CRONAM On the Making Of ‘Decompression’
Can you share any interesting or unique musical elements or production techniques used in 'Decompression?'
The track “Decompression” started out as a live recording I did with my Eurorack Modular Synths. My rack consists of analog drum- and complex synth modules such as Zephyr and the Ultra Kick Module from SSF, as well as FM and digital synths for atmospheric textures. So I listened to the recording a couple of days later and thought: “Yay, this banger is definitely worth releasing!”. So I went into the multitrack recording in my DAW (Ableton Live) and did the post-production, mixing and mastering of the track to polish it and make the drums, sub base and main synth stand out to push the deep dubstep feeling of the track.
How does 'Decompression' fit into your overall artistic vision?
My artistic vision is to create contemporary bass music with an experimental edge to push the boundaries. I’m always drawn to the deeper, darker side of music and love to experiment with hardware synths to get the best out of them. The ‘Decompression’ EP is a milestone for me as I was able to express exactly what I wanted: A deep, cinematic and intoxicating dubstep flavour.
It was inspiring to combine all of my artistic and technological abilities such as Sound Design, Modular Synths, Turntablism and Mixing/Mastering to finish it up.
What has been one of your favorite memories along the path to making this EP?
It is always incredible to hear a live recording and get hyped by it. For the ‘Decompression’ EP especially one of my favourite moments was when I finished the mastering and then listened to the EP driving around with a Friend on a trip in OC California. It was so hard-hitting in the car which made me really happy. I got a lot of positive feedback.
How do you approach creating something new and different?
I get a lot of inspiration from experimenting with synths and drums. I usually create a patch on my Eurorack modular synths and as the patch evolves an idea is forming. I do a lot of improvisation and usually aim to be able to perform my music live. When I feel good about a patch I start a live recording and improvise. Sometimes the recording is satisfactory and I decide to polish it and then I get a new track for an upcoming release project.
Can you share a memorable experience from a collaboration that enriched your music?
When I met with fellow artists the first time starting to jam and play together and it just works without many words. It’s like getting caught up in a brain sync with other artists. Those moments are truly magical. And this style of collaboration truly enriches me as an Artist and my music.
One of those collaborations really stood out and soon I will play live concerts in Berlin with my new Band called Forms of Entrophy, which combines different crafts like Modular Synths, Turntablism, Sampling and Finger Drumming in a coherent Live setup, playing Dubstep, DnB and Hip Hop.