“The creative process was probably just having coffee, screwing around and thinking about outer space…”
Following the breakthrough release of his “Melancolor EP” on DUSTLA Records, Isqa was kind enough to lend us some insight on his unique production, the beauty of bass music and more.
YourEDM: Who are some of your biggest influences? We noticed a variety of different styles throughout the “Melancolor EP.”
Isqa: Culprate has been a pretty good influence. He had some very weird sounds that caught my ear – like his delay tricks and sample stretching. Those two sounds in particular grew on me, so I use them frequently. Some other influences included 16bit, Sorrow, Xilent, and KOAN Sound. There are many more – I’m influenced by everything I hear with a wide variety of styles.
Isqa was influenced by legendary duos like 16bit (left) and KOAN Sound (right).
Y: Do you have a traditional music background, like guitar or piano? Some of the melodies are amazing!
I: Thanks! I took piano lessons at a really early age so maybe it isn’t relevant because I really don’t remember anything from that time. My musical history continues when I joined an Orchestra program, which went on from 6th to 11th grade. They taught theory for a little bit, but I sucked at that part. We had to write our own songs and perform them at the end of every semester. I also started playing guitar in 10th grade, playing GNR with a couple friends – but I wasn’t as committed as they were.
Recently I took an introductory music theory class just to see what it was about. It helped, but only a little bit. I think. But that’s just me since everything I do is by ear. I recommend it for everyone though.
Y: Would you say you prefer the louder, heavier side of bass music or the atmospheric? What’s the creative process behind making two nearly opposite styles sound so natural together?
I: I’m not sure if I have a preference – I mean, each style of bass music has its own perk. Atmospheric, liquid-sounding music is nice because it’s consistent and I can listen to it forever, maybe when I’m reading, relaxing or something. The louder side is sick too because I get to pay attention to the sound design and it drives me to dance along to it.
Maybe in this album in particular, it’s adding the melodies and obnoxious use of reverb that bring in the atmospheric side, and the loud bass and chopped up arrangement that bring in the heavy side. But like most music projects, the creative process was probably just having coffee, screwing around and thinking about outer space.
Y: What’s next? What are your plans beyond Melancolor? Any collaborations in the works?
I: More originals. More remixes and bootlegs. But more originals than remixes and bootlegs. Collaborations? Maybe, but I’m never sure of any of them. I have new influences of completely different styles. I may have a new singer (besides Microsoft Anna). I have more than enough music that hasn’t seen the light of day, so I hope my listeners stay tuned! B)
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Thank you Isqa! Download “Melancolor HERE on Beatport and keep an ear out for this mighty talented producer.
