LOR3L3I - Peace by Proxy "A proposed solution as a passive criticism"
- Sparky
- 4 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Heike Langhans is the multitalented creator and driving force that is LOR3L3I. LOR3L3I is a long running solo project that differs greatly from her other vocal performances that include Ison, Remina, Light Field Reverie and of course her time in Draconian. Her rich warm, unmistakeable vocals are set against an electronic back drop that is gentle yet powerful. The debut album Peace by Proxy is a beautiful, wonderfully addictive tapestry of an album that juxtaposes the darkness and light. It contemplates not only the personal but a place in the universe. An album that was a long process to complete
‘’Too long! It started as working on small bits of ideas while writing over the years, but ever since Mike shared his tools and taught me how to get the sounds, I want from them, it all came together much faster in recent years. I don’t think it would have come together at all if not for his hard work and long hours in a thankless field like the technical side of sound. He deserves as much credit here as I do.
What is ‘Peace by Proxy’ as an idea?
‘’The opposite of the term ‘War by Proxy,’ which is deceptive war by indirect means rather than to communicate, compromise and find resolution. It’s one of my biggest issues with the world and people in general, so I’m offering the same notion, but for the positive. A proposed solution as a passive criticism.
It is not just a solo album but a true work of passion with all art music and lyrics Created by yourself.
‘’Absolutely. I have a few creative outlets and far too much imagination. This project started in the late 2000’s when I discovered I could make beeps and bops on a computer to emulate the 80’s and 90’s nostalgia I enjoy listening to. I was pretty trash at it for a while, but I just wanted to express my love for dark, melodic electronic music. Any music project is also a good excuse to create more art of course!
Is it also very different from your other projects?
‘’It undoubtedly caters more to my Goth background and my equal love for electronica or any kind of music where the low-end frequencies and percussion dominate all else really! Our other bands have more defined themes, whereas this project is a repository for a variety of more emotionally charged topics.
It is a very personal/ emotional album?
‘’Definitely. As a chronic over-thinker who struggles to express things without fear of a cataclysm, a platform such as this becomes an outlet or time-capsule. Where I either lament life or articulate philosophical ideas in ways others can relate to. I think it’s a bit of a reflection of my overall straightforward attitude but wrapped up in the vulnerability I don’t show otherwise
At times fragile, others powerful?
‘’This sort of ties in with what I’ve said prior, and I think it comes down to balance. There needs to be both. Balancing light and dark are a big part of my personal ideology. The line between being kind but not allowing yourself to be walked over. This way of thinking does create an ebb and flow between moments of defeat vs. moments of defiance. I think it’s quite evident on this album especially because you get to a point in life where some things just need to get out of you before you poison yourself with what this world has to offer.
Quintessentially darkwave? A genre that you adore?
‘’I just enjoy dark, moody, emotionally driven music and I love hard beats that get me amped to counteract my otherwise slow-motion state of being. Darkwave and EBM has that perfect balance between emotion and aggression. (Outside of the Metal I enjoy)
The inspiration behind the beauty of Opaline Tears?
‘’It’s an epitaph for our best friends who passed away. While still dwelling on the reasons why it’s hard to let go or find closure. A reminder that so many years later, we can still feel the effects of the people we’ve lost in this lifetime. Mike and I both never had the chance to really say goodbye or understand why things happened as they did and this song carries a sentiment so many people can relate to in this situation. I asked Mike to add some guitars to the end of the song, and I think it made for a strong and meaningful end of the album.
Was it always intended this way, or did it evolve over time and circumstance?
‘’My path in life requires so much need for adaptability. Nothing ever really comes out as initially intended, but always for the better (looking back). I think the most important aspect I did manage to maintain, is an unapologetic sense of self-expression. That, and having a lot of fun creating all the weird sounds and melodies I want to.
The importance of creating visual/cosmic landscapes?
‘’10/10 Important. Being able to create an audio-visual backdrop to my inner world and headspace is a necessary form of escapism. I think all sci-fi lovers and psychonauts can relate to that. A love for the unknown and contemplating the mysteries of how this all works. Reaching beyond perceived boundaries tends to go well with the vastness of space and the unseen realms.And for me, the cosmos is the greatest unknown that’s as captivating and mesmerising as it is terrifying. I could look at it all day and I could romanticise it in art all day too!
As an album that was created over time did you find your influences and vocal technique change throughout it?
‘’This is a sort of blind-spot for me because I never think about it. Maybe it’s because I’m stubborn and get so hyper focused on small details, that I’m oblivious to big-picture changes until someone objectively points it out to me. Sometimes I feel like it’s better just to be immersed in your craft and go with the flow. I can definitely feel a change in my overall singing experience the last few years, but that is purely a product of being in studio so much that it starts to feel more comfortable and effortless. In the end I leave it up to the listeners to decide.
The importance of presenting a true expression of oneself through your music or art?
‘’I think more importantly it should be what you want to do and not what you think you should be doing to please people or get attention. For me that means being true to myself and for others it might mean using their imagination to escape themselves. Whatever form that expression takes, I think you really need to feel passionate about it or else it’s not worth the time and energy for long enough to feel truly creatively fulfilling.
Other favourite pieces of art you are currently enjoying? (Books/films etc)
‘’I’m still reading the HALO book series every chance I get along with a few new astronomy books. One is about all the new discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope and the other is a NASA book detailing every space mission up to date, along with its patch designs. In terms of films and series, I am terrible at getting through them at the moment (I just collapse into sleep mode!) but I rewatch both ‘Blade Runner’ films frequently and I’m enjoying the series ‘Foundation’ based on Isaac Asimov’s novels. Also, can’t wait to go see ‘Project Hail Mary’ soon!
Final thoughts and other different projects you are working on?
At the moment I’m finishing vocals/album art for the upcoming Sojourner album and a few collabs/art commissions for friends’ bands. After that we will focus on Light Field Reverie’s next album for the rest of the year.
Top 6 favourite albums of all time?
(Not in keeping with the electronic theme, but that would be a much harder list to compile since I prefer a ‘playlist of gems’ over listening to full albums.)
‘’This list is just short enough to make me panic, because there are at least 5 more albums I enjoy just as much as these.
Tool - Lateralus
Dark Fortress - Ylem
Septic Flesh - Sumarian Daemons
Fields of the Nephilim - Elizium
Pink Floyd - The Final Cut
Draconian - Arcane Rain Fell
Comments