Dear readers, we are pleased to offer you in this article an interview with a German composer and multi-instrumentalist who offers Psychedelic Space/Acid Rock and Krautrock sounds. We welcome Eugen Kohl a.k.a. Multispektrum.
Hi Eugen, it’s a pleasure to have you among our pages, how are you?
“Hello Jacopo, thank you for inviting me to this interview. I’m happy to be here.“
You are a composer and multi-instrumentalist, how did your passion for music come about?
“I realized very early on that I have a special connection to music. As a child, I was fascinated by analog sound technology and the old reel-to-reel tape recorder my family owned. This passion has stayed with me ever since. I always had an unusual taste in music, which was very different from that of my friends and other people. Simple, easily digestible, and commercially oriented music never appealed to me because it often doesn’t feel authentic or honest to me. In my early school years, I started collecting audio cassettes, and as digital technology advanced and became more widespread, I quickly began creating my own music projects. At first, these were simple, experimental works, mostly in the field of electronic music. Later, I taught myself to play guitar—without music lessons, YouTube videos (which didn’t exist back then), or any other help. I progressed quickly, and once I was able to record complete songs—although they were simple at first—I spent a lot of time coming up with new songs, trying out new ideas, and experimenting. It was always important to me to do everything independently and without external influences or compromises. This meant that I also had to learn the other instruments needed for recording. Over time, I gradually built my own small studio, where I still spend a lot of time today. My most important motto, to do everything on my own, remains unchanged. Although there were a few collaborations in the past, I quickly returned to working entirely alone. Music has always been, and remains, an essential and significant part of my life that defines me as a person.“
Your project Multispektrum offers Acid, Psychedelic Space and Krautrock sounds, how did you get into these musical genres?
“I’m very open to new things and don’t limit myself to a specific genre. In the past, I’ve released many works in Metal (Sinister Downfall, Necrochaos, and others), Industrial (Urschmerz, Dark Fields), and Doom (Crypt Witch, Coven Spell, Devil Leaf, Kosmik Sun). Many genres have become very structured and follow rigid principles. This often leads to repetition over time. In contrast, jam-like recordings in this specific genre offer immense freedom, aside from abstract art music. There’s no need to follow a specific structure or make the music overly diverse. For me, the atmosphere of the music is far more important than typical genre-related elements. The hypnotic, trance-like atmosphere and the freedom in artistic design make this genre so exciting to me. It’s not about rules or fixed structures but about experimenting with sounds and emotions. Early on, I was drawn to instrumental music because it allows instruments alone to fill the entire space without requiring a human voice. This genre, among others, is perfect for expressing oneself without boundaries.“
What are your main sources of inspiration in this regard?
“Even if it may sound a bit clichéd: My true source of inspiration comes from within myself. While other artists and musical styles influence me, my music ultimately comes from a deeply personal place. This is also why I find it difficult to collaborate with other musicians. I often have a very clear concept in mind, which I want to implement precisely and without compromise. For me, this is the only true way to create art, which applies not only to music but also to other forms of expression.“
The new album ‘Spektrum 0’ was released on December 17, 2024, how would you describe this work?
“I find it difficult to describe my own music accurately. Multispektrum is about creating hypnotic, atmospheric music that takes the listener on a journey without a predictable beginning, end, or stops along the way. My goal is to create a soundscape with minimal means, a kind of protective cocoon. I put a lot of emphasis on small, subtle details that need to be consciously perceived and might be lost with casual listening, as is often the case in the streaming era. The guiding
principle of my work is maximal minimalism, which is also reflected in the artwork: as much as necessary, as little as possible.“
Two long tracks make up the tracklist, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“I usually have a very clear idea of the direction the music should take. Specifically for Multispektrum, I start by recording the drums to pave the way since drums play a significant role in this genre. Next, I record the bass to achieve the right hypnotic sound. This creates the essential foundation. The guitar then expands the soundscape and adds trippy dynamics to the composition. My creative process is very intuitive. I follow my vision of how the pieces should develop and let the moment guide me.“
Since it is a one-man band, will there be a chance to hear your music live or is it a studio-only project?
“Live performances are not an option for me because I see music as a deeply personal experience that I prefer to explore alone in the studio. I live a very reclusive life, don’t attend concerts myself, and simply don’t feel comfortable on stage. It’s just not in my nature, as I see music as an intimate and personal form of expression that I best realize alone.“
Germany is a major exponent of Progressive and Psychedelic Rock sounds, how do you see the modern scene in your country and more generally in your genre?
“Yes, absolutely. I think Germany and neighboring countries play a very important role in this genre. Just think of Sula Bassana, especially Electric Moon, Speck from Austria, or Samsara Blues Experiment. These are excellent examples, but great music can be found worldwide, regardless of geographic boundaries.“
How difficult, if at all, is it to make a name for yourself with a more sophisticated genre like yours?
“It’s hard to say because my goal has never been to gain recognition. For me, the creative work itself is the priority.
Of course, I’m pleased as a musician when other people share my taste in music and feel moved by my work. However, I neither have the time nor the interest to actively build a larger fan base. Instead, I prefer to dedicate my time to producing music, which is the true core of my work.“
What advice would you give to young artists approaching music by proposing Psychedelic and Space Rock sounds like yours?
“Stay true to yourself and follow your own path. Authenticity is what makes music unique and touching.“
Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside music?
“In addition to creating visual art for my musical projects, I spend a lot of time on literature and philosophy. I am an active strength athlete and have been for many years.“
I thank Eugen for the interview and wish him all the best for the continuation of his artistic career.
“Thank you for taking the time, and until next time!“
Purchase the new album on Bandcamp: https://multispektrum.bandcamp.com/track/spektrum-02
