Interview With Antonio Dilillo From Cluster Sound
We caught Antonio Dilillo of Cluster Sound whilst pondering upon which analog synth to sample next...
Are you a music producer who also does sound design? Or a sound designer who producers music as well?
From my point of view music and sound design have always been strictly connected. I’m a producer since 15 years but my very first approach to electronic music was my uncle's analog synthesizers (Korg Sigma - Siel Cruise). I loved to play and listen to these synths for hours and this passion has been a constant factor since then. Later I began by releasing vinyls and CDs with some independent Italian labels but I've also played my own music in rave parties and clubs, my favourite habitats. After this period I’ve opened a multimedia agency but I’ve continued to manipulate sounds, experimenting new hardware and software and doing music for commercials, short films and fashion shows. So..I think I’m a producer & sound designer :)
When did you come across the idea that releasing loops and samples could be just as fulfilling as releasing music?
During my life I've produced tons of sounds, just for my pleasure, and one a day I’ve though to turn this passion into a job. So I created my first sound library and I sent it to M-Audio. After a couple of months they approved it and my "Electro Patterns Vol. 1" was used to inaugurate their Prosessions 24 series. The library was a success so I decided to self-produce my libraries, change my previous job and open Cluster Sound. The interlude of the multimedia agency has been very important for me because during this period I’ve studied in depth the Usability of Systems theories, concepts that I later applied (with the due adaptations) on the sample libraries also.
Are you the only producer at Cluster Sound? Or do you cooperate with other producers?
Currently I'm the sole producer at Cluster Sound but we are speaking of the creative process. I have some guys who collaborate with me for the recording, editing and audio optimization. In the near future skilled producers will contribute with their creativity. Anyway I want to mention a friend who is one of the biggest vintage synth collectors in Europe and who lends me his machines. He's Daniele Derossi, great composer and vintage synth expert. I’ve my personal analog setup but thanks to him I have access to ultra-rare synthesizers, modular machines and outboards (Korg PS 3200, Moog Modular 12, ETI 5600, EMS VCS3, SST-282..) Currently I'm using a Synton System 3000, a great and ultra-flexible modular, and Cluster Sound users will benefit from it.
You have specialized in tech and minimal sounds. Will that be the profile of your Label? Or do you plan to expand in terms of musical genres?
Currently our catalog is fully club-music oriented but we will expand it with downbeat libraries and multi-sample instruments that can be used for different music styles. Starting from september we will launch two new series - Downbeat and Multi-sample. In any case our products will be always oriented to electronic music.
What do you think of the idea of Sample Packs or Libraries being a sensible alternative to DJs/Producers releasing finished songs? Instead of an album the producer releases his or her samples and loops?
Some time ago, I'm speaking of 10 years ago, a DJ had to release his own music (on vinyl) to increase his prestige. I think that today the sound packs are just as significant as the vinyls were 10 years ago. Today everyone is able to create his own music so a sample pack is more advantageous for skilled producers. I'm sure releasing sample packs will be a growing trend among the producers in the next years to come. It's the natural evolution and I think also that the next step (within 10 years) will be the creation of self-made software.
Any advice to the producers out there?
The creation of a complete sample library requires lot of time, even for expert sound designers, so apart from the proper technical skills you must have lot of patience. Preferably you should love this work. Another very important aspect is your awareness and consent, that you are selling your best creations which will be used by other people in their own productions. Sometimes a producer could be tempted to keep his best sounds and use them in his own music productions..this is not the right way to proceed.
If you intend to create a commercial sample pack, you have to pay attention to the usability of a sample library, a factor which includes also the creative process and the sound quality. Basically, a sample library must have these three characteristics: a) Longevity b) Ease of Use c) Flexibility. So a sample library a) has to be used for long time, regardless of the current trends b) can be used by people with different skills without penalizing neither the professional users nor the newbies c) has to be used in different contexts, software, and have to offer high customization.
