Name: Luca Durán
Occupation: Producer, DJ
Nationality: Swiss-Colombian
Current release: Luca Durán's debut LP Libertas, a sonic exploration of the concepts of freedom and independence, is out via Akoya Circles.

If you enjoyed this interview with Luca Durán and would like to stay up to date with his music, visit him on Instagram, and Soundcloud.



What was your first studio like?
 
For a longer period, a DAW was my main equipment. Discovering the software gave me the feeling of having a proper studio.
 
How and for what reasons has your set-up evolved over the years and what are currently some of the most important pieces of gear for you?
 
A few years later, I got in touch with analog and modular synthesizers through a friend. The infinite possibilities of creating and noodling with sound triggered me to step into this world.

I started with a few modules and step by step added more to the rack. This process helped me to understand how everything works and what I do.

My main gear at the moment is an OB6, my euroracks, and some guitar pedals.
 
What motivates you to buy new gear: The curiosity to try new things, a specific function, something else entirely?
 
Yes, the curiosity!

For instance, with the modular, there are so many different possibilities and functions. I like to sell modules that I don’t use anymore and try out new ones.
 
How would you describe the relationship between technology and creativity for your work? How do you work with your production tools to achieve specific artistic results?
 
At the moment, I’m a fan of happy accidents. I like the idea of not really knowing what just happened. The balance of having control and losing it is a feeling that I enjoy.

Technology can be really helpful for that. The result can be small changes on a loop, sounds, or even harmonies, the possibilities are big.  Long life to weird sequencers, granular synthesis and Max.
 
Historically speaking, there has always been a close relationship between technological and artistic progress. Accordingly, there have been musical paradigm shifts accompanied by technological innovation. Which of these shifts do you rate particularly important for your own music?
 
The Internet. To have access to almost everything via a computer is amazing and really inspiring. I can learn things about an instrument, watch a concert that took place before my birth. Or be in touch with other musicians around the world.
 
Have there been technologies which have profoundly changed or even questioned the way you make music?
 
Not really.
 
To some, the advent of AI and 'intelligent' composing tools offers potential for machines to contribute to the creative provess. Do you feel as though technology can develop a form of creativity itself? Is there possibly a sense of co-authorship between yourself and your tools?
 
Sure, technology can develop a form of creativity.

As mentioned before, right now l enjoy leaving room for “coincidence” in my music. But if I have to choose, I would prefer to work with a human being.
 
Do you personally see a potential for deeper forms of Artifical Intelligence in your music?
 
Of course, there is potential. But it‘s not something that I’m aiming for.

Each step of the process is something that I enjoy. It can be interesting as a supplement, but for me, it will never replace human creativity.
 
What tools/instruments do you feel could have a deeper impact on creativity but need to be invented or developed?
 
The air piano! But I just saw that somebody already invented it …