Catching up with Military Genius

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We caught up with Bryce Cloghesy, A.K.A. Military Genius, for a quickfire questionnaire. The Canadian musician released his brilliant debut album, Deep Web, on 6th March - a solo venture that was recorded on the road between other band commitments; Cloghesy is also a member of multi-media collective Crack Cloud and is involved with other side projects like NOV3L and Blanka. 

The album is, on the whole, lo-fi in its production, with spectral vocals, jazz-influenced structures, and ambient keyboard loops, dispersed with moments of energy in beautiful saxophone and pulsating electronics. The intimacy and experimentalism that is often present in solo projects can tread a fine line between indulgence and virtuosity, and Military Genius is definitely a piece of innovation far from the egotistical. After playing a show for us in Dalston venue SET with cellist Mabe Fratti, we look forward to having him back in London in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future.




Introduce yourself!

B.H.C. (Composer, sax, guitar, Vox, etc.)



What’s your songwriting process?

Different every time, usually beginning with a simple melodic or rhythmic component, then building layers.



Where did the name Military Genius come from?

Life is a battlefield filled with great conflict, peaceful artistic expression is the resolution.



What’s your favourite gig to date?

Sharing a stage with James Chance, Paris fashion week 2019.



And your favourite venue?

Sala Rossa, Montréal.



Best festival experience?

Roskilde 2019, backstage at Travis Scott’s performance.



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And biggest musical / performer heroes?

Ennio Morricone; Suicide; Thelonious Monk



How have you been handling social isolation? Have you got a routine / how are you keeping busy?

Recording music, back alley basketball, strict health regimen.



Best films for isolation?

Wings of Desire by Wim Wenders. Throne of Blood by Akira Kurosawa.



And have you read any good books recently?

Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead by Olga Tokarczuk



A song you wish you’d written?

Boogie Stop Shuffle by Charles Mingus



The best song for cheering up or your favourite party song?

Bring Da Ruckus by Wu-Tang Clan



Your favourite song that you’ve written?

Unreleased

Words by Maddy O’Keefe

Keith MillerComment