We have a chat with musician and producer Gerald Duchene of Antiquity and ask him some questions about his success and what got him to where he is today. Speaking from experience, Antiquity have some great advice and experience for people starting out.
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How long have you been producing music for?
I’ve been producing since 1995 when I stopped touring, so about 24 years.
How do you get inspired to make music?
I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t inspired to make music although I was mostly a sideman for my formative years.
I started very early in life so music has always been in my blood. What inspired me most in the beginning was the challenge. The challenge to create what seemed trapped in my mind and it took awhile to learn how to get it out.
What influences made you want to take up music production as a hobby?
To be frank, I don’t see my music production as a hobby. I’ve been involved in the music business in one shape or form all my life. My influences are probably all the great musicians that I have had the privilege to work with. All very inspirational.
What is your most memorable gig/performance?
So many it’s hard to choose one moment. I would probably say my first big stadium gig at Wembley. It was eventful in so many ways but really heralded my career and made me realise why I chose to be a musician. It took my breath away.
A close second was the privilege of working with Radiohead and so many other wonderful musicians that have helped mould who I am as a musician and producer.
If you started all over again, what would you have done differently to help your music career?
I’m not sure I would have changed much. I don’t see much value in second guessing myself or regretting choices I’ve made, professionally.
I think that’s counter productive. I have a lifetime of memories that I cherish about my career, not all great, but mine. One thing I might have changed and something I tell all young musicians now, have a plan B. It’s very difficult to make a living wage as a working musician in these times.
What tips do you have for making the most of your time?
Don’t waste your time trying to please others. Make yourself happy first. Follow your heart, artistically. When you’re young, time is irrelevant. One of the first things that comes clear as you get older is time. Time is the very basis of music and the very basis of our lives.
“One thing I might have changed and something I tell all young musicians now, have a plan B. It’s very difficult to make a living wage as a working musician in these times.”
Antiquity
Aside from music production, what other skills would you say are important for amateur musicians in getting noticed?
I cannot answer to getting noticed. Times have changed so dramatically over the past twenty years, it’s hard to put your finger on the pulse of the public.
Set your self on fire, write meaningful music or just get lucky. As much as you think the industry has changed, the more it hasn’t. It’s more like who controls it. I really don’t think there is a patented way to get noticed. A good PR person might be an answer.
Who do you avoid in “the industry”?
I want to say people who are selling something. Selling success, glamour or fifteen minutes of fame. The whole industry is a pool full of man eating crocodiles.
Trust your gut, and most of all, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most importantly, prepare yourself for disappointment.
What is the big dream?
I don’t have big dreams anymore. But that doesn’t mean as a young artist you shouldn’t have a dream. My dream is simple, live out my legacy, create a small dedicated following and just write music. I used to be addicted to being on stage. I’ve found a new drug far more potent, songwriting.
Dead or alive, who would be the one musician you’d like to work with and why?
Dead or alive? I want to say Mozart but from all accounts of his personality, he probably wouldn’t be a good working partner. Pragmatically, I would have like to work with John Martyn. He was a wonderful friend and a devoted drinking pal but we never had the chance to work together, sadly.
Final thoughts
Antiquity have an album out called The Experience available on Spotify and all good platforms. For more information visit their website https://antiquity-music.com
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