samedi 17 juin 2023

2̵n̵d̵ ̵f̷a̶c̴e̷ on utOpium

utOpium, le nouvel album de 2̵n̵d̵ ̵f̷a̶c̴e̷  témoigne d'une nette évolution dans la recherche de structures toujours plus complexes, fouillées servies par une production largement affinée par rapport au premier album. Les méthodes utilisées et décrites par Vincent Uhlig indiquent que tout peut encore se jouer une fois les parties enregistrées, c'est à dire au montage.
Il est aussi bien équipé avec quelques pièces analogiques de légende, d'ailleurs, le synthi AKS disposant d'une réverb à ressort, je me demande si elle résonne dans ce nouvel album.

utOpium, the new 2̵n̵d̵ ̵f̷a̶c̴e̷  album shows a clear evolution in more complex and meticulous structures research, served by a largely refined production in regards to the previous attempt. The methods described below by Vincent Uhlig reveals that all can still be done once each part has been recorded, namely at audio edition stage.
He's also well equiped with some legedary analog pieces and by the way, the Synthi AKS having a spring reverb, I wonder if it rings in this new album.

 

 


Gears and software

What gears/softwares did you use for utOpium ?

In terms of DAW, I’m using Logic for rough arrangements, then I export the audio files into Pro Tools for further production and mixing processes.
My hardware consists of an EMS Synthi AKS, a PPG 300 modular system and a MOOG Grandmother, all of which were heavily used on ‘utOpium’.
I also use several hardware processors for mixing- and mastering applications, including Maselec’s MEA-2 equalizer, SPL’s PassEQ, and API’s 2500 & 5000.

Your favorite gear(s)/software(s) ?

My favorite is the EMS Synthi AKS (built in 1969), without a doubt. This synth was given to me by my father, who was a Krautrock musician back in the ‘70s. It follows a unique patching concept, which theoretically allows for the simultaneous connection of all parameters. This provides workflow possibilities that separate the EMS from every other synth. It also has a joystick! When I first started it up and turned a few knobs, I couldn’t believe my ears. The wildly ravenous and brutal soundscapes pouring out of this thing laid the foundation for 2nd face.
I also love the Maselec MEA-2 (I haven’t heard any other EQ with this level of clean transparency) and the API 2500 (absolutely amazing bus comp!).


Sound Design

Do you use/tweak presets  ?

I see presets as a nice source of inspiration. It depends on what I want to do, sometimes it’s great to fool around with a preset, mangle it beyond recognition and create an audio file for further processing.

Do you design you own sound  ? On which synth/plugin in particular ? 

My main sound design synth is the EMS Synthi AKS. It’s not exactly a musical instrument, you can’t really go “now I’ll create a specific lead sound”. I would rather describe it as an experimentation tool with a mind of its own. I usually sit down and record 2 hours of mayhem to later dissect and sample the recorded material. 


Writing/composing method

What would be your main writing/composing method ? Do you start classical rythm/bassline then arrange around it ? Do you already have structure in mind ? Do you improvise, record sessions then select ? ...

I usually start with the rhythm section and then take it from there. Sometimes I have a specific melodic structure in mind, in which case I arrange the rhythmic components around that.

Producing/mixing method

Do you produce/mix in the box or do you use mainly external gears (effect/comp/eq...)

While I use the outboard gear that I mentioned, everything still comes together in the box (Logic/Pro Tools).


What is your most painful / enjoyable step in track production ? Sound design, arrangement, mixing, mastering ?

I actually love every part of it, but I have the most fun during the production & mixing process, when all elements of the track are laid out as audio files and I get creative with them. I usually duplicate a given track and try things that don’t necessarily seem rational at the moment, like chopping it up and moving parts of it for i.e. 1/16th note, or reversing, or pitch shifting, distorting, etc. Most of the time, the results are a great source of inspiration and sometimes, when the new elements integrate themselves perfectly into the track, well… magic happens!


Vincent Uhlig's Tips

I would encourage everyone to go out of your comfort zone and just try things, be creative. It definitely can’t hurt!

Contact info

https://www.facebook.com/iindface

https://2ndface.bandcamp.com

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