Sean Steinfeger w/ Yoni Mayraz
When did you first consciously listen to music?
When I was growing up It was the MTV golden era and I wasn’t really digging the mainstream music of that time. I remember one day I came across a cd of Led Zeppelin II. On the first tune ‘Whole Lotta Love’ there is that long instrumental part, kind of experimental. I thought the disc got stuck or something, and then Jimmy Page’s guitar solo drops. I was around the age of 10. That was a life changing moment for me. I was like- oh music can go hard…
At what age did you start playing the piano and why?
It must have been around the age of 10. My older brother was studying piano so we had one at home. I refused to take lessons myself because I felt it was too nerdy, but I was so fascinated by it that I was just watching him play and studying his hands movement. I even wrote some kind of ‘tabs’ for piano, so that I won’t forget the notes. Eventually I agreed to take proper lessons as well, and it became my passion ever since.
Can you remember your first official gig and share some details about how it went?
Yes, it was a few years ago. It came after a time of me wanting to take a hiatus from writing music, and only playing in other people’s projects. That time was essential for me to gather my powers and when I felt ready the music just poured out of me. The first gig as headliner was frightening. But a lot of people showed up and the band was killing it. Definitely started on the good foot.
When was the moment that you decided to make music for a living and how did your parents react to this?
To be honest, I was kind of bad in every ‘non music’ job I had because I was always thinking about music, and being late to work because I was listening to an album and couldn’t stop half way through, or I was in a sudden burst of inspiration writing a song and every musician knows that when that moment comes you have to embrace it and forget about everything else. After I got fired from a couple of jobs I realised I need to make some money out of music and stop fooling around. Regarding my parents.. they are probably still waiting on me getting a haircut and get a real job:)
What is your personal philosophy of „Jazz“?
I look at Jazz in a very broad way. Not even related to the actual music. A lot of genres can be jazz to me. Also novels, paintings, poetry. It’s something in the essence. The search for freedom I guess.
Name your top 3 living pianists who had the biggest influence on you and your sound.
It’s a tough question because a lot of legends have passed away in recent years.
Definitely Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, and I’ll also add Ryuichi Sakamoto who passed away several months ago. He was and still is a huge influence on me.
Imagine if you had the chance to travel through time and take a few piano lessons from a deceased pianist – who would you choose and why?
It would probably be Paul Bley. The way his music developed throughout his career is truly amazing. He was a true pioneer of free jazz and was one of the first to use synthesisers in a ‘jazz’ setting. I would love to listen to him talk about music. I mentioned Keith Jarrett before. I see Keith’s sound as an evolution of Bley’s sound.
If you could only listen to 3 albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?
I would go for the classics.. Beatles – White Album, Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On?, Miles Davis – Kind of Blue
What inspires you the most when composing new music and how has your recent move to London influenced this?
I guess I’m mostly inspired by my surroundings, naturally. Every place has a different pulse, a different rhythm. London is a unique city, very groovy (and rainy). My next album will reflect some of these urban landscapes. When you bring different backgrounds into a melting pot of sound and culture, that’s when magic happens.
How did you end up being signed by the renowned Astigmatic Records?
I first got to know Astigmatic through the Polish band EABS, I was digging their music and so I became aware of the label as well. They are very forward thinking and uncompromising with their art. I liked that. Later I got to speak to Lukasz, one of the label owners, and he was also familiar with my music. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
If you had a free budget, which living artists would you like to collaborate with?
Perhaps Cardi B, or Rosalia. That could be a vibe.
Which songs/albums are currently on your heavy rotation?
trip9love…??? by Tirzah
Gold by Cleo Sol
Web Max II by Web Web & Max Herre
What can the Berlin audience expect from your upcoming concert at Gretchen on February 10th?
They can expect the same tunes as in my album but stretched into a momentary space in time. Me and the rest of the band, we know how it starts. We never know how and where it’s going to end. That’s why live music is so special.