During the lockdown, you also released two EPs with Minuit Machine: ‘Don't Run From The Fire’ and ‘Basic Needs’. I have the feeling that many artists did not dare to release records during the lockdown. Why did you decide to release these records anyway? I would say there are two reasons for this. First of all, from a financial point of view, we just had to carry on. There was no question of letting the projects bleed to death.But besides that, I realized very quickly that people – contrary to what many artists thought –wanted to listen to new music and that they were willing to support artists even more than usual. It's obviously not that easy to promote an EP or an album without combining it with a tour.But whether it was for Minuit Machine or for Hante: we felt real enthusiasm with every release and that convinced us! Minuit Machine, in which you are accompanied by singer Amandine Stioui, has also become a cult group. Isn't it a bit schizophrenic to be active in two groups at the same time? It's a little complicated sometimes, yes. But it is more a matter of organization. A calendar organization, of course, but also in your head, so as not to get everything mixed up and, above all, not to be influenced too much by one or the other project. I think I have managed to distinguish the two worlds. And also to accept that they can take different paths.It's not always easy, but I'mworking on it! You also have your own label Synth Religion, which releases records byHante and Minuit Machine, as well as other artists such as Fragrance,Marble Slave,The Colder Sea and Box and - 23 - the Twin. I see that you actively participate in the records of these bands,you do the production or mastering, or you participate in the compositions. How do you select the groups you work with and what determines your level of involvement? Most of the artists I've released on the label are friends or people I've met along the way and with whom I get along on a personal,even more than a professional level.The only exception is The Colder Sea, who emailed me and I fell in love with their music! Unfortunately, we never met. The problem I have now is that I don't have much time left to work for other artists. And the more my projects grow, the less I can invest in the label. So now, production-wise, I'm focusing on my two personal projects. With all these activities, I believe you have to make a living from your music. Can you manage that? Also and especially in the difficult months we just went through? I can get by,yes,but with difficulty I must say.I amextremely lucky to have a community of enthusiasts who support me and who continued to buy merchandising when the concerts were all cancelled. As a result, I could continue to work,I even had to continue to produce.I hope it gets better with the return of the concerts! Because it's a vicious circle that you need: the more concerts you play, the more people notice you, the more people listen to you, the more merch you sell, the more you can play etc. Hante: bandcamp / facebook Xavier KRUTH www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be
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