Interviews
Interview | Questions & Answers With ARON
With this interview, I would like to introduce you to ARON, a talented Music Producer/DJ from Denver, Colorado, whose productions are 100% original. He recently discovered how enjoyable is to make Ambient and Electronica music, and he wants to excel himself in this creative market. Besides that, ARON stands out for his music background and is very skillful in a wide variety of instruments. Sounds interesting, right?… Read the full interview below and stream his latest EP ‘Rosattis’, you’ll like his work!
1 – Did you study classical music at college? How many instruments can you play?
I actually played the French horn my freshman year of college, and nearly every day for a few years before that. I took classical guitar lessons, music theory, and played the piano in jazz band one semester. But as I got older my interests changed, and now I mostly just play with MIDI controllers. The beauty of electronic production is that there are thousands of instruments at your fingertips, and you don’t have to spend years practicing to make something sound good.
2 – When did you become a DJ and a music producer?
I got into production shortly after moving to Denver in 2015. I was playing guitar in a band with a couple of really talented individuals but found that a lot of the time our work schedules didn’t align, and they lived far away. Despite how musically compatible we were, the logistics just didn’t work. I ended up going solo for awhile and wrote a bunch of songs by myself. When I first tried producing them it sounded horrible. So I started learning about production methods to improve my sound and realized how much more creative potential there was over playing a single instrument at a time. I was hooked. Being a DJ was the way forward. As a producer, I can work whenever I want and not have to depend on anyone, which is really convenient.
3 – What’s the concept behind your latest EP ‘Rosattis’?
For this EP I really wanted to make something totally original that doesn’t sound like anyone else. I designed all of the sounds on the album. The only time I used samples was for drum hits or elements like risers. Everything else; all the melodies and harmonies, rhythms, synths, guitars, pads, I composed all of that. This EP was mainly an experiment into different production techniques, and a learning experience for me to build on in future work. I wanted to put something real out there, something that shows other artists I can produce music and makes them want to collaborate with me. It seems to be working, I have a steady stream of people hitting me up now.
4 – What’s your favorite track on this EP? Why?
I really like the track “Real Time”, but “Rosattis” is a close second. “Real Time” was one of those tracks that came together all in one afternoon. One day I spontaneously picked up a guitar and had this idea for a cool riff, so I recorded it into a condenser microphone thinking it was going to be some kind of acoustic track. After adding a couple of synths and some rhythm it started turning into this really interesting electronic sound layered with organic elements. I built the track around that idea and it turned out much cooler than I expected. It ended up being sort of the inspiration for the other tracks in the EP.
5 – What tools, software, and instruments do you use in order to create music?
I compose the music in Ableton, then use a Traktor S4 to perform it live. I like Traktor because of the loop engine; it makes performing live very easy. I incorporate different artists into my set, so once the music is composed I can mix loops of our tracks while they improvise over it. For the production side of things, I utilize a lot of different third party software plugins for digital processing; 2C-Aether, FabFilter, and iZotope to name a few. I also use a bunch of digital synths, but my favorites are Spire and FM8. I have a Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB interface, and a couple of different monitors; an Avantone Mixcube and a pair of Yamaha HS5s for mastering.
6 – How big is the electronic music scene in Denver?
The music scene is exploding here. There are dozens of venues in Denver catering to every style you can think of, thousands of local artists, and there is no shortage of fans either. A number of people that have moved here over the last few years is insane. The big clubs are always packed every weekend. Most of the festivals that come through here sell out. I think a lot of artists are starting to realize that they need some kind of modern electronic component in their production these days. It’s really easy to be ignored unless you can bring something fresh to the table, and that’s where electronic music has so much potential because there is always the capacity to shape the sound into something totally new.
7 – Are you a big fan of making mashups? Where can we listen or download them?
When I was first learning how to DJ I made a lot of mashups. I once read an artist interview with Madeon where he revealed some of his production secrets, and he said that he got started by using Traktor to sample loops of different songs and then remix them with other elements. He is one of these electronic music artists that is really at the forefront of using the latest technology to produce and perform, so I attempted to follow his method. Every once in awhile in my DJ set I will hear two songs which just work really well together, and sometimes I’ll mash them up into loops and arrange them on Ableton. It’s a lot of fun to do, but these days my time is spent more on producing music with other artists.
You can stream my mashups on YouTube or on SoundCloud.
8 – Can you name us a few artists that sound similar to the type of music you produce?
Honestly, not really. None that sound like this EP.
9 – Are there any upcoming releases that you could speak on?
Right now I’m working on producing an album with some local artists, a multi-instrumentalist and a female vocalist here in Denver. Our live set will be really good. If you are a fan of deep house, jazz, progressive, or ambient stuff, you will definitely appreciate what we are coming up with. It might be the coolest thing I’ve produced so far.
Here is a preview of one of the tracks off the album:
10 – At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music?
I’ve never really approached making music from the standpoint of wanting to send a message or make a statement. I just enjoy creating it. My hope is that when other people hear the stuff I make, that they feel some excitement, like that rush you get when you hear a really amazing song for the first time and hundred times later it still makes you feel something. I want it to be unforgettable. That’s the ultimate goal anyway.
Paul Mayson‘s first-ever album, ‘One Life,’ is like a special mix of his love for House music, blended with different kinds of sounds and cool collaborations from artists all over the world. You definitely don’t want to miss this interview!
1 — With the release of your debut album ‘One Life,’ what are your expectations for how listeners will connect with the music?
My goal was to showcase my story and my sound. And for it to be an uplifting, positive, and summery album. Hopefully, it feels like that! It’s a collection of songs made at the moment, to make you feel happy and free. It’s about embracing life, the good things and the bad. And about doing what makes you happy.
2 — You’ve teamed up with a diverse range of international artists on this material. Please let us know how these collaborations came to be.
It was really exciting taking elements from different genres, working with a group of great artists who come from very different backgrounds, and bringing all of these sounds and flavors together on one project. A lot of artists I meet myself, reach out to the people I’m interested in. I often travel abroad to work on music together and do sessions in London or LA. Sometimes collabs can also happen through the label or the publisher, but ultimately it’s great to have an artist-to-artist relationship.
3 – What compelled you to emphasize the themes of life, freedom, and diversity in this album?
I’m very passionate about House music culture and the way it started. Which was all about positivity and celebrating life together. I love that message and think the soulful, feel-good element of House music is what always really attracted me to the genre. And to music in general, including other genres like Soul and RnB.
4 – Can you share more details about the process of integrating experimental elements into the music production of your album?
A few of the songs (like “Tell Me How” and “I Want You”) were basically made during one big jam session. It’s me just trying out completely different sounds, textures, and rhythms and experimenting with live drums, guitars, and whatever I feel like. Letting go of any rules connected to dance music allows for a really fresh approach to the album songs.
6 – How does the artwork complement the album’s concept?
It emphasizes the feel-good element and the overall message of the album. Life is in front of you, it’s there for the taking. You’re in the hallway, step into the light and embrace life.
7 – Will there be another amazing music video like “Have It All,” dropping in the near future?
We released a really cool art piece and visualizer for the album which I’m very excited about!
8 – Given your ambition to push boundaries within the Dance genre, do you think the bunch of producers already out there could make it tough for you to really stand out?
I think individuality is key. Doing something you’re passionate about. Telling your own story. If you go into that process, the outcome will be unique. Not following trends and doing my own thing is what helps me stand out and allows me to be ahead and I try to keep pushing myself.
9 – Among your studio essentials, what’s the item that you consider the cornerstone of your setup?
Quite a lot of my work is digital. I carry my laptop around and can produce and write anywhere with it, whether it’s my home studio, the studio in Amsterdam, a hotel, or even an airport. That’s what makes it flexible and international! Just being able to work anywhere and get the creative process going. At home I also love my Adam A77x monitors and I also use a Prophet synth.
CONNECT WITH PAUL MAYSON NOW!
In this exclusive interview, Swedish producer Tobtok discusses all the details about his latest single as part of the ongoing countdown to the upcoming ‘My Friends’ EP. This is a collaborative effort with farfetch’d that you definitely shouldn’t overlook.
1 — Congratulations on the release of “My Friends.” Please tell us more about the influences and musical style that shaped this cool track.
Thanks! This tune has taken inspiration from bits and pieces of tracks I’ve been into over the last 10 years, everything from Daft Punk to Fred Again. It contains a lot of micro samples and vocal lines that are in a similar vein as old French House records, but we also wanted to experiment with the current UK rave sound, which we think ended up in a pretty unique and interesting way.
2 — How did you and farfetch’d navigate the creative process together, especially when faced with differing ideas or disagreements?
We were kind of on the same page with most things to be fair. Jerry from farfetch’d is a very creative guy and he loves to bash out new ideas, which worked well for me to develop into full songs. We worked on every track together in my studio and finished them off together. Of course, we had some different ideas about certain things but since none of us had a big ego, we just compromised. I think when you like the same kind of music, you usually think quite alike.
3 — What sets this collaboration apart from your previous singles?
I think this is possibly the strongest single from the EP. It feels catchy and is super simple yet not too boring. It also has Jerry’s voice in it which is unique to any other of our tracks.
4 — Can you share any funny anecdotes about specific moments while crafting “My Friends”?
We have hidden a few wacky voice notes in it as a sort of ambiance. It can be heard in the second verse or whatever you wanna call it. You clearly hear Jerry laughing about something, but I can’t remember what it was.
5 — Is this tune part of an upcoming album or EP?
It’s track no.3 from our ‘My Friends’ EP which has a total of 6 tracks. It was released via Perfect Havoc on 29th September.
6 — What are your emotions when your music receives recognition and praise from other producers in the industry?
It’s always so much fun to get praise from your peers and colleagues. These people live and breathe music and probably hear way more stuff than the average listener, so I guess they tend to be less impressed by music.
7 — Has your signature sound as Tobtok undergone changes over the years?
Haha most definitely. I started out with French House which evolved into Nu-Disco. I later jumped on the Tropical House train (quite early on in my defense). Left that and tried something cooler with my track “ABER,” and from there, it’s been more of a mix between UK and Deep House.
8 — Is there any specific music genre you’re eager to explore?
Old School Disco and Soul. I’m a big fan of the 70s as a whole, that’s why I’ve bought a few vintage Roland pieces in my studio and a Rhodes Piano.
9 — Considering the global nature of music today, are there any international artists you’d love to collaborate with?
I love Jungle right now, for reasons made quite obvious in the previous question. They’ve mastered this cool retro 70’s/Motown sound and yet managed to make it sound fresh somehow. I’d love to just hang out in the studio with them and see what they do.
10 — As we conclude, do you feel that there’s a certain formula that artists can follow to produce chart-topping hits?
Nowadays, it’s all about doing something that stands out from what everyone else is doing and probably also adding a sprinkle of nostalgia and familiarity into something. A good example is the new Peggy Gou record which is a massive hit that takes inspiration from ATB but puts it in a new and interesting context. It doesn’t hurt to have a massive TikTok following either lol.
CONNECT WITH TOBTOK NOW!
You must read this interview with Kouss! He used to rock it as a badass drummer in the Stellar Revival band, but now he’s spilling the beans about how he switched things up and got into making electronic dance music (EDM). The spotlight is now on his latest track, “Can’t Go Back.” Learn more here.
1 — Putting your sound into words, how would you convey the mood and sensations that your music evokes to someone unfamiliar with it?
My music aims to be an uplifting and thoughtful blend of Progressive House and Dance-Pop. Even though the music is very dancefloor-friendly, the songwriting is very Pop-forward. I also love mixing live instrumentation with electronic production to create layered recordings. As a drummer, having live elements mesh with the electronic really brings out a unique texture.
2 — Your transition from Rock music with Stellar Revival to EDM is quite remarkable. Can you tell us more about it?
The transition from Rock to EDM is an exciting and natural creative evolution. I’ve always been passionate about electronic music, so finally being able to fully immerse myself in the genre as a producer and songwriter has been fulfilling. My background as a touring Rock drummer also gives me a unique musical sensibility that I try to incorporate into Kouss Records.
3 — As a drummer, you had to adapt to a different genre. How did you translate your rhythmic background into this new realm?
When approaching any genre, especially Dance music, I’m utilizing my background in percussion to create grooves and drum patterns. The drum parts still come from the same creative place whether I’m sitting behind a drum set or drawing with a MIDI controller. I will say that with EDM I find myself focused more on groove and restraint.
4 — In what ways have Illenium, Zedd, and David Guetta played a role in shaping the sound of your new single “Can’t Go Back”?
Illenium, Zedd, and David Guetta definitely influenced the melodic and atmospheric vibes in “Can’t Go Back.” Their music motivates and challenges me to produce massive soundscapes on the highest level. They’re all melodic magicians, and I continue to be inspired by their work. I also feel like I put my own spin on “Can’t Go Back.” It’s almost like the line between EDM and Pop became blurrier on this track.
5 — What’s the story behind the song title?
“Can’t Go Back” is generally about moving forward and not dwelling on the past. For me personally, it’s about evolving as an artist and person.
6 — Anna Kline’s presence on “Can’t Go Back” adds a unique dynamic. How did this collaboration come about?
I was introduced to Anna soon after starting the Kouss project by “Can’t Go Back” co-producer and dear friend Phil Barnes. The second I heard Anna sing I knew I wanted to work with her. She’s an incredible songwriter and an awesome human. It was an organic collaboration that we’re both stoked about. Definitely be on the lookout for more collaborations with Anna in the future!
7 — How do you aim to connect with listeners on an emotional level through this single?
I aim to connect with listeners on an emotional level through the authenticity and musicality of “Can’t Go Back.” It’s about delivering that special feeling to the listener. We crafted this recording from a place of passion as artists. The lyrics are relatable and cathartic, and Anna’s vocals draw you into this sonic world we created. We also tap into some nostalgia with the Big Room House vibe. But overall the goal was to give listeners an authentic musical experience that resonates with them, regardless of what genre they usually listen to.
8 — For “Can’t Go Back,” did you experiment with a combination of electronic elements and live instruments?
Yes, “Can’t Go Back” mixes electronic production with live drumming and live guitars. The live instruments give the song a dynamic texture and human feel. Not every Kouss song will have live instruments, but it’s definitely a major part of the debut EP coming in 2024.
9 — Looking ahead, how do you envision your music style evolving?
I want to continue bridging the gap between organic and electronic. Creatively, I think there’s a lot of meat on that bone. I also don’t want to limit myself to a single genre or style. I love all types of music and ultimately hope to develop a sound that draws from those diverse influences and experiences.
10 — Lastly, reflecting on your journey so far, what’s been the most memorable or rewarding moment of your music career?
Working with talented musicians and creators who are excited about my music has been humbling and inspiring. I didn’t expect it, but the reaction to “Can’t Go Back” has been both unexpected and validating. It’s so cool to see the song played in clubs, gyms, and cars. I’m truly fortunate to share my passion for music and connect with listeners who share the same passion.