This week, we sit down with Düsseldorf-based producer and DJ, liquidfive, to explore his creative process and the tools that help shape his sound. Since starting his music production journey in 2014, liquidfive has honed his skills by learning from other producers, watching tutorials, and drawing on his early experiences with piano and drums. He shares insights into his favorite DAW, gear, and plugins, and walks us through his evolving workflow, which often centers around building tracks from vocals. We also discuss his approach to overcoming challenges, the importance of patience, and the value of feedback in refining his music.
I started producing in 2014 and I learned from other producers in the studio. I also spent a lot of time watching tutorials and so on. As a child, I took piano and drums lessons, which is certainly an advantage for me as it taught me the basics of music.
I use Ableton. Ableton Live is my first choice DAW for producing electronic music. With the easy MIDI editing and loop-based workflow in the Session View, it's purpose-built for building tracks up fast. I find Ableton is a dynamic and creative platform that sets it apart from other DAWs designed for linear composition.
I use the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Interface and Neumann Studio Speakers KH 310 in my music studio for several reasons. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Interface is renowned for its high-quality audio conversion and preamps, providing pristine sound quality and low-latency performance. Its powerful DSP processing allows me to use Universal Audio’s extensive range of plugins. This flexibility and quality are crucial for achieving professional results.
The Neumann Studio Speakers KH 310 are my choice because of their exceptional accuracy and detail. They offer a flat frequency response, which ensures that I hear an honest representation of my mixes. Overall, both pieces of equipment are essential for maintaining high standards in my production process and ensuring that my music sounds as good as possible.
My favourite software plugins are Kirchhoff EQ and the synthesizer Diva. Kirchhoff EQ is fantastic for precise and flexible equalization, allowing me to shape the sound exactly as I need. Diva, on the other hand, is an excellent synthesizer known for its analogue sound quality, providing rich and warm tones that are perfect for a variety of music styles. These plugins help enhance my production process by offering high-quality tools that streamline and improve my workflow.
I don't have a fixed approach that I follow every time. My process usually revolves around the vocal, which I often have as the first track. I start by building around the vocal, finding the right bass and kick to create the initial groove and foundation. From there, I gradually add melodies and transitions, searching for the right sounds and synths. This part can often take a while as finding or crafting the perfect sound is crucial. My workflow is very iterative and evolves as the track develops.
I produce together with my partner. We complement each other very well, as four ears always hear more than two. We used to watch a lot of tutorials, but due to time constraints, we've had to cut back significantly. We currently love experimenting with plugins and constantly creating new sounds.
Patience and self-belief are extremely important. My biggest weakness has been impatience, and I used to get frustrated when things didn't go as planned. Over time, I've learned that having patience is crucial and that believing in yourself is essential. Everything in life needs time to grow and develop, and it's a process that cannot be rushed.
That's hard to say. I try not to put too much pressure on myself anymore. I now view my music as a hobby that I enjoy, and I don't let it stress me to the point where I can't sleep if something doesn't work out right away.
Are there killer techniques? Yes, there certainly are, but I find the term a bit challenging. I use many techniques that I've picked up from others, which have become part of my routine and workflow. I see it more as discovering tips and tricks to reach goals faster and streamline the production process.
Yes, I use Splice. With Splice, you can easily search samples by key, BPM, or style, which is incredibly helpful during the production process. Additionally, I am currently learning to use Output Arcade. Arcade is a one-of-a-kind playable sampler and instrument plugin with new content added daily. It helps to find inspiration, add flavour, and beat writer’s block.
Yes, I definitely seek feedback during the production process. I work in the studio with several producers, and everyone gives their input and opinions. I also often ask my family, including my sons, my mother, and my friends, what they think of a song or a demo. In the end, I make the final decision, but getting feedback is very important to me.
I'm particularly proud of my first song as DJ liquidfive, titled Freedom, which was released in 2017. When I released the song, I wasn't sure how well it would be received. Later that year, I was in Ibiza with my sons, and suddenly one of them said, "Dad, they're playing your song!" That moment was like a starting signal for me, realizing I was on the right path. This experience was especially meaningful as I was still processing the disappointment of my band's previous failure.
Stream liquidfive's latest collaboration with Yves V and Madsim here.
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This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
