Hekla Magnúsdóttir

hekla thereminvox

Official – hekla.bandcamp.com


What prompted you to play theremin?

I found out about the theremin around 10 years ago. My friend had been playing a bit of theremin and I was so curious that i decided to buy one. At the time I was studying cello but as soon as I acquired the theremin all my interests shifted towards that.

What were your first feelings when you heard the sounds of theremin and where did it happen?

I first heard the theremin when i was living in Portugal, it was a recording of Clara Rockmore playing Valse Sentimentale. I became fascinated with everything about it, the sound, the look, and of course the way it was played.

What is your musical philosophy and what place it occupies a theremin?

I like to try new things and work with sound design. That has worked for me with the theremin, as I’ve recorded a lot of it and added effects and therefor changed the sound of it, both mixing the classic theremin sound with different theremin sounds, It keeps things always interesting, there is so much you can do with it.

Prospects for theremin and its place in modern music space — how you see them? For what qualities you value this tool?

I have been asked to play for so many different styles on both cd’s and in concerts: classical, pop, rap, rock, surf… there is a lot of interest out there and I believe that the theremin still has so much to offer to the music world. There is definitely a place for the theremin in modern music.

Which manufacturer of theremin do you prefer?

I have had 3 Moog theremins and one custom made. I have enjoyed the Moog Etherwave Plus the most.

What you can recommend for beginners thereminists, or those who are just going to start their way of thereminist?

The Moog Etherwave Standard was my first theremin and I recommend it for beginners. Personally, I enjoyed playing with other people, it encouraged me to practice and is a lot of fun.

Comments