Dependent Records, a label known for finding rising stars in the electronic music scene and that is exactly what their Septic-series is all about. It focuses on creating new hits rather than compiling existing ones. Acretongue is one of them.

This South African-based project of Nico J. has been featured on two Septic compilations so far. In 2007, just before the label announced the end, he appeared with the track “Hollow v.2″ on Septic VII. Then two years later, after the critically acclaimed re-opening of the label, he returned on Septic VIII with the track “Dragonfly (Nymph)”.

I decided to talk with Nico J. to see what’s going on with his project. When will we see the debut release of Acretongue? Have he been signed to any label? or what can we expect from him in 2011? Continue to read to get the answers on that and more.

Blackvector: Hi there Nico! How are you doing?

Nico: Hi. Doing fine thanks.

Blackvector: Please tell us about your musical project.

Nico: It started roughly around 2002/2003. At the time, I wasn’t taking it too seriously, but it steadily grew into something more. Towards the end of 2004, I released a 6-track demo CDR called “Lowhover”. End of 2006, I sent a demo (which included tracks from “Lowhover” and the album “Nihil”) to Dependent Records. Stefan Herwig then contacted me for a possible appearance on “Septic VII”. Since then, there has been numerous compilation appearances and remixes.

Blackvector: The name Acretongue have a quite nice touch to it. What does it mean and what is the story behind the name?

Nico: When I realized that I should probably pick a name for what I was doing, I struggled picking a name that meant something. I decided to go the other way – pick something that doesn’t mean anything. At the time, I was reading the Terry Pratchett novel “The Carpet People”. In it, there was a character called Acretongue. I thought it had a nice ring to it, as it’s not a word with any meaning and people won’t be able to attach any connotations to it – a blank slate as it were.

Blackvector: Most of what I’ve heard from you so far seems to focus a lot on a strong atmosphere with beautiful soundscapes, which I really like though. How do you describe your music?

Nico: Glad you noticed that. I’ve always been fascinated with the atmosphere that music can create. I love it when you don’t just hear music, but you can feel it as well. It puts another dimension to what you’re listening to. It puts you in another place – That’s what I’m aiming for.

Blackvector: Up to date you have appeared with several remixes for other bands such as Edge Of Dawn, Seabound and Ghost&Writer to name a few – all projects of Frank Spinath. Are Frank a great inspiration for you?

Nico: Yes. I’ve been a fan of Seabound since their first album “No Sleep Demon”. Frank contacted me with the release of “Septic VII” which featured “Hollow”. He really liked it and wanted to know if I had anything else I was willing to share him. I sent him a copy of “Nihil”, and was subsequently asked to do the remix for “Breathe”. I jumped to the opportunity of course. We’ve kept in touch ever since.

Blackvector: But you have also had some of your own songs released, like the excellent “Dragonfly” on the Dependent compilation “Septic VIII”.

Nico: Yes. A lot of people seem to like that track. I was quite surprised by that. As for some other compilation appearances. “Septic VII” featured “Hollow” (as mentioned). And also 2 other tracks, “Estranged” & ”Voyeur” were released on the Endzeit compilations from Alfa Matrix. Seems like I just exist on compilations at the moment. That will hopefully change in the near future.

Blackvector: Which brings us to the question: Are you signed to any label yet? Dependent seems to love your stuff.

Nico: Nope. Not signed yet. Stefan Herwig has been an important part since “Septic VII”. I found him to be very objective when it comes to music. He’ll tell you exactly what works and what doesn’t, and even point things out you didn’t see or think of. I like that. You’re sometimes so close to something, that you don’t see the big picture, and he can put it all in perspective. I have a lot of respect for him and his label.

Blackvector: As announced earlier, you are currently working on an album. What can you tell us about it?

Nico: The album is called “Strange Cargo”. It’s all new material except for two older, reworked tracks, which I thought suited the theme of this album (as a whole), quite well. I think it’s a bit more diverse than my previous work. Lots of atmosphere and very moody.

Blackvector: How far are you in the process?

Nico: The album was completed early November last year. Currently sorting out the final details of the artwork.

Blackvector: What can we expect from Acretongue in 2011? Any planned remixes?

Nico: Well, hopefully the album will be released – that’s my main goal. There’s no remixes planned at the moment, which is actually a blessing, as I can concentrate on the final little details of “Strange Cargo”.

Blackvector: Thank you for your time. Any closing words for this interview?

Nico: Thanks for the interest. It’s been a long time coming, but an Acretongue album will finally see a release this year. Keep well.

Visit the official website of Acretongue or Like on Facebook.
Visit Dependent Records website.