Tell us about your production journey so far – how long have you been producing? What drew you to it in the first place?
I’ve been into music pretty much all my life. When I was a child I learned to play the guitar and since that, I’ve been into getting creative with music instruments and songwriting. In the early 2000s Hip Hop and Breakbeat caught my attention and I learned to produce on my first DAW. What I loved about producing on a computer is, that you can yourself create a whole tune and really go crazy with it. You don’t need a drummer, a vocalist and a bassist to play a whole track. There are literally no boundaries. So at first I started messing around, trying to make some breakbeat tracks but then House and Techno caught my attention and I moved more and more into these genres.
Around 2014 to 2016 I was DJing a lot and had a couple of releases under a different alias. These productions were just far away from what I do now.
Week 1 of the course focuses on artist identity and positioning. Did this make you analyse your sound in any way?
The first week gave me a lot to think about, where I wanted to be as an artist and what style I really wanted to make. They really make you think about, where in the market you can potentially position yourself. This lesson also affected my DJing a lot, because I started to narrow down my musical genres a bit more. I still like to be versatile with my productions and also in DJing, but I’m much more aware of the dangers, when you are into different styles.
How bespoke was the course for you? Was it tailored towards your needs?
The course contained some techniques, that I already knew, but in every single lesson I learned new mind-blowing techniques. Even if you think, you are an advanced producer, you can still learn so much from these guys. Now I have a whole arsenal of techniques, that I can use for all of my future productions.
Alex has since had tracks signed to the likes of : Toolroom Trax, Kimball , Eisenwaren
What modules really stood out to you throughout the 15 weeks?
I think recording my own voice and making it sound really sick was definitely something I would never have done, without the course. Dean showed us really cool techniques to do that.
How did you find the A&R Feedback throughout the course? Was it as detailed and granular as you imagined?
The A&R Feedback always gave me stuff to think about and ideas on how I could improve my track. Super helpful to hear, what industry professionals think about your ideas. It really helps to keep on track and get most out of your own ideas.
How happy were you with the track you made throughout the duration of the course?
The track turned out really good in my opinion. Can’t wait to get it out there!
What do you think was unique or different about Creativity Unlocked compared to other programmes/schools out there?
This programme really focuses on getting creative with what you have. It gives you a whole bunch of different techniques and you choose, what fits your vibe the best. It’s not just copy and paste, but more like an individual learning.
How would you compare your production ability/knowledge now, compared to when you started the course?
Creativity Unlocked really gave me some cool creative techniques, that I would never have thought of. My creative approach just became so much better through the course.
How would you rate your tutors?
The tutors were so amazing. We always had great fun in our sessions, great talks about music, chocolate and other weird stuff. The tutors were always super respectful with my work but still pushing me to get another 10% out of it. With all their experience in the music industry Pete, Dean and Ben are really the best teachers you could imagine. After my courses, I always missed our sessions.
What was the single best experience you had on the programme?
The best experience is, how we are all still connected. My fellows from the course but also the contact with my tutors is still alive. Can’t wait to meet everybody again!
On a scale of 1-10, how likely would you be to recommend this course to other producers?
11! I would recommend it to everyone, who is trying to get his music production to a professional level.
As a graduate, what are your thoughts on the Toolroom Academy overall?
It’s not only a great place to learn music production, but also to connect with other producers and make new friends. It’s amazing how everybody supports each other and the Alumni Sessions are always really good.
