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136 - Nicolas Melis
Giannis Kampiotis
December 08, 2023
Artist Interviews 🎶 Studio Tours 🎛
Hello music people 👋
Today in the spotlight, Nicolas Melis
Currently in Cyprus, a musician with a classical background that recently started exploring electronic music and merging those two worlds together 🎶
Interview & Studio Tour
Who are you and what is your relationship with music?
I'm Nicolas Melis, a Cypriot pianist and keyboardist.
I'm currently in Cyprus, where I work as a Piano Instructor, I perform, teach, and collaborate with various artists. In recent years, I've expanded into the world of synthesizers and electronic music. This led to the release of "Bach on a Synth," an album that merges my classical background with modern technology. While music remains my primary source of income, these explorations into electronic music have added a fresh dimension to my musical journey.
Which piece of equipment in your studio is essential to your production process?
One essential piece of equipment in my studio is my Sequential Prophet Rev2 synthesizer. It's a powerful and versatile instrument that plays a crucial role in creating the electronic and synthesized elements of my music, adding a unique and expressive dimension to my compositions.
What is the least expensive piece of gear that gave you the most results?
One of the least expensive pieces of gear that has given me significant results is the Arturia Keylab Essential MIDI controller keyboard. This affordable controller has been instrumental in enhancing my music production and performance capabilities, allowing me to interact with various software instruments and virtual synthesizers with great versatility and creative freedom.
Walk us through your process for creating and producing music.
My music creation process starts with finding inspiration, which could be from personal experiences, emotions, or musical concepts I want to explore.
Then, I compose the music, shaping it according to my vision. I record live performances using my synths/keyboards or program electronic elements with MIDI controllers.
Sound design is crucial for electronic music, involving the manipulation and shaping of sounds using synthesizers and effects processors.
The arrangement phase is where I structure and layer the music, and mixing is vital for balancing and enhancing the audio.
Mastering gives the final polish, optimizing overall loudness and tonal balance.
What is a production technique that you always come back to?
One production technique I consistently return to is layering.
Layering allows me to create depth and complexity in my sound. It involves adding multiple tracks or instruments that complement each other, resulting in a rich and textured final product.
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How would you describe your style?
As an artist, my personal style is a fusion of classical and electronic elements. I draw from my classical piano training to infuse emotion and depth into my compositions.
Simultaneously, I explore the world of synthesizers and electronic music, incorporating soundscapes and textures.
What is a big challenge you have as an artist?
A significant challenge I face as an artist is promoting my music effectively in the digital age, given the oversaturation of content.
Has building a hardware setup changed your perspective on music or life in general?
Yes, building a hardware setup has changed my perspective on music and life.
It has deepened my appreciation for the tactile aspects of music creation and opened up new creative possibilities. In life, it has reinforced the value of dedication and continuous learning.
One tip on how to spark creativity?
To spark creativity, I recommend embracing a change of scenery or routine.
Sometimes, a new environment, a different time of day, or a break from your usual habits can provide fresh perspectives and inspire creative ideas.
A book, movie, article, or album that has inspired you?
Lisa Bella Donna's "Odyssey"
Where can people find more of your music and connect with you online?
Gear List
Fender - Rhodes
Wurlitzer - 200a
Clavinet - D6
Roland - SH101
Mellotron - M4000D Mini
Dave Smith - Tempest
Sequential - Pro3 | Prophet Rev 2 | OB6
Moog - Minimoog | Model D | Matriarch | Little Phatty
ASM - Hydrasynth
Nord - Stage 3
Roland - Juno 60
Yamaha - DX7
Elektron - Digitakt
In Case You Missed It
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Giannis @giannis.kampiotis
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