A Conversation with Theddra on Time, Silence and Emotion
Some music asks for attention. Other music asks for time.
Under the name Theddra, Ben Curzon creates ambient soundscapes shaped by slowness, silence, and lived experience. In this conversation, he reflects on his relationship with time, the origins of his ambient project, and the importance of creating without chasing numbers, trends, or outcomes.
Who are you ?
A collection of stardust formally known as Ben Curzon, currently living in Brighton, UK.
How did you get into music? What is your musical background?
Thumbing through my parents’ modest vinyl collection as a child and fixating upon the Blondie records was likely the dawning of my music discovery. With the 80s breakdance scene, came compilation cassettes filled with electro, Bambaataa, Melle Mel, Beat Street and the like. From there, it was a natural gravitation toward East Coast hip hop such as Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim.
As a young teen in the ’90s, there was something of a detour into British shoegaze, goth and indie rock fringes, which also inspired me to pick up a guitar. These formative years probably had the deepest impact on the timbre of my palette, opening a gateway into the golden era of Warp Records electronica, dub, DnB and a light sprinkle of trip-hop.
In terms of making music, I formed my first indie band at 16, alongside a side project feeding toy keyboards through guitar pedals. Then more incarnations of post-trip-hop/shoegaze bands, before taking a shortcut into larger live venues via playing guitar for already-signed acts and solo artists.
How did your ambient project begin ?
My relationship with ambient music had always been closer to the dance scene. However, spending hours trying to lull my children to sleep as babies, often holding a phone playing hour-long tracks on the Insight Timer app, opened my eyes to the world of sleep and meditation music. I’d stepped away from music-making for a while, and the idea of creating something similar in both short and long-form layered ambience felt inviting. I was drawn to the idea of immersive dynamics and sound design that creates atmosphere and emotion, all fed by the sound palette created in earlier life.
Where does the name/pseudonym of your music project come from?
Theddra – it’s my own Greeklish word for ‘Trees’. They are strength, wisdom and connection. Don’t be afraid to hug them. You probably need to, so go do it now.
How did you get into ambient music? What did you like about this style of music?
An old friend was the catalyst back in the ’90s, introducing me to artists like Harold Budd, Pete Namlook, Global Communication and The Irresistible Force. I also spent a lot of time watching MTV’s Chill Out Zone, listening to The KLF’s Chill Out, and returning frequently to Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians.
Fast forward to the mid-2020s, I’m older, probably not much wiser, but certainly more contemplative. I produce and experiment with other styles, but also enjoy producing calming, rich, layered ambience. I love building textures, weaving together soaring sounds, and creating subtle dynamics, depth and melody.
Does ambient music accompany you in your everyday life? What role does it play?
I’ll use it to bookend my days. I’ll have something warm and calming playing in the morning when the children get up and almost always something to ease into sleep in the evening.
What tools do you use to compose music?
Ableton 10, Wavetable, Hagstrom Viking, Fender Baritone, Fender Jaguar, Eventide Blackhole.
What is your view of today’s independent music scene?
I’m quite removed in a lot of ways, so don’t want to vocalise some half-informed opinion. I like how much more accessible creating and publishing music has become, but of course with that has come something of a content saturation. Ultimately, creating is essential for the human soul, expression and connection. Chasing numbers is not.
What’s new with you, and what are your upcoming projects?
I’ve been intending to make a very long-form ambient composition à la The KLF’s Chill Out or Vladislav Delay’s Anima. Something with a narrative and chapters of sound. Perhaps in collaboration. Then of course I’ve also got a mind full of fanciful other projects I’ll likely not find time to realise.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theddra_being
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/04xCJXpI3inkzNSU3noKIq
Bandcamp : theddra.bandcamp.com
