#6 EDIE., musician & visual artist
'Bookshop? Library!'
EDIE. is a musician and visual artist based in Berlin, Germany. Working in sessions, she completes each piece in one go, without drafts so as to avoid a power struggle between research and the final result. The unlearning of the reflective act, the creation of accidents, and the attempt to master randomness shape her language of expression: écriture automatique, deletions, crossed-out traces. The sparseness of materials and tools allow her to concentrate on drafting the graph of act and rhythm – creating a spontaneous and poetic work. You can also follow her on Instagram.
Where do you write?
At my desk. And also during waiting times, especially when waiting in queues.
Morning writer or late-night words?
Late morning, afternoon, or very late at night.
Coffee, tea or any other drinks?
Coffee and tea.
Handwritten notes or phone files?
Computer and phone files.
Something to nibble while you write?
I’m always starving when I write, a good lunch or dinner is the post-work reward.
What’s your most tempting distraction?
Phone. Sadly.
Any desk essentials?
Having music on.
What’s on the speakers?
Ambient music, or 90s rock. Right now, when answering your questions: Aphex Twin, selected ambient works, volume ll. Whether I write lyrics or other works, the music is always there, but never mine. I assemble text and music in a very spontaneous way when I record, and I can compulsively listen to the same song for hours or days to immerse myself in it. Especially if I write late at night, the song goes into my dreams and stays there for a few days - if the text is still in process, it helps me to come back to it.
Writer uniform?
Clothes I feel comfortable in.
What are your pre-writing rituals?
Prepare a drink, put music on, and switch off the phone.
Perfect bookshop to hide on a rainy day?
Bookshop? Library! BnF in Paris is beautiful.
The best word in the English language?
Miscellaneous. This 'ou' is really surprising to me.
A poem that has changed your life:
A piece by Kendrick Lamar, pimp a butterfly – the following part especially resonates with me:
I remember you was conflicted
Misusing your influence
Sometimes I did the same
Abusing my power, full of resentment
Resentment that turned into a deep depression
Found myself screaming in the hotel room
I didn’t wanna self destruct
The evils of Lucy was all around me
So I went running for answers