Tim Branch
Talks About His Upcoming Release 'Hope' And Moving Forward From 2020
What was your mindset when you began ‘Hope’ ? How did it evolve when you completed it? (Just B)
• I was in a very emotional period when I started this song. So my mood has a big influence on the way the track evolves. I'm a melody man, especially melancholic type of mood. And when I'd put the vocal sample in it on the main break it felt like... yeah this gave me a feeling of hope . Because the song starts with uncertain vibe and brings relief an positive vibe in the break. Like everything is going to be alright.
What do you ‘Hope’ for? Is there a general idea behind Hope?
• What do I personally hope for is that world is going to be normal again, because I'm not ok with the new normal. But I think everybody hopes for something and that its good feeling on the one hand but on the other hand a dangerous one to loose yourself in it.
Do you have a particular structure to the way you produce each track?
• No not really I start looping some basic drum structures so I have an idea of the tempo and groove. Then I start playing around with some synths presets. could be anything but mostly some chords.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
• Thats a difficult one, there are many and they change over time. For now it's artist that incorporate a organic sound with a touch of electronic in. Artists who create melancholic melodies and interesting lyrics. That are the things that influences me.
Who are some of your biggest influences outside of music?
• Nature, the beauty of it. Doing long hikes resets my mind and makes you think about only the essential things in life.
Do you have a favourite piece of hardware, MIDI or VST?
• I love Ableton and the push 2. It changed my way of creating a track. More efficient, faster. Arturia has some very cool emulations of vintage synths!
Headphones or Speakers?
• Speakers! I like the way room colours your sound. And after a long period of time of switching from studio rooms. I'm glad that I'm finally have my own room
What are your favourite things to do outside of music?
• Riding the bike, hiking in the mountains
Beaches or mountains?
• Mountains!! But beautiful beaches are an option
What is your favourite destination that you’ve travelled to and do your travel destinations have an influence on your music?
• It has to be Austria. But a city trip to Amsterdam or Barcelona was interesting. because I love the different types of architecture, the history of buildings etc. It has to be the nature that influences the organic and melodic sound that I try to incorporate into my tracks.
What are three places that you have always wanted to travel to but have yet to see?
• It's more then 3. Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ireland, Iceland,...
What has been the biggest challenge for you in 2020?
• Finding the balance between making music, and having a full-time job. Staying positive in a strange world. Figuring out whats important in life.
What changes do you hope to see in 2021?
• Things turning back to normal. The cultural movement getting the support they need. No culture, no life. Getting and giving hugs .
Do you fear the virus, the powers that be or perhaps neither?
• More afraid of the way humanity is reacting to each other in a negative way. Afraid in what world my children will grow up.
Favourite food?
• There is a little dining shop near my home that serves great homemade hamburgers. This is my happy food now and spaghetti.
Favourite drink?
• Its more like drinks 🤣. Mojito, Gin Tonic, Belgian Beers,...
Favourite sport?
• Cycling, hiking
How do you foresee the future of electronic music, clubbing and live music in general from now onwards?
• I think the online movement like streaming, DJ sets will further evolve. Hopefully in the near future we will be allowed to organise some small events again. Where the atmosphere will be more intense because people will cherish it more. Electronic music will def evolve but in which direction I don't know.
Which song are you most embarrassed to admit that you love?
• Where are ü now - Justin Bieber, Diplo, Skrillex
One tip you would give someone who has just started out producing!
• The one tip I would give is a typical one but so true. Make music that you like, don't try to copy. Take ideas from others songs, but never copy. Use a reference track to get your mix right, analyse what makes it sound that way. The music business is a tough world with more disappointments than victories but never stop or give up.