In The Studio

In the studio with Que$o

This week, we catch up with Minneapolis-based producer and DJ, Que$o!

Jaz from the RepostExchange Team

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

I'm going on four years of music production.

What DAW(s) do you use and why?

I chose to use Ableton because at the time is what most of my peers were using and they had a lot of good things to say about the DAW.

What are your favourite pieces of gear and why?

I like Mackie monitors. I like to hear all the sounds hit and the low end to really come out.

What are your favourite software plugins and why?

I use Serum for sound design. For me, Serum has an unlimited amount of use. I'm able to make any sound I can imagine.

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

Typically I listen to other artists and what is being created. I then start to picture how I can make a track that way but what would I do differently. Once the creative juices start to flow I open up my DAW and begin the creative process.

What resources do you use to improve your craft?

I like to follow Cymatics YouTube channel. Those guys have helped so many people with sound design and 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?

Keep it simple. Don't overthink your work or you will never be satisfied with what you are creating. Also push yourself to create what suits you, don't count on your peers because everyone has a different opinion.

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

I think we all come across writer's block at some point. It's always a good idea to save your work, step away, and come back to it later. Sometimes I focus on going for jogs and listening to a variety of artists and music, and coming back to my craft with a fresh mind.

Can you share any killer tips or techniques?

For anyone who's creating Riddim or Dubstep style, layer your snare with the kick and make your kicks clicky. That's a quick neat trick I learned that brought my tracks more flow.

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

I use Splice's sound library.

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

I surround myself with like-minded individuals who won't set the bar low for me and sometimes they listen live.

Which track are you most proud of and why?

My latest track out is called 'Resist', it's a dubstep track that was featured on a few blogs and it talks about political issues in America.

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

I think RepostExchange has a great way of bringing artists together and also influences us to collaborate and help each other grow. I'm thankful for platforms like this.