How long have you been producing music and how did you learn? 

I've been involved with music for a very long time. At the age of ten, I saved up my lunch money to buy my first guitar and taught myself how to play and further attended classes in my teenage years. With regards to producing, I have been producing for four years now. When I decided that I wanted to learn to produce I already had a strong knowledge of music theory. The hard part was teaching myself how to play a midi keyboard and learning how to use the DAW. I have not fully mastered everything yet but I must say that I have come a long way.

What DAW(s) do you use and why?

The DAW that I use is Ableton Live. A few years ago, I received suggestions from a close friend (who also produces music) on a few pieces of gear I should acquire to learn to produce. One of these recommendations was to use an Akai MPK61 which came with the lite version of Ableton Live. When I got the hang of it I decided to upgrade to the full version since then it has always been my go-to DAW.

What are your favourite pieces of gear and why?

One of my favourite pieces of gear would be the Maschine Mikro. I run this gear with both the Maschine program VST plugin and with the Ableton template to control different perimeters within Ableton. The response time, velocity control, and quality of build make it one of the best drum stations I've owned so far.

Also, my Yamaha HS5 monitors are my favourite. Since I added them to my collection of gears the quality of my mixing has improved and continues to do so.

What are your favourite software plugins and why?

My favourite software plugins are Sylenth and Serum because of the endless possibilities of creating sounds or tweaking presets to get that unique sound in your production.

Another, favourite plugin of mine is the Nexus. It has a lot of cool-sounding apps that I like to use in my production. A fourth favourite software plugin is Sugar Bytes' Effectrix. I use it to make an instrument that sounds not interesting a little more interesting. I can draw in different effects in the grid format or just go through the different presets included until I find something that fits my track.

How would you summarise your approach/workflow when creating a track?

I really like to find a good royalty-free vocal chorus or full acapella using Splice or work with an artist to get an acapella done, figure out the musical key they sang in and work from there. I also try to figure out what chords would convey the emotion the artist is trying to convey. Then I choose the tempo, drums and continue to build from there. It's especially really fun when you love the vocal work.

What resources do you use to improve your craft?

I mostly use YouTube videos to learn things I'm having trouble with. Also, I try to recreate tracks and do remixes where they help me a lot with my musical arrangement.

What is the last YouTube tutorial you watched that you would recommend to other Re-Ex Members?

What knowledge or advice do you wish you'd learned earlier?

Your music doesn't have to be perfect for you to start releasing it. Gain fans as you grow musically, they will hear the improvement along the way. And don't forget to love the music first. 

What challenges related to making music do you face and how do you overcome them?

I would say writer's block.

Some days the music flows out of me and I can keep going and finish up a whole project but some days I get stuck right at the start. I would say take a break don't think about it too much. If the idea is still not coming to you try starting with an arpeggiator which might give you a really cool melody to start building the track around.

Can you share any killer tips or techniques?

• If you find yourself dancing to your music then chances are someone else will like it!
• Take breaks as your ears get used to the sound. Taking a break allows you to reset and hear things you missed before.
• Using drums in the key you are working in makes a big difference in your music.
  

Do you use any online tools to assist with the production process?

Yes, I do. I use Splice to get presets, drums and effects in the musical key I'm working in.

Do you try and get feedback or suggestions to improve your music? If so, how?

I always try to get feedback or suggestions to improve my music. I believed that that feedback and suggestions allow one to grow and improve on their quality of music. One of the platforms that I use is the Re-Ex feedback feature. I also always ask listeners to give me their feedback, especially other producers.

Which track are you most proud of and why?

The link above is a track I did for a remix competition. It was originally a future bass song and I took the vocals and just a few elements in the drop and built a completely new piano house song with it. It was also posted on Re-Ex and a lot of people liked it and it made its way to the top ten house music charts. Today it remains the track that I am most proud of because of the feedback it received.

Has RepostExchange affected the way you make music? If so, how?

RepostExchange has affected the way I make music in a positive way. Using this service has improved the number of people I can reach with my music. In doing so, it makes me want to improve and produce even more.

Desert Island Gear

Top L-R: Serum, Kontakt.

Bottom L-R: Maschine, Yamaha HS5, Ableton Live.

Connect with Ke'van Dash on SoundCloud, Twitter, Spotify, and Instagram.

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This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.