Andy Kolwes is a German producer whose knack for conjuring up deep, dexterous and always captivating sounds has led him to a host of established labels, including Einzelkind & Frostās Pressure Traxx and Dorian Paicās Raum. Off the back of the latter pair, he’s been regular at tINI’s Tini & The Gang parties over the last few seasons.
Kolwesā latest release is his debut longplayer, “Album”. A unique sounding and innovative release, it came our around the tail-end of 2018 and although it slipped under the radar a bit, we can confirm it’s quite the feat. A wide-ranging release that touches on the producer’s vast production arsenal, it’s arguably his strongest work to date. But what machines influences his sound like no other? We chatted to Andy recently to find out…
“I have no problem with telling you 5 instruments that have shaped my sound. Some artists make a mystery about their studio gear and I don t know why, maybe because they are afraid of getting copied. I have no fear about that, because I think an artist is much more than his instruments. Even if someone would have the same gear, he wouldn’t make the same music than me. You are much more than the stuff you own in my opinion. So let me reveal the main 5 instruments that shape my sound.” –Ā Andy Kolwes
At first, I’d like to mention my bullfrog monitors from Martion Audio. They are very important to me because they are 100% true and reveal every little fault in the mix.
So if there is some magic in the track, i can be sure that the magic is still there when the track is played in a car, at home or over a huge soundsystem. They go down low enough in the frequencies, so I really get this clubby sub base feeling
at home right on the spot without using an additional subwoofer. I don’t need no loud volume while producing and still hear everything because the sound is on the point. My neighbors are very thankful for that and its good to have peace in this environment because i can really feel free and get loose when producing, even if its 4 o clock in the morning during the week.
What a beautiful couple and very simple, which is a key fact for me. I don t like if instruments have deep sub menus to get lost in. They are both connected to my Toft mixer and its is so easy to push out basic grooves on the fly.
You just tab in the the instruments and get a nice groove. If I like it deep I use the 808 and if I like a punchy sniper groove I use the TR 909. Maybe i let them move and add a little effects on the mixer and boom, you re ready to go.
In my opinion the groove of the 909 is unbeatable, you feel like a jockey on a running horse having the absolute control. I know you can have the same sound in many libraries, but believe me that is not the same, because this machine is pumping the groove. I also like creating basslines with the toms, it is easy to adjust the tone and they are very punchy.
This is a big complete workstation keyboard which provides all the bread & butter sounds for me. It provides a big library of E-pianos, Acoustic Base, Marimbas, Orchestal sounds, Organs, strings, drums, etc.
The sounds all have a strong signal and the keyboard has plenty of knobs and faders to get movements in your sound. I am very happy about this treasure box, so I need no additional plug- ins for the bread & butter sounds. It is so intuitive to use and I need no computer & no screen. I root it to my Toft mixer, maybe add some effects and you re ready to create some nice vibes.
This is where everything comes together in my studio, because all the instruments and synthesizers are connected and recorded over this console. With the meterbridge I always have control over the volume of every channel and see when I am pushing it too far.
It has the same function like a DJ mixer to me and is the central for jamming around with the different channels and effects. I bought this mixer used and luckily the pre owner was a real sound nerd. He send the console to Los Angeles and let it pimped there.. Some parts were replaced in the master section to get a stronger output while having low noise in the master section. I am very happy to have this pimped version and the big meterbridge is really luxury because it provides the look overall channel volumes on the fly.
I created many basslines with this synthesizer. It has some nice and basic patches but it is also very easy to generate your own tone, for example a nice fat baseline or silky smooth hi-hats. There are many knobs to sculpt your sound on the fly and almost no sub menus to dive in. That makes it easy to jam around on the fly. You can easily adjust the tone of the oscillators to fit in your mix. The sound is huge, deep, warm and very punchy. So punchy that your windows will start vibrating if you push it too far. It also has a nice sequencer built in which is fun to use. I don t like using plugins because your mind is always hooked to your computer screen. This beauty delivers mind blowing sounds and it is very easy to use and get loose. Nowadays modules are getting more and more popular and I like using them as well but the prophet provides a complete little system with almost unlimited inner routing possibilities. I am a really Dave smith fan and love its mono sound. I also owe the Dave Smith poly evolver which is great for pads and more stereo sounds.
This sequencer is amazing for all basic operations. It is incredible tight which is very important if you want to get funky.
The rooting possibilities are very global, so it is easy to combine with all kinds of digital,analog instruments as well as modular stuff. It is kind of a little control room for me and I use it in every track. If you feel a little uninspired with yourself, this buddy will help you out for sure. Just start programming a sequence and 5 minutes later you will get some serious material to hook on..It is very intuitively, has no screen and you can play it with your hands.
Andy Kolwes’ ‘Album’ is out now via Anyway. Buy/listen to the releaseĀ here
Keep up with Andy Kolwes on Facebook, Instagram and Resident Advisor
