Fred Und Luna: The ‘Monday Is Okay’ Mix
There is an enchanting intrigue to the musical personality of Rainer Buchmüller, his sound diverse and rooted in obscure electronics. Under the alias of Fred Und Luna he produces gorgeous ambient soundscapes alongside traditionally inspired krautrock. Having released previously on Optimo, the turn of this year saw him feature on a newly formed record label belonging to Frank Wiedemann, perhaps better known as one of the founders of the Innervisions record label.
We were delighted to receive an early introduction to the project which has now led to his contribution to our Monday mix series. Get lost and read the interview below, introducing Fred Und Luna.
Please introduce yourself…
Hallo, we are Fred und Luna
Who are you, where are you and what are you?
We are two mannequins living in a fashion boutique in Karlsruhe/Germany, thinking about music most of the time ‒ preferably staying in the “Klanggarten” behind the boutique, enjoying the sounds of nature. Outside the boutique, especially on live shows, we are represented by Sugar Ray Buckmiller as Fred … and an always changing Luna of his choice. Ray is also responsable for putting our musical ideas on paper.
What does your music sound like?
Luna: Moony, but also flourish, sometimes a bit baroque
Fred: Melodic, repetitive, appolonian
Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?
How would you define ambient music and what does it mean to you?
Fred: Ambient music is music that reminds me of Brian Eno, always, it provides a very comfortable feeling.
Luna: Dance music for the mind.
Can you remember your earliest introduction to electronic music?
Fred: “Morgenspaziergang” by Kraftwerk, the B-side of the “Autobahn”-7 inch. A mixture of Klangcollage and natural instruments. Its melodic simplicity and spirit of optimism still fascinate me. A perfect way to start the day.
Luna: Same as Fred. We shared and still love to share this experience together
Tell us about the Monday mixtape you’ve put together for us.
Luna: It’s a potpourri of music made by friends …
Fred: … “Baronin E” from Karlsruhe, “Lazaros” from Cologne, “Elektroshrimps” and “Künstler Treu” from Berlin. You will also hear some previously unreleased Fred und Luna music. All songs are basically removed from the dancefloor, nevertheless you can dance to them …
Luna: … at least in your mind
If it were to be drawn what would it look like?
Fred: Like a view at the world …
Luna: … through an open window
If it were a food what would it be?
Luna: Mannequins don’t eat, so we don’t have an idea of how food tastes. In terms of food colour I would say: any colour
Fred: Preferably blue
What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?
Fred: It’s basically music to drive by: on a train, in an electric car …
Luna: … or in your mind
What should we be wearing?
Luna: A headphone
Fred: A wig
Where was it recorded?
Luna: In Ray’s “Raum für Notizen” in Karlsruhe. Ray did most of the technical work while we chipped in the inspiration
Are you on the same wavelength as the “Boomtown Rats” or do you actually like Mondays?
Fred: Why should we dislike Mondays? We love Mondays. We even once considered to call ourselves “The Moontown Rats”
Luna: Monday, of course, is my favourite day of the week
Who got you hooked on electronic music?
Fred: We have always had an affection for electronic music. But mainly it was Ray who brought us closer to it. Many years ago he was playing some wonderful electronic pieces on a fashion show in our boutique and, as he told us later, was very much inspired by our presence.
Luna: Yes, Ray fell in love with us, and we fell in love with him and with electronic music
Who would you say are your biggest influences and what are you hoping to achieve with your music?
Fred: Again, it’s Ray. He has this vast record collection with all kinds of music, especially electronic, melodic and repetitive music from all decades. That’s where we get most of our inspiration from.
Luna: Our aim? Well, as long as we can induce people to take some time and listen to music instead of hastening through the world, we are happy
Follow Fred Und Luna on Facebook HERE.
