Toddla TCatching a vibe
with CS-80 V
Sheffield, UK: He’s racked up production credits with the likes of Stormzy, KSI, and Roots Manuva. He’s enjoyed an 11-year DJ stint at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. But whether he’s in the producer’s seat or at the decks, Toddla T is all about catching a vibe - so how does an old-school goliath of a synth like CS-80 V fit in? We sat down in the studio to find out…
Sounds from Steel City
Over the past few decades, the industrial city of Sheffield has earned a reputation as a cultural and artistic hotspot; it’s home to countless pioneering acts, from Def Leppard to Arctic Monkeys. It’s no wonder then that Sheffield-born Thomas Mackenzie Bell, aka Toddla T, became infatuated with the idea of making music at a young age.
Yo! MTV Raps was the only way I could see rappers and DJs and producers and everything. I always used to see the DJ in the back and be like ‘I could be that’...
Bell started exploring music production and DJing before hitting double digits, inspired by rap tapes he picked up along the way. In his own words, he immersed himself in the culture and found his ‘tribe’, eventually plucking up the courage to step out into the scene during his early teens. It was during this time spent at clubs, parties, and festivals that he discovered a dense mixture of musical influences to tap into.
Reggae and dancehall was a very heavy influence. Jungle, garage, then into grime…all that UK melting pot of sound system culture was very heavy in Sheffield.
It was a great place at a great time, and it set Bell on course for a successful career in making music. He’s since put out 4 records, collaborated with the likes of Wiley, Aitch, and Roots Manuva, DJ’d everywhere from XOYO to Ibiza Rocks, and spent over a decade hosting weekly shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. No biggie.
Catching a vibe
Even 5 minutes into our sit-in session, it’s apparent that Toddla T likes a fast workflow, bordering on impatience. It’s not necessarily about quick results, it’s just about finding what works and rolling with it.
I’ve got to a point where I stop questioning and just get on with it. Music is a feeling isn’t it. You know instantly when something feels good.
This isn’t just his personality and preference; this is the result of years spent working with some of the most talented rappers and artists in music. This level of experience has given Bell a deeper understanding of what’s needed from a producer: to give their artists some creative space.
If you’re a rapper you need space anyway, right? I don’t want to overcook it, because then I’m getting in the way of what they want to express.
It’s a case of ‘record first, ask questions later’. As producer, it’s his job to keep things moving, to provide fresh ideas, and to match the vibe of the artist. It’s a big responsibility, but Bell has spent long enough sharpening his craft to a fine point.
I just record and don’t overthink it…this ain’t a label meeting, this is a vibe.
On CS-80 V
I have such keen memories of certain synths, it’s weird - it’s like chapters of my life. We had this one in our studio, a proper one. It was massive, it was right heavy, and super expensive - and it looked beautiful!
Presets
For someone so keen to quickly bounce ideas around until something sticks, a decent preset library is a softsynth must-have. It doesn’t take long to find a sound that works, and Toddla T’s has found his direction.
I’m not like a synthesist or a sound designer really. I just get inspired off a moment and will create from that, so to just flick through sounds quick gives me that headstart for what I’m best at - which is being inspired and going. That’s what this type of software allows me to do.
One instrument, many uses
Bell seems to find everything he needs for the session without deviating from CS-80 V. With a simple octave shift, his whistle lead changes character from verse to chorus. Sticking with the same sound, he moves to the lower keys and records an airy bassline to give the melody some context. He quickly experiments with a little pad texture for good measure.
A match made in heaven
Like any producer, Bell has his selection of go-to tools. As soon as an idea pops into his head about what could enhance his CS-80 V track, he rolls with it. Enter Tape MELLO-FI, adding some crunchy tape warmth and an ultra-wide stereo presence - bingo.
Thumbs up
As with its hardware ancestor, CS-80 V is by no means a basic instrument. It can go a long way when you need it, with an array of expressive and intricate controls. But, as we’ve seen in our session with Toddla T, it’s also simple enough to satisfy even the most urgent of workflows. Get hands-on, hit the record button, job done - we wouldn't have it any other way.
Look, it’s 3 notes. It’s done. That’s what I always say to people: I’m not very good on paper. But if you catch a vibe, and you use your feeling, and you're with said artist and they’ve caught a feeling - you’re off.
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