Name: Arnvidur Snorrason aka Exos
Occupation: Producer
Nationality: Icelandic
Recent release: Exos's Green Light EP is out via Tresor.
Recommendations: “I think everyone should check out the glorious band called “Dead Can Dance”.
And then check out the Book that’s called eat right for your type. It’s not an art form but it sure helps you to become better in any aspects of your life.

[Read our Dead Can Dance's Lisa Gerrard interview]

If you enjoyed Exos interview and would like to find out more about his music, visit him on Instagram, Soundcloud, and Facebook.

For a deeper dive, read our conversation with his father, producer Octal, in our Ohm & Octal Industries interview.



What was the first time you were consciously impressed by technology – in and outside of music?

I’ve always had an absolute dislike for technology, a kind of persistent, deep-rooted aversion that never eased, whether dealing with it directly or simply being aware of its presence.

Tell me about one or two of your early pieces that you're still proud of (or satisfied with) in terms of production – and why you're content with them.

“My Home is Sonic” and “Q-Box” because it’s pure and organic.



When it comes to arranging, sound design, performing, composing, etc – what are currently concrete topics and aspects that interest you and where you want to improve or simply challenge yourself?

Depends the mood I guess.

Do you keep up with recent developments in terms of gear and software? If not, why not? If so, what are you looking for?

Always looking for inner peace by making music.

Jean-Michel Jarre maintained that, despite the advances in virtual technology, we are still "analogue animals made out of blood and bones who need buttons and knobs to touch.” In how far is this statement true or false for your own music?

Not sure how to answer that but I like animals. I use to have cats and my mother has a dog. I ll get a dog when I grow older.”

What are examples of production tools/instruments that you bought for a specific purpose?

Drums, I used to be a drummer.

Late producer SOPHIE said: “You have the possibility with electronic music to generate any texture, and any sound. So why would any musician want to limit themselves?” What's your take on that?

I agree; I really dislike those fundamentalists in the techno scene who judge artists for wanting to experiment with different genres. It’s as if they’re canceled from the scene for trying new things.

Good music is good music, and we should all close our eyes and feel it instead of judging it based on who is making it or where it comes from.

From the earliest sketches to the finished piece, tell me about the production process for your current release, please. What does your own way of working with sound look like? Do you find using presets lazy?

Well if I hear obvious presets in tracks I loose respect for the artist …

I have spotted out few times the same preset in tracks from random artist when they use the Roland cloud 303 plug-in. How can people even release such cheap stuff … sorry to say.

Richie Hawtin, speaking about semi-modular equipment, has stated that a deeper understanding of sound synthesis can lead to “life lessons that go beyond what we can hear.” Can you relate to that statement?

Last time I met Richie was in Brazil. I can’t remember what we talked about but we had good chat …It was definitely not about the meaning of life or life lessons.

What were some of your most positive collaboration experiences?

I am working on something with Justin Jay, he is the definition of a positive brother.

To some, the advent of AI and 'intelligent' composing tools offers potential for machines to contribute to the creative process. What are your hopes, fears, expectations and possible concrete plans in this regard?

The underground music from the soul will never get caught in that sense ….the mainstream scene will use it more or less for robotic soulless mindless people.

What is a production related question that you would like to ask yourself – and what's your answer to it?

.:. in the beginning of time ...

Have you used AI or generative music tools for your own productions? If so, in which way and what did they add?

Like I said, I hate technology.