Austrian producer Fabian Luttenberger delivers cinematic electronic music with addictive vocals. Ahead of his new EP and following the release of new single ‘Kouyou’- a Japanese word for change – in December, Fabian gets candid about the big changes in his life, which amazing thing he’d leave unchanged, reveals more about his upcoming EP and more.
Where did the concept for the single Kouyou come from?
I am always looking for names after a track is done. Usually I am browsing the web for this until I find something that catches the music’s mood. ‘Kouyou’ is about the ups & downs and the constant change in life. I thought that ‘Kouyou’, which translates to something like leaves changing colours in autumn’ would be a good fit.
Since this single is all about change, what’s one thing that you’ve changed about yourself this year – both professionally and on a personal level?
On a personal level there was quite a lot of change. I became a dad, and that’s truly a huge personal change. I sleep less now at night, but that’s really the only downside of it.
In terms of music, I think one of the biggest changes was the style in my music. I tried to use less vocals, made the tracks longer, more beat-focused and with less breaks. This had been both, challenging and fun. I also used a lot more hardware for music production, which was kind of limiting during production but I am happy with the outcome.
And in contrast, considering it’s the time for New Year’s resolutions, what’s one thing you’d like to change about yourself in the year to come?
I’d really love to play more live shows. I played some last year and it was fun to not just DJ but actually use your equipment live and change up everything in the track.
What’s the biggest change you’ve made in your life to date?
The biggest change was definitely becoming a dad. It’s challenging to balance the time between having a job, a kid and doing music but it somehow works out and it’s much rewarding.
Still keeping with the concept of change, what is something about yourself or even your surroundings you would never change? Something that’s perfect the way it is?
I am really thankful for my family and my friends. In fact, I think being surrounded by great and inspiring people is just key to a successful and fulfilling life.
How would you describe your sound and how has it evolved?
I would describe it as a mix of house, disco, and pop. As far as I can remember I always did music in my life and I was interested in composing very early. I bought my first recording equipment in my teens and I really went through a lot of musicals styles ranging from punk, metal, pop, acoustic, singer-songwriter to electronic music. For some reason producing electronic music was just the thing I stuck to. I would say my electronic music has always been house but, in the beginning, there were way more vocals and melodies. I am now focusing on finding an even more unique style and I am looking forward to more releases in 2019.
Would you say your music is based from personal experiences or do you take creative liberties with it?
I would say both. In terms of writing I am trying to reflect my current mood in the productions. I try to recreate what I am going through with music, for example with evolving synth pads in contrast to a strong and thick bass line.
You have an upcoming EP, what can we expect from that?
The EP is dedicated to and named after my daughter Emilia. I hope that in some years she will listen to it and that it inspires her to also create music. Besides that, I hope that the EP will gain some traction in the house scene. I would hope to play some more live shows this year.
What was the recording process for it like?
I worked on like 10 or more ideas in the beginning of 2018. Finally, 3 of them made it onto the EP. The 4th track ‘Vague’ was actually a re-work of a track I released some years back. I think if you compare the old with the new version you can clearly hear how the music changed. It’s way more linear now.
I also bought a lot of analogue gear in 2018 and I had a lot of fun recording with it for the EP. I believe it gives the music the right finish than just using software instruments.
Have you got a personal favourite track within it? And which one?
Most probably Kouyou. It just feels like I created something new in contrast to the music I released in the past years.
If listeners could take away one message from your music what would you want that to be?
Just take life as it is and keep finding yourself.
Who inspires/influences you?
Artists that inspire me are the one with great live shows. The Boiler Room set of Jacques Greene was very inspiring and vivid. I am pretty sure it took a long time and quite some work to put such a set together.
What’s been a major career highlight for you? And what’s next?
In 2018 I was co-founding a record label called Rosso Tunes. My past music was mainly self-released, which worked out quite fine, but now it’s nice to have something more solid to release music on. We already have 2 more artists in the boat, so I am excited for future releases. We will also throw a party somewhere in Vienna this year and will hopefully put out some music on wax.
What’s one track on your personal playlist you’ve had on repeat recently and why?
A quick look into my Spotify Wrapped 2018 reveals that I listed to ‘San Junipero’ by ‘Llewellyn’, a Leipzig-based artist. I like the subtle dedication to all the 80ies synths.
Finally, what’s one question no one asks you in an interview you wish you were asked?
What’s your favourite drink? The answer would be coffee.
Here is a spy, your mother…. ; ))