Sean McBride aka Martial Canterel is the progenitor of American cold synth sounds of the 21st Century. Since 2002 he’s been taking bleak intellectual exercises in the dark and danceable, producing records as himself and as on half of the live duo Xeno & Oaklander (with Liz Wendelbo).

Xeno & Oaklander’s latest album ‘Topiary’ was released on Ghostly last month. Their fifth album welcomes you into its self-made world with warm synth washes, moody chamber melodies. To celebrate they are playing live at Good Room at the Capriccio party on July 1. The man behind Capriccio, Alex from Queens, asked Martial Canterel to share some of his secrets ahead of the party.

Alex from Queens: What is your favorite word?

Martial Canterel: Materteral

What is your least favorite word?

Like

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

When ruffling or disturbing a curtain or drape that has been undisturbed for a long time, the resulting plumes of dusty smoke.

What turns you off?

The supremacy of the curator over the artist.

What is your favorite curse word?

It’s a Hungarian one: fasszan halal… hungarian for “on the cock of death” or bumfuck or an undesirable place.

What sound or noise do you love?

A zither.

What sound or noise do you hate?

The whistle of the kettle.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Civil engineer.

What profession would you not like to do?

Musician

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You realize it’s all politics, don’t you?

Xeno & Oaklander are playing live at Good Room on July 1 at the Capriccio party alongside Silent Servant, Stallone the Reducer and Alex from Queens. Tickets – http://bit.ly/235LLcm