Audiotool

Interview

I'm from the rural deep south, the state of Mississippi. It was around 8 or so years ago when I stumbled across Audiotool.

About Simon aka sim aka Laidux: I'm from the rural deep south, the state of Mississippi to be exact. I live in a quiet little town, far enough away from civilization to where I can thoroughly enjoy the incredible natural beauty and rich musical heritage that exists around me. It was around 8 or so years ago when I stumbled across Audiotool while searching for a "free online dubstep maker" on my less-than-reliable internet connection. During those days, all I wanted to make was dubstep, but upon realizing the steep learning curve associated with it, changed course. My journey on AT has been a very non-linear escapade through different genres and styles that I either come up with as I'm experimenting in the app or enjoy listening to on my own. If I had to name some favorite styles/genres though, I would say synthwave, ambient and IDM rate fairly highly.
Describe the style of music you produce: It's kind of hard to self-categorize the kind of music I make. I just enjoy exploring the depths of sound design and making swirly, bombastic sketches. Simwave perhaps?
What is your musical background and when did you start making music?: I grew up in a musical family, my mother is a singer/songwriter and keyboardist, my father is an avid fan of many classic bands/artists, and my brother is an incredible guitarist who risked it all to move to the city and try to make it big. I didn't actually start making or even listening to music on my own until I was around 12-13, though. Outside of making silly beats here on AT, I'm just your typical wanna-be-guitarist bassist. I've played with a couple of gigging rock/country bands and am currently playing in a jazz combo with some of the best musicians that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
What is your favorite Audiotool device and why?: The pulverisateur definitely. I see a lot of people opting for more complicated synthesizers all the time, but for me, simplicity is key. Everything you do on the pulv has some weight, and contributes in important, incredibly nuanced ways. The devil really is in the details. Also with the pulverisateur, it's super easy to get that warm, analog, slightly-off sound that I just love experimenting and creating with.
What is your favourite trick in AT/What technique do you always use?: No tricks! Just straight up tried & true synth-level sound design, EQ, and spatial touches. Something I always do is make the bass a valuable melodic asset in the mix though.
Have you ever had a writer's block? If so, how did you deal with it and what do you recommend to your colleagues?: All. The. Damn. Time. I live in a perpetual state of artist block these days. The best way I have found to deal with it is to just go in with a truly open mind and let your ideas ebb and flow, no matter how stupid you think it sounds. Surround yourself with good music, good company, and good times as well. That really gets the creative juices flowing and provides an outlet for when creating just really isn't your thing in the current moment.
What has helped you the most on Audiotool to improve and widen your musical horizon?: Straight up experimenting and borrowing cool motifs, chord progressions, and melodies that I hear.
What do you like most about Audiotool? Is there anything you would like to suggest?: I love the DIY and social nature of this place. We're all just a bunch of hobbyists on a niche German website exploring and enjoying the art of music creation together. It's a beautiful thing really. I really have nothing to suggest! Just keep up the great job, devs!
Your message to the community:: Audiotool is a rare place, and I've been here for long enough that it has become a cherished part of who I am. Let's do our parts to keep this great community and website afloat and focus on the one thing that matters here, the music!

“I love the DIY and social nature of this place. We're all just a bunch of hobbyists on a niche German website exploring and enjoying the art of music creation together.”
— sim