1. Favourite knob or fader or switch on a piece of gear and why?
It would have to be the start and end sliders on the Akai s612. I love the immediacy of playing with those sliders and reversing the sample with my fingers. That tactile feel lets me feel more connected to the sample.
2. Do you have an ‘almost’ perfect bit of kit? What would you change?
It would have to be the EMU Command Station. I love the sound it puts out. Plus the 16 track sequencer and hands on real time sound manipulation that can be had. If I could change something about it, it would be to save presets and programs better.
3. What setup do you bring on holiday or tour or commute etc.?
Just my iPhone running Koala sampler with either AUM or EG Nodes. I usually can create something I’m happy with using that, without the worry of having expensive pedals/synths/samplers broken, lost, or stolen.
4. What software do you wish was hardware and vice versa?
BACKMASK by Freakshow Industries. It’s some type of reverse, but more than just a regular reverse. Whatever it’s doing is usually pretty wild, but sonically pleasing.
5. Is there anything you regret selling… or regret buying?
My brother and I bought a Studer A820 8 Track 1 inch machine from a local radio station. Low hours, pristine condition. We made some great recordings, just recording super hot at 30ips. We never did any maintenance on it and so one day (surprise, surprise), it stopped working. I definitely don’t regret buying it, and we haven’t sold it, so I can’t regret selling it. LOL!!
I regret not being able to fix it. (but hope to one day)
6. What gear has inspired you to produce the most music?
The Hologram Electronics Microcosm. Once I got that, it allowed me to start thinking outside the box. Giving old cheap keyboard/samplers a whole new lease on life. It inspired me to try and run different things through it to see the outcome.
7. If you had to start over, what would you get first?
Most likely the most powerful iPad Pro I could possibly afford. I believe they are capable of producing incredible results, in such a fast, efficient, portable, and sonically pleasing way.
I just enjoy plugging and unplugging things more. Twisting knobs and pushing faders is satisfying too.
8. What’s the most annoying piece of gear you have, that you just can’t live without?
Chase Bliss Habit. I don’t know exactly what it’s doing, but I need it on all the time.
9. Most surprising tip or trick or technique that you’ve discovered about a bit of kit?
If you split your bass into two channels and run one into the mic input of the Akai S612, and the other direct, (essentially using the Akai as a distortion) you get a bass that really rips and cuts through the mix.
Artist or Band name?
Estelle Avenue
Genre?
Experimental Lofi Ambient Sound Texture Moments
Selfie?
Where are you from?
Italian descent
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada
How did you get into music?
My parents bought my sister, brother, and I a Casio keyboard when we were young. I didn’t think much about at the time, but it must have had some affect on me.
What still drives you to make music?
I love creating something new when I can. It’s very therapeutic. A creative outlet.
How do you most often start a new track?
I try to go and create whenever I get the itch to.
How do you know when a track is finished?
I don’t really create tracks. Just moments.
Create something. Upload. Gone forever.
I’m not going to play it live or try and recreate it somewhere else.
Show us your current studio
Best creative advice that you’ve ever heard?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process and have fun.
Promote your latest thing… Go ahead, throw us a link.
https://www.instagram.com/estelle.avenue