STM 138 - Psyche

The author of this mix is Darrin C. Huss, a Canadian musician and the founding member of the enduring music group Psyche, currently based in Germany. Darrin and his brother Stephen launched the project at the end of 1982, following their intense debut performance in Canada, where Darrin often talk-sang and shouted over the music, half-naked. Interestingly, the band’s name emerged from the B-side of Killing Joke's “Wardance” single.

Over the past 30 years of resilient existence, Psyche has released over 10 studio albums, along with numerous singles, EPs, compilations, videos, and DVDs. Their outstanding and dedicated contribution to the then-emerging genres of synth-pop and darkwave has undoubtedly influenced countless bands, exploring and reinventing the same dark, depressive, and melancholic music scene.

Psyche’s work encompasses a range of elements, from cold, harsh industrial sounds to dreamy synthesizer melodies, delicate electronic pop harmonies, and minimalistic, often repetitive dancefloor beats. The lyrics and overall mood are largely shaped by Darrin’s influences from horror and thriller stories in books and movies. Albums such as Insomnia Theatre, Unveiling The Secret, Mystery Hotel, and The Influence are excellent starting points to explore and experience the band’s ideas and the original sound that has made them one of the most influential icons of synth-pop music.

Throughout the years, Psyche’s core was occasionally joined by David Kristian, Per-Anders Kurenbach, and Remi Szyszka, who collectively contributed their musical ideas and skills to further develop Psyche’s sound. The band has toured with an impressive array of groups, including Clan of Xymox, Alien Sex Fiend, Die Form, Suicide, and many more. However, Psyche is currently primarily a solo project, with Darrin continuing to record and perform a unique blend of dark electronic music across Europe and around the world.

influential records originally released between 1975 and 1985. Initially titled “From The Outside In,” the mix reflects the early phase of the band, when Darrin and his brother were still refining their musical concept. Darrin thoughtfully prepared an introductory text, where he sincerely explains the background behind the mix.

"From The Outside In" is a collection of music and artists exclusively from the early 80's that inspired the music, and style of Psyche at the time it was founded with my brother Stephen and I. For myself, the original concept of what was called "new wave" meant freedom from standard rock sound structure, and songwriting rules. It meant you could bend, or reinvent what could be considered melodic or appealing regardless of your choice of musical instruments. Of course for Psyche, the invention of the synthesizer, and drum machine was a major component in the influence of our sound. The songs, and a few instrumentals I have chosen here represent a certain unparalleled uniqueness in their artistic value. Not only do many of the performers have their own unmistakable vocal, but also choose to present their lyrics or message with unprecedented individuality. A few of them have managed to stay on their path without giving in to more commercially viable passages, but unfortunately this is not the case for all artists. I have a few other favourites not in this mix, but I wanted present the listener with the directest possible sounds that make up the soul of what Psyche would become. In many cases my song selection represents the peak track (in my opinion) of some of these artists’ achievements. Examples are "O Superman" by Laurie Anderson, "This Wreckage" by Gary Numan perhaps also "Bird Song" by Lene Lovich. These songs contain nearly 100% the aspects of style and message that the artist stood for within the one track. My choice of "Soul Inside" by Soft Cell however was hard to make, as I am obviously a fan of nearly every track from them, however I felt that this one also gets to the whole point of Soft Cell's expression in one song.

"Patrick" by Goblin is in fact the blueprint for what became Psyche's "Eternal". Despite the Eurythmics very commercial success with subsequent albums, and mediocre rock ballads, the song "Aqua" from the "Touch" album shows a very subtle creativity, and strong melancholia that has continued throughout Annie Lennox's solo output. One can have all the success in the world, and still write some of the most suicidal lyrics if the darkness in their soul is so inclined. Thus, it is this infernal searching within life that appeals to me most. The sorrow, the introspection, and sometimes even the horrors that can only be conquered through musical output or artistic expression that communicates to others, and perhaps satiates the wounded spirit with momentary audio pleasure. Special mention goes to Siouxsie And The Banshees and The Cure who of course fit the setlist as well, but what you are listening to here was more intensely hardwired to my system as I developed my own direction from the outside in.

Darrin C Huss , November, 2014

PS. "Foolish Heart" by Psyche is the only non 80's track ironically, but somehow seems to contain many aspects of the music I enjoy within the sound and lyrics to this song. Special thanks to Per-Anders Kurenbach for that one. We survived the 90's after all!