Brandon Juhans’ new music lacks a few things: traditional song structure, lyrics, linear narrative. What it does contain is a series of stirring, surreal sonic patchworks in conversation with the long tradition of plunderphonics and musique concrète. On the North Carolina artist’s new album Recycler, released by the Nina-endorsed London label Relaxin’ Records, even the most transfigured of his sounds—which are often found; he refers to his process as deep or extreme sampling—feel familiar. There’s a reason for that: some are present in his prior work, hence the title. We emailed Juhans some questions; read his answers, and check out the new video for "Re," below. While you’re at it, give Recycler a listen (ideally, according to the artist, at 2 a.m.). 

You’ve been releasing music as Hanz since 2012, and under your real name since 2020. What initially incited the moniker shift? How do you decide which one new releases belong to?

Brandon Juhans: I think I had to make my work more searchable on the net because at some point within the last few years the name had been used by more artists. Using my real name was uncomfortable at first but necessary. I could either use my real name or get a new one from the online Wu-Tang name generator. With the name change there did come a stylistic shift immediately. My work as “Hanz” (especially the first few years) could be considered experimental hip-hop/techno but the music under my own name is less defined and more expressionistic. I’ll continue using my old name for some projects but very rarely.

Your process is somewhat meta, recycling sounds you’ve already sampled. When does a song become a song? At what point do you know something’s finished?

I’d say a song is complete when it fits within the flow of the album's sequence. Another thing I ask myself is “Have I expressed what I wanted to express?” I’ve definitely had to shorten most tracks in order to avoid overproducing.

How do you name these lyricless pieces?

The titles mainly describe the feeling that the music evokes. For example, On the new album there's a track that has an overall sharp and rusty steel sound named “The Saw I Saw.” With the songs being instrumental, I think all I can do with track titles is offer “Imagination Support” for the listener to interpret things on their own. This is one of my favorite things about jazz or other instrumental music, they give the listener a few words within the song title that puts the listener on the right track of what to envision. 

Describe your studio setup—is anything analog? 

I’m currently switching between Elektron’s Digitakt sampler, M-Audio Oxygen Pro keyboard, Akai MPD 26 with laptop. Other than sampling directly from a turntable my workflow is mostly digital. I’m still searching for my ideal highly intuitive/simple piece of gear or software.

Your first outlet was visual art. Was the making of the Recycler artwork a collaborative process with the illustrator, Sarah Lim?

We discussed the sound and concept of the record first, and then Sarah illustrated the image which is a mixture of nature and metallic/plastic parts. Within the album there are found sounds from nature along with harsher more metallic textures at times. So Sarah’s highly detailed illustration style was an ideal match for the music.

Durham is home to plenty of beloved college rock, and the backpack rap group Little Brother. Does it feel like a creative hub, or is it lacking a current scene?

It’s full of creativity/great artists, and thankfully there are now more independent platforms for artists to release music online. There aren't a lot of labels and venues here compared to bigger cities, so you have to make your own space if you can. I’ve found many great new local acts by searching the hashtags on music platforms. 

Is the tech boom in the Triangle region affecting you at all? How is it changing your city?

Yeah for sure, the cost of living is much more expensive now.

Do you care how people listen to the record? Is there a recommended scenario?

It was made to be listened to as an entire piece, which is why it has this suite-like structure. Any setting is ok but It’s definitely a “2 a.m.” record.