FRENCHII

Releases, Dates, Studio,
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For the past few years, I’ve been carving out a space for myself, exploring all corners of the dance floor with an open view and a sense of curiosity. Pushing a sound that is both impactful and emotional, crafted to resonate with the energy of different crowds.

To understand the French II sound, you must know it’s inspired by a range of past experiences. Growing up in the Dutch hardcore (gabber) scene, working as Head of Production for Draaimolen Festival in the early days, and being part of a drum and bass crew for six years are what shaped my sound into what’s now the French II realm. My goal for the French II project was to take all that inspiration and experience from the past to build a world for myself, a place where I could create something new that transcends genres; a watermark that breathes my personality.

Being active as a producer for several years now has given me the tools to create my personal workflow. To explain this, you must know I don’t have any theoretical background. I work purely out of gut feeling.

1.

Recording any analog signal / field recordings

2.

Resampling the box

I only work with audio, so no MIDI is used in my process. I record analog synths or use samples and field recordings.

After the audio is recorded in Ableton Live, I go into craft mode, scrolling through the recordings to find the weird and interesting bits to extract. Then the audio effects come into play: warping and mangling the audio cuts into totally different spaces and colors to be resampled again. I resample as much as needed to get a solid loop going, one that’s interesting enough to keep my attention for a long time.

3.

Recording any analog signal / field recordings

4.

Resampling the box

I only work with audio, so no MIDI is used in my process. I record analog synths or use samples and field recordings.

After the audio is recorded in Ableton Live, I go into craft mode, scrolling through the recordings to find the weird and interesting bits to extract. Then the audio effects come into play: warping and mangling the audio cuts into totally different spaces and colors to be resampled again. I resample as much as needed to get a solid loop going, one that’s interesting enough to keep my attention for a long time.

5.

Recording any analog signal / field recordings

After the audio is recorded in Ableton Live, I go into craft mode, scrolling through the recordings to find the weird and interesting bits to extract. Then the audio effects come into play: warping and mangling the audio cuts into totally different spaces and colors to be resampled again. I resample as much as needed to get a solid loop going, one that’s interesting enough to keep my attention for a long time.

Studio setup

My basic daily studio setup consists of the following gear:

Audio Interface: SSL 2+ MKII
Analog Mixer: Allen & Heath MixWizard 14:4:2
Polysynth: Novation Peak
Drum Synth: Moog DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother)
Drone / Ambient Synth: Soma Lyra-8
Bass / Sequencer: Moog Mother-32
Sequence Synth: Moog Labyrinth
Active Monitor Speakers: Eve Audio SC207

Why this setup

My studio setup and synth choice are based on my resampling style of producing. I rarely play multiple synths at the same time. What I do is record ideas with one of these synths and sample them to my own taste.