This melodic techno dj and producer lives in the most northern part of Groningen. We are very happy he released his first single on our techno record label recently. You will find out more about where and how he found inspiration to produce this track in this very interview. Check it out!
Introduction
My name is Maarten Brouwer and I’m 25 years old. My interest in music production started for me about 5-6 years ago, when I was visiting a friend who was already working on some underground music in Ableton. He was very enthusiastic about it and showed me what he had made. From that moment on I knew it would be a lot of fun to try and make my own music. I learned how to the use Ableton myself mainly by watching a lot of tutorials on Youtube.
How long are you already producing?
At this moment in time I’ve already been producing underground music for about 5 to 6 years. In the beginning I was working on a single track for months, but through practice I’m a lot quicker now.
What kind of hardware are you using?
- Macbook Pro;
- Tannoy Reveal 501A;
- Focusrite scarlett 2i2;
- M-Audio Oxygen 49;
- Akai APC mini;
- Marantz MPM-1000.
Creating a track
Usually I start out with the kick. Then I add a bassline, and from that point on the track’s already got a clear direction. Then I’m making a loop out of what I have, and start experimenting with a lot of different sounds. When this basic loop start sounding very thick and full, I will start with the building the entire structure of the track. Because I know already how the climax of the track will sound, I can slowly work towards it. Sometimes this whole process goes quite slowly and at other times it’s very fast, it all depends on the amount of inspiration I have in that moment.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
It depends. I’m basically listening to underground music all the time and this gives me a lot of inspiration. Sometimes I start out with an idea, but the final result can be totally different. When I’m working and suddenly I create an interesting sound then I will implement it in the track. This is why it always is a little bit of a surprise to see what the final track sounds like.
How many project are you currently working on?
At this moment I’m working at about 7 projects. But there are many many other projects I once started, but never finished. When I get stuck at one project or I have inspiration for a new track, I start a new project. The hardest part is always to finish a track.
What are your best techno songs of the moment?
These tracks are not specifically techno, but I really like them.
Future
I hope to release an EP in 2018. It also would be really nice to have my first gig before the end of the year.