From Jams to “Maintain the Bliss”: The Journey of Paslaski and Paulson

Early Beginnings

In a candid conversation, musicians Paslaski and Paulson reminisced about their unconventional start in music creation. With a cello in hand and an inventive setup that included a contact mic attached to a yo-yo string, they embraced creativity in its rawest form.

“We had an electric toothbrush, a drill, and a cello,” Paslaski recalled, emphasizing the spirit of experimentation that characterized their early sessions.

Transitioning to the Studio

As their initial jam sessions evolved, they faced a challenge: noise complaints from the neighbors. “We can’t make music here anymore,” Paulson said, prompting the duo to seek out a budget-friendly studio in Humboldt Park.

The pandemic provided them with an unexpected opportunity. “I wasn’t working, so we were on Trump bucks,” Paulson mentioned, noting that government assistance allowed them to dedicate time to music. “Everything was shut down, so if we weren’t at home, we were meeting in the studio two or three times a week.” This period of isolation turned into a creative haven, enabling them to refine their sound.

Recording “Maintain the Bliss”

Reflecting on their process, Asani noted, “We had a lot of time to hone our sound.” The creative spark culminated in a weekend four years ago when they transformed their jams into structured pieces. “Our Lillerne Tapes release, Puredub, and the Purelink EP were recorded before ‘Maintain the Bliss,'” Paulson explained, adding that the urgency to release new material pushed them to record two new songs in a weekend.

Paslaski shared insights about the live recording nature of these tracks, stating, “Those are the only tracks that are truly just a live recording—each one is like an hourlong recording.” The spontaneity of that weekend was unique, with both artists taking turns with their ideas and contributing to the overall sound.

The Creative Process

Organic Collaboration

Describing the creative atmosphere, Paslaski said, “There was something so organic when we were making it. We had two computers going and were taking turns with stems, talking and coming up with ideas.” The spontaneity of the moment led them to simply hit “record.” Paulson added, “It was a funny day; we had a bunch of friends over and we wouldn’t stop playing.” The energy in the room fueled their creativity.

The Marathon Session

For over 12 hours, the duo immersed themselves in their sound, only pausing occasionally for feedback. “That’s the litmus test—if you don’t get sick of it after six hours, then it’s something,” Paslaski noted. Despite some friends expressing that their sessions were too long, the musicians felt an undeniable connection to their work. “This is it,” Paulson recalled them saying, as they cherished the memories of those productive days.

Conclusion

The journey from their eclectic jam sessions to the creation of “Maintain the Bliss” showcases the power of creativity, collaboration, and the ability to seize opportunities even in challenging times. As Paslaski and Paulson continue to evolve as artists, their experiences highlight the importance of embracing spontaneity and staying true to one’s artistic vision.

FAQs

What instruments did Paslaski and Paulson use in their early sessions?

They started with a cello, an electric toothbrush, a drill, and a contact mic attached to a yo-yo string.

How did the pandemic impact their music creation process?

The pandemic provided them with more free time, allowing them to focus on music creation in the studio without other distractions.

What is unique about the recording of “Maintain the Bliss”?

The tracks were recorded as live performances, capturing the spontaneous energy of the moment, with each piece being an hourlong recording.

How did they decide to hit “record” during their sessions?

They embraced the organic nature of their creativity and decided to record when they felt the energy and excitement of the moment was right.