I my youth I studied and finished artificial intelligence on the University of Utrecht. Meanwhile I've been working on music, starting with my solo project ElectRick but combining it with different bands such as Kid Totem and for the last 5 years also as part of Rick&Rudie. Then 5 years ago I also started my own record label (floprecords.com) for releasing non-standard but great music that doesn’t necessarily fit the standard commercial mold.
At first producing music was a extensive part-time thing before making the transition 8 years ago to go full time musician and engineer - sometimes spending 70+ hours a week working on sound & music in many different genres.
That were the broad strokes of my journey into sound and music magic. To fill in some flavour and depth I found this great list of questions towards audio engineers, and thought that many of them were really insightful for a taste of how I work and think regarding to music mixing & production... So here are many of those questions and my answers...
Q: What’s your typical work process?
A: When working on other people’s songs; I start with a couple of good listens, to get a feel for the core / story of the song. After that it depends a bit on the type of music, but generally first getting the basic main groove sounding good (bass, drums, lead melody), followed by getting the vocals in the right spot. Then work on the overall sound&dynamics for the entire song, and finally the details / sparkles on top (giving it some extra love where it is needed ;)). Although the process is almost never entirely linear and has some jumping back and forth between the different elements i just described.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I do mostly record, produce and mix in the box, but with the help of some great external boxes as well (like the analog heat to process some layers with great analog quality – from pleasing crush to high twinkle – whatever is needed). I have an arsenal of analog synths, most semi modular – with some extra modules to get to the bottom of these synths. Good set of mics. A great pair of 3-way coaxial speakers (Kali IN-8’s), some other nice reference speakers and headphones.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Depends on your goal, the material, and what are your possible options towards reaching that goal… Sure I love the sound of true analog machines (most of my external synths and fx boxes are analog). Analog circuits have a certain sound-quality/mojo which most of the simulations cannot fully clone (1-on-1). On the other hand, there has been so much analog equipment through the years with great specific effects and flavors that most producers/studio’s only have a few real options in house. So often there may be a digital option that can be a better choice than what is possible with the analog equipment present. And in some cases you need something which only exists as a digital effect or instrument… So as always, use the best tool you have for the desired goal, start there… When in doubt try a couple of possibilities and check what fits best! No dogma’s needed here…
Q: What’s your strongest skill?
A: Thinking outside of the box, while still supporting/enhancing the core idea.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: What is needed to make the song and it’s story really shine. Concentrating on the core of the song, and what that core needs. When something is missing sometimes even adding additional layers (like a sub which isn’t there) or drop a layer when the track is muddled. Off course in communication with the artists (for bold steps ;))
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: For 25+ years I have been busy working on music and making songs. But my career path started with studying artificial intelligence and philosophy at the University of Utrecht some 28 years back. I fell in love with creating music during the first year of university, but finished my studies getting a master in computation science. In the following years I worked in IT for two different companies and some time as a freelancer, while spending and trying to have as much free time possible for making music. Sometimes taking a full year off to concentrate just on music and creative projects. Then some 7 years ago I stopped working in IT altogether (as well as working for commercial companies), following my passion, and started creating full time, working on music, sound and the creative way of life. And I have been doing that ever since…
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Spending my time being busy creating or helping create stories using music and sound is the biggest passion of my life! And honing my craft and helping other fellow artists tell their tale while keeping myself sustainable and having space for my own stories is the shit 😉
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Depends on the client and the case at hand… But in general questions to get to the core of the idea behind their project, and following to get to a mutual understanding of my role in that process to let it shine.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Get an idea of what I can do for you (also the reason I created the compare music-player), so you can decide if I bring the right stuff to your table… If you are not sure then get into contact with me. Let me know what you have in mind, and then I can give my thoughts on what I might be able to provide.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: genre-fluid… (and where they overlap)
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I love to work with an artist with their own distinct style/vision, but being open minded and free when starting something new as well… and in general this happens organically, instead of me having a list of people i would want to work with…
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Diversify… Once in a while (especially good when inspiration flows a bit less): diversify and focus on something new outside your standard comfort zone. Take something on from another perspective (not just a new flavor of something you already know). So for instance learn a new type of instrument, production technique, music genre, workflow, go modular, go DAW-less, etc. Figuring out something new to add to your palette. It can help new inspiration to flow, also long term it expands your general understanding, skill, and possible future roads to take within a process. And not everything you add to your skill base has to be of the same high skill level, to add an extra dimension and depth to your work.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Often the outliers, people/acts that really have their own sound/story/feel to it, and make it sound good and sure of itself, instead of a perfect mimic of a style or another act.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Assuming that there is electric power… 1. my laptop (as DAW and further swiss army knife). 2. a great pair of speakers (better than headphones on a desert island with no neighbors to complain). 3. a really deep diverse synth (like a polybrute) – which also doubles as a hands-on midi controller. 4. a good mobile microphone (also for field recordings). 5. a fridge for cool drinks and preserved food (if shortterm) -or- a satellite dish for connection to outside input / output… (if longterm)