My Forever Studio S5 Ep2: Amon Tobin’s floating chamber of synthesis
Electronic music legend Amon Tobin talks the power of sampling, “ambient bangers”, Skywalker Ranch and working with the “god of microphones”, Sylvia Massey
We hope you enjoyed last week’s edition of the My Forever Studio podcast in partnership with Audient – the first episode of season five!
Want more? You’re in luck! Every Friday, expect a new dose of insight into the gear-based desires of some of the industry’s in-demand and innovative producers. Plus, thanks to Tileyard and its TYX studios, hosts Chris Barker and Will Betts even managed to sit down with some guests and capture these episodes in a video format.
For episode two, however, we fittingly stick to the sonic format as we hear from the multi-pseudonymised producer and electronic music legend, Amon Tobin. With a career that spans nearly 30 years, he’s created landmark electronic music for labels such as Ninja Tune, and had his music featured in TV, Film and video games. Also, his ISAM live show and other projects have pushed the boundaries of live performance. But what will this vast music career mean for his limited studio choices?
In this the 53rd episode of the podcast, Tobin describes a James Bond-esque dream studio. He also recalls his memories of Paul Hardcastle’s song 19 and how it influenced him, as well as his background in editing tapes.
Another beautiful moment of the podcast is when Tobin perfectly captures the concept of trapping the energy of a sample, describing his approach to sampling as “sublime”.
He shares his experience working with THYS of NOISIA on tracks that he refers to as “ambient bangers.” Additionally, Tobin discusses his time spent at Skywalker Ranch/Skywalker Sound and how he had the opportunity to see Avatar before anyone else in George Lucas’ cinema.
Finally, Tobin explains how his vintage microphone choice is inspired by the “god of microphones”, Sylvia Massey, who he worked with on recording the Figueroa album at Capitol Records.
The My Forever Studio podcast in partnership with Audient sees artists, producers and engineers create their dream fantasy Forever Studio, wherever they want in the universe. However, there are strict rules in the Forever Studio. Our guests are permitted a limited number of items in their creative space, so they must choose carefully. There will be nostalgia. There will be anecdotes. There may be gags. But there will be no bundles!
Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Castbox and find the rest of the episodes at musictech.com.
