What is your name and role within the band?
My name is Jun Christian Villanueva, and I am the drummer of Klangstof.
How did you start?
I was born into a musical home, and my father was a drummer – so playing drums was never really a choice, but I am forever grateful for it.
Where are you based?
I am currently based in Amsterdam, but I am originally from a tiny town two hours north of Oslo.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
It usually starts with a demo from Koen, the lead singer of Klangstof. From there the process is as democratic as you would expect from Europeans. A huge part of the songwriting evolves around the computer and synthesizer tweaking, as both Koen and Wannes (keys) are Ableton-wizzes. My main task is to find the golden mean between electronic and acoustic drums, and figuring out how to make it work in a live setting.
What are you working on right now?
We are working on some new and quite different material right now, and extremely excited to share it with the world.
What is your gear setup?
I play a vintage 80’s Sonor Phonic kit, Gretsch Swamp Dawg snare drum, SPD-SX, Paiste 2002 hi-hat + crash, Istanbul Mehmet 50’s Nostalgia ride and Crann drumsticks.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I love reading and taking photos. I don’t think it affects my music other than keeping my mind fresh and fueling my creative energy.
How would you describe your music genre?
Genre is a difficult term, but the most obvious inspiration for us is Radiohead, but I think that is only the bottom layer of our sound. We are molded by a lot of different stuff – a musical melting pot of electronics and soundscapes.
Do you know any music theory?
Sure. I’ve been playing in marching bands for over ten years, and I did my military service playing drums in the Norwegian King’s Guard Band and Drill Team, so I had to learn how to read music.
What are your plans for the future?
To create and travel the world.
How did you get into music?
I have always been surrounded by music, because of my father.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Lately i have been really into 70’s afro-beat/psychedelic music, like Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor and The Funkees. Just search for “70’s afro-beat psychedelia” on YouTube and you’re in for hours of pure joy!
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
– Ringo Starr
– John Coltrane
– David Lynch
– Stella Mozgawa
– J Dilla.
When are you playing next?
We are currently touring the American west coast with The Flaming Lips, after that we are flying straight to UK for The Great Escape festival. Then we are doing some festivals in the US, and a mid/southwest tour with Miike Snow. After that there are some festivals and shows across Europe. Really exciting stuff!
Please feel free to include any extra info.
