History
Modwheelmood
Modwheelmood is an electronic and ambient rock project spearheaded by Alessandro Cortini, a prominent member of Nine Inch Nails, and guitarist Pelle Hillström. The duo has collaborated for approximately six years, crafting a distinctive sound that blends Cortini's meticulously arranged analog synthesizers and loops with Hillström's dynamic guitar work, ranging from raw riffs to atmospheric textures.
Sonic Approach
The core of Modwheelmood's music lies in the balanced interplay between synthesizers and guitars. Cortini's electronic foundations are complemented by Hillström's guitar contributions, which are carefully integrated to enhance rather than dominate the arrangements. The project is known for its understated vocal melodies, which add a layer of depth and emotional resonance to their richly textured compositions.
Alessandro Cortini: A Musical Journey
Born and raised in Italy, Alessandro Cortini's musical inclinations were nurtured from an early age, influenced by his guitarist father and his mother's diverse musical tastes, including The Beatles, whom Cortini acknowledges as a significant songwriting influence. Other key songwriting inspirations include Cat Stevens, Francesco De Gregori, and Depeche Mode. On the production and programming side, Cortini cites Alva Noto and Brian Eno as formative influences. Beyond his work with Modwheelmood, Cortini is an accomplished live musician, having toured with bands such as The Mayfield Four, and currently contributes as a keyboardist for Nine Inch Nails.
Pelle Hillström: Guitarist and Collaborator
Pelle Hillström's musical journey began in a small Swedish village. His early experiences included playing saxophone in jazz orchestras and learning guitar riffs from bands like Iron Maiden. Driven by a passion to pursue music professionally, he relocated to the U.S., where he met Cortini. Hillström was formerly the guitarist for Abandoned Pools and has collaborated with producer Patrick Leonard. His guitar playing is often compared to that of Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood.
Enemies & Immigrants EP
Modwheelmood's second EP, Enemies & Immigrants, was released in August 2006 by Buddyhead Records. While acknowledging a wide range of influences, both Cortini and Hillström noted that the EP did not directly translate these inspirations. Hillström highlighted the increased use of acoustic elements on this release, contributing to a more organic and percussive sound. He described the creative process for the EP as organic, involving improvisation and a shared goal of creating music that held personal significance.
The Name: Modwheelmood
The band's name, Modwheelmood, is derived from the "mod wheel," a common controller on electronic keyboards used for modulation. This versatile control allows for adjustments that can be positive or negative, easily manipulated by the artist to shape the sonic output, reflecting the project's dynamic and adaptable sound.