In The Studio

In the studio with Filippo Peschi

This week, we catch up with techno DJ & producer, Filippo Peschi!

Jaz from the RepostExchange Team

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

I opened a DAW for the first time in 2008, it was like opening toys for me! Over the years, music production has become a great passion and also a way to escape from everyday life. In the last couple of years, I started to focus on techno as a DJ and music producer, the funny thing is I originally hated techno. However, I started to appreciate it thanks to a friend of mine and in a short time, we started playing in local clubs. So I began to understand which sounds were most appreciated and danced by the crowd and I started experimenting in the DAW by myself.

What DAW(s) do you use and why?

At the moment I use FL Studio, but there was a time when I used Logic.

I love FL Studio because its intuitive interface makes everything smoother and doesn't hinder the workflow.

What are your favourite pieces of gear and why?

I don't have much equipment, I think the most important thing is to have a powerful computer that doesn't limit creativity. However I get along well with the Akai Fire controller, it has great versatility with FL studio! I use it mainly for automation clips and for pattern programming.

What are your favourite software plugins and why?

My favourite software is NI Massive, Infected Mushroom Pusher and FL Studio's convolution reverb. I like Massive for its interface, for the eight programmable macros especially for use with a controller. I find Pusher great for getting kicks to hit in the chest. On the other hand, FL Studio's convolution reverb sounds very real and it's interesting to use it as a send for the rumble of the kick.

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

When I have to create a track I usually start with the kick, then it happens that inspiration comes from a single sound and from there everything is simpler. Once I make sure the track is fluid, I move on to mixing and finally mastering.

What resources do you use to improve your craft?

For improving my craft I watch YouTube tutorials, I read music blog but the most important thing is I listen actively to reference tracks and then I put it all into practice.

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

I found this tutorial very interesting, many of these tips can also apply to genres other than techno.

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

Don't buy a 4GB laptop just because it's a Mac!

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

Making electronic music comes with many challenges. First of all, the so-called block that sooner or later affects everyone, personally I often find myself fighting perfectionism, but I think that in the end nothing is perfect, it's just a question of insecurity.

Can you share any killer tips or techniques?

A trick I recently used is to create sounds from elements already present, for example instead of wasting a lot of time to find some low percussion I create them by processing the kick.

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

Actually, I don't use online tools to assist with the production process.

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

I get feedback from trusted people in order to improve my tracks. What is very important is a correct interpretation of the advice, if there are conflicting opinions I often do not make changes, but if more people point out that something is wrong I try to solve the problem.