2026 is a very special year for your project Conscience. The first album as a duo has been released. But before we delve into the new album, please introduce yourself and Conscience to our readers.

M-A-U: How long has Conscience existed, and how did the project get started?

Rüdiger: I started Conscience as a solo project in August 1991, practically the day I bought my first synthesizer (a Yamaha SY22). Due to a lack of equipment, I worked purely instrumentally for the first few months. Everything was recorded on cassette back then.

M-A-U: Did you have any musical ambitions before Conscience, perhaps in other projects, bands, etc.?

Rüdiger: Yes, my father had a slightly broken home organ that I would occasionally play, but there was no way for me to record anything.

I also experimented a bit on the Commodore 64.

With a friend, I had the short-lived project "Agony," to which I contributed lyrics and vocals for two tracks.

M-A-U: Now, with Isi joining, Conscience has grown into a duo. Isi, would you like to introduce yourself? (Or Rüdiger, if you'd like to introduce Isi.)

Insa: Sure, gladly! I'm Isi, or Insa, 20 years old, and currently studying. I grew up with music, which is why it has always played an important role in my life. And I'm all the more grateful and happy to be part of Conscience.

M-A-U: How did you two meet, and what ultimately led you to continue as a duo?

Rüdiger: Well, I've always known her, as she's my daughter and also passionate about music. Since she enjoys singing, it was a natural fit.

M-A-U: Tell us a little about your music. How would you describe your style to a stranger?

Rüdiger: I've heard a lot of comparisons, some fitting (Twice a Man) and some not (Sisters of Mercy). The music is clearly influenced by the 80s, but not only by mainstream music, but also by instrumental music like Tangerine Dream or Jean-Michel Jarre, and on the other hand, by EBM, wave/darkwave. Over time, prog rock and metal have been added as further influences. In each song, one of these influences predominates, but it changes from song to song, as you can clearly hear on the new album. In short: It's a mix of everything I like, and that simply has a wide range.

M-A-U: Now, let's talk about the new album, "Suspended in Time." The two singles released from it, "Control" and "Memories Do Always Win," have already garnered some attention. How did you approach the production of the album?

Rüdiger: It's been a few years since the last regular album. In between came the remakes of older songs and the continuation of old ideas. Somehow, it was time for another album with new tracks, and there were already a few ideas in various stages of development. These matured over time, and Insa only joined towards the end, adding a completely new dimension to the album. Her influence extends beyond just the vocals. I wanted to include real drums on three tracks and a real saxophone on one. All completely new elements for Conscience.

M-A-U: How has the production changed compared to previous releases, now that you (Rüdiger) have a permanent collaborator?

Rüdiger: I no longer make all the decisions alone and actively seek feedback. I try to consider potential parts for Insa in advance. In the end, we develop a lot during the vocal recordings and see what works. I find it enriching to have to break out of my usual workflow. It opens up new possibilities.

M-A-U: Is there a thematic thread running through the album?

Rüdiger: Not really, because too much happened during the time it took to create the music and lyrics. However, some tracks definitely fit together thematically.

M-A-U: Where do you get your inspiration for new tracks or a new album?

Rüdiger: From everything you hear, whether it's good or bad. Sometimes a song practically writes itself in an hour, sometimes it's a process that takes months. Especially for the lyrics, my own life, the state of the world, and my own inner turmoil are a constant source of inspiration.

M-A-U: You've also collaborated with many guest musicians in the past, and "Suspended in Time" is no exception. Which artists did you work with on this album?

Rüdiger: Warren van Dyk and Nicola D'Adamo played drums. The saxophone is played by Manuel Trabucco, and Rich Gray played bass on one track.

M-A-U: What makes for a good collaboration with a guest musician for you?

Rüdiger: Firstly, that they understand the producer's vision (me in this case), and secondly, that they simply master their instrument, meaning they're better at it than I could be. All four of them did a fantastic job of that and in some cases, they even delivered more than they were expected to.

M-A-U: In what situations do you find the musicians you might want to work with?

Rüdiger: It varies a lot. For example, another musician recommended Manuel for the saxophone. Sometimes it's just an email: "Hey, do you want to sing something?" Sometimes I approach people directly, or it happens by chance. I'm always open to it.

M-A-U: Is there a particular story behind certain songs on the album? Perhaps even a personal experience?

Rüdiger: They all have a little story, actually. In fact, that's a prerequisite for a song. "Memories Do Always Win" is about how our experiences become memories, which in turn directly influence further experiences, for example, how we evaluate an experience. These "programmings" in our memories thus (almost) always "win," even if we would like to break out of the pattern.

"The Right to Happiness" is a musical and lyrical rollercoaster ride. The piece was initially boring, but it got longer and more complex until I realized I needed real drums and a better bassist than myself. Insa also contributes a few flute parts. In any case, the track pushed my old computer to its limits, and by the end, I wasn't sure if it was still Conscience. I just knew I had to do it this way.

M-A-U: Which song did you produce the fastest, which took the longest, and why in each case?

Rüdiger: Fastest...hard to say, maybe "Somewhere." "The Right to Happiness" and "Stuck in the Past" definitely took the longest.

M-A-U: The cover art is always something special with Conscience. Who's responsible for your covers?

Rüdiger: Sebastian Sollfrank did many of the older covers, Olaf Jürß contributed a few, and the rest are mine or were created with the help of AI in the last two years. Some covers are just edited photos of mine, like the ones for the "Black Lines EP" or the single "Girl in a Car."

M-A-U: Can you give us a little insight into your musical laboratory? What kind of equipment do you prefer to work with?

Rüdiger: It varies. Sometimes I sit down at the electric piano or pick up a guitar, sometimes it's an instrument on the computer or a sample. Generally, I work with a mix of analog and digital equipment. I also use synthesizers that I've had for 35 years and still do.

M-A-U: When you're not making music, how do you spend your free time? Hobbies, family, etc.?

Rüdiger: I have a 40-hour job and I'm studying Insa. Family is, of course, important. I also have a radio show (Krimskrams butikken) where I'm always focusing on new topics.

M-A-U: Like any artist, you certainly look beyond the obvious. Which musical artists inspire you, but also artists from other genres, e.g., authors, painters, etc.?

Rüdiger: There are the all-time favorites like Peter Gabriel, Midge Ure, Devin Townsend, Steven Wilson, Depeche Mode, Tangerine Dream, Twice a Man, and many more. But I'm also rediscovering old things, like the music of Yes, or I just recently came across two old Icehouse albums.

As for authors, it's currently Andreas Eschbach.

Insa: I'm primarily inspired by my favorite artists, so Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), Grimes, Winter & Ningning from aespa, Heeseung from ENHYPEN, Taeyeon, and BANKS.

Since I also write poetry from time to time, I'm happy to be influenced by poets like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe or my favorite poet, Joseph von Eichendorff. But first and foremost, I always feel most inspired by my own feelings, and also by my surroundings in general. I think art isn't created through planning or force, but rather spontaneously and honestly. Every everyday situation can trigger emotions, and I personally am always most creative then.

M-A-U: Your respective all-time top 10 records.

Rüdiger (without order and just a snapshot):
1. Depeche Mode – Some great reward
2. Midge Ure – The gift
3. Peter Gabriel – Sun
4. Devin Townsend – Power nerd
5. Yes – talk
6. Porcupine Tree – Deadwing
7. Steven Wilson – The future bites
8. Carpark north – All things to all people
9. Editors - EBM
10. Tangerine Dream – Hyperborea

Insa:
1. The Weeknd – Dawn FM
2. Grimes – Art Angels
3. Taeyeon – My Voice
4. aespa - drama
5. enhypen – The Sin: Vanish
6. BANKS – Off With Her Head
7. Coldplay - Parachutes
8. Hurts – Exile
9. Sleep Token – Take Me Back To Eden

10. SZA - SOS

M-A-U: Which song or album blew you away the most last year?

Rüdiger: Steven Wilson – The Overview

Insa: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

M-A-U: Are there any current plans for live concerts for the new album?

Rüdiger: Unfortunately not. We've been trying to book gigs for a long time, but it seems quite difficult. We couldn't really perform the new album live without a larger band, but we do have a lot of back catalog material.

M-A-U: What else can we expect from you in 2026?

Rüdiger: There will be a third single from the album, and the fourth single is an EP with two new tracks. We're also working on a singles collection, and there will be at least one new single from that as well.

M-A-U: Last but not least: Is there a question you've never been asked but would love to answer?

Rüdiger: Yes, perhaps: "Are there any side projects?"

Yes, there are, or rather, currently it's Science O.C.N. More information, as well as about Conscience, can be found at science2.de.

Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview.

Kai Grothaus
for Northern Art Music, BodyStyler Music Magazine, and www.music-and-arts-united.com