SIGNAL AOUT ‘42 For hundreds and thousands of electro-industrial fans, Jacky Meurisse became a real cult figure. After starting cult project Signal Aout 42 back in the ‘80s, Meurisse, formed his own unique style that led to the formation of what we know as the Belgian scene. Even though there are already a few decades of the band’s history SA42 are true to themselves. They continue playing and releasing records adding new elements to their well-known sound. We spoke with founder and vocalist of SA42 - Jacky Meurisse, who told us about his years of experience, the early years of his career, recent Signal Aout 42 albums, his solo-career and future plans. Quite often, people notice that SA42 started from your improvisation with your classmates. What role does the improvisational component play for you in the process of the creation of the music ? Indeed, SA42 started with school friends and we played improvisation but it didn’t last very long. After the improvisation, I went into experimentation. At the very beginning of electronic music in ‘80s, all the paths were still to be explored and there was therefore a lot of experimentation, which gives an innovative side to it. SA42 was lucky to be born during this period. Everything was permitted, the public was waiting for new sounds, and I did it. Today I still allow myself to take risks with my compositions but after so many years of experience I trust my instincts rather than improvisation. At that point, you found your listeners due to your amazing shows – you were using chainsaws and other more or less typical for industrial music instruments. How did you get the idea of doing this ? My friends and I were absolutely not musicians! We were very young (16) and wanted to make noise on stage. The only way to do it was with simple means. Make as much noise as possible with impressive looks. We were very dumb at the time. But surprisingly, it was so surprising, that it really pleased the audience (laughs)! How do you remember your first musical experiences ? Strangely, I’ve never really been a big music fan. What I like is sounds and atmospheres. Composing is secondary for me. Music, dancing or not, must be a source of energy and must provoke strong feelings. Personally, I don’t know why but I am attracted by dark, stranges and violent atmospheres. The first artists I listened to were bands like Fad Gadget, Killing joke, Sex Pistols, Cabaret Voltaire, DAF… these bands are still today my source of www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be - 28 - inspiration. Some film music also inspired me a lot...my greatest regret is not being able to illustrate my titles with video clips. Belgium has always been associated with industrial and electronic musical climate, why ? I don’t think it’s only the Belgians who make industrial music...if there’s an answer, maybe we should look for the surrealist side that’s so characteristic of our little country. For the electro-side, I think it’s precisely the new sounds generated by these new instruments, the synthesizers, that inspired the Belgians in their quest for originality. It’s true that there’s a particular Belgian spirit. It’s probably the fact that we’re a very small country influenced by very different cultures: British, French, German and Dutch. Maybe we have to prove ourselves or maybe we have an heritage from these four differents influences but is certain that Belgians are not so afraid to become ridiculous and maybe we dare to do more than our neighbours. Just remember the new beat (laughs)! What do you think about the current state of things with the electro-industrial European musical scene ? As I said earlier, I don’t listen so much to music so I don’t really know what’s going on right now. Of course, I’m not deaf and I hear very good new sounds but I can’t give you bands names because I don’t know them. Which is a real shame these days, that radio stations and co are always playing the same songs and the same artists. It’s like the media / promoters are afraid to play something new !? Luckily there are still some specialised media / promoters who take the risks to get new sounds ! I know a lot of people who’ve never heard “underground” music... and when...by chance...they hear it and love it...
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