Interview: William Maybelline (Qual)
The eagerly awaited return of Qual to Brazil marked one of the highlights of this year’s Wave Festival. The solo project of William Maybelline, a member of Lebanon Hanover, took the exclusive stage at Madame Club for two unique performances on July 7th and 8th. This triumphant comeback marked the artist’s first appearance at the festival since 2016, promising a distinctive and captivating experience for the audience.
In this exclusive interview, Maybelline shares insights into his music and creative processes. From the origin of the name “Qual” and its enigmatic significance to the influence of the unique circumstances of COVID-19 on his album “Tenebris In Lux,” the conversation delved into the layers behind the artist’s sonic evolution.
JS: Could you explain the meaning or symbolism behind the name “Qual”? What led you to choose this name, and how does it resonate with your music?
WM: When I first choose the name I had no idea thats what it meant in Portuguese, as I only learned of this word in German which is actually the old German word for: “torture/torment/agony”. I think it’s a straight forward word of such meaning that resonates with the music naturally.
JS: Your music videos often feature striking and evocative visuals that complement the themes in your music. How do you approach the creative process when crafting visuals for Qual’s songs and how do you see the relationship between music and visuals in conveying your artistic message?
WM: My wife and I bounce many ideas, sometimes it’s just a drop of an idea and we work it up. My wife has amazing talent with visual ideas and also amazing at installation bringing objects together an building things that are very fitting for the videos. Some times the visuals are just extensions of the meaning of the songs.
JS: Considering that “Tenebris In Lux” was written during the first COVID-19 lockdown and marks a shift in your music, as well as being the first album released under your own label, can you tell me more about the creative process behind this album? How did the unique circumstances of the lockdown influence the themes and soundscapes on the record, and what motivated you to establish your own label for its release?
WM: I just went Kaos Magick mode, everything and all it’s the closest thing I ever did related to my long time devotion to Coil (I don’t know if you pick up any resemblance) but during lockdown I just decided that I’d be very free and let anything flow... I mean, I usually do this but it felt different during this mad apocalyptic zombie lockdown.
JS: You’ve been to Brazil twice for shows, once in 2016 and again in 2023. Could you share the most notable differences between these two experiences? Was there anything that particularly surprised you on both occasions?
WM: I can’t say anything different, I was approached both times with the most warm loving intimate fans and I greatly feel this and deeply appreciate.
JS: As an artist with evident admiration for Coil and a clear interest in industrial music, exemplified by your following of other early industrial and neofolk artists on Instagram, it’s intriguing to explore the depth of your influences in this genre. Additionally, your work has prominently showcased influences from ’80s EBM artists like Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb. Given this wide spectrum of inspirations, ranging from early industrial pioneers to ’80s EBM acts, can you elaborate on how these diverse influences have shaped your artistic journey and musical evolution? How do you approach the process of incorporating these various influences into your own unique sound, while maintaining your distinct musical identity?
WM: Well, regarding these bands I just learned what equipment they used, along with some deep listening and my approach of imitating what I felt was the most moving parts of the songs from them and just rolling with that… I never try to be exactly like anything.
JS: Could you offer some insights into your current creative direction and any upcoming projects you have in the pipeline? Are there any specific themes, styles, or concepts that you’re excited to explore in your future releases? Moreover, could you share a glimpse into your creative process when it comes to crafting new songs and albums?
WM: I have lately been dropping my tempo, like new beat speed. I get inspired by movie soundtracks, crating songs is as simple as choosing one of my synths and just letting it flow, it can even start with a melody or bass riff. I rarely write the beat first. And sometimes Iam starting bass riffs on my eurorack/modular system alot of the time I’m going crazy over making a ripping bassline… All my life it’s been the bassline for me hence I also write bass riffs in Lebanon Hanover. This has been a cool interview. Thanks for the questions! Love to all my Brazilian fans ❤️
