43 - Nelson Novak

Hello music people 👋

Today in the spotlight, Nelson Novak

Coming from the United Stated, he is deep into synthesis. He believes music can help people and he is on a mission to push people into music 🎶

Read Time: 7 minutes 📰

Studio

Gear List

Some favorites...

• Mutable Instruments - Clouds

• Mutable Instruments - Plaits

• Mutable Instruments - Tides

• Mutable Instruments - Ears

• Mutable Instruments - Rings (...really everything from Mutable Instruments)

• 4ms - DLD

• Bastl - Knit Rider

• Arturia - Microfreak

• Erica Synths - Pico Drums

• FX Aid - Happy Nerding

• Qu-Bit Electronix - Nautilus

• Korg - Minilogue XD (I don't think I'll ever be getting rid of my it either)

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Interview

Who are you and what is your relationship with music?

I live in Urbana, Illinois. I buy and sell modules to keep up my habit...

I've been back into music after a 13 year hiatus... This is my first year really diving into synthesis, ever really taking things seriously. Buying and selling things is what I'm used to and doesn't force me out of my comfort zone.

I'd like to start a STEM based nonprofit that teaches synthesis and how to build and sell synthesizers, aid young people interested in music in the direction that is most suitable for them...etc.

I run a non for profit sober living home and buy and sell gemstones, jewelry and an absurd amount of Grateful Dead pins currently as well on ETSY.

GAS has been very good to me so far.

Which piece of equipment in your studio is essential to your production process?

My modular setup, specifically the two skiffs with all my various utilities, sound sources and DSP.

The Neutron and Morphagene aren't going anywhere either.

What is the most budget-friendly piece of studio gear that gave you the most results?

Behringer Neutron in terms of utility.

Microkorg in terms of my history with music.

Walk us through your process for creating and producing music.

I only do 1 take live improvisation. I wait until I hear something, or feel something, that I like and record via a lapel mic.

Until there is a demand I don't have any interest in finishing tracks, or playing show for that matter... I just want to get really good at playing live within Patch, and continuing to grow with my system.

I judge the quality of my sound based on how it makes me feel. If I can silence myself, close my eyes and see geometric patterns, flashing lights, angels-like entities and dream-like sequences then I know regardless of what my ears are telling me, that I have something of depth.

I truly believe this music can help people, and that it's impact goes far beyond anything that is simply heard and disposed of. I try to transcend reality, I try to transcend the self.

I spend a ridiculous amount of time studying synthesis. I think people should take these instruments seriously. They are far more than a trend or fashion statement... to me at least.

I have so many goals that I know I'll never reach, but I know all that I don't, someone else will, and that gives me a great sense of comfort. Everything is exactly where it is meant to be... albeit sometimes a mess (especially in my case).

Α production technique that you always come back to?

I guess this is more of a mindset...

If you aren't feeling it, just relax. There is more time, things will figure themselves out. I try to approach things from a child-like standpoint and always sort of look at it as a form of meditation.

It's called "playing" for a reason.

How would you describe your personal style as an artist?

My style is founded in seeking something new.

I make all types of electronic music, I'm always trying to get different results. I hope to create a truly unique yet worthy genre/ style of its own more than anything else.

What’s your biggest struggle?

Whether I'm an artist or not. It's so trivial and silly but it drives me mad.

Has building a hardware setup changed your perspective on music or life in general?

The way these machines work... Totally analogues to the human mind, behaviors, sociology... From the macro to the micro...

They are like brains, organisms and societies... Synthesizing sound is like playing God... We are all made of wave particles after all... That's how I tend to see it anyway.

Does that answer the question?

One tip on how to spark creativity?

Let it come from within.

A book, movie, article, or album that has inspired you?

I avoid taking in outside influence as much as possible.

I would like to shout-out Two Legged Zoo though. He's helped push me forward a lot. He's provided some much needed confidence, makes great music too..

How can people find you?

Instagram

Youtube (As I grow I'll add whatever else I end up making in terms of projects on there)

In Case You Missed It

42 - Harry the Hat

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Giannis @giannis.kampiotis

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