“I just replaced my Chemex; that’s a crucial part of the studio – I love filter coffee…”
MODEL 86|
Enigmatic London-based producer MODEL 86 makes music that seems to naturally pinball between a host of genres and influences, touching on classic hip-hop beats, UK dance music and experimental pop, all without feeling forced or jarring. His debut album, titled Is MODEL 86 Dreaming Of Being A Butterfly Or Is A Butterfly Dreaming Of Being MODEL 86?, arrived in December representing the most fully-formed version of his sound to-date. We caught up with him to find out how it was created.
When did you start making music?
“Hardware wise it was an MPC2000XL when I was about 18; I saved up for so long. Before that when I was pretty young I was messing around with Windows Movie Maker trying to loop stuff and make beats on the family PC. I got started when I met some guys who were making beats and rapping. From there I got into sampling and diggin’ then I decided to go to Uni and study it a bit.”
Tell us about your studio
“My current studio is a space in central London near Warren St and Goodge St. I’ve been hear about 18 months, been central for a few years. I use hardware and plugins – plugins are way faster but can lack the emotional relationship of something when you have to play and tweak in a more live and musical way.
“I have quite a lot of modular stuff, Juno-106, JX-8P, Yamaha CS-60, Sub Phatty, MS-20, Mopho, Rhodes, Upright Korg Sigma, Mother-32s, Subharmonicon, DFAM. I have a few pedals too; my fave is the Hedra. It’s a good/bad habit.
“I really like Omnisphere and some indie Kontakt stuff. I’d like to change my desk; it’s annoying me at the moment, I can never get comfy.”
What DAW (or DAWs) do you use, and why did you choose it?
“Logic, probably because it was the best deal back in the day. Ableton seems fun, I used it a bit ages ago but I can’t find the time to switch.”
What one piece of gear in your studio could you not do without?
“Apart from my Mac and speakers… I’m not sure, the piano maybe? It’s so satisfying to touch and be with.”
What’s your latest studio addition?
“I haven’t bought anything for a bit. I just replaced my Chemex; that’s a crucial part of the studio – I love filter coffee… and everywhere’s shut at the moment. I bought a Hedra pedal last I think; I love that thing, it’s so fun to play through.”
What dream bit of gear would you love to have in you studio?
“Hmmm, maybe a felted grand piano? I’m not sure though. I don’t need anything else; I can’t use everything that I have at the moment.”
When approaching a new track or project, where do you start?
“Up until recently I was starting with vocal samples but I’ve just changed my workflow. I’ve just sworn not to touch any samples at all if I can, just start on an instrument and vibe and manipulate stuff more organically and go from there.”
What are you currently working on?
“I’ve just finished remixing the Madvillain album, that’s out now. I’m producing a release for a singersongwriter at the moment, and working with another artist which I’m quite excited about. I have a couple of other projects going under a different name too.”