Part 2

Once a piece is finished, how important is it for you to let it lie and evaluate it later on? How much improvement and refinement do you personally allow until you're satisfied with a piece? What does this process look like in practise?

It depends on the piece and the moment of creation. Sometimes, when a piece feels complete, there's an undeniable sense of finality, and I know instinctively that it's time to let it rest. Other times, there's a lingering uncertainty, a feeling that there might be more to explore. In those instances, I find it invaluable to let the piece lie and marinate for a while, allowing me to return to it with fresh ears and a renewed perspective.

As for improvement and refinement, I'm a firm believer in the power of iteration. I'll revisit a piece multiple times, making subtle adjustments and fine-tuning details until it resonates with the vision I have in mind. This process can be iterative and organic, with each revision bringing the piece closer to its full potential. It's a balancing act between intuition and critical evaluation, knowing when to trust my instincts and when to push the boundaries of my creative comfort zone.

In practice, this process often involves stepping away from the piece for a period of time, whether it's a few hours, days, or even weeks. During this hiatus, I might work on other projects or simply immerse myself in different experiences to gain new perspectives. When I return to the piece with fresh ears, I'm able to discern what elements need refinement and what aspects are working well.

It's a continuous cycle of creation, evaluation, and refinement until I reach a point where I feel satisfied with the final result.

What’s your take on the role and importance of production, including mixing and mastering for you personally? In terms of what they contribute to a song, what is the balance between the composition and the arrangement (performance)?

I feel deeply connected to my work, and sometimes, I find it challenging to maintain objectivity, especially when it comes to production aspects like mixing and mastering. While I pour my heart and soul into the composition and arrangement, I recognize the critical role that production plays in bringing the piece to its full potential.

For me, composition and arrangement lay the foundation of the track, setting the tone and conveying the core emotions and ideas. However, production, including mixing and mastering, is equally vital in enhancing the overall sonic experience. It's about striking a delicate balance between creativity and technical expertise, where each element complements and elevates the other.

When it comes to mixing and mastering, I often defer to someone I trust—a skilled engineer or producer—who can bring a fresh perspective and an objective ear to the process. This allows me to step back and relinquish control, knowing that the final product will benefit from their expertise and unbiased assessment.

In essence, while composition and arrangement provide the soul of the song, production acts as its vessel, shaping and refining the sonic landscape to ensure that it resonates with the listener on a deeper level. It's a collaborative effort that honours both the creative vision and the technical craft, resulting in a fusion of artistry and precision.

Here is a great example where Lawrence English suggested adding reverb to this track:



[Read our Lawrence English interview]

Here is another example with my collaboration with Yamil Rezc where we entrusted mastering to Vladislav Isaev.



After finishing a piece or album and releasing something into the world, there can be a sense of emptiness. Can you relate to this – and how do you return to the state of creativity after experiencing it?

No, I don't typically experience a sense of emptiness after completing and releasing a piece or album. Instead, I feel a sense of completion and fulfillment, knowing that I've poured my creativity into something tangible and shared it with the world.

My work spans across various mediums, from writing texts to exploring new concepts in quantum physics, conceptualizing installations, or crafting immersive experiences like VR or dome performances. This diversity allows me to easily transition from one project to another, keeping my creativity flowing and continuously evolving.

Rather than dwelling on past creations, I embrace the excitement of new possibilities, fuelling my creativity and propelling me forward into the next creative endeavour. Place me in an unfamiliar creative scenario, and I'll thrive, for the prospect of learning something novel brings me joy.

"Entanglement XR" with Markus Heckmann - part of the Mutek Immersive collection



Music is a language, but like any language, it can lead to misunderstandings. In which way has your own work – or perhaps the work of artists you like or admire - been misunderstood? How do you deal with this?

I believe that experiencing art is a deeply personal journey, and it's not my role to dictate how people interpret my work. Each individual brings their own unique perspective and life experiences to the table, shaping their understanding and reaction to the art they encounter. In this sense, I welcome all reactions, whether they align with my intentions or not, as they can spark meaningful conversations and insights.

Music, like any language, can indeed lead to misunderstandings. My own work, as well as that of artists I admire, has been subject to misinterpretation at times. Whether it's misaligned with the artist's original intent or simply perceived differently by the audience, misunderstandings are an inherent part of the creative process.

To deal with this, I strive to maintain open communication and dialogue with my audience. I welcome feedback and engage in discussions about the various interpretations of my work.

By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of respectful exchange, misunderstandings can be transformed into opportunities for growth and deeper understanding, enriching both the artist and the audience in the process.

Creativity can reach many different corners of our lives. Do you personally feel as though writing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

Absolutely, life itself is a canvas for creativity, and I feel that parenthood is one of the most profoundly creative experiences one can have.

From cooking to problem-solving, every aspect of daily life offers opportunities for creative expression. However, music holds a unique place in my heart as a means of expressing emotion with unparalleled clarity. While brewing a perfect cup of coffee or going for a run can be fulfilling in their own right, music allows me to tap into deeper layers of emotion and convey feelings that might be difficult to articulate through other means.

Writing a piece of music is inherently different from these "mundane" tasks in that it provides a medium for translating complex emotions and abstract concepts into tangible sonic experiences. Through music, I can express the depths of joy, sorrow, longing, or hope in a way that resonates with others on a visceral level. It's a form of communication that transcends language and speaks directly to the soul, offering solace, inspiration, or catharsis in ways that mundane tasks simply cannot.