“I like sampling from vinyl; I like the limitation, and the randomness.”: Hardt Antoine interview
MusicRadar Tech・15 minutes read
Alan stresses that his unique personality is central to music production, highlighting the significance of crafting a distinct sound even when using popular samples or elements from other sources. He advocates for creating a large volume of tracks to foster growth and self-discovery, emphasizing that true artistic identity develops through experimentation and extensive practice.
Insights
- Alan highlights the significance of infusing his unique personality into music production, asserting that every component of a track, even those sourced from established tools like the 909 drum machine, must resonate with his distinct sound. This approach not only enhances originality but also reflects his evolution from a local DJ to an electronic artist who prioritizes personal expression in his performances.
- He advocates for the importance of creating a high volume of music as a means of growth and self-discovery in artistry, suggesting that making hundreds of tracks is essential for developing a deeper understanding of one's identity as an artist. Alan also warns against the misconception that a clear artistic identity can emerge from only a few creations, emphasizing that true mastery comes from extensive practice and a willingness to experiment without attachment to initial works.
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Recent questions
What is music production?
Music production is the process of creating, recording, and refining music. It involves various stages, including songwriting, arranging, recording, mixing, and mastering. Producers work with artists to shape the sound and feel of a track, ensuring that every element, from instruments to vocals, aligns with the desired artistic vision. The role of a producer can vary widely, from overseeing the entire project to focusing on specific aspects like sound design or arrangement. In essence, music production is about transforming ideas into polished musical works that can be shared with an audience.
How can I improve my music skills?
Improving music skills requires dedication and practice across various aspects of music creation. One effective approach is to focus on producing a large volume of music, as this allows for experimentation and learning from mistakes. Engaging in regular practice helps develop technical skills and fosters creativity. Additionally, seeking feedback from peers and mentors can provide valuable insights and encourage growth. Exploring different genres and techniques can also broaden your understanding and inspire new ideas. Ultimately, the key to improvement lies in persistence, openness to learning, and a willingness to explore your artistic identity.
What is the role of a music label?
A music label plays a crucial role in the music industry by supporting artists in various ways, including marketing, distribution, and promotion of their music. Labels often help artists reach a wider audience by leveraging their networks and resources. They may also provide financial support for recording and production costs, allowing artists to focus on their creative work. Additionally, labels can assist in curating and managing music releases, ensuring that the artist's vision is effectively communicated to listeners. Overall, a music label acts as a bridge between artists and the market, facilitating the growth and success of musical talent.
Why is sampling important in music?
Sampling is important in music because it allows artists to incorporate existing sounds and recordings into their work, creating new and innovative compositions. This technique can add depth and texture to a track, drawing on the emotional resonance of familiar sounds. Sampling also fosters creativity by enabling artists to reinterpret and recontextualize music from different genres and eras. However, it is essential to approach sampling thoughtfully, as overused samples can detract from originality. When done well, sampling can enhance a track's uniqueness and connect listeners to a broader musical landscape, enriching the overall listening experience.
How does COVID-19 affect artists?
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted artists, prompting many to reevaluate their creative processes and artistic identities. With live performances largely halted, artists found themselves with more time for introspection and experimentation. This period allowed for the exploration of new ideas and techniques, leading to personal growth and development in their craft. Many artists used the opportunity to refine their skills, produce new music, and connect with their audience through digital platforms. While the challenges were considerable, the pandemic also served as a catalyst for innovation and self-discovery, ultimately shaping the future of their artistic journeys.
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Summary
00:00
Alan's Journey in Music Production and Identity
- Alan emphasizes the importance of his personality in music production, stating that every element of a track, including the kick, snare, and vocals, must reflect his unique sound, even if he didn't create the original sounds, like the 909 drum machine.
- He enjoys sampling vinyl records, appreciating the physical aspect of buying records and the randomness it brings, despite not frequently performing vinyl gigs. He prefers this tactile experience over sifting through digital files.
- Alan expresses a love-hate relationship with Splice, using it for obscure samples but noting that popular samples are often overused in multiple tracks, which detracts from originality.
- He recounts his journey from being a local DJ in London, where he played at bars and restaurants, to taking music production seriously, investing time and money to improve his skills.
- Alan identifies as an electronic artist rather than just a DJ, highlighting that his performances now incorporate his own music and personality, creating a more artistic and personal experience for the audience.
- He reflects on his artistic development during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that it allowed him to introspect and solidify his identity as an artist, despite having the technical skills to produce music for years.
- Alan mentions his studio setup, revealing that he hasn't made significant gear purchases recently, focusing instead on acquiring records and samples, with his last major purchase being an MS20 synthesizer two years ago.
- He describes his creative process, noting that while generating ideas can be quick, arranging tracks is a challenging and time-consuming task that he finds frustrating.
- Alan runs two music labels: Reculture, which he founded during the pandemic to promote local talent, and Animos Dance, a co-run label where he manages and curates music alongside his best friend.
- He emphasizes the necessity of producing a large volume of music to gain experience and improve at all stages of production, advocating for the idea that quantity leads to quality in music creation.
12:13
Embrace Volume for Artistic Growth
- To develop as a music artist, focus on creating a large volume of tracks rather than limiting yourself to just five; making hundreds of tracks is essential for growth and self-discovery in your artistry.
- Avoid being overly attached to your initial creations; the process of making music should be non-precious, allowing for experimentation and learning from numerous attempts.
- Recognize that many artists mistakenly believe they have a clear identity after producing only a few tracks, but true understanding of oneself as an artist comes from extensive practice and exploration.
