Thinking in Sound: Why Gordian Gleiß Seeks Out New Sounds
Gordian Gleiß, founder and managing partner of music production agency 86Tales GmbH, is a distinguished name in the music industry, combining his roles as managing partner at 86Tales GmbH, music producer, music supervisor, and creative problem solver. With an innate love for music and an eclectic taste in genres, Gordian has made a lasting impact on the contemporary film music landscape.
As the driving force behind 86Tales GmbH, Gordian's innovative thinking and extensive industry experience has allowed him to build a strong and versatile team, consistently delivering high-quality music productions. His expertise as a music supervisor has been showcased through numerous collaborations, where he skillfully marries visuals and sound to create memorable and impactful experiences for audiences worldwide.
Known for his lively personality and ever-evolving sense of style, Gordian, once a proud ginger, has embraced change and transformation throughout his life. His ability to adapt and grow has undoubtedly contributed to his success in the fast-paced world of music.
In this feature, Gordian Gleiß shares his world of music and sound with LBB.
LBB> When you’re working on a new brief or project, what’s your typical starting point? How do you break it down and how do you like to generate your ideas or response?
Gordian> My typical starting point is to gather as much information as possible about the project and the client's needs and goals. From there, I like to break down the project into smaller parts and brainstorm ideas and solutions for each one. I'm always looking for ways to incorporate new instruments, plug-ins, and production techniques to create something fresh and unique.
LBB> Music and sound are in some ways the most collaborative and interactive forms of creativity - what are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer to work solo or with a gang - and what are some of your most memorable professional collaborations?
Gordian> I think collaboration is an essential part of the creative process, especially when it comes to music and sound. While I do enjoy working solo, some of my most memorable professional collaborations have been with other musicians and producers who bring their own unique perspectives and skills to the table.
LBB> What’s the most satisfying part of your job and why?
Gordian> For me, the most satisfying part of my job is when I'm able to create something that resonates with people on a deep emotional level. Knowing that I've been able to use sound and music to connect with someone in a meaningful way is incredibly rewarding.
LBB> As the advertising industry changes, how do you think the role of music and sound is changing with it?
Gordian> I think the role of music and sound in advertising is becoming more important than ever, as brands look for ways to create emotional connections with their audiences. With the rise of social media and new technologies, there are more opportunities than ever before to incorporate music and sound into advertising campaigns in creative and innovative ways.
LBB> Who are your musical or audio heroes and why?
Gordian> Some of my musical heroes include Tim Hecker, Caterina Barbieri, Autechre, Grouper, and William Basinski. I admire their technical skill and their ability to create experimental and boundary-pushing music that challenges the listener.
LBB> And when it comes to your particular field, are there any particular ideas or pioneers that you go back to frequently or who really influence your thinking about the work you do?
Gordian> I'm always looking for new ideas and inspiration in my field, but some pioneers that have had a significant impact on my thinking include Brian Eno, Steve Reich, and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
LBB> When you’re working on something that isn’t directly music (lets say going through client briefs or answering emails) - are you the sort of person who needs music and noise in the background or is that completely distracting to you? What are your thoughts on ‘background’ sound and music as you work?
Gordian> I do find it helpful to have some background noise or music playing when I'm working on tasks that don't require my full attention, like going through client briefs or answering emails. However, when I'm working on something that requires deep concentration and focus, I prefer to work in silence.
LBB> I guess the quality of the listening experience and the context that audiences listen to music in has changed over the years. There’s the switch from analogue to digital and now we seem to be divided between bad-ass surround-sound immersive experiences and on-the-go, low quality sound (often the audio is competing with a million other distractions) - how does that factor into how you approach your work?
Gordian> The changing landscape of listening experiences and contexts definitely influences how I approach my work. I always try to keep in mind the various ways in which audiences might be experiencing the music or sound that I'm creating, and how it will need to work in different environments and formats.
LBB> On a typical day, what does your ‘listening diet’ look like?
Gordian> On a typical day, my listening diet varies depending on what I'm working on and what my mood is. I'm constantly discovering new music and sounds through various channels, from Spotify playlists to radio shows to recommendations from friends and colleagues. I like to challenge myself to listen to new and different genres of music to broaden my horizons and inspire new ideas.
LBB> Do you have a collection of music and what shape does it take (are you a vinyl nerd, do you have hard drives full of tunes, are you a hyper-organized Spotify-er…)?
Gordian> Yes, I definitely have a collection of music, both physical and digital. I love the tangibility and warmth of vinyl, but I also appreciate the convenience and flexibility of digital formats. I'm a hyper-organized Spotify user and have playlists for different moods and occasions, as well as folders on my computer and hard drives for specific projects and collaborations.
LBB> Outside of the music world, what sort of art or topics really excite you and do you ever relate that back to music?
Gordian> I'm particularly interested in art and design, architecture, and technology. I find that there are many interesting intersections between these fields and music, and I'm always looking for ways to incorporate those influences into my work. I'm also interested in philosophy and spirituality, and how those concepts can be expressed through sound and music.
LBB> Let’s talk travel! It’s often cited as one of the most creatively inspiring things you can do - I’d love to know what are the most exciting or inspiring experiences you’ve had when it comes to sound and music on your travels?
Gordian> While I haven't had any specific travel experiences related to sound and music, I have been inspired by the different sounds and rhythms of different cultures and regions. I find that experiencing new environments and cultures can help to broaden my understanding and appreciation of music and sound.
LBB> As we age, our ears change physically and our tastes evolve too, and life changes mean we don’t get to engage in our passions in the same intensity as in our youth - how has your relationship with music changed over the years?
Gordian> As I've grown and evolved as a musician and producer, my relationship with music has become even more passionate and dedicated. While my tastes and interests have certainly evolved over time, my love for music and the power of sound to connect with people remains as strong as ever. I'm constantly seeking out new and different sounds and techniques to incorporate into my work, and I believe that my passion for music will continue to grow and evolve throughout my life.
