MNZ Interview: Transcender Nova

Transcender Nova’s The Lightbox is the solo, electronic/ambient project of Matthew P. Schöbs based in Oamaru, Otago. Released through his self-established label Pale Morning Records and published by Songbroker Music Publishing, Transcender Nova delivers immersive soundscapes with slow pulsing beats, ambient textures, lo-fi dub influences, acid-fried psychedelia, and electronic experimentation. The project reflects a focused and evolving approach to electronic composition.

Transcender Nova highlights a thoughtful and methodical creative process, with an emphasis on shaping a distinct identity through careful production choices and a willingness to push creative boundaries.

Muzic.NZ’s Evana caught up with Matt:

If you were in an elevator with a big music exec and he’d never heard your music/The Lightbox before, how would you sell it? Elevator Pitch us!

Hmm… I’m not sure that I could without completely rehashing the album into something with catchy hooks & fist-pumping choruses! Haha. I think it’s music that can be focused on or gently played as background music, which is equally important. Brian Eno’s Music For Airports or New Space Music can turn a mundane task into a profound experience! Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry or Massive Attack can do the same thing.

What prompted the shift from The Seizure Police to Transcender Nova?

Ah the dreadful SP calamity! It’s pretty simple and certainly a sign of the times. I liked the name as it was a play on late onset epilepsy, which I have. However, the algorithm deemed it an offensive name and pretty much shadow banned it. I thought long and hard over the new name.

Your musical world spans acoustic, rock ’n’ roll, alt-country, folk and psychedelic musical talents (and some epic covers on your socials!), including band The Flaming Bridges (Fantastic BTW!)

When it comes to Transcender Nova, is it a distinct creative space for you, or part of that wider musical thread?

I’ve always drifted between genres. Growing up in 80’s/90’s London had a massive impact on me both musically and culturally. The weird crossover between musical genres became accepted. I might be sitting at home listening to The Who or Black Uhuru, then go out with mates, listening to Drum & Bass or Happy Hardcore. On a creative level, I’ve realised that I need to stop myself from overthinking songwriting and losing interest. For this album I starved myself of the guitar, even when I wanted to write on it. I did this for a year whilst working on The Lightbox. Right now I’m full of songs and ideas based around the classic vocals, guitars, drums, bass, Hammond setup.

I love the album; my favourite track being Keep the Faith; What is your favourite track on The Lightbox?

Aw thank you! As an independent artist you put everything in but learn to expect nothing back so I appreciate that. I would say Keep The Faith AND The Longing. They are two sides of the same coin.

I’m in a meditative place in between consciousness and dream world, listening to The Longing – Long Version, 7 minutes of bliss and then all of a sudden, Blip Feat. Grey Smith comes on; and at the end of the album with The Longing Feat. Cam Sheard. Tell us more about these two tracks.

The Longing was the track that made me create the album. I love it when a piece of music/sound comes together and 100% captures a feeling. You get the sense that you are doing the work and being rewarded. I also broke a rule I’d set myself about keeping the songs shorter! Sometimes you need the full story.

Greg is a great friend of mine with many talents & experiences. We were going to make some songs using his spoken word but they got entangled with the previous band name & hardware issues. I managed to salvage this vocal and get it onto the album. Cam is one of my closest friends & has lived a life of surviving. I wanted more spoken words. He sent me that voice note. It was obvious I had to (ask if I could) use it. I think vocals can be annoying and I was very aware of that whilst creating but an album with no words at all isn’t really for the masses. Saying that, I almost sang on a few songs but my total lack of self-appreciation left me feeling like it could ruin a good record.

How do you believe Transcender Nova fits into the NZ music scene? 

I’m not sure that there is a ‘scene’ at the moment but that might be a very complex discussion in itself. I don’t think I’ve ever fitted in with New Zealand music, regardless of genre. At this point in my life I’m creating for myself & anyone else who likes what they hear. Someone telling me how a song saved them in terrible times or seeing a video of someone’s toddler dancing or singing along to one of my songs is where I get my happiness. Money would be great but here we are.

Who do you admire in NZ music at the moment and are there any artists you would like to collaborate with?

Right now I’m seeing some younger bands with huge potential that inspire me. I’m useless with names, but I see something happening in Dunedin right now that, in theory, is overdue. Despite closing the venues there are younger people picking up guitars again which cannot be at all bad! Aldous Harding is the real deal and The Clean are the best band from New Zealand! If anyone wants to collab. or point me to their music I’ll always consider & listen.

You’ve spoken on your social media about choosing to remain independent through your own label, Pale Morning Records — what does that freedom give you creatively?

Fundamentally, I create. I have periods of no musical inspiration or desires & periods of non-stop writing. It’s the same with art or poetry or genres; I have to feel it to do it. I don’t have a tap. I’m also what some may call a ‘wild card’ which all comes back to not fitting in. Corporates don’t like the ones like me with heroes like Hunter S Thompson and the guts to argue a point. Could I squeeze myself into that role? Yes, absolutely. Would I want to toe the line every day ? No.

Did you create The Lightbox cover art yourself or commission an artist? 

That was something I put together. Originally the cover was a photograph of a reflection but I wanted something loud & eye-catching.

What are your plans for the rest of this year? Any more releases planned or gigs?

I’m writing and recording songs every day plus learning the bass, finally! I should have done it years ago.

I’ve done a few remixes and collabs that will come out at some point. I’m just loving music and seeing what will come from it.

Finally, what’s the one thing you’d want New Zealand listeners to know about you and Transcender Nova?

That life is shorter and weirder than you think. Also, to slow down, calm the chattering monkey brain and listen to music.

Cheers, Matt.