Blu2thArturia Front and Center
He’s played with Aretha Franklin, written with Dre, and produced for Hollywood musical hits Dreamgirls and Straight Outta Compton. A producer with an acute awareness of harmony and a musician with the ear of a sound engineer, to say that music has always been Blu2th’s calling is an understatement.
We caught up with him in his LA studio to see and hear his array of Arturia hardware and software in action, from PolyBrute to FX Collection.
A long time coming
From a young age, Blu2th knew music was his thing. He moved through instruments like seasons, picking up something new once he’d mastered the previous one. But although he enjoyed it and developed a passion for it, he didn’t know what to call it.
I didn't necessarily know what to call it, but I knew what it was and what I was gonna do.
His familiarity with the piano led him to songwriting in his late teens, which in turn spurred him onto guitar, bass, organ, and drums. His one-man-band skillset set him up with everything he needed to create music end-to-end, and as they say, the rest is history.
One step ahead
For Blu2th, his musical passion went hand in hand with hunger - he always aspired to work with the best. This naturally presents its own challenges, and he’s had to adapt to keep up with his own ambitions.
When I’m working with people like Dr Dre and Eminem for instance, they often know what we’re doing before when I get the call, and I don’t know until I get there. So I walk into the room behind the ball. I have to catch up and get in step quickly in order to be effective.
This adaption has always been about finding the right tools that facilitate quick ideas, and keep up his creative momentum. He’s learned the hard way that if he slows down on an idea, there’s a chance it’ll be left behind - why risk that by not keeping your workflow in-check?
Whatever makes my workflow faster works in my favor. A great idea can be thrown away quickly if it doesn't happen quickly.
Blu2th & Arturia
OP-Xa V
Starting with a simple preset, he makes a couple of small tweaks and instantly finds a spark. That spark could easily lead to the start of a song, or become a new piece to a creative puzzle he’s been working on. A great example of OP-Xa V leading the way.
Analog Lab V
To give a sound more character and color in the mix, Blu2th explores Analog Lab V’s multi & split preset functions. He combines a preset from OP-Xa V with a sound from Jun-6 V, and the vibrant results instantly lead his ear in the right direction.
KeyLab 61 MkII
Keeping his setup working in harmony is crucial for that creative momentum he needs. The KeyLab MkII has found its place in Blu2th’s setup, not only as a controller companion to Analog Lab V, but as a command center for his DAW.
PolyBrute
Blu2th is a producer, but he’s also a player. When working on projects, he likes to capture the performance aspect of his ideas. As an expressive powerhouse, PolyBrute answers the call, balancing analog with digital, and musical articulation with sound design depth in a way that lends itself to any project.
That thing is 100% analog, but 100% digitally-controlled, so you get the best of both worlds. I’m in love with that piece.
Right where I need it
Seeing Blu2th weave between hardware and software to bring his ideas to life is inspiring. From PolyBrute to Analog Lab V, he’s struck a balance that works for him, leading the way but giving him creative space - right when and where he needs it.
“I love how it doesn’t get in the way but it’s right there when I need it.”
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