Interview with the Creator of Sexsonica: Jaime Portal Luchini

Megan (Interviewer) - We are in the studio with the creator of Sexsonica, Jaime Portal Luchini. Hello Jaime... we would like to talk a little about Sexualsong and how it first started off. Can you tell us how Sexsonica first began?

Jaime Portal Luchini (JPL) - It began in 2004, after experimenting and finding out more about different software for creating and editing music, also using synthesizers and different samplers. We noticed that there wasn't really much out there that mixed music with sex, or erotic music made with arrangements, melodies, and harmonies designed specifically with that in mind.

Megan - What kind of people do you think listen to Sexsonica the most?

JPL - It's pretty much 50% men and 50% women. They really don't come from any specific place, since the music is purchased from people that live all over the world.

Megan - As of right now, you have 3 albums and also a compilation album. Do you plan on making Sexualsong 4?

JPL - Yes, most likely. But right now I am recording my second personal album which is under my name, not Sexsonica. My last album was recorded in 2004. I do hope to finish this album within a few months, which also has some influences from Sexsonica. After I finish I would like to start working on the 4th album for Sexsonica, keeping a variety of styles and rhythms. For example, in Sexualsong 2, the song "Lounge" has an asymmetric meter of seven octaves but it is still easy to listen to. We also use elements, such as the sitar and Oriental scales, taken from music from other parts of the world like Japan or the Middle East. We have even done very minimalist things such as in the song "Pleasure Yourself Again".

Megan - What was the most complicated or favorite song for you to compose?

JPL - There actually isn't a particular one that comes to mind for being more complicated than the rest. Almost all of them have the same level of difficulty. Although, one of the most intricate songs was from Sexualsong 2, "Lounge" because of the meter. This is one of the songs that I like the most. "Dreaming", from the same album, is also one of my favorites. In Sexualsong 3 I have a few favorites, like "Forest Date" which has a very clear and defined melody. "Sexual Fashion Shop" and "Sensual Escape" are also included in my favorites. I plan on recording "Sensual Escape" again for my own personal album, and remixing it into a new version, and adding a few lyrics.

Megan - What style of music would you say Sexsonica is?

JPL - There is not an exact style. It could vary between pop and electronica, like ambient or trip hop or avant-garde. There is also some rock, ethnic or.......mostly electronica music.

Megan - What is your first musical memory?

JPL - The first musical memory in my life was the Beatles, and after that, the classic rock groups like Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. I also used to watch videos on a t.v. show that was one of the first shows that played music video clips.

Megan - How do you start composing a song?

JPL - Usually I start with the keyboards to create a melody. Although, if I already have an idea for a rhythm then I write that first and then start imagining what kind of harmony it could have. A few melodies could also come into play for the song. How I compose for Sexsonica is a little different than when I compose for my personal albums.

Megan - What kind of environment do you like to be in while creating your music?

JPL - In a very tranquil, intimate and isolated place. But it has happened before that a song has come from a dream. I had to wake up quickly and write it or record it before I forgot.

Megan - What inspires you the most?

JPL - For Sexsonica, it depends on the song and how the melody and rhythm are developing. Some songs portray images that come to my mind like the night, city, people, and lights while other songs are from nature, calmness, and landscape. Each song has a different type of inspiration. Many artists also inspire me, from the 60's up until today.

Megan - What do you want people to feel when they listen to your songs?

JPL - People are free to feel and imagine what they want to when they listen. Music is the biggest way to express any feeling or emotion. They can listen to it and use it for the most intimate moments, or if they just want to listen to it while getting together with friends.