Araya is the work of the Inverness born electronica producer Keir MacCulloch. Signed to famed Scottish alternative music label Benbecula Records, Araya has been a “notable force in the Scottish electronic music scene.” Both his sell out releases on Benbecula (The Bridge of Hesitation and Whilst We Try EP) have enabled Araya play gigs and festivals all over the country as well as a hand ful of shows across Europe. Currently residing in Edinburgh, Araya is busy planning his next move, which we expect will maintain the immense quality and emotion he has become so well known for.
Facts
1: „ill brain editing“ is an anagram of Digital In Berlin.
2: Animal doping jockeys should get off their high horses.
3: Move your right hand index finger round in a circle clockwise. Now try move your right foot round in a circle anti-clockwise at the same time. It can’t be done.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
I think it’s fair to say that the people around me are a huge inspiration. Im blessed to have many creative friends, who are very supportive and encouraging.
How and when did you get into making music?
I started writing electronic music when I was 13. My dad bought a computer with a simple midi programme on it, and I spent hours playing around on it, staying up all through the night playing with a 10 second loop; on a school night no less. I haven’t stopped since.
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
My taste changes all the time, but I do tend to always go back to a few albums. (In no particular order)
James Holden – The Idiots Are Winning / Radiohead – Kid A / Squarepusher – Go Plastic / Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue (that’s a new one to the list ) / Boards of Canada – Geogaddi
What do you associate with Berlin?
Techno! Good techno!
What’s your favourite place in your town?
Edinburgh is a pretty amazing place, with lots of hidden destinations. But for me, climbing up Arthur’s Seat in the morning to watch the sun come up is always a winner.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
I’d like to think that I would still do something creative. I’m pretty fascinated with animation and 3d modelling so perhaps I might venture into that area. As it stand s though, I’m useless at visual art – so perhaps I could be an arts critic?
What was the last record you bought?
Plum – Different Skin. Incredible album.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Bibio. His style, his voice, his guitar. Definitely Bibio.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
I don’t know which gig I’ve played best at, but I certainly had the most fun playing Benbecula Records showcase nights. Always a great crowd and exceptional music.
How important is technology to your creative process?
I’m fairly dependant on it. My creative process is hard-wired into my computer set up and my writing technique hasn’t changed in 10 years. That said, I still write a lot on the guitar or piano first, but the tunes don’t come about until they’re programmed in on the computer.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
I’m fairly sure my sister thinks I just play computer games all the time. But she supports me in whatever I do.
Our Favourites:
The Mast
Relativity
https://youtu.be/z9p47F_I874
Our Secret
Links: Soundcloud
