In The Studio

In the studio with Space Race

This week, we catch up with LA-based DJ and producer, Space Race!

Jaz from the RepostExchange Team

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

I started playing the piano back when I was in kindergarten until 7th grade. I had always wanted to play the bass, but my parents insisted I learned to play the guitar first. So at 13 I took some of my Bar Mitzvah money and bought my first guitar. I took lessons until high school when my schedule became filled with water polo practice. But in my free time throughout high school, I would play bass in a few different bands with friends. In 2008 I went to my first EDC and it blew my mind. That's when I decided I wanted to get into production and DJing. I went and bought a shitty controller and saved up enough to buy my first set of Technics 1200s and Serato SL1. Throughout college, I would DJ fraternity parties and underground raves. In 2013 I met my former partner and we formed Space Race, and in 2017 he left and I've been solely producing for the brand ever since.

What DAW(s) do you use and why?

Ableton 10. It's what I know and love.

What are your favourite pieces of gear and why?

Akai MPK49. Initially, it took me a while to get used to writing songs on the piano in Ableton, but now I love starting off writing down melodies and ideas on my keyboard. Also, I have two XDJ-1000s that I love.

What are your favourite software plugins and why?

Been really loving the Kilohearts bundle right now. Phase Plant is awesome, and a lot of plugins in the bundle are super useful. Obviously gotta love Serum, but I use a lot of Trash 2 and Camel Crusher as well. Also, Mixed In Key is super clutch.

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

Honestly, it depends. If I have an idea ready I'll just open up a project and go for it. My ideas mainly start with melodies and chords and then I build drops around them. I'll find a patch or preset that kinda has the vibe or sound I'm going for and use that as a reference and sound design once I get the general idea down. My ideas tend to change and jump all over the place, and I tend to save multiple versions of the song

What resources do you use to improve your craft?

Honestly, I'm really bad at just reading something or watching something and learning. I usually get feedback from my friends and have them explain to me new tricks and tips when I send them songs or we collab.

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

I don't really use tutorials, just feedback from friends.

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

Focus on music and branding before you focus on shows. Create a demand for your sets and don't oversaturate your brand.

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

I go through waves of working on music. I grind super hard for a few days or weeks. Sometimes I'm satisfied with the project and then I schedule a release, sometimes I get a song 80% done and then I get burnt out for a bit. Usually, I game to help clear my mind. I also work as a graphic designer so sometimes it gets hard to balance music and art without depleting all my creative energy.

Can you share any killer tips or techniques?

One of the biggest tips I give artists, in general, is to brand and create a demand. Don't focus on getting shows right off the bat. It's exciting to get booked, but sit down, work, release quality music, and create a demand for you. If you take every opening slot or every show you get offered from the start you'll oversaturate your brand. Create a demand for yourself and then you'll start getting booked for direct support and headlining slots.

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

I use Splice but that's about it.

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

Yes, I do often. I generally send it out to some friends and tell them to be as harsh and honest as possible. It's the only way to improve. Your friends are doing you a disservice if they sugar coat it.

Which track are you most proud of and why?

I'm really proud of my Fox Stevenson remix right now. I also have a few other songs I'm sitting on that I've teased out in my streams that I'm super proud of and can't wait to completely finish up. I'm just happy with the way they've come out and the amount of progress it shows I've made.