Talking with Binärpilot

I've recently been hooked on some really good electronic music from Norway, from awesome creator Binärpilot.

The title Binärpilot, the audio-ego of Alexander Støver, is based off of his dream of wanting to be a pilot, and binär is Swedish for binary (as in code). He says, "by tacking on -pilot, I was absolutely sure nobody else could lay claim to it [the name]."

As for pronunciation:

"I'm fine with just "binary pilot". If you want nerd points: In Norwegian it's something like "binn-ehr-pealoot" said fast."

Støver started playing around with music in '97, and it has become his passion. From about 2002 to 2007 he has been churning out loads of electronic/dance music for everyone to enjoy. He has used several different programs to craft his music, including MadTracker, renoise, Audacity, Lame, and VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology).

"I like making stuff out of as little as possible," says Støver. "So most of the work goes into making simple samples sound a little less static, and of course working out what the track is about. It might be pretentious, but I have to have some kind of purpose or idea for a track before it can really evolve."

He claims to have too many influences to mention.

"I know it's kind of a cop out, but in all honesty I get inspired by everything I like. And I like a lot. There's so much fantastic music out there. I used to say I could find good music in every genre but country, and then I heard Johnny Cash.

But if I have to say someone: Aphex Twin and Daft Punk."

Støver is completely dedicated to his fanbase, which has been steadily evolving over the years. Through his website he is able to communicate with followers on the Community forums. All of his music is also available for streaming and downloading; all for free. There is of course a link to help him out by sending donations for his hard work.

When fans come out and create music videos or artwork using or inspired by his music, Støver tries to spread it around as best as he can. "Inspiring people is important, inspiring them to create is amazing. When somebody makes something like a video or a picture, what's interesting to me is how I sometimes get a sense of what they were feeling when they listened...All the artwork and videos you can see on the site are contributed by (at the time) complete strangers."

What makes him the proudest is "knowing there are people out there right now dancing to my music. That and the hope that the music will be remembered. That I made my mark."

Some of the most popular songs on the site include "Smile", "Destroy the Popollution", "Goof", and "Bend." As of right now, the track "Nordland" (from his upcoming album of the same name) is his favorite track, with "FUAYFSILFM" being the track he's proudest of.

Out of all his releases, he really loves 2005's Defrag because he says he "actually took a year off to do it, so it reminds me of how life can be so awesome when you get to do what you love the most 24/7."

This venture was accomplished with help from his "awesome grandparents," who let him stay in their loft to help kick a smoking habit.

Composing always manages to make him very happy, and it is always fun for him. A common theme in his music is essentially "dance like no one is watching."

"Remember to smile!" he says. "It's a lot like embracing your inner child, or rather acknowledging the fact that nobody ever grows up. We just stop playing. A lot of people take life too seriously. A lot of my songs are just about goofing off. Good times."  

As a dream, he would like to be creating his music for a living. 

"Binärpilot will always be free though, so that one will probably remain a dream for a long time," he says. "The fan support is amazing though, so maybe someday..." 

Currently, Alexander Støver is wrapping up his newest album Nordland, which is expected to drop very soon (waiting for artwork). Watch for my review of the album when it releases. In the mean time, jump on over to his page and dive into the music he has lovingly crafted for everyone.

[Graphics courtesy of Alexander Støver -- Binärpilot online]