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To reach creative heights outside of one of the most innovative and individualistic contemporary collectives is quite a feat, but Bryce Cloghesy is giving it his best shot. Under the moniker Military Genius, Cloghesy has built a reputation as a bold and fearless producer and a potent songsmith, both with his work across Crack Cloud’s untouchable and growing canon, and in his own endeavours outside of the group.
Ensuing 2020’s debut album Deep Web, Cloghesy shares Scarred for Life, a stunning follow up. Grounded by visceral and unassuming lyricism, the artist allows himself to explore atypical structuring through the lens of experimental jazz, off-kilter rhythms and dreamy dub. In the writing, Cloghesy reflects on his childhood and explores the inner emotions becoming a father himself, existentialist and theoretical in his ideas. It’s a candid and gently charismatic opus, and well worth diving into.
Wonderland caught up with Cloghesy, talking Crack Cloud, the root of his artistry, and finding a new sonic outlook on the new album.
Listen to Scarred for Life…
Read the exclusive interview…
How has your year been? What have been the highs?
This year has really kicked my ass. Several extended recording projects have come to fruition, including this new Military Genius album. These creative outpourings are both demanding and rewarding. Non-stop action. Balancing art with family life has been the main challenge. The most rewarding moments have taken place at home, spending time with family in the desert landscapes of California.
Where did the name Military Genius come from?
This name appeared one day scrawled on a bus stop in downtown Toronto. These words contain multitudes, a tongue-in-cheek encapsulation of ideas big and small. Historical figures to be remembered. The daily battle of life on this planet. A collective consciousness that churns and sparks, tearing itself down only to rebuild anew. I think the creative act is in some way a search for peace and personal enlightenment. The true “military genius” seeks harmony – no guns, no war, no hatred, just honest self-expression. So, to me, the name has become an oxymoron that is both amusing and profound.
What are your origins with Crack Cloud? How were you first involved?
I have played and recorded with many groups over the years. My involvement with Crack Cloud began through ties within the Canadian music community. While working on the first N0V3L record I was invited to join Crack Cloud for some tour dates. We quickly found a symbiosis, sharing a passion for music and community building. The rest is history.
Talk us through the collective’s ethos, creative process and ambitions?
I won’t speak to the Crack Cloud ethos. Military Genius is a project that exists in and of itself. I can, however, speak to my own process and ambitions. The creative act is a means of documenting the internal and making it external. Expressing the inexpressible. Radical honesty, being vulnerable, facing demons… Sharing these visions adds great depth to our lives, and shapes the world we live in over time. I’ve always been compelled to create, as a necessity. But it must be said, creative ambitions are abstract and somewhat futile beyond the present moment. In the end, I’m just here to have a good time, and hopefully help others along the journey.
How has stepping out as a solo artist in your own right been?
I have been my own artist since day one. Military Genius predates any affiliation with other groups, so this is more of a continuation of my own path. There’s much value in building a world that is unique to the individual. No compromises. It’s a different flavour from collaborative efforts. This album gave me the opportunity to push my own boundaries and explore some deeply personal topics that would not fit elsewhere.
What was the process of creating this new album?
This album was recorded onto cassette in my home studio overlooking the Mojave desert. Everything was hand-made, with each take recorded from start to finish. This dogmatic approach, though physically demanding, was immensely rewarding. Embracing flaws and the natural energy of a performance produces such fascinating results.
How does it show progression from your 2020 debut album? How is it different? How is it similar?
In particular, the words meant a lot this time around. Poetry is such a pure art form, in some ways an antidote to the fast-pace cheap thrills of our time. I also wanted to step away from the pervasive “ambient jazz electronic” thing and build songs in the truest sense, ones that could be torn down to the simplest elements. So I created a personal challenge and set out to accomplish that goal. As a result, through patience and hard work, I’ve grown a lot and learned a great deal.
What are the key themes and emotions that you explore across the new album?
The timeless symbolism found within the natural world. Loss of innocence. Post-traumatic fallout. Prometheus. The awakening and inevitable decline of civilisation. Finding salvation in the present moment.
What influenced you sonically across the record? How would you describe the musical essence?
To my surprise, a new sonic palette emerged naturally, centred on deep bass riffs, sharp rhythms, and atmospheric keys. Safe to say this is a simple combination of my favourite artists. The common thread would be an inclination towards the spiritual, in all shapes and sizes.
What do you hope the album achieves?
Stepping forward without expectations, just gratitude for the opportunity to create and share this art with the world.
Post LP, what’s to come from you? And what are your long term goals?
We are almost wrapped production on the new Eve Adams record. Should be our third collaboration. After that I got a few things cooking, but it’s too early for details. Rest assured I’ll be settled out here in the desert, laying low with the family, writing tunes and enjoying the view.
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To reach creative heights outside of one of the most innovative and individualistic contemporary collectives is quite a feat, but Bryce Cloghesy is giving it his best shot. Under the moniker Military Genius, Cloghesy has built a reputation as a bold and fearless producer and a potent songsmith, both with his work across Crack Cloud’s untouchable and growing canon, and in his own endeavours outside of the group.
Ensuing 2020’s debut album Deep Web, Cloghesy shares Scarred for Life, a stunning follow up. Grounded by visceral and unassuming lyricism, the artist allows himself to explore atypical structuring through the lens of experimental jazz, off-kilter rhythms and dreamy dub. In the writing, Cloghesy reflects on his childhood and explores the inner emotions becoming a father himself, existentialist and theoretical in his ideas. It’s a candid and gently charismatic opus, and well worth diving into.
Wonderland caught up with Cloghesy, talking Crack Cloud, the root of his artistry, and finding a new sonic outlook on the new album.
Listen to Scarred for Life…
Read the exclusive interview…
How has your year been? What have been the highs?
This year has really kicked my ass. Several extended recording projects have come to fruition, including this new Military Genius album. These creative outpourings are both demanding and rewarding. Non-stop action. Balancing art with family life has been the main challenge. The most rewarding moments have taken place at home, spending time with family in the desert landscapes of California.
Where did the name Military Genius come from?
This name appeared one day scrawled on a bus stop in downtown Toronto. These words contain multitudes, a tongue-in-cheek encapsulation of ideas big and small. Historical figures to be remembered. The daily battle of life on this planet. A collective consciousness that churns and sparks, tearing itself down only to rebuild anew. I think the creative act is in some way a search for peace and personal enlightenment. The true “military genius” seeks harmony – no guns, no war, no hatred, just honest self-expression. So, to me, the name has become an oxymoron that is both amusing and profound.
What are your origins with Crack Cloud? How were you first involved?
I have played and recorded with many groups over the years. My involvement with Crack Cloud began through ties within the Canadian music community. While working on the first N0V3L record I was invited to join Crack Cloud for some tour dates. We quickly found a symbiosis, sharing a passion for music and community building. The rest is history.
Talk us through the collective’s ethos, creative process and ambitions?
I won’t speak to the Crack Cloud ethos. Military Genius is a project that exists in and of itself. I can, however, speak to my own process and ambitions. The creative act is a means of documenting the internal and making it external. Expressing the inexpressible. Radical honesty, being vulnerable, facing demons… Sharing these visions adds great depth to our lives, and shapes the world we live in over time. I’ve always been compelled to create, as a necessity. But it must be said, creative ambitions are abstract and somewhat futile beyond the present moment. In the end, I’m just here to have a good time, and hopefully help others along the journey.
How has stepping out as a solo artist in your own right been?
I have been my own artist since day one. Military Genius predates any affiliation with other groups, so this is more of a continuation of my own path. There’s much value in building a world that is unique to the individual. No compromises. It’s a different flavour from collaborative efforts. This album gave me the opportunity to push my own boundaries and explore some deeply personal topics that would not fit elsewhere.
What was the process of creating this new album?
This album was recorded onto cassette in my home studio overlooking the Mojave desert. Everything was hand-made, with each take recorded from start to finish. This dogmatic approach, though physically demanding, was immensely rewarding. Embracing flaws and the natural energy of a performance produces such fascinating results.
How does it show progression from your 2020 debut album? How is it different? How is it similar?
In particular, the words meant a lot this time around. Poetry is such a pure art form, in some ways an antidote to the fast-pace cheap thrills of our time. I also wanted to step away from the pervasive “ambient jazz electronic” thing and build songs in the truest sense, ones that could be torn down to the simplest elements. So I created a personal challenge and set out to accomplish that goal. As a result, through patience and hard work, I’ve grown a lot and learned a great deal.
What are the key themes and emotions that you explore across the new album?
The timeless symbolism found within the natural world. Loss of innocence. Post-traumatic fallout. Prometheus. The awakening and inevitable decline of civilisation. Finding salvation in the present moment.
What influenced you sonically across the record? How would you describe the musical essence?
To my surprise, a new sonic palette emerged naturally, centred on deep bass riffs, sharp rhythms, and atmospheric keys. Safe to say this is a simple combination of my favourite artists. The common thread would be an inclination towards the spiritual, in all shapes and sizes.
What do you hope the album achieves?
Stepping forward without expectations, just gratitude for the opportunity to create and share this art with the world.
Post LP, what’s to come from you? And what are your long term goals?
We are almost wrapped production on the new Eve Adams record. Should be our third collaboration. After that I got a few things cooking, but it’s too early for details. Rest assured I’ll be settled out here in the desert, laying low with the family, writing tunes and enjoying the view.
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