Gobi Desert Collective has established themselves as one of the key figures in the down-tempo, melodic down-tempo scene. They’re known not just for their production skills but also for their ability to curate a popular playlist that consistently highlights the freshest underground sounds within this genre. Their dedication to quality is evident in their frequent releases, with new tracks dropping almost every month.
I’ve been a long-time admirer of their work, which eventually led to a friendship and professional collaboration. Recently, they remixed “Air and Darkness,” a track I released with Tiago Dima on Magnetic Magazine Recordings. They transformed the original’s club-friendly vibe into something distinctly their own, slowing down the tempo and layering in guitars to create a new, textured version that still honors the original while standing out on its own.
To celebrate this remix, we invited them for an interview where they shared insights on their influences, including artists like Bedouin and Satori, and discussed the creative processes that drive their work in the studio. Listen to their remix of “Air and Darkness” below, and then dive into the interview to learn more about the artists and ideas that shape their unique sound.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Satori, Bedouin, Kerala Dust
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a new track?
It feels like it is just trial and error until something sticks. We try a lot of the same stuff, to be honest, but I bring new ideas easily. We get the midi from a melody/harmony/drum and start using new sounds for that midi. Then, if that doesn’t sound good, we will start cutting up the midi or looping some parts we like.
Also, just one vocal shot, guitar lick, or piano key with a ton of reverb can be used as a pad or sort of downlifter for transitions. Reverse stuff, using a lot of delay, and then use that recording as some melodic percussion element in the back. White noise at random places can be used for atmosphere.
Lately, we have also been using the plugin Cube a lot. Throw in a vocal or guitar lick and move it around in 3d space, add some weird effects and you have new textures and atmosheres.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continuously create new music?
We don’t stay motivated all the time. Over the ten years, we made music, there were definitely breaks where we didn’t feel the need, and that is okay. Music is art, and we don’t want to push it.
What helps a lot though to find creativity and inspiration is watching documentaries about big artists which often gives a boost to start making music again.
What advice would you give aspiring DJs and producers just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to use existing samples. They are easy to build upon, and you are not less of an artist for using samples. Just get creative with them. Cut them up, pitch them down, use only the high frequencies, use the midi, and add new elements instead. There are hundreds of ways to use one element to get creative.
Lastly, getting good takes time. Sam started early as a bassist but Jens had zero musical experience till 25 years of age. Watch lots of tutorials and just start having fun in your DAW. Over time, you’ll see that the more you create, the better you’ll get
The post Exclusive Interview: Gobi Desert Collective Shares Their Influences And Inspirations Ahead Of Latest Magnetic Mag Release appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.