This week, we had the pleasure of catching up with Aaron Steel, a Florida-based metalstep producer with over a decade of experience. Having caught our eye when listening to the RepostExchange charts, we decided it was time to get to know this energetic performer and producer. Join us as Aaron takes us through how he got his start using Ableton and using Rekordbox to enhance his life performances. Find out what his favourite plugins are and how he finds time to finish his tracks. Read on for more!
I started producing in 2012. So 11 years now. I learned from online tutorials and apprenticeships.
I use Ableton because it is what I started with and it has been easy to find educational material to expand my knowledge as the years progress.
My favourite piece of gear is a miniature laptop and Rekordbox video. It allows me to DJ music videos and provide a very unique visual experience at my show.
soothe2 and clipshifter are my favourites because of how they have sped up my workflow.
I normally come up with an intro idea on the guitar and re-create what is in my head with Ableton. Once I have a good concept in place it is much easier for me to write a drop around it.
How to EQ properly.
Time is an issue. It takes me longer than I would like to finish songs. I just take it one day at a time and don't rush the process. I have to remind myself often that the most important thing is making a great song and that can take time.
soothe2 has the ability to sidechain from any other channel. I have been using this a lot to make space for the main elements of the mix. For example, I'll put soothe2 on my guitar group and route the main vocal into it via sidechain so the frequencies of the vocal are being ducked on the guitars.
I used to do this via Defyre Society but that is no longer around. Now I just asked other producers in my local dubstep community.
My last release Righteousless because it has a deep meaning behind it and the chorus has a very uplifting, energetic feeling to it before it delivers an unexpected and satisfying drop. The track is a journey.
It has given me the ability to be heard by people who would have never otherwise heard my music.
Connect with Aaron Steel on RepostExchange, SoundCloud, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Want more? Sign up at RepostExchange.com.
This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.