Podcast 338: Irmin Schmidt (Can)

As one of the founding members of the band Can, Irmin Schmidt left a permanent mark on the world of music. Since Can’s breakup, Irmin has left his mark on film music, having been credited as composer on more than 40 films and TV shows. Recently, he has released two albums on Mute Records featuring solo prepared piano work, with “Nocturne: Live at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival” coming out earlier this year. In our chat, we talk about his background, his sources of creativity, and his interest in prepared piano. We also learn more about his development of an opera (Gormenghast), and how he chooses the work that he releases. It’s an amazing view into the imagination of a groundbreaking artist. You can find out more about his Mute releases at mute.com (http://mute.com/artists/irmin-schmidt), and check out “Can – All Gates Open”, the book he co-authored on the band (https://www.amazon.com/All-Gates-Open-Faber-Social/dp/0571311520). Enjoy! Transcription: http://www.darwingrosse.com/AMT/transcript-0338.html