I had just got on a train to Leeds when we received the forthcoming album from guSHee in our Inhabit inbox . After I seen the list of people backing these people I didn’t hesitate to put my headphones on and have a listen. I was impressed instantly by the cosmic, FlyLo-esk synths and the static sound of a vinyl needle at the beginning of the opening track ‘When I Think Of You…Sunshine’. The album went on to feel like a journey throughtout and after a second listen and speaking to them I began to grasp this sense even more.
Gushee are two producers, one from Brooklyn, NY via Maryland and the other from Toronto via Grenada.The experimental hip hop turntablist Cheldon Paterson connects with the soulful voiced button pusher Vanese Smith, both citing Portishead, Bjork and Herbert as influences. Creating and performing music under their aliases Pro-Ef and Pursuit Grooves, they decided to bring their specialties together to create a lush rhythmical dreamscape that surrounds you with equal parts love and bump. Mixing live recorded synth arrangements with meticulous drum programming, GuSHee creates an electronic wonderland. These nine tracks on their self-titled debut LP will take you to the evening happy hour, the late night cuddle to the morning sunrise and back again.
Inhabit: Can you start by telling us who GuSHee are?
We are the embodiment of love and enthusiasm. Two artist who enjoy creating music that tells stories at the same time.
Inhabit:Tell us a bit about both of your musical backgrounds.
Cheldon: I am a self taught turntable musician and composer with a background in improvisation sound art and theatre.
Vanese: I attended a performing arts school where I majored in theatre and as an adult focused on music. This project allows me to bring them all together.
Inhabit: How would you describe your sound?
Cheldon: We both have unique styles and approaches to creating music. With my experience in turntable chemistry and PG’s love for soul and bass, sharing a common love for the trip hop sounds of the early 90’s, we combine all of those elements to create a soulful lush rhythmical journey.
Inhabit: Where do you take influence from?
Nature and the energy around us.
Inhabit: What do you both use to produce?
Cheldon: Digital recording devices to gather found sounds, a drum machine, loop pedal, effects pad and software to sequence.
Vanese: Some rotating synths, my trusty sampler and a very simple but effectively used software sequencer. And my voice when it wants to be my friend.
Inhabit: How did the both of you meet?
That old school chat room called Myspace.
Inhabit: How does the collaboration work being so far apart?
We found that we created best when we were in the same room so we traveled back and forth a lot.
Inhabit: How do you blend sound with performing arts in your live shows?
Costume, atmosphere, props and movement. Our aim is to tickle not just one but all of your senses… including smell even! We try to create a dynamic performance experience that leaves an emotional and inspirational stamp. We feel that being on stage is a huge responsibility so we strive to use it to its full potential.
Inhabit: You had support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Red Bull Music Academy and I-D magazine. How does it feel to have this sort of backing?
We are so appreciative of any one who understands and supports what we do.
Inhabit: You both produce individually under the names Pursuit Grooves and Pro-Ef. Are their any similarities and differences from both of your solo material to the collaboration?
Vanese: We both love percussion and drum arrangements. That usually comes first for both of us in many instances. We don’t mind experimenting with sound. Pro-Ef tends to be more cinematic and forward thinking while I can get a bit club heavy. I’m also exploring where my voice can go with this project.
Inhabit: Vanese released an LP on Pinch’s Tectonic label under her Pursuit Grooves alter ego. How did that come about?
Vanese: Myspace again. I sent a message and he listened. He like what he heard even though it was different from anything he had released previously.
Inhabit: Can you tell us a little bit about ‘Chameleon Coat’ and what the concept is behind that?
Cheldon: Chameleon Coat is the second installment of a series I call the Compression Chamber. Lately I have been interested in composing scores and I wanted to approach this project a bit different. Building upon the idea of telling stories through music.
Inhabit: The album is being released on Pro Ef’s label Otnorot. Did that just feel like that was a natural progression?
We felt it was important to have complete control over the product. Plus Otnorot follows the ethos of presenting projects that stretch the imagination.
Inhabit: What are your plans for 2011?
Festivals. Movie scores. Gallery shows. Collaborations. Communications. Spreading Love.
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