Pierre Dayer

Which musician has influenced you the most? 
It's very difficult to name one musician in particular, but generally speaking I've been very influenced by Radiohead and Thom Yorke's music. I'd also have to mention Bill Stewart and Brian Blade as drummers, and of course Aphex Twin for his endlessly inspiring electronic music.  

What can you teach me about your instruments different than any other teacher?
I'm very versatile, but I'd be very comfortable teaching something I've been obsessed with for several years: developing techniques and vocabulary using hybrid acoustic-electronics setups. Basically, expanding the range of possibilities with your own instrument using electronic tools (Ableton, Max MSP, midi controllers, triggers, synths, sequencers, etc.). I would be very happy to work with any musicians (singers, pianists, guitarists, etc.) who want to experiment with this, whether in combination with their own instruments, or just with live electronics as an instrument in itself!

How did you learn to play your instrument?
I learned to play my instrument at music schools (Conservatoire, Bern University of the Arts,... ), but also and above all by experimenting and making mistakes, especially for the work I do with electronics. 

How do you go about writing a song or composing a piece yourself?
I think there are 2 main methods I use to compose: the first, which is more 'organic', is to write down or record musical ideas that come to me quite naturally and automatically. The second, more 'systematic', is to compose using more or less complex systems of composition, restrictions and rules. Basically, being inspired by theoretical concepts and using them as basic material. The combination of these two compositional aspects is often important for me to create. 

On what equipment do you play today?
I play on Gretsch drums with Istanbul and handmade Johan Nicolas Janicke cymbals. I control Ableton live and Max MSP using various midi controllers such as Akai apc 40, Launchpads, Nanopads, Roland SPD One, etc. I also often use analog synthesizers on stage, such as the Prophet 6 or the Behringer Model D.

What personal trait has helped you when you practice the most?
I think my curiosity has helped me a lot in my development as a musician. It has allowed me to become very versatile and to really take an in-depth interest in various subjects. 

What does your instrument have that others don't?
The hybrid set-ups I use really give me infinite freedom and versatility. As well as being a drummer, I can trigger samples, chords, lights, videos, modify the sounds of my synths and so on.

These extended drum sets inspire me a lot to find new grooves, new sounds and new approaches to my instrument and my role in the context of a band.

What you pay special attention to when you teach?
When I teach, I take particular care to give resources and exercises that will not only be useful in the short term, but also in the long term so that the student can continue to develop independently long after our time together has come to an end.

How do you build up your music lessons?
The structure of my lessons varies according to the level and the student. I aim to have a clear and flexible plan that meets each student's personal expectations. 

What do you do with children?
I do my best to teach in the most organic way possible for a child: by having fun.

What was until now your greatest experience as a musician?
It's very complicated to talk about one experience in particular. I'm lucky enough to have a great time with most of my projects!

What was the largest stage that you've performed on?
The biggest stage I've ever played on is probably the Auditorium Stravinski in Montreux. 

Which musician would you like to play with?
I'd love to collaborate with producers who inspire me a lot, like Venetian Snares, Flying Lotus, Mndsgn, Stazma, Johnny Broke and many, many others. 

Which record would you bring to a desert island?
I'll take Radiohead's In Rainbows, because I've been listening to it since I was a teenager and I can't seem to get enough of it. 

On which stage do you prefer to perform?
I'm always very happy to play in front of an audience who want to listen to my music. I don't really care what stage it happens on, to be honest. 

After music, what is important in your life?
Cooking gourmet meals and spending quality time with friends.