Focal SM9<\/a> monitors recommended by a good friend. I have also influenced a few people to do the same. Better speakers equal confidence in mixing tracks and a much higher quality output of sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to spend money on whatever helps. Whether it’s a sandwich or a random plane ticket to Thailand, both have equal value. You should do what feels right without the influence of TV advertisements, the daily news of current events or social media. Use your brain and manifest your own future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I have a trick. When I have finished for the day and I have my first rough mix of a track completed I do this. I listen on iPhone earphones, my DJ headphones, my production headphones, and my laptop speakers. Usually, I hear something different from either of these drivers where I would not have heard it before. They are usually mistakes that I can then go back to alter. It sounds simple, but like anything, a complex result can be made using a simple tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often I would also take a walk around the block, or lay down with headphones away from the screen and hear back what I did that day or the morning after. It is a totally different listening experience. When you are looking at the screen for so long it gets to a point where all you hear is information. Good to take a step back and hear in a different listening environment. Better with fresh ears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few other tips are: bouncing midi tracks and synths into audio was a huge game changer for me. My sound design is a lot done in audio editing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also using Ableton stock plugins and effects I find is a quick way to get an idea out of my head. For example, I would use Ableton EQs when producing and later replace them with better ones. Speed in production for me is key. But that is how my brain works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the music, are there other art forms, experiences, or aspects of life that influence your creative expression?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEvil Oil Man: I do. I studied art for most of my younger years. I was very passionate about it. It does not have the expression outlet I need in order for it to be a long-term career. However, I have never closed the door on it. Without it, I would be a different person. I have confided in drawing by hand more than any person. Unfortunately I hold a pencil with a very strange grip almost the form of a crab so my drawing stamina is affected badly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am extremely excited about cooking food. I love all things chilli peppers and multicultural cuisines I find stimulating, I love fusion. I very much enjoy fire cooking the most and cooking for a person or persons is one of the most relaxing and rewarding things I can do in my life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I briefly mentioned that I grew up playing instruments, which I still do to this day. My guitars have never let me down. I songwrite but it is more like poetry for me. It is a solitary pastime I dabble in from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The psytrance scene is known for its tight-knit community. How do you see the role of collaboration in your work, and are there any artists you dream of collaborating with?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEvil Oil Man: I don’t currently have anyone specific in mind. I respect my elders so any collaborations with older artists would always feel flattering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n