Pivotal Movement

Ryan Mitchell is currently working on many projects, including mixing other artists' work, setting up a record label and collaborating on side projects. On top of all that, he also finds time to work on his main project, Pivotal Movement. I got the chance to ask Ryan some questions, and here's what he had to say!

First of all, how did Pivotal Movement start?

Pivotal Movement has been a project in the works my whole life….I just hadn’t really realized it until about a year ago. I have been singing and performing for as long as I can remember and started creating electronic music about 8 years ago. All of it came together when I started writing love songs to a girl. It felt so “right” to put my electronic production skills and vocals into something that I was so passionate about at the time. That affair slowly drifted away, but Pivotal Movement kept on growing into what it is now.

Is there any story behind how you chose 'Pivotal Movement' as a name?

Pivotal Movement is what popped into my head every time I envisioned this project. I can’t really explain exactly why I chose the name or what it means to me, it’s all very conceptual, but basically I wanted to make music that moved people, that was new and fresh, that could lend itself to emotions of love, passion, current events, personal situations….music that people could connect with.

What have you been doing recently music-wise?

Well I have, obviously, Pivotal Movement which is constantly evolving. I also produce music under another alias called The Dragon. It’s a more raw, gritty and often darker electronic sound. It ranges from elements of drum ‘n’ bass to trip-hop to lounge. It’s not really a specific genre of electronic, because I enjoy so many types of music. It’s sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, sometimes just plain emotional. I have a continuing project with a vocalist that is entitled “Touch”. I also am collaborating on various projects with other artists from Unknown Frequency to Echostream and remixing some music for Ben Forrest Davis; formally the drummer for Sugarcult.

How would you describe your music?

It has elements of a lot of music in it, because of my varying tastes. I would say a combination of electronic, emo, and indie-lo fi. It also depends on what kind of project I’m working on and what’s going on in my life….as with any artist I would imagine.

What kind of equipment do you use to create your music?

PC, Midi Controller, Roland Fantom, Reason, Cubase SX, M-Audio Solaris, Mackie DFX 12, Delta 10/10, Fruity Loops, various VST instruments, a guitar, my mind ha!

Is Pivotal Movement your actual job or is it something you do in your spare time?

Pivotal Movement is my job. I actually have two jobs. I am a career Firefighter Paramedic. I work 24 hours and then get 48 hours. So I get to partake in my passion for Firefighting and Para medicine for 24 hours, and my passion for music in my 48 hours off. I am also currently starting up a label with my friend and business partner who is also the lead singer for Unknown Frequency.

What are some of your favourite current bands?

I am currently absolutely in love with Telefon Tel Aviv!!! They are so good. A wonderful “hybridization” of electronic music and organic, acoustic elements. I am also definitely digging Midwest Product. TV on The Radio is a great group as well.

How about all-time favourites?

Lali Puna, The Postal Service, DJ Diesel Boy, Hybrid, Adam F, Goldie, DNTEL, Aphex Twin, Square Pusher, Mos Def, Akrobatik, Everything But the Girl, Groove Armada, The Get Up Kids, Death Cab For Cutie, The Promise Ring, Jimmy Eat World, Common, Figurine, Mobb Deep, The Roots, Goldfrapp, Hooverphonic, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Most artists from OM Records as well as Naked Music, Andy Caldwell, Blue Six, Lisa Shaw, Photek, Wagon Christ, Jurrasic 5, A Tribe Called Quest, Linkin Park, Ming and FS…..I just love music…I could keep going and going, what can I say.

If you could meet anyone famous, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

The Dali Lama, I feel pretty close to a lot of his views on human society and how we interact with each other. Ghandi, because, well it’s Gandhi….what else can I say. Darwin. The famous Samurai Saigo Takamori, because I believe in fighting for justice and honor. William Wallace, because I also believe in his fight…and I’m Scotts-Irish damnit! Ha!

If you could star in the remake of any film, what would it be and who would you play?

Saving Private Ryan…not necessarily a remake, but just play a part in that movie. It’s a great WWII movie and one of the few wars I actually believe we should have been involved in. I also am a huge fan of Heat, I would have liked to have played a part in that movie. Michael Collins, because that is also another epic story and a great film and a - Jess

Ryan Mitchell is currently working on many projects, including mixing other artists' work, setting up a record label and collaborating on side projects. On top of all that, he also finds time to work on his main project, Pivotal Movement. I got the chance to ask Ryan some questions, and here's what he had to say!

First of all, how did Pivotal Movement start?

Pivotal Movement has been a project in the works my whole life….I just hadn’t really realized it until about a year ago. I have been singing and performing for as long as I can remember and started creating electronic music about 8 years ago. All of it came together when I started writing love songs to a girl. It felt so “right” to put my electronic production skills and vocals into something that I was so passionate about at the time. That affair slowly drifted away, but Pivotal Movement kept on growing into what it is now.

Is there any story behind how you chose 'Pivotal Movement' as a name?

Pivotal Movement is what popped into my head every time I envisioned this project. I can’t really explain exactly why I chose the name or what it means to me, it’s all very conceptual, but basically I wanted to make music that moved people, that was new and fresh, that could lend itself to emotions of love, passion, current events, personal situations….music that people could connect with.

What have you been doing recently music-wise?

Well I have, obviously, Pivotal Movement which is constantly evolving. I also produce music under another alias called The Dragon. It’s a more raw, gritty and often darker electronic sound. It ranges from elements of drum ‘n’ bass to trip-hop to lounge. It’s not really a specific genre of electronic, because I enjoy so many types of music. It’s sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, sometimes just plain emotional. I have a continuing project with a vocalist that is entitled “Touch”. I also am collaborating on various projects with other artists from Unknown Frequency to Echostream and remixing some music for Ben Forrest Davis; formally the drummer for Sugarcult.

How would you describe your music?

It has elements of a lot of music in it, because of my varying tastes. I would say a combination of electronic, emo, and indie-lo fi. It also depends on what kind of project I’m working on and what’s going on in my life….as with any artist I would imagine.

What kind of equipment do you use to create your music?

PC, Midi Controller, Roland Fantom, Reason, Cubase SX, M-Audio Solaris, Mackie DFX 12, Delta 10/10, Fruity Loops, various VST instruments, a guitar, my mind ha!

Is Pivotal Movement your actual job or is it something you do in your spare time?

Pivotal Movement is my job. I actually have two jobs. I am a career Firefighter Paramedic. I work 24 hours and then get 48 hours. So I get to partake in my passion for Firefighting and Para medicine for 24 hours, and my passion for music in my 48 hours off. I am also currently starting up a label with my friend and business partner who is also the lead singer for Unknown Frequency.

What are some of your favourite current bands?

I am currently absolutely in love with Telefon Tel Aviv!!! They are so good. A wonderful “hybridization” of electronic music and organic, acoustic elements. I am also definitely digging Midwest Product. TV on The Radio is a great group as well.

How about all-time favourites?

Lali Puna, The Postal Service, DJ Diesel Boy, Hybrid, Adam F, Goldie, DNTEL, Aphex Twin, Square Pusher, Mos Def, Akrobatik, Everything But the Girl, Groove Armada, The Get Up Kids, Death Cab For Cutie, The Promise Ring, Jimmy Eat World, Common, Figurine, Mobb Deep, The Roots, Goldfrapp, Hooverphonic, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Most artists from OM Records as well as Naked Music, Andy Caldwell, Blue Six, Lisa Shaw, Photek, Wagon Christ, Jurrasic 5, A Tribe Called Quest, Linkin Park, Ming and FS…..I just love music…I could keep going and going, what can I say.

If you could meet anyone famous, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

The Dali Lama, I feel pretty close to a lot of his views on human society and how we interact with each other. Ghandi, because, well it’s Gandhi….what else can I say. Darwin. The famous Samurai Saigo Takamori, because I believe in fighting for justice and honor. William Wallace, because I also believe in his fight…and I’m Scotts-Irish damnit! Ha!

If you could star in the remake of any film, what would it be and who would you play?

Saving Private Ryan…not necessarily a remake, but just play a part in that movie. It’s a great WWII movie and one of the few wars I actually believe we should have been involved in. I also am a huge fan of Heat, I would have liked to have played a part in that movie. Michael Collins, because that is also another epic story and a great film and a - Jess

Who are some of your musical influences?
Lali Puna, The Postal Service, Alpha, Depeche Mode, The Get Up Kids, Promise Ring, Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate, Cut Copy, Dntel, Bjork, there?s so many more, and here?s why. I think artists are subject to being influenced by their peers?it?s just how it goes. I?m also a huge Drum ?n? Bass and House music fan, and I think for me it just depends on what type of project I?m working on that will decide what influences I pull from?ya know? The ones listed above, influenced Pivotal Movement a lot.

Explain (list) the instruments you play to create Pivotal Movement?
I program a lot of my music. I?m not (at least right now) into using other peoples samples, so I end up programming my own and then commiting surgery on them. I have a Roland Fantom keyboard, and a midi controller that I implement from time to time, and an M-Audio Solaris Mic?which for the price is the bomb diggity! I program a lot of my music using Reason and mixing in Cubase SX. I?ve also just fallen in love with the digital version of the Moog?expect to hear more music with this instrument!!!

Why did you choose to do the project this way as opposed to having a backing band?
Resources really. I can come home and work till the early morning by myself, and not have to set up a practice time or ?depend? on anyone else. I?m a pretty creative guy, and a prolific writer. With the amount of ideas I have coming out, at this point, it?s easier to just hop on my computer and record, sequence, and bring what?s on my into a tangible song. I love the idea of collaboration, however, and am actively working with various artists via the internet, so expect to see some new things come out of these relationships. I really would like to team up with a guitar player at some point, so maybe, in the future, Pivotal Movement will grow?we?ll see.

What if any do you see as an advantage to working alone versus having a
full band?
Advantages are of course, time. I don?t have to wait for anybody. I can just get?er done right then and there. Disadvantages are that I think beautiful art comes easier when you combine multiple creative minds. I think my music will grow through various collaborations. More heads are better than one in many cases (not all though).

Where did the name of your band come from?
It?s just something that popped into my head when I thought about this project. I imagined where I wanted my music to go, and there was the name. I want this music to be a movement unto itself. I want it to be a movement for love, for change, for exposing others to music they would not have otherwise listened to. I want it to be a movement towards an escape from current events and tragedies. I want it to maybe grow into an arm that can be used to express collective ideas and feelings and serve as a movement for our generation?a, err, ?Pivotal? Movement, ha!

How long have you guys been creating music?
I?ve been creating music for a good 6-7 years, and singing my whole life. I have been involved in the electronic side of music for 6-7 years now. Creating everything from DnB, House, str8 up electronica, soundtrack music, and the sound which is Pivotal Movement.

What are your favorite bands now?
Oh goodness. ?Lali Puna? is a band that I?ve been listening to a lot lately, and of course the ?Postal Service?. I think I?m on the same page as these guys musically and the genre which encompasses our sound (if there is one) is what my music falls into. I?ve just recently come across a band called ?Cut Copy? which I?m totally feeling.

(As a follow up to the where'd you get your name) What made you choose
to be "Pivotal Movement" instead of just being a solo artist with your own name?
I didn?t see it fitting that my music be dubbed ?me?. I plan to work with different artists and expect that Pivotal Movement will eventually grow into a melting pot of influences and work. It will always be ?me?, but will, in the future, be a collective sound from many musicians and creative minds.

Which would you want more, a Moon Man or a Grammy?
Hmmm, probably Moon Man, just because it represents what the people like and not what some governing council thinks is good. Awards are great, however I think that there are so many phenomenal artists and great music that never gets the love of awards?their legacy is not upheld by awards, it?s by the fans who love them. I would be more than happy with my legacy being represented in much the same way.

If everything were to stop right now, what one thing would you like to
be remembered for?
I would want to be remembered for the feeling that I give those who I?m around?which is one of love, positivity, strength, compassion, activism, and understanding?unless you feel that I?m an ass, in which case, remember that the sky is blue, and that I?m intolerant to wheat, barley, oats, and rye (and no it doesn?t suck, just an inconvenience)! He! He!

If you could change one thing abo - Elizabeth

Who are some of your musical influences?
Lali Puna, The Postal Service, Alpha, Depeche Mode, The Get Up Kids, Promise Ring, Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate, Cut Copy, Dntel, Bjork, there?s so many more, and here?s why. I think artists are subject to being influenced by their peers?it?s just how it goes. I?m also a huge Drum ?n? Bass and House music fan, and I think for me it just depends on what type of project I?m working on that will decide what influences I pull from?ya know? The ones listed above, influenced Pivotal Movement a lot.

Explain (list) the instruments you play to create Pivotal Movement?
I program a lot of my music. I?m not (at least right now) into using other peoples samples, so I end up programming my own and then commiting surgery on them. I have a Roland Fantom keyboard, and a midi controller that I implement from time to time, and an M-Audio Solaris Mic?which for the price is the bomb diggity! I program a lot of my music using Reason and mixing in Cubase SX. I?ve also just fallen in love with the digital version of the Moog?expect to hear more music with this instrument!!!

Why did you choose to do the project this way as opposed to having a backing band?
Resources really. I can come home and work till the early morning by myself, and not have to set up a practice time or ?depend? on anyone else. I?m a pretty creative guy, and a prolific writer. With the amount of ideas I have coming out, at this point, it?s easier to just hop on my computer and record, sequence, and bring what?s on my into a tangible song. I love the idea of collaboration, however, and am actively working with various artists via the internet, so expect to see some new things come out of these relationships. I really would like to team up with a guitar player at some point, so maybe, in the future, Pivotal Movement will grow?we?ll see.

What if any do you see as an advantage to working alone versus having a
full band?
Advantages are of course, time. I don?t have to wait for anybody. I can just get?er done right then and there. Disadvantages are that I think beautiful art comes easier when you combine multiple creative minds. I think my music will grow through various collaborations. More heads are better than one in many cases (not all though).

Where did the name of your band come from?
It?s just something that popped into my head when I thought about this project. I imagined where I wanted my music to go, and there was the name. I want this music to be a movement unto itself. I want it to be a movement for love, for change, for exposing others to music they would not have otherwise listened to. I want it to be a movement towards an escape from current events and tragedies. I want it to maybe grow into an arm that can be used to express collective ideas and feelings and serve as a movement for our generation?a, err, ?Pivotal? Movement, ha!

How long have you guys been creating music?
I?ve been creating music for a good 6-7 years, and singing my whole life. I have been involved in the electronic side of music for 6-7 years now. Creating everything from DnB, House, str8 up electronica, soundtrack music, and the sound which is Pivotal Movement.

What are your favorite bands now?
Oh goodness. ?Lali Puna? is a band that I?ve been listening to a lot lately, and of course the ?Postal Service?. I think I?m on the same page as these guys musically and the genre which encompasses our sound (if there is one) is what my music falls into. I?ve just recently come across a band called ?Cut Copy? which I?m totally feeling.

(As a follow up to the where'd you get your name) What made you choose
to be "Pivotal Movement" instead of just being a solo artist with your own name?
I didn?t see it fitting that my music be dubbed ?me?. I plan to work with different artists and expect that Pivotal Movement will eventually grow into a melting pot of influences and work. It will always be ?me?, but will, in the future, be a collective sound from many musicians and creative minds.

Which would you want more, a Moon Man or a Grammy?
Hmmm, probably Moon Man, just because it represents what the people like and not what some governing council thinks is good. Awards are great, however I think that there are so many phenomenal artists and great music that never gets the love of awards?their legacy is not upheld by awards, it?s by the fans who love them. I would be more than happy with my legacy being represented in much the same way.

If everything were to stop right now, what one thing would you like to
be remembered for?
I would want to be remembered for the feeling that I give those who I?m around?which is one of love, positivity, strength, compassion, activism, and understanding?unless you feel that I?m an ass, in which case, remember that the sky is blue, and that I?m intolerant to wheat, barley, oats, and rye (and no it doesn?t suck, just an inconvenience)! He! He!

If you could change one thing abo - Elizabeth