Written Interview with Aparde for FWD.DJ 2019

Where was the mix recorded and what would you like the listener to know about the mix?

I did it at home. When you have content you like it’s fun to do mixing however you do it. This mix is more about the track collection rather than long transitions and looping, which is how I mixed in the past. My upcoming remix for Janus Rasmussen as well as new material from artists I like and listen to are included in it.

What gear did you use when putting the mix together?

I used Ableton Live with a template I made for mixing. Sometimes it becomes more interesting if you have more freedom and options of mixing tracks in a DAW. Sometimes it’s more about the impression you want to transmit. Normally I use midi controllers.

The title of your forthcoming LP 'Hands Rest' evokes images of a very hands-on, physical creative process that has come to completion. I imagine your studio contains a lot of hardware please take us on a tour. What are your go-to bits of software/gear/instruments you utilize in particular to manufactures the signature atmospherics, and vocal elements prevalent in your sound?

It’s actually not that much. I use reduced analog and digital instruments or outboard effects. There is always a DSI Prophet and a Moog Minitaurus. I also use a Roland Juno plug-in. For sounddesign, I have two fx pedals and recommend Soundtoys fx plugins. Another great tool for mixing is Fabfilter. For me, it’s better to focus more on the workflow instead of looking into which tools I’m using. Maybe it’s because of this workflow that I have a more homogenous sound.

Rumors were floating around the internet a while back that you might be working with Apparat - is that true and if so what info could you give us on this dream collaboration?

There is no collaboration, unfortunately. The rumors probably referred to the show „Nachtflug“ in the Zeiss Großplanetarium Berlin. Apparat, Parra for Cuva and I were making music for it.

You write on the KI website about the events leading to the creation of 'Hands Rest', the end of a long relationship & the mental turmoil that followed. It seems that often an artist's best work is born out of tribulation. What thoughts do you have on the role of suffering in the creative life of an artist?

It can harm the creative process badly, but on the other hand, you can compensate through it. As long as you do something, it’s ok. Just continue doing. When I make music I can block out everything and focus on producing. The best way to deal with suffering is doing or creating.

All of us @ FWD have great respect for & a deep love of KI records, tell us a little about how your relationship with them started and what it has been like to work with them.

We met for the first time in Hamburg a few years ago. After further communication and a few demos, they released my debut album „Glass“. They motivated me to record my next album „Hands Rest“ and supported me on the videos and everything necessary around the album. It’s good that there are people out there who want to work with you.

One of our favorite pieces of yours is the track 'Dialogue' & the accompanying rework by the amazing Parra for Cuva (personally this rework is my all-time favorite piece of electronic music). Interestingly his rework contains hauntingly beautiful vocal's that aren't in the original. What was the impetus to leave the vocals out of the original?

Thank you! We recorded the vocals just for his remix after the original was already finished. If I remember correctly, Nicolas wanted to add my vocals to it, and after the release, we were both thinking that the vocals weren’t really essential.

Do you think our dream of seeing your early EP's released on wax will ever come true?

I don’t know, maybe? I would like to see „Dim“ and „Maerk“ on vinyl.

Who are you listening to right now that is impressing you.

Throwing Snow and some of the productions from Billie Eilish.

Tags: Ableton, Berlin, Live, Studio