The Berlin-based composer and producer on organizing unreleased music, using private playlists to plan releases and how different environments inform creative decisions.
Welcome to Sound Advice, the series spotlighting artists’ creative process and their SoundCloud journey. We’ll get the inside knowledge straight from the source on how musicians, producers and creatives are leaning into everything Next Pro offers to elevate their sound, reach the right audience and catapult their careers. Sound Advice is now available in audio format on the SoundCloud Stories profile.
German artist Ben Böhmer grew up playing piano and trumpet, but once his older brother exposed him to techno music, he was hooked. At age 17, Ben moved to Berlin and began on a path that has ultimately taken him to some of the biggest stages in the world, from Glastonbury, Lollapalooza and London’s Alexandra Palace to mega clubs like Brooklyn Mirage and Pacha in Ibiza.
Long affiliated with the Anjunadeep label, 30-year-old Böhmer is best known for his lush and melodic progressive house tracks, but on his new album for Ninja Tune, he showcases a more introspective side of his personality, trading in chill-out tempos, emotional vocal cuts and piano lines that harken back to his improvisational roots. We caught up with Ben to talk about the new record ‘Bloom,’ adapting his sound from mellow concerts to giant dance floors to even a hot air balloon, and found out more about how he uses SoundCloud to keep it all organized.
Listen to the audio episode of Sound Advice, featuring Ben Böhmer:
Listen to the lead singles from ‘Bloom,’ set for release on September 27 via Ninja Tune:
Things We Talked About In This Episode of Sound Advice
- We take it back to the very beginning, diving into Ben Böhmer’s early musical influences, from his tastemaking older brother to learning the trumpet and piano to finding inspiration in the 2008 film, ‘Berlin Calling.’
- How his career goals evolved over time from mainly focusing on writing and producing to incorporating more live performances, as well as insight into how preparing to play in different live environments has shaped his sound and sonic direction over the years.
- Expert songwriting and engineering advice for up-and-coming producers and DJs looking to tailor their music for different listening scenarios, such as preparing to play on a big sound system compared versus a listener experiencing music on headphones.
- Reflecting on pivotal career moments, and what Ben learned from playing locally in Germany to playing major festivals and clubs around the world, all while writing and releasing full-length projects.
- The making of his Ninja Tune debut, ‘Bloom,’ and the creative spark that began the songwriting process for this album in particular, as well as how his piano background and incorporating organic elements continues to play an essential role.
- How setting intentional time to recharge after a busy touring schedule and clearing space to begin new creative endeavors helped Ben tap into a new level of his artistry and self-expression.
- How collaborations for the record – which includes Lykke Li, MALOU, Oh Wonder, Enfant Sauvage (The Blaze), Erin LeCount, JONAH and Max Milner – came together, as well as the inspiration and concept behind the project as a whole, including drawing parallels between nature and musical growth.
- Ben’s roots on SoundCloud, from utilizing the platform’s private-facing features to how his 2016 track “Promise You” became the first to resonate organically with listeners.
- Engraining SoundCloud into his workflow, and using the platform’s tools to organize his unreleased music, from cataloging demos in chronological order for personal reference to organizing private playlists and experimenting with track order to create different versions of EPs and albums (as well as what it takes to get the right sequence for future releases).
- Finding his “flow state” as a musician, and balancing being meticulous and detailed with keeping an open, experimental mind in the studio.
- Incorporating the U-he Diva synthesizer plug-in into his production process and how it’s become an integral part of his arsenal.
- Tips for fellow creatives when it comes to managing nerves and getting over fears, as well as saying yes to new experiences.
LINKS AND EXTRAS
Follow Ben Böhmer’s journey on SoundCloud.
Listen to tracks from Ben Böhmer’s forthcoming album, ‘Bloom,’ featuring collaborations with Lykke Li, MALOU, Oh Wonder and more.
Follow Ninja Tune on SoundCloud.
Listen to the Buzzing: Electronic playlist on SoundCloud.
Follow the official Sound Advice playlist on SoundCloud.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF SOUNDCLOUD
- Learn more about using DMs to connect with fellow artists and potential collaborators.
- Learn more about searching your own Likes on SoundCloud.
- Learn more about using private tracks on SoundCloud.
- Learn more about getting started with Insights on SoundCloud.
- Learn more about Advanced Insights, available to Artist Pro subscribers.
- Learn more about unlimited uploads, available with a Artist Pro subscription.
- Learn more unlocking access to unlimited distribution, available with Artist Pro.
To discover additional features a SoundCloud Artist Pro subscription offers, visit here. To catch up on past installments of Sound Advice and make sure you don’t miss out on future episodes, visit here.
CREDITS: Host: Vivian Host, Executive Producer: Mike Spinella, Producer: KC Orcutt, Audio Engineer: David “DibS” Shackney, Coordinator: Trevor McGee
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