Had you not have a chance to listen to the tracks of a new star - Tasmanian producer! Then you should do it right now! Among his remixes such as “Flume”, “Banks”, and “AlunaGeorge”. The last one is the song “Last Time”.

His remix for “Childish Gambino” garnered over 75,000 plays on soundcloud in just 2 short weeks.

Certainly listen to these super sound mixes from Akouo.

Reporter: Hi Akouo! First of all, we have to say that I’ your Gambino remix is absolutely fantastic. 70,000 plays in 13 days is no small feat. Can you tell us a little a bit about how that remix came about?

Akouo: I had been playing the original for a few weeks in my DJ sets, and I loved it so much that I wanted to put together a little edit for my live sets (to speed it up and suit the hip hop tempo I usually go for). But in the end, it went in a completely different direction so I decided to drop it as a free remix online. The response has been overwhelming, and it has turned out to be one of my most popular tracks to date.

Reporter: The percussion in that remix drives nuts. Are those pre-recorded samples from sample packs or are those noises you have recorded yourself and worked into your production?

Akouo: They are predominantly specially made sounds I recorded. If there’s one thing I learnt from Timbaland, it’s that the key to developing a stand-out production style is using sounds that no one has ever heard before. But at the same time, I like to integrate some of the hip hop sampling culture because that’s where my love of production started. So these days, I record drums from rare breaks on vinyl and record my own percussion/noises.

Reporter: I have heard a little bit of your forthcoming track “Last Time”, and I have to say that it is an absolute gem. Can you tell our readers a little bit about your inspiration behind the track?

Akouo: Thanks. Recently I have been singing a little on a few tracks, mainly as a subtle instrument and it is something that is still in development, but I wanted to incorporate it a bit more heavily on this track, since I had a specific concept. The track is basically about people who spend too much time trying to please the ones in their work environment and no time pleasing the ones they love. It also serves as a reminder or warning to my future self, to always put family first.

Reporter: The sonics on so many of your songs have this huge, enveloping reverberant sound. I am guessing you use software reverb, but what is your preference on synthesizers. Analog or soft synths? That being said, what is the most vital synth in your arsenal, either hardware or software?

Akouo: I tend to use cheap or free vst/vsti’s that no one cares to use, and I make them work for me with heaps of effects. Again, it is another conscious decision I make to try and differ from the pack. That said, there are a couple of synths that I have been using a lot recently including Nexus, Pulsar and Monomate. But in the end, they all do the same thing – I truly think its how you use them that counts.

Reporter: And the most important – obviously – favorite plugin?

Akouo: In recent times, I would say Omniverb.

KKS: Your mixes sound absolutely pristine. Do you mix your own songs? If you do what is the hardest thing to get sounding right in the mix?

Akouo: I’ve always mixed my own songs but to be honest, I’ve always really struggled with studio mixing, even though I was a live sound engineer for many years. In the past my music was very cluttered – a lot of layers and instruments clashing but I’ve learnt to pull back on having so many layers and just concentrated on making those few sounds more pleasing. I use a lot of side chaining, panning, stereo widening and big reverb, which collectively makes a huge difference. I have also learnt to make my drums slightly louder before sending the track off to be mastered. It is all fairly basic stuff but when you get it down-pat, it makes a huge impact.

Reporter: What’s next for Akouo?

Akouo: I have just finished remixes for a few Australian producers and my EP titled “Mesa” (which “Last Time” will feature on) is almost complete. I am also heading out on an Australian tour during March, and hopefully overseas later in the year.

Reporter: Who is your dream collaborator?

Akouo: I’d kill to produce some music with Jonti.

Reporter: If you weren’t making such lush interesting beats these days, what is it you think you would be doing?

Akouo: Perhaps finishing my psychology degree. Maybe I can achieve both before my life is over, heh.

Reporter: In conclusion, Pete Rock or J Dilla?

Akouo: Dilla. I have mad love for Pete though, they’re both geniuses.

 

Interview materials are taken from: http://www.kickkicksnare.com/