Forming conjunction to “The Panharmonion Chronicles”, “Quantum Blue” is the latest release by EDM producer Henry Chebaane, aka LX8, who is also a fiction writer and international set designer. Bringing in elements of progressive and deep house into his music, he brings about a sound that is as organic as they come— keep reading for my thoughts and for LX8 in interview!
“Quantum Blue”, as a track, brings organic sound design to the table and takes it to the next level— relying on acoustic-influenced sounds in its design to create drive and power that swells and ebbs gently, and progresses like an idyllic river— a true hallmark of good progressive electronic music. The arpeggios are tasteful, and the mixing is tight and focused. The melodies evoke a feeling of awe and grandeur, almost as if to explore— and all in all, it’s a rewarding listen. Here’s LX8 in interview!
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1. On the graphic novel “The Panharmonion Chronicles”, where did you get the inspiration to make a graphic novel as part of a music release?
We often hear that music is a language. I think it’s much more than this. Music is not just a system of organising sound vibrations for emotional responses. It is a powerful vector that can transport human consciousness across space and time. All music that ever existed is part the collective memory of our species. It is a universal repository of knowledge and experience. So, when I developed the story for The Panharmonion Chronicles, I wanted to have music and sound as the fuel to the emotional engine that propels the main protagonists, forward. As I was writing the first draft of the novel, sounds and lyrics came to mind. I felt compelled to put a few of these into music production. Somewhere along the way, this led me to use the same alias as Alex Campbell in the book: LX8.
2. Where would you say the inspiration for the plot comes from? Are there any pieces of literature that have influenced the turn of events on the graphic novel?
I’ve always been fascinated by the nature and power of sound. As a species, humans have evolved to favour visual signals. This trait is becoming more prominent with each new generation, especially for those living in cities. This development is happening to the detriment of other senses: smell, hearing, touch. It is also making our society overloaded with images for instant gratification and short attention span. This is reducing our ability for ‘feeling’ the universe of which we are part and diminishes our capacity for empathy and critical thinking. There are fiction books that have inspired me, such as the work of Philip K. Dick and H.G. Wells but usually I get inspiration from reading non-fiction: science, philosophy and history.
3. What is your production process like? What kinds of elements do you find yourself reaching for first when you put down a track?
The first thing I do before starting a track is write a short story with lyrics, even if it ends up being an instrumental only. This gives me the mood and general harmonic structure.
Also, to finish a track, I always work with an experienced sound engineer to polish my work. It’s a very specific skill set best left to a specialist.
4. When did you get into producing music? Who have been your greatest influences when it comes to this?
It’s been a slow and hard process. For a long time, I thought I was not able to do this. I learned a little piano and flute many years ago and gave up because I couldn’t get the sounds that I was looking for. Then, a few years ago I discovered digital music-making. I took online electronic music production courses like the one from Deadmau5 on Masterclass. Personally, I’m music agnostic and appreciate all genres and styles. If it’s well thought and realised, all work deserves respect and appreciation. Though, I have a particular fondness for electronic music from early Synth pop and House music to EDM producers like Armin van Buuren and Markus Schulz.
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5. To blend science-fiction, horror, and alternative history is considered by many to be an uphill task. How did you accomplish it on “The Panharmonion Chronicles”?
Yes, it’s a good question. I did not choose to start writing with a particular genre in mind. The Panharmonion is a work of speculative fiction that typically starts with a hypothesis “what if…” I wrote a story that reflects the complexity of human psychology and how some actions and belief systems can create horrific consequences on our shared history. I have many friends from Africa, India and all over Asia. I’ve heard many horrific stories from colonial and post-colonial eras and wanted to try conveying some of that trauma within a fictional context. The science fiction angle happened because I’ve been fascinated by quantum physics for over two decades. The more I learn about it, the more I realise how little we know about what ‘truly’ forms our reality. What is ‘truth’? ‘reality’? ‘identity’? ‘time’? ‘space’? ’consciousness’? I’m grappling with these philosophical questions daily and try to share these with the readers, viewers, and listeners of The Panharmonion Chronicles universe.
6. What are some artist collaborations you are exploring to take your music alias “LX8” forward?
The first few tracks produced for The Panharmonion Chronicles are like seeds which I hope will grow and be shared with other music professionals from diverse cultures.
My intent about “LX8” goes much deeper than just producing my own songs.
I chose this alias not just for me personally but as a collective noun, like a “band”. I’m reaching out to other music producers, DJs, and artists from all over the world, so that maybe some can contribute work into my fictional universe. I see this taking place as cinematic and dance remixes, collaborative albums, live shows, games, and animations. The future will show us what it is.
7. What is some advice for beginners in the music production world? What would you say to them that you wish had been said to you when you were starting out?
Don’t wait until you are “ready”. There is never a perfect time and place, while life happens. Just start and learn by your mistakes. The art is in the craft. Learning to do anything well is hard. There are no short cuts. And avoid abdicating the power of your own brain to an Ai software.
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