E.S. Posthumus
Music from Off the Map

"...Some of the best music minds have tried to classify our sound and none of them can agree. If they haven't figured it out, I certainly never will. " Helmut Vonlichten (E.S. Posthumus)

ON THE SUCCESS OF UNEARTHED

CC: Have you been surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response to your first release, UNEARTHED?

Helmut Vonlichten: Absolutely... Unearthed was a personal experiment. My brother and I had talked about fusing electronica, world beats, ethnic instruments, choir and orchestra for years. We felt that it It was an original concept, and therefore, we didn't have a pre-existing musical template to follow or compare it to. We had no idea if our experiment would appeal to anyone, ourselves included. Our first run of CD's was under 1,000 and we figured that we would sell maybe 11 and the other 989 would end up as coasters. Thankfully, we were wrong.

CC: It's been some 7 years since UNEARTHED was released (wide) how have things changed for you both since?

Helmut Vonlichten:  I think it's about validation... as an artist you really have to follow your instincts and stay true to yourself. However, like most artists, we can become insecure...particularly if no one is raving about our artwork. So, you fight this inner urge to conform to what you think people want to experience. With any luck, you don't compromise yourself and eventually you find your audience.


Fan submitted question: Max asks, "Out of all the things you've learned and experienced while conceiving of and creating your music, and watching it grow in popularity and recognition; what is the single lesson or event that stands out the most?"

Helmut Vonlichten:  Document and record every creative idea.... then, wait at least 24 hours before you listen again and judge it's merits. Some of our best work was created on a whim and not immediately recognized as noteworthy.


CC: How would you classify your music?

Helmut Vonlichten:  I don't think I can. Some of the best music minds have tried to classify our sound and none of them can agree. If they haven't figured it out, I certainly never will.



Fan submitted question: Mike asks, "Many of your songs use ethnic percussion as a backdrop to the orchestra, choir, and electronics. What musical inspirations did you have that led to this unique medley?"

Helmut Vonlichten:  If you listen to music from India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Morocco you will hear amazing contrasts between locale percussive elements and typical western instrumentation. This juxtaposition is very entrancing specifically when poly-rhythmic motifs are incorporated into the arrangements. We find "beauty in contrasts" and so the idea of borrowing this approach was appealing to us.

ON THEIR WORK FOR CBS

CC: How did your music come be used as the theme music for the NFL ON CBS?

Helmut Vonlichten:  CBS actually approached us and commissioned a theme (Posthumus Zone). They wanted to replace their existing theme which had been used for something like 25 years. It was a challenge because the theme had to be identifiable to a listener within five seconds. So, you don't have a lot of time to develop a melodic idea.... you basically have five notes to brand the tune.. Somehow, we pulled it off. My brother and I are big football fans. We are thrilled to have the theme.



CC: What is the story behind the single "Unstoppable"?

Helmut Vonlichten:  Again, another CBS commission. They wanted to film an opening for the 2008 AFC Championship and use an orchestra as a metaphor for a football team.  As individuals, we are ineffective and underwhelming. As a team, with a strong leader (quarterback and conductor) and an effective strategy (a playbook and a music score) we become "Unstoppable".




 

Continue the interview (Page 2)