Interviews...

The Echo 12 December 2002.

Local musician explores experimental rock.

Compared to the vocal style of Jim Morrison, Burlington independent musician Sean Altrui is a self-proclaimed underground artist who experiments with a wide variety of music.

Originally from Rutland, Vt., Altrui moved to Burlington nine years ago.

"I enjoy living in Burlington because of its liberal atmosphere, its proximity to several major cities and the scenery," Altrui says.

Altrui says that while he has been involved in music for as long as he can remember, he just recently began recording solo material. Altrui says he played with artists Jenn Karson and Bad Ju Ju before he started working on his own career.

St. Michael's Director of liturgical music Jerome Monachino says he played on Altrui's album.

"I remember the first time I heard the track I was going to play over, it was an instantly recognizable zone," Monachino says. "Sean's music offers a deliciously familiar deep zone that I find completely accessible, and a bit cathartic."

Altrui released his first EP in August and says the album received attention in Australia and Germany. He says although he isn't currently touring, he hopes to keep things progressing.

"There is a bit of activity now in Australia and Germany, as well as some college radio support in parts of the US," Altrui says. "I would say I'm more focused on things developing gradually."

I noticed on your site that your music is compared with The Doors and others, why do you think this is?

Altrui: I think singers with deep voices are almost always compared to The Doors / Jim Morrison. They seem to be the first point of reference. That came up in every review. The Doors, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Bauhaus, Morphine, Joy Division etc. The common elements with these are baritone singers and darker-themed music. In that way, I suppose those comparisons are fair. How do you classify your music - I see Rock / Experimental on the site, is that accurate?

Altrui: For the most part. I do like to experiment a fair amount, and am always looking to combine different sounds and varied instrumentation. And there's certainly nothing wrong with some heavy guitars every now and then. Do you play the guitar, or any other instruments?

Altrui: In addition to vocals, I play hand drums, and can play keyboards and guitar a bit. Enough to be able to write songs anyway. Do you do everything solo or are there others involved?

Altrui: There are definitely others involved. I wrote the songs, and obviously played a lot on the EP. There were seven other musicians that took part in the recording process at various times. Mark Knuffke, Rob Jones, Carl Doty, Lee Gillies, Felix Anderson, Jerome Monachino, and Peter Engisch. Pete is the owner and engineer at Ad Astra Recording, where the recording and mixing took place. The two of us also co-produced the release, and Lane Gibson did the mastering at Charles Eller Studios. What is your favorite thing about composing music?

Altrui: The freedom of expression. Who do you feel influenced your music career?

Altrui: There are many influences; Pink Floyd / Roger Waters, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Loreena McKennitt, Mark Lanegan, Critters Buggin', Tranquilizer Jones, Stuart Paton, and the list goes on. If you could play with one musician, who would it be?

Altrui: That is kind of difficult to answer. There are many, but if I had to choose today I would say either Jeff Burrows, or Mack Lebo. What do your parents think about your music?

Altrui: They are very supportive, although admittedly it's not their cup of tea, so to speak. What's your favorite place to play?

Altrui: It's hard to pick a favorite, as all venues offer something different. Valencia is a nice, intimate setting. I couldn't really say there was a venue that I disliked.

- Kate Stoodley · e-mail: kstoodley@smcvt.edu · website: journalism.smcvt.edu/echo

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