Karsten Pflum













Volterock: It appears that you are using an MPC and an Elektron Machine?





Karsten Pflum: Yes, I am using the MPC and Machinedrum as my main midi sequencers. I love the way they sound together. I love the Akai sampler sound! Always did. The MPC has a very crisp sound for middle and highs, but is more weak in the lows. The Machinedrum has a very clear distinct sound, and can be really subby. It's a great sampler, and has some fun synths machines also. I keep returning to these two pieces of gear. This MPC1000 is my 3rd or 4th. Sometimes it's nice to get rid of it, but usually I regret it after some time. My Machinedrum was broken for a while, and I had become really fed up with the sound of it. But returning to it it still surprises me and brings in something new to my productions. Apart from that I'm doing a lot of FM stuff with a Kurzweil sampler/synth. And then I've got some different analogue synths - MFB, Roland and Korg. And for digital synth stuff I use the Nordlead a lot. That's the basic core of my studio at the moment. Definitely nothing that exotic. Some broken or modded old drum machines, keyboards and sound modules.





Volterock: Do you prefer working with music hardware the most? Does software play a role too?





Karsten Pflum: I like to work with both, it's always a bit back and forth. But I guess if I had to pick my favourite it would be the hardware way. It's kind of like people who are into old cars. They never work, but the machinery is so well made, that once they do work, they are so much cooler than new modern cars. Everything can be done with the computer though. It's really limitless, but that's also the problem. Where to start and end? But working both analogue and digital, outside and inside the computer gives a rich sound altogether. Many layers and a lot of depth.





Volterock: What do you use now in your studio and how did it progress to this state from when you first started?





Karsten Pflum: As I said I started out with an Akai S2000 back in 1996-97. And a Roland 8 track sequencer. Things gradually built up from there. If had loads of different gear over the years, also borrowed a lot from friends. Also stuff like guitar pedals and moded weird Casio keyboards. Software wise I've been into both PC and Mac. I used CoolEdit and Soundforge for many years. And Cubase and Logic. I was never really into programming, it's a waste of time for me because so many other people do it better. I had some programming in school, and i started making a synth, and when it finally made a cool sound i was like - ok, I just spent three nights on this, and the basic synth in Cubase sounds much better. Effect wise I really like the Ensoniq DP4, but I lost it some years back. I wanna get a new one soon. I guess I prefer using outboard effects more in the creative part of music making, and use the computer more for tiny details, in the mixing. I love the WAVES bundles e.g. But yeah, to get back to the question, the setup is always changing, cos i buy new stuff, sell old stuff or brake it. It's a good way to keep things fun, to change the setup all the time.





Volterock: Is this similar to your live setup?





Karsten Pflum: My live setup is mostly a lot more simple. Again the MPC1000 and the Machinedrum are great to bring, cos they are so small and travel friendly. And I use Ableton Live often, synced with the machines. I guess the basic live set up for me at the moment is with those machines, sometimes with the Nord Modular also. Really depends on what kind of set I'm playing also. Sometimes my sets are more like DJ-sets with my own tracks. If I'm playing a 6 hour set at a festival, I will definitely have more fun if I play my tunes in one big Ableton live set.





Volterock: How do you prepare for a live show?





Karsten Pflum: First I choose what machines I wanna bring, then make the setup (what machine is doing what parts), make samples and sounds, label and name stuff thoroughly. And then just practice and practice. It's a nice feeling if a live set can go in many different directions, according to what mood you are in. So having the basics sorted out well, I mean the setup, gives more freedom for messing around.





Volterock: When thinking back to the last song you made, what was your creative process?





Karsten Pflum: The last track I finished is a remix that's coming out later this year. I basically did a drum track with all my gear, making a lot of synth drums and layering them with samples. Then I jammed around with a series of patterns/sequences, muting and unmuting on the mixer, messing with effects etc. One the rhythm track was down i added some layers of melody and bass, also layering synths. The arrangement of the track was made on the computer, with a total of maximum 10 tracks.

Volterock: If you were talking with a beginner in music creation, what would you recommend?





Karsten Pflum: I would recommend the person just to start right away, and keep it really simple. Use something easy like FL Studio or Ableton Live for the computer. Or if we are talking hardware then perhaps something like a small MPC or another workstation. Keep it basic for starters and just be creative.



Volterock: You have said that music is a kind of therapy for you and helps you find the identity that suits you at the time. How would you describe this new identity for your newest release, "DODE?"



Karsten Pflum: Well that's what I basically try to do describe with the music. I'm not as good with words, unfortunately.



Volterock: You run the label, "Merry X-Mas Records" along with Drumatix. How did this come about and what is the future vision for this label? How can we stay updated on new releases?



Karsten Pflum: No, the label Merry X-mas Records was started by two of my friends some years back, for releasing a series of vinyls with music varying from hiphop to classic music. But we help out each other all the time, and I was doing these two digital releases - Drumatix and myself last year. Merry X-mas is really just a platform for having fun, so I have no idea about what the future will bring. I hope we make more vinyls in the next year. The only problem is that none of us are really label boss material. I am a super unstructured person.. The good thing is that the label promotes itself all through Christmas, without us having to do anything. That's the real genious of the label!



Volterock: Who is Karen Lust?



Karsten Pflum: She is my feminine side.



Flugten Fra År 2000 by karsten pflum

Volterock: What's the best way to stay up-to-date with your live shows and new music productions?



Karsten Pflum: I don't have a webpage, so I guess the easiest is to look on my Facebook, Soundcloud or Bandcamp. The popular platforms, hehe. I really miss the good old myspace days!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/karsten-pflum/63683657613

http://karstenpflum.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/karsten-von-pflum

Volterock: How may we reach you to book a live performance?



Karsten Pflum: Write me on one of these sites. I am active on all of them and enjoy being a part of these communities. Well that's what I basically try to do describe with the music. I'm not as good with words, unfortunately.No, the label Merry X-mas Records was started by two of my friends some years back, for releasing a series of vinyls with music varying from hiphop to classic music. But we help out each other all the time, and I was doing these two digital releases - Drumatix and myself last year. Merry X-mas is really just a platform for having fun, so I have no idea about what the future will bring. I hope we make more vinyls in the next year. The only problem is that none of us are really label boss material. I am a super unstructured person.. The good thing is that the label promotes itself all through Christmas, without us having to do anything. That's the real genious of the label!She is my feminine side.I don't have a webpage, so I guess the easiest is to look on my Facebook, Soundcloud or Bandcamp. The popular platforms, hehe. I really miss the good old myspace days!Write me on one of these sites. I am active on all of them and enjoy being a part of these communities.





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