Interview
Handle: Cycleburner - Homepage
How did you come up with your alias ?
When I joined Contex, I was tired of my old alias, so I was playing with several names, but in the end I decided on "cycleburner". The meaning should be obvious, although less computer-literate people seem to think it has something to do with bicycles... :-/
City / Country:
Oslo, Norway
Born year:
1971
What was your first computer, and when did you get it?
I got a Commodore 64 in 1983.
How did you get into the scene and what groups have you been a member of ?
After seeing a demo by "The Black Knights" some time in the mid eighties, I sent them some routines I had programmed, and they wanted me to join. TBK went through a few transitions and became Weird Science. At this time I was known as "NOP" (No Ordinary Programmer). When Weird Science later suddenly died, I found myself in Contex, and I changed my name to cycleburner.
After Contex I joined Megastyle, which I guess I'm still a member of, although I'm not active anymore.
What was the proudest moment in your career ?
Probably winning first prize at a party in Spydeberg/Askim (Norway) with the demo "Sign of the times". It was my first demo worth mentioning, and there were many other good groups in the competition, like for instance Rawhead.
For what specific reason(s) do you think that you are remembered ?
"Digidemos". People liked "real" music, and my demos had good sound quality as well as some visual stimulation.
What would you like to be remembered for ?
Originality, quality and taste. Giving people something to enjoy.
What made you stop the scene activity ? (and do you remember when?)
I never intentionally quit, but school demanded more and more of my time until one day I was just not active anymore. After Megastyle released "Seal of Focalor", I've contributed with a sample for the Tribute 1995 invitation demo, but I have no plans of returning to the C64.
Thinking back on the good old days, is there anything you regret?
I wish I had had the chance to be more active and more in control.
What was your favorite
GAME(S)
I liked playing Fort Apocalypse, H.E.R.O, Pitstop II, Boulder Dash and Hunchback among others.
DEMO(S)
Too many to mention.. The Think Twice series was rather astounding.
PROGRAMMER(S) (OR PROGRAMMING TEAM(S))
Jeff Minter, Tony Crowther, Stavros Fasoulas, Upfront, Panoramic Designs, Censor and many more.
COMPOSER(S)
Jens Christian Huus, Rob Hubbard, Martin Galway
BEST COMPOSED TRACK(S)
W.A.R., Parallax
BEST GRAPHICS
Hein, Sparkler
EVENT(S) (E.G. COPYPARTY)
The Horizon Easter party in 1990 was cool.
MEMORY(S)
It was very special to receive calls from people far away. (Everyone who got a huge phone bill; thank you!! ;)) Trips to parties were also fun. Met many cool people.
DRINK ?
"Solo" (a Norwegian orange soda)
What are you doing nowadays ?
I've been studying computer science at the university in Oslo for some time. I'm also making music (trance mostly), and I hope to get something released soon.
What are you doing on your spare time?
Music is an important part of my life, and I still play with samplers, only now through MIDI and with a slightly more expensive Akai S3000XL.
Is there anything you'd like to say to the public (read: admires)
Thanks to everyone who enjoyed my demos!! I'm amazed and flattered every time I meet someone on the net who remembers me. :)
What is the meaning of life?
To live and feel you are alive. Most people just die trying.