Behind The Music: Timo Veranta

We're thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the incredibly talented Timo Veranta! Having collaborated with Timo for several years now, we're excited to welcome him back to the label with his latest single — Timeless. In this interview, we delve into Timo's creative process, inspirations, and the story behind this track.

What inspired you when creating 'Timeless,' and what vision or message were you hoping to convey through this track?

When I created 'Timeless,' my inspiration came from the desire to craft a track that transcends the limitations of time and trends. I aimed to produce a piece of music that would not only resonate with listeners today but continue to captivate audiences for years to come. My vision was to design a track that embodies the essence of energy, excitement, and euphoria—qualities that are fundamental to any memorable festival experience.

The core message I wanted to convey through 'Timeless' is the universal power of music to bring people together, regardless of the era. I envisioned this track as a perfect opening anthem for festivals, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey. It's a piece that ignites anticipation and unites the crowd in a shared moment of joy and connection. In essence, 'Timeless' is about creating a lasting impact, one that festival-goers can look forward to and cherish, no matter when or where they hear it.

What sparks your creative process when starting a new track? Are there any particular routines or techniques you rely on to jumpstart your musical projects?

What sparks my creative process when starting a new track is often the spontaneity and unpredictability of jamming with my analog equipment. I don't usually begin with a specific idea in mind; instead, I let the music evolve naturally through experimentation. My Elektron Rhythm 2 is a crucial part of this process. I love to dive into a session with it, exploring different sounds and rhythms, and seeing where the flow takes me.

I don't follow a strict routine or rely on particular techniques; it's more about embracing the accidents and unexpected moments that happen during a jam session. These serendipitous occurrences often lead to unique and exciting directions for my tracks. The organic and hands-on nature of using analog gear keeps the process fresh and invigorating, allowing creativity to flourish in an unplanned, yet profoundly inspiring way.

How did your experience with Madison Affair shape your approach to electronic music? What lessons or influences from your time with the band have you carried into your solo career?

My experience with Madison Affair profoundly shaped my approach to electronic music. Playing at the Fusion Festival in 2012 was a pivotal moment for me—it was my first real contact with techno music, and it left a lasting impression. The energy, the atmosphere, and the way the music brought people together were incredibly inspiring. After that experience, I knew I wanted to be a part of the techno scene.

One of the key lessons I carried from my time with the band into my solo career is the importance of live performance and audience connection. Being on stage with Madison Affair taught me how to read and respond to the crowd, creating an immersive and engaging experience. This skill has been invaluable in my solo work, especially when crafting tracks meant for festivals and large events.

Additionally, the collaborative spirit of being in a band has influenced my approach to music production. It taught me the value of experimenting with different sounds and ideas, and the importance of maintaining an open mind. This has helped me stay innovative and adaptive in my solo projects, always seeking new ways to push the boundaries of my music.

Madison Affair, 2008

You moved to Berlin, a city known for its vibrant electronic music scene. How has living in Berlin influenced your sound and artistic journey?

Living in Berlin, a city renowned for its vibrant electronic music scene, has had a significant influence on my sound and artistic journey. Growing up in Berlin after being born in Moscow, I was immersed in the city's rich cultural and musical diversity from an early age. This unique environment played a crucial role in shaping my musical tastes and artistic aspirations.

One of the most pivotal influences was my time spent at Club Sisyphos. It was there that I truly fell in love with electronic music. The club's eclectic atmosphere and cutting-edge soundscapes opened my eyes to the endless possibilities within the genre. The sense of community and the shared passion for music I experienced at Sisyphos deeply impacted my approach to creating and performing music.

Berlin's dynamic and ever-evolving music scene continuously inspires me to experiment and push boundaries. The city's blend of tradition and innovation encourages me to blend different styles and techniques, resulting in a sound that is both unique and reflective of Berlin's musical landscape. Overall, living in Berlin has been instrumental in my growth as an artist, providing endless inspiration and opportunities to evolve my craft.

Which Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) do you prefer for your music production, and what factors led you to choose this software over others?

I prefer using Cubase 12 for my music production. My journey with Cubase started back with Cubase 5 during my time with Madison Affair, and I've been loyal to it ever since. There are several reasons why I chose and continue to stick with Cubase over other digital audio workstations.

Cubase 12, Steinberg

Firstly, I love how Cubase is designed. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive toolset make it incredibly user-friendly, allowing me to focus on creativity without getting bogged down by technicalities. The workflow in Cubase feels natural to me, facilitating smooth transitions from idea to execution.

Secondly, Cubase offers a robust set of features that cater to both live band recordings and intricate electronic music production. This versatility was crucial when transitioning from band projects to my solo electronic endeavors. The advanced MIDI capabilities, excellent audio editing tools, and vast library of plugins and virtual instruments provide everything I need to produce high-quality tracks.

Lastly, having used Cubase for so long, I've become highly proficient with it, which significantly boosts my productivity. The familiarity and efficiency I have with Cubase allow me to experiment and innovate freely, ensuring my music continues to evolve while maintaining the high standards I've set for myself.

Every producer has their go-to tools. Could you share a VST plugin or analog instrument that is crucial in your production process? How does this tool help in shaping and enhancing your unique sound?

One of my go-to tools in music production is the ShaperBox 2 VST plugin from Cableguys. I use it in every track because it's a must-have for electronic music. ShaperBox 2 offers a comprehensive suite of creative effects that help me manipulate and shape sounds in unique and innovative ways. Its versatility and precision allow me to add intricate rhythmic patterns, dynamic filters, and evolving modulations that enhance the depth and character of my music.

In addition to ShaperBox 2, my Elektron Rhythm 2 and Pro3 from Dave Smith are crucial in my production process. The Elektron Rhythm 2 is my primary tool for creating complex and dynamic drum patterns. Its hands-on interface and powerful sound engine enable me to craft beats that drive the energy of my tracks. The Pro3 synthesizer, with its rich analog sound and extensive modulation capabilities, provides the melodic and harmonic foundation for my music.

Together, these tools help shape and enhance my unique sound, allowing me to blend precise digital manipulation with the organic warmth of analog synthesis. This combination is essential for creating the intricate, evolving soundscapes that define my work.

Your addition of guitar in "Timeless" stands out. How does integrating live instruments, such as the guitar, contribute to molding the distinctiveness of your sound?

Integrating live instruments, such as the guitar, into "Timeless" plays a significant role in molding the distinctiveness of my sound. Having played guitar in bands for most of my life, it felt natural to combine my guitar skills with my passion for techno music. This fusion allows me to bring a unique, organic element to the electronic genre, creating a sound that stands out.

The guitar adds a layer of warmth and expressiveness that is often less prominent in purely electronic tracks. It provides a human touch and can evoke a wide range of emotions, from subtle, atmospheric textures to powerful, driving riffs. By blending live guitar with techno's electronic beats and synths, I create a rich, multifaceted soundscape that resonates on multiple levels.

Moreover, incorporating guitar allows me to infuse my music with personal experiences and a distinct musical identity that reflects my journey as a guitarist and electronic music producer. It bridges the gap between my past and present musical endeavors, resulting in a sound that is both innovative and deeply personal.

Is there a specific track from Sync Forward's catalogue that particularly speaks to you? If so, what elements of this track create a personal resonance for you?

One specific track from Sync Forward's catalogue that particularly speaks to me is "Forja" by Oddr, for which I had the pleasure of creating a remix. This track holds a special place for me due to several key elements that create a personal resonance.

Firstly, the original composition by Oddr features intricate melodies and a deep, driving rhythm that immediately caught my attention. The way the track balances complexity with a hypnotic groove provided a perfect canvas for me to infuse my own creative touch.

In my remix, I was able to incorporate my signature sound, blending the electronic elements with live guitar riffs, adding an organic layer that complements the original's electronic base. The process of remixing "Forja" allowed me to experiment and push my boundaries, merging my techno influences with the melodic and rhythmic intricacies of the original track.

The emotional depth and the dynamic progression of the track also resonate with me. It captures a sense of journey and evolution, which aligns with my approach to music production—creating pieces that take listeners on an immersive and transformative experience. "Forja" by Oddr, and my remix of it, exemplify the synergy between my past experiences and my current artistic vision, making it a standout track in Sync Forward's catalogue for me.