What has inspired your soundscapes the most?

I enjoy techno, drum&bass, electro-acoustics and world music.

–How has your taste in music developed throughout the years? 

I listen to a lot of different music and I’m always trying new things.

–Do you remember any mind-blowing, life-changing experiences that shaped you and your sound?

Travels and shows are important, but most mind-blowing is music itself. Music is inspiration. Music has a profound impact in my life.

–Which one of your releases/tracks are the most characteristic of your sounds or stand the closest to you for some reason?

I think the latest tracks are always the best. However, I work with a wide spectrum of sounds and influences and it is these differences that form a whole.

–What projects are you involved in? (Or would love to experiment with?)

I’m involved in many projects besides CrennWiick. I’m a part of the Code Therapy project with António (Floating Machine). I’m also a sound designer for podcasts, video, audio identity and theater.

–Who do you think are the most cutting-edge sound makers in the scene? Who are your newest discoveries? 

Before COVID-19, there was an interesting new movement around psychedelic music. Curiously, this movement is happening largely in places like Portugal, where Psy Techno is not yet a big scene for now. For example, I play more abroad than in my own country, but I´m not the only one. New names in the psychedelic scene, such as Luis M, Flembaz and MNGRM have been playing across borders at major psychedelic trance festivals, where there is a growing demand for psychedelic music other than trance. I think this interest is increasing each year. Then we have names all over the world like Anyer Quantum, Ben Rama, Trilingo, ALIC, etc. We’re all friends and we have been working together in many collabs and projects in the last 6 or 7 years.

–Which artists remain the ultimate classics for you in the scene (or in music generally)?

X Dream, Midimiliz (aka) Extrawelt, Perfect Stranger, Minilogue, etc.

–Scene at home?

As I’ve already said (above), there is not a big psychedelic scene in Portugal, so this leads us to organizing our own events. The Blind Arc label (created by Flembaz) holds private events and showcases, and I’ve organized many Digital Diamonds Showcases in Lisbon and even the Lost Theory Official Pre-Party with the label founders ALIC. We like talking to each other and so we usually hold our own parties.

–Most memorable gigs, experiences?

All the shows were also special in a way, but no doubt Boom Festival and Lost Theory were unforgettable, amazing experiences, but I had lots of good memories from the Digital Diamonds Showcases here in Lisbon, Freedom Festival (PT), Suti Festival (PT), Secret Society (PL), just to mention a few…

–What do you think about our scene (psychedelic gatherings and community) and their role in our lives, if any:)?

In a certain way, we are children of this new psychedelic scene. We have the privilege of being part of a subculture that is increasingly aware of human causes and humanity. The psychedelic community has proven itself in recent times. Past causes are on the agenda today and the growing psychedelic movement around the world reflects people’s concern for issues such as health, sustainability, well-being and culture.

–What are some of the greatest challenges you faced so far as an artist or producer? How about the moments that you felt were the greatest rewards so far?

The recent COVID-19 new era is the biggest challenge ever. People and their smiles, the connection we had on stage is lost for now. It is a time to rethink everything.

–Musically, what’s still on your bucket list?

I always have a lot of ideas. I’m working on a new electro-acoustic concert.

–What are your other passions in life?

I like to eat.

–What are you working on at present? What are you looking forward to the most?

I cannot talk too much about it yet, but I’m thinking of reorganizing my career soon. It depends on what happens till the end of this year.