Part 2

What recent tools have changed your perspective on production, performance, and music-making?

I enjoy both software and hardware, but I naturally gravitate toward hardware because of the physical interaction and hands-on experience it provides.

Recently, I’ve explored new tools that have reshaped my approach to music production and performance. Whether it’s a synthesizer that unlocks new sonic possibilities or an innovative piece of software that enhances workflow, I’m always looking for tools that inspire creativity in a tangible way.

I’ve always been a power tool guy and a huge fan of sequencers. Some of my go-to software includes:

Max for Live's Constellation by Elias Jarzombek
Stepic by Devicemeister
HY-SEQ32

On the hardware side, I frequently turn to:

Elektron - Analog Rytm
Oxi One
Toraiz Squid
Subsequent 37 CV

Each piece brings its own character and workflow, keeping my creative process fresh. Over the years, I’ve also invested in a range of brands that are essential to my setup:

Arturia
Native Instruments
Roland Cloud
XLN Audio
Flux::
FabFilter
Plugin Alliance
Slate Digital
Soundtoys
Universal Audio

These tools and brands have played a major role in shaping my sound and workflow for both production and performance.

Do you think sound design has limits? If so, what defines them?

I don’t believe there’s a true limit to sound design. Technology and creativity are always evolving. The only real constraints come from the tools available at a given time and how they are applied.

Right now, granular synthesis, physical modelling, and spectral processing are pushing sound design in exciting directions. Technologies like spatial audio (Ambisonics, binaural processing) are transforming how we perceive sound, offering immersive experiences beyond traditional stereo.

Looking ahead, I see the integration of neural networks in sound design leading to self-generating synthesis engines that evolve in real-time, creating sounds no longer limited by human input alone. Quantum computing could further expand the possibilities, enabling near-instant complex audio processing at resolutions beyond today’s capabilities.

Additionally, biofeedback and brainwave-controlled synthesis could introduce entirely new ways of interacting with sound, making music creation even more intuitive.

For me, the question isn’t about limits, but how far we can push past them. By blending analog warmth with digital precision, exploring emergent technologies, and continuously experimenting, the future of sound design remains open-ended and full of possibilities.

How does your music connect with DJing and club culture?

My music is deeply connected to DJing and club culture. Coming from a DJ background, I started out playing open formats, weddings, and various events, which gave me a strong foundation in reading crowds and understanding set flow. Over time, I transitioned into club residencies, where I developed a deeper connection to electronic dance music and its impact on the dancefloor.

Since 2010, I’ve travelled across Southeast Asia, immersing myself in diverse club and event cultures. I’ve visited and played at a variety of venues, each with its own energy and approach to electronic dance music.

Experiencing different club scenes firsthand has given me a deep appreciation for how music connects people globally. These experiences continue to shape my perspective as both a DJ and producer, influencing how I craft music that resonates in club environments while embracing the evolving nature of global event culture.

How are your live performances and recording projects connected? How do they influence each other?

My live performances and recording projects are deeply connected, constantly influencing each other in different ways. When I play a live set, I always strive to be innovative, introducing new elements to keep the performance fresh and dynamic. It’s a space where I can experiment in real time with sounds and arrangements, giving me instant feedback on what resonates.

As a DJ, I love long-hour sets that allow me to take the crowd on a journey, building energy while maintaining my signature blend of energetic, melodic rhythms. These extended sets give me a real-time understanding of track flow, helping shape the way I approach production, whether in structuring arrangements, refining dynamics, or enhancing transitions. The way the crowd reacts to a groove, progression, or transition often sparks new creative ideas when I’m back in the studio.

Collaborating with Florian Kruse has also played a significant role in this process. Since we are continuously making music together, our shared ideas and workflow naturally evolve between studio sessions and live performances.

The synergy between performing and producing allows us to refine our sound, always looking for new ways to connect with audiences while keeping the energy and excitement of electronic dance music alive.

How do you see the role of AI in composing and producing music?

AI is undoubtedly reshaping how we approach composing and producing music. While it won’t replace human creativity, it’s becoming a powerful tool for generating ideas, enhancing workflows, and pushing sound design in new directions.

Personally, I’d love to train my own AI to create music - not to replace my creativity, but to expand possibilities and explore new sonic territories. AI can assist with sound generation, arrangement suggestions, and evolving musical patterns in ways that might not be immediately obvious to a human producer.

The key is finding a balance where AI enhances creativity rather than limiting it, allowing artists to remain at the center of the process while leveraging technology to unlock new forms of expression.

Who do you think is shaping the future of electronic music?

There are several artists, labels, and festivals that I believe are truly pushing electronic dance music forward.

Artists: Florian Kruse, Sasha, John Digweed, David August, Innellea, CIOZ, Schlepp Geist, and EdOne are all constantly innovating and redefining the boundaries of sound.

[Read our John Digweed interview]
[Read our David August interview]

Labels: Labels such as LNOE, Bedrock Records, Innervisions, Voltaire Music, Natura Viva, and Surrrealism are consistently supporting forward-thinking music and providing a platform for fresh talent.

Festivals: On the festival side, events like Arc Music Festival, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Lollapalooza, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, Exit Festival, Sunburn Festival, Electric Forest, Sónar, Electric Zoo, and Kappa FuturFestival are shaping the future of electronic dance music. These festivals are not just about showcasing talent, they're also pushing the boundaries of live performance, production, and innovation.

These artists, labels, and festivals represent the evolution of electronic music, staying true to its roots while continuously driving it forward.

Of course, this is just a small selection, there are countless others contributing to the future of electronic dance music, and it would be impossible to name them all.