1. Favourite knob or fader or switch on a piece of gear and why?
This big central knob on the Hydrasynth has such a wonderful click as it turns. I find it very satisfying.
2. Do you have an ‘almost’ perfect bit of kit? What would you change?
SP-404 MKII is awesome in almost every way. I wish the pads were better for finger drumming.
3. What setup do you bring on holiday or tour or commute etc.?
OP-1 and the Tascam DR-05
4. What software do you wish was hardware and vice versa?
Software… RC-20 in pedal format would be sick. Hardware… Give me a good virtual version of a classic Casio like the VL-1 or SK-1 along with all the noise and flutter.
5. Is there anything you regret selling… or regret buying?
I had a nice acoustic bass guitar that really hurt to play, but sounded awesome. I couldn’t take the pain, so I sold it but I wish I had just kept it for special occasions.
6. What gear has inspired you to produce the most music?
The Yamaha Reface CP is a beautiful instrument. It finds it’s way on almost every major project of mine.
7. If you had to start over, what would you get first?
A piano. I feel it’s the best instrument to write with.
8. What’s the most annoying piece of gear you have, that you just can’t live without?
Computers
9. Most surprising tip or trick or technique that you’ve discovered about a bit of kit?
I think choosing cheap instruments and oddball methods will always push you beyond your normal creative limit. Good gear can sometimes guide you towards a very specific and familiar sound. Playing on a busted guitar or used crusty mono synth can send you somewhere you’ve never been. I like to visit those places as often as I can.
Artist or Band name?
Ainsworth
Genre?
Electronic, Alternative
Selfie?
Where are you from?
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
How did you get into music?
Started playing in a rock band in middle school. Haven’t stopped playing or writing music ever since.
What still drives you to make music?
It’s such a fundamental part of who I am, I can’t picture a life where making music wouldn’t be part of my everyday routine.
How do you most often start a new track?
Usually with a melody I can hear in my head. I take that idea and push it through one of my synths, piano or guitar.
How do you know when a track is finished?
I’m usually following the rule that when you’ve added too many elements to a song, it’s time to start trimming things away. Once I’ve done that process, I put the song away for a day or two. I give a listen with fresh ears and 90% of the time I submit it quickly before I can start to second guess the decision. That other 10% of the time I get completely lost in overworking things until I can’t stand the song and it gets tossed in the bin.
Show us your current studio
Best creative advice that you’ve ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to fail.
Promote your latest thing… Go ahead, throw us a link
Just come say ‘Hi’ on my Instagram or YouTube. I’ll be there posting jams and having fun
https://www.instagram.com/ainsworththemusician
https://youtube.com/@ainsworththemusician