Kitchen Notes : Franco Colombo on Beat that Body

Retour des Kitchen Notes avec une énigme résolue puisque dans une récente édition d'Electraumatisme, j'avais supposé que les travaux de l'argentin Franco Colombo présentés dans sa collection Beat that Body dataient de la fin des glorieuses années 90 tout en étant probablement remaniée du point de vue de la production. Il n'en est rien et Franco a eu la gentillesse de décrire comment ces titres super efficaces ont été réalisés.

Kitchen Notes are back with a puzzle solved as in a previous Electraumatisme episode, I supposed that the efforts of the argentinian Franco Colombo proposed in his collection Beat that Body were from the glorious end on 90s with a contemporary production enhancement. That's not the case and Franco has been kind enough to describe how these punchy titles have been created.

 

Gears and software

What gears/softwares did you use for Beat that Body ?

For this work, I used various pieces of equipment from the last two years, as Beat That Body is derived from the first EP, "The Day" and "Bodyline" (2024), released by the Argentine label Blackfields Records.
I have a set of pieces of equipment that are my "base" for work, and then others rotate in. I love sampling above all else, and so, often when a friend lends me equipment, I sample it in WAV format and then load it into my sampler.
That said, I'm sharing a list of some of the pieces of equipment I currently own. I've sold some, or, as I mentioned, people lend it to me and I sample it:
- Access Virus Classic Red
- Toraiz AS-1
- Korg Minilogue
- Novation Peak, BassStation II
- Arturia VCollection, Pigments, MinifreakV & Microfreak
- Behringer TD3MO & Cyclone Analogic TT303v2
- MPC1000 electronic drum sampling: Boss DR-220e, Kawai R-50, Roland TR-909, Yamaha RY8 & Roland D-50
- Moog Mariana (Software)
- Dexed FM Synth (Software)
- Kawai K1v (Software) 

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

I've had a lot of gear over the years, and many of them are very good software. The communion between both worlds is the best thing for me. I have a great appreciation for FL Studio (FruityLoops for the more old-school). I've been using this software since 1999 and it's been very practical. I build very quickly, which is why I haven't migrated to other DAWs like Logic or Live, to name a few.
As for synthesizers, I've had the Arturia Microfreak since it was released, and to this day, it never ceases to amaze me. I think it's my favorite!

 

Any evolution in your setup ?

As I mentioned before, the union between software and hardware is my favorite, and in this context, it transforms into infinite possibilities. There are many instruments today, many of them low-cost, accessible to anyone, something that 30 or 40 years ago was only for professional musicians who had access to major record labels and their recording studios. Today, with a couple of clones and a good computer, you can promote your art wherever you want and with a very decent sound.

Personally, I've been getting into the Eurorack world for about a year now (in a controlled manner, because it's a f***** addiction hahaha). I think this has added a new lease of life to my approach to some sound designs.

Sound Design

Do you use/tweak presets  ?

I use whatever gives me a sound. I'm not one to design something that already exists from scratch just to say I had to build it. Everything is faster these days... I don't like using loops from store-bought libraries. But if a sound already inspires me to create something, I usually adjust it to my liking (ADSR, filters, effects) and it takes on a more personal character. Often, when I buy equipment, I'm looking for that kind of sound.
A clear example is the track "The Choice," where the melody is the blessed D-50. It's a cult favorite and has surely reminded more than one of Confetti's =)
 

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

It's a bit like what I mentioned in the previous question. I think my focus in sound design is more in the Eurorack world, where I often arrive at a very good result, even by mistake.
And I particularly like the Novation Peak workflow. Everything is done manually, there aren't many submenus, and this makes designing easier. Having contact with the equipment is more organic; it makes it more realistic than sitting in a computer editor, where I might be more effective, but I don't feel satisfied.

Any particular synth history  ?

My first synthesizer was a Kawai K1 II around 1996, and soon after, I acquired a Roland MC-303. These devices gave me a start in understanding how MIDI works, programming sequencers, beyond the technique I learned when I was studying piano (and this bored me a lot). I didn't want to play Beatles songs on the piano; I wanted to sound like Front 242! Hahaha
Today, I don't have either of those two devices, but I hold a special affection for them. First loves...

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 ? ...

Wow, what a question! I think every musician has their own method. For this album in particular, it always starts with a bass line. Then the drums; this is fundamental to EBM or Techno Body Music.
Perhaps when I compose other styles of electronic music, it might start with a piano melody, something I heard and liked, because in addition to making music, I'm a huge music lover. I collect records (in various physical formats), and I listen to music as much as I can. Looking back, but very much in the present.

Producing/mixing method

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

Over the years, I've gotten used to my hybrid setup. I really enjoy composing, but I want to get the post-processing over with quickly, hahaha
Luckily, I've found a way to have everything sorted out in the pre-mix. In the mastering stage, I'll compress a bit, add volume, and color, all with VSTs.
In some cases, I delegate this work to a third party. I usually work with Carlos Shaw (former member of the pioneering Argentine EBM band "Unidad de Transmisión"). I really trust his judgment and experience.

 

Franco Colombo's tips

I have my method, but I don't know if it's the best. I think everyone should discover how they like to work, how they feel comfortable. This is art; I prefer everyone to choose their own path, and no matter what opinions you have, it'll always be right :)

Contact info

Bandcamp:
btbzonear.bandcamp.com
hooverlordz.bandcamp.com
reflectionzonear.bandcamp.com

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/3HS333OsB1riKW4sXgNiEO?si=ip3GvbnTQC-eg3BG9MpT-w