We caught up with Lisn artist Joel Garnier – responsible for some fine ambient and atmospheric pieces on the Lisnmusic site. Originally from Strasbourg in France, Joel now lives in Menasha, Wisconsin.
Listen to Joel Garnier’s catalogue available through Lisnmusic
What is your musical background?
I began by playing a banjo that was left behind at our house between age 10 and 15. I also had a nylon string acoustic that was decent. Later I stumbled upon the McNally Strum Stick. He also designed the Martin travel guitar which is similar. It’s funny that I began to take playing music seriously with a toy. After borrowing a very fine classical guitar at college I finally purchased a Guild Jumbo. With that I adapted my older finger picking techniques and learned by myself taking step by step. I simply played to learn and enjoy.
Then I moved back to the home town and discovered early techno. Old friends taught me to use Fasttracker and Soundforge to take a diversion from just playing guitar. Finally I bought a recording computer and set off on that journey. I combined the improvisational guitar work with the electro in a DAW. I helped other artists record. I worked at a youth center teaching recording techniques. Now I like to make ambient music for myself and produce whole records with friends.
Joel Garnier – Lisn Music Sampler by LisnMusic
How would you describe the style(s) of music you make? Do you focus on any specific instruments or equipment in your work?
I like to learn from experiments on my own and apply what I know when I record others. I have a certain range between noise and beauty. I usually begin with a guitar improvisation or a Reason track. In the end I have done my best to innovate and sound good.
What successes have you had in the music/synchronisation industry so far?
Aside from one DC Comics internet promotion Lisn is my first licensing contract.
Have you been involved in any exciting projects? Do you have anything new (music or projects) in the pipeline?
All I have in the pipeline are locals and friends trying to make time for the studio. I have other income so I can afford to help people.
What are you goals for the future?
I simply hope that I sell via Lisn. I have changed course to do so. I have many ideas like any artist. I do what I can.
Anything else you would like us to know?
I am also a painter. I have worked an art foundry (dirty, nasty but awesome), worked at glassblowing (awesome!), and a few other skills and arts.
To license music from Joel Garnier’s catalogue for TV, film, advertisements, games, corporate or other media projecst please visit the Joel Garnier page on Lisnmusic. If you are interested in Joel Garnier creating a bespoke composition please contact us.
