Music production is the backbone of any DJ/producer’s artistry, and for Fresh Powder, it’s a process deeply rooted in creativity, collaboration, and a shared love for pushing boundaries. Stellar and Silent Reign have come together to craft a unique sound that blends their individual influences into something both dynamic and personal. In this conversation, the duo reflects on their journey into production, the tools they rely on, and the techniques that continue to shape their sound.
Hi Fresh Powder, how’s it going?
Stellar: It’s goin’ good and gettin’ better!
What sparked your initial interest in music production, and how has your approach evolved over time?
Stellar: My initial spark came from family influences; my dad brought me up playing instruments and writing songs. Going to shows, raves also captured my attention in a huge way. There’s something magical about being in a crowd and everyone sharing that same energy. To have the opportunity to create and have our music heard by the masses is a dream come true.
Darren: For me, it started as a passion for music itself. I started as a DJ, and as I started to dig deeper for tracks, I quickly realized that the tracks I envision on finding I could just create myself. So, from there I started to learn music theory and composition and started to learn how to use various DAWS. And from there, over time, we have been able to hone in on my skills and learned to blend our unique styles, making our approach more intuitive and collaborative.
How do you typically begin working on a new track? Do you start with a melody, a beat, or something else entirely?
Darren: We like to keep it flexible! Sometimes it starts with a melody that just hits us out of the blue, and other times, it’s all about laying down a solid bassline. Sometimes, I’ll even find a unique sample on Splice and I just want to build around the sample.
Stellar: Right! Occasionally, we’ll throw in some unexpected sound samples just to break the mold. It’s all about capturing that initial spark and then watching the track evolve organically.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Stellar: We draw inspiration from a wide range of artists. Legends like Carl Cox, Layton Giordani, Loco Dice, Len Faki, Vintage Culture and even some heavy dark Synthwave artists.
Darren: And don’t forget the legendary DJs who create those epic festival experiences! Those moments inspire us to push boundaries and explore new sounds. I also find inspiration outside of Dance music as well though from artists like Michael Jackson, Mike Dean, & The Beatles.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece of equipment or software in the studio right now? What makes it essential for your workflow?
Darren: I work entirely within Ableton, and as cliche as it may sound, I’m a massive guy when it comes to creating unique sounds.
Stellar: For me, Logic is my go-to. Its powerful MIDI capabilities allow for intricate arrangements that really make the magic happen. Both tools feel like extensions of our creativity.
How would you describe your signature sound?
Stellar: Our Progressive sound is a fusion of melodic depth and driving bass. It’s about creating an emotional journey.
Darren: For sure! We aim to blend sounds seamlessly, allowing each track to tell its own story while still feeling fresh and invigorating.
Are there any production techniques you’re currently experimenting with that you’re excited about?
Darren: We’re diving into some unconventional sampling techniques—stitching together sounds from nature and urban life to create unique textures.
Stellar: And layering them in a way that’s unexpected! It’s all about finding new ways to surprise ourselves and our listeners.
Which DAW do you use, and what makes it your favorite for your workflow?
Stellar: I stick with Logic because of its powerful capabilities for composition and sound design. It just feels like a natural fit for my style.
Darren: And I’m all about Ableton, for its flexibility as a user.
What’s your favorite element of a track to produce, and is there a part of the process that you find more challenging?
Darren: I love crafting the melodic elements; they’re the heart and soul of the track. It’s where the magic happens for me.
Stellar: For me, it’s all about building the rhythm sections and basslines—they’re what drives the energy. The challenge? Perfecting the mix without losing that raw emotion.
How do you stay current with new trends and techniques in music production, and what direction do you see your style taking next?
Darren: We stay connected by immersing ourselves in the scene with the intention of understanding what is hot at the moment, all while staying true to US. For example, we all know Afro House is taking over right now, and Fresh Powder is working on something “Afro” while still keeping our dark feel & sound. It’s all about staying original and not giving a f*ck, just create what you want to create.
For Fresh Powder, music production is more than a technical process—it’s an evolving expression of their passion for storytelling through sound. By combining their influences, experimenting with new techniques, and staying true to their vision, Stellar and Silent Reign continue to create music that resonates with fans on and off the dancefloor. As they refine their craft and explore new sonic territories, Fresh Powder shows no signs of slowing down, promising even more exciting releases to come.
Fresh Powder Online
The post Fresh Powder Share Insights on Music Production Influences and Innovation appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.