"Maurice De Jong is a real prolific artist hailing from The Netherlands. He’s involved with numerous projects (both 'Gnaw Their Tongues' and 'Aderlating' are some of his most renowned), but Offerbeest is one of his newest sonic creations, which he started in 2017. He recently released the 'Afrika' album on Malignant Records. The work is an analogue creation dealing with hard-electronics and power-noise. Time for a brief introduction to the harsh world of Offerbeest..."
Interview Edited From Inferno Sound Diaries 2018
What incited you to set up Offerbeest and what makes this project different from all the other ones you’ve been involved with?
I wanted to do music without using samples/computer/DAW. Just using analogue gear; limiting myself in a way. At the time I found that doing ambient/noise/drone (like Aderlating) with digital gear was just too easy, not a challenge anymore. I use my DAW as a recording device of course, but there is no editing or manipulation. I think Offerbeest is my most straight up industrial/power electronics project. The focus lays on the rhythms, bass sounds, noise and ambient sounds. And of course spitting hatred into the mic.
Tell us a bit more about your way of working and composing and how did the “Afrika“ CD came to life?
I just messed around with my gear until I found something that sounded interesting to me. Or something that sounds really nasty and sick. For “Afrika” I had a general feel and theme. So I worked from there.
Analogue gear takes an important part in your composing process. What makes the magic of analogue equipment and also the main differences with software equipment? Do you have favorite tools?
There’s no magic in my opinion. I just was fed up with using digital gear and samples creating drone/noise etc. I use both a lot, but for Offerbeest I made a conscious decision to only use analogue gear. My favorite tools are my Eurorack set up (mostly "Doepfer" modules) and my Hades bass synth.
Considering the booklet and title of the tracks, “Afrika” appears to be an "engage" work. What did you try to express and do you consider yourself as an "engaged/reactional" artist?
No engagement. No expression. No reaction. Just trancy numbness. People need to make their own minds up about the music and themes, though I have been interested in the more gruesome side of the continent since I was a kid.
