Soft Powder’s Production Essentials

Melbourne producer Soft Powder runs us through his ideal production environment following the release of his latest single ‘Close Your Eyes‘.

We fell in love with Soft Powder’s (aka Andy Szetho’s) fusion of shoegazey lofi, comforting synths and 80s influences in his last track, ‘Running Through The Dark’. Now, this new single has once again proven his knack for creating fuzzy, dreamlike music with an almost ineffable calming quality. ‘Close Your Eyes’ is accompanied by another captivating video created in collaboration with filmmaker David Tse, with visuals drawing inspiration from Asian Cinema auteurs like Wong Kar Wai and Hou Hsiao-Hsien.

Soft Powder’s debut album ‘Somewhere Like Paradise’ is fast approaching so we wanted to learn more about his creative process- read on to hear about his perfect recording environment!

5 Production Essentials:

Must be nighttime:

I’ve always been most productive at night, whether that be in my studies or in my music-making. I think it’s because I don’t feel like I should be doing something else that’s more important and it doesn’t feel like I’m wasting daylight. I do my best work at night because it’s also quieter and I feel more isolated than at other times of the day, and I think this helps me get in the right mood. It’s easier to be introspective at night, and drawing out sombre, nostalgic emotions seems more natural when no one else is awake. I guess in contrast I feel more exposed during the day. Also, time moves slower at night, and there’s not as much pressure on time limits.

Alone:

I really prefer having my own space when I’m writing and recording music. I think it’s because I’m sensitive to pressure and it feels as though there’s less expectation. When there are other people in the room I worry that I’m wasting their time – this probably also explains why I like making music at night. When I collaborate with other people I prefer working on my own and separately from my collaborator before bringing our ideas together. The solitary environment also allows me to ruminate on certain ideas for as long as I like.

Less is more:  

I like having as little music equipment and gear in my recording space as possible. I’ll usually have a drum machine, my Juno 106 synth, my guitar, and a few very basic pedals. I know some producers and musicians like having lots to choose from, but I get overwhelmed when there are too many options. Having less gear also pushes me to come up with unique sounds using what I have in front of me. This often leads to resorting to unconventional methods of using the instruments and gear  I have, and I kind of start using them in ways that they aren’t designed for.  

Home Studio vs Professional Studio:

Writing and recording music in a homely environment is much more comfy for me than working in a professional recording space which can often feel a bit sterile. When you’re in there creating it can sometimes feel forced due to the time constraints and the looming cost of using the space which I don’t feel when I’m writing and recording at home. It’s easier for me to get into the right headspace when I’m creating at home, and it’s easier to get sidetracked, which (for me) often leads to the best stuff.

 Reverb Pedal (Boss RV5 to be precise):

I litter almost every instrument with this effects pedal, from guitars to synths to drum machines. I bought my Boss RV5 pedal 10 years ago second hand for like $60 and it’s my most used pedal and it sounds better than any other reverb pedal I’ve used (including $600+ reverb pedals I’ve tried in the past). I always have it on hand when I’m writing and recording music.

Be sure to listen to ‘Close Your Eyes’ & watch the music video, out everywhere now!