Part 2

Thanks to sampling and digital synthesis, there are endless possibilities for sculpting the sounds and overall sound design of a piece or album. What are your considerations in this regard?

For me, sound design has always been more about feeling than complexity. In our digital age there’s often this misconception that the more layers you add, the more complex your sound becomes. But in reality, it’s the opposite. Simplicity, resonance, and connection with the body and the environment around you is key.

I approach sound design almost like a journey in the dark with my eyes closed. I’m not trying to chase a perfect sound or some highly technical goal but instead I let myself be guided by what resonates with me in the moment. It’s an intuitive process, where I listen how the sound makes me feel, how it vibrates with my body, and how it connects to the overall emotion I want to express. I like to think of it as creating an organic experience, where the sound is alive, breathing, and evolving naturally.

In this context, limitations play a key role as we said before. They help focus my attention into the the raw and essential qualities of sound.

This process is how I make music in general. It’s about physicality and how sound interacts with the body. We FEEL the music. Whether it's a deep bass or a subtle harmonic, I want the sound to resonate in the space it occupies and in the body of the listener. It’s almost as if the sound itself becomes a physical presence that fills the room.

That’s something I’m always striving for in my work. The result isn’t about perfect technical precision, it’s about creating something that feels alive, that can be felt deeply even if it’s just a single note.

So, in a “world full of endless digital tools and possibilities”, my approach to sound design is grounded in simplicity and emotion. Less control and more allowing the sound to guide where it needs to go.

Would you say that you approach your creative tools with a minimalist mindset? Or do you need a wide choice of instruments and tools to make music?

For me, the most important thing isn’t the number of instruments or tools I have at my disposal but it's how comfortable I feel with the conversation between me and the instrument.

I’m not someone who chases after endless options or exotic gear. I use what I need, and sometimes that even means going back to old gear or classic setups that just work for me. That is why I rely on my piano because I have developed a way of understanding between us.

With NIN3S, for example, I found that a minimal setup (my a piano, a bass, a few drums, and pads) was enough, in general, to create the space I needed for the project. With UNER it’s about finding the right connection with the sound, using only the minimal number of tools to tell the story.

As I mentioned, the piano is always central to my approach to composition, and then I layer in a few drums, some pedals, and a couple of synths to build the atmosphere.



In fact this album was done about 80% "in the box,” it’s created within the digital space rather than relying on external hardware.

But even in that world of digital tools it’s not about the quantity of options (that nowadays is overwhelming!) but about how the environment feels and how it inspires my music. I’ve learned that the place where I’m working can influence the sound more than the instruments.

Whether I’m in a studio, in a different place at home, or on the road, I find that the space that connects me with the idea more than the specific tools at my disposal.

Reducing one's options and techniques often implies a different way of working with the materials. Tell me about yours, please.

When I reduce options I embrace the process of trial and error. I often work with my eyes closed, both literally and metaphorically, letting the sound guide me rather than relying on visual feedback or pre-conceived ideas. I approach sound design and arrangement like a live performance. Nothing is static. Everything is always moving as I go.

Even things like compression and EQ are done live as part of the performance. I’ll tweak them while the track is playing, responding to how the sounds feel in the moment rather than committing to a static setting up. I am more into finding the right balance in the moment and allowing the track to evolve naturally. Every adjustment is part of the live conversation I’m having with the music.

This approach means there’s less reliance on presets or fixed choices. Instead, I rely on the organic flow of the music, always adjusting. It’s a dynamic process where nothing feels locked in, which keeps things fresh. The music is constantly shifting, evolving, and that’s what keeps it exciting for me.

French producer Guillaume Duchastel told me: “Minimalism is about more than owning fewer things. It’s about focusing on what truly matters.“ What are some of your strategies for separating what matters from that which doesn't?

I couldn’t agree more with Guillaume. For me, it all comes down to being honest with myself about what truly serves the story or the emotion I want to convey. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and listen to what feels essential whether it’s in the music or even in life.

In the creative process I ask myself, "Does this sound, this instrument, this effect, etc, serve the emotion I want to express?" If the answer is no (after going through a process of switching it on and off), I remove it. It’s about finding clarity in the choices that are most aligned with the idea I want to explore.

This is where the minimalist mindset comes in letting the important things shine. And I think that Is music production and composition: no ego-decision between yes or not.

In both of my projects, UNER and NIN3S, it’s the minimal elements that allow the message or the sound to resonate deeply. I’ve learned that this vision is not because it’s trendy, but because it allows space for what really counts.

I also apply this to my surroundings. Whether it’s the studio environment, my home, or the spaces I work in, I make sure they support my focus rather than distract from it. I don’t surround myself with unnecessary noise, whether that’s physical clutter or mental clutter. I tend to keep things simple and intentional so I can focus more on what truly matters for me that is authenticity, presence, and resonance.

With so much incredible music instantly available, are you finding that you want to take it all in – or that you need to be more selective? How do you pick the music you really want to invest in?

Honestly, I used to be like a kid in a candy store, wanting to listen to everything, trying to take it all in. But now, I’m way more selective.

And not just with music (it’s like, when I had the time to watch TV I used to binge-watch series just because they were there, and now I’m the type who scroll for 30 minutes before deciding which one I want to watch and I end up not watching anything lol). Same with music. There's so much out there and it's easy to get lost in the sea of endless options.

Now, I find myself gravitating towards the music that really speaks to me. I’m not chasing trends anymore, I want the real thing, the stuff that stays with me. It’s the same with life, right? We all have limited time, so I’d rather spend it with the things that matter most and really connect with what’s worth my attention.

But, hey, sometimes I do find myself getting curious, like, "Is there a secret world of underground synth-pop from 1987 that I haven’t discovered yet?" So, I’ll still dive into some random rabbit holes now and then. Also, listening to something a friend recommended to me. But overall I am selective. It's about finding what truly moves me, musically and in life.

Would you say that minimalism extends into other parts of your life as well?

Oh, absolutely! I told you about the TV before lol

In pretty much every area of my life I’ve found myself leaning toward minimalism, whether it's the color palette in my studio and my house with black, white, and grey, the way I organize my gear, or even my kitchen. I don’t like clutter so I keep things simple. I’ve even become the guy who only buys things if they really serve a purpose and I tend to keep quiet until I have something meaningful to say. Less is more, right? ;)

But there’s one big exception: food. I’m not minimal there at all. I love eating! It’s one area where I go all out. But here’s also the twist: I’m still kind of minimal about it!! I’ll happily eat the same thing over and over, like a simple meal that I can enjoy without thinking too much about it (if I can choose, it would be the Spanish classic fried eggs with fries … or any kind of eggs and potatoes).

So while I don’t exactly have a Michelin-starred variety in my kitchen, I’m definitely all about getting the most satisfaction from the simplest things. I guess you could say I’m a minimalist (but with a healthy appetite for the good stuff), both in food and in life! :D

Do you have things that you are passionate about but rarely get to talk about?  

Oh yeah!! Absolutely. I was waiting for someone to ask me!!! :DD

There’s something I’ve been deeply into for years (since I was around 14 years old … and let’s just say, I’m not 14 anymore, haha), but the real deal doesn’t come up often in conversation: the intersection of ancient philosophies, energy, and consciousness.

It’s fascinating how many ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks to Eastern philosophies, had a profound understanding of the mind, body, and universe. Unfortunately, this has been overshadowed by the trendy, superficial spiritualism we see everywhere today.

I would love to talk about this in deep. I get so excited thinking about it! The reality is, what most people think of as “spirituality” today, especially on social media, is far from the true, deep teachings that have existed for millennia. Instead we’re flooded with TikTok videos full of fluff, mood boards filled with luxury cars and mansions, people asking the universe for million-dollar checks, and gurus telling you to manifest your dream life. It’s all a distraction from the real understanding.

I’m not interested in the shallow stuff. I’m talking about wisdom from traditions like the Rosecrucians, or the mystical texts that explore the mind and its connection to something greater. Books like “The Secret Teachings of All Ages” by Manly Palmer Hall or “Stalking the Wild Pendulum” by Itzhak Bentov (this one is mind-blowing!) delve into this ancient wisdom of a fundamental force that shapes everything.

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by this kind of deep knowledge, the stuff that goes beyond the quick fixes and material desires promoted on social media. I wish more people could break through the walls of the “trending ayahuasca posting” that’s out there and get to the essence of it all.

There’s so much more to this than a few empty affirmations. I’d love to break it down and talk about it in real depth. That’s the kind of conversation I want to have :D