The Be As One boss on why he’s inspired by architecture, 3D movies and pastries…
Why music?
Because it’s the only thing I felt natural with since I was 12 years old. After I got hooked on music nothing else seemed to matter.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Maybe a chef or a suited broker. I hate numbers, but I love the thrill.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t do drugs. I never do.
What inspires you?
Anything made with love and excitement, from bakery windows in Paris with those tasty and colourful pastries to modern Asian architecture or watching a 3D movie and paying attention to the small details by the producers. Weird, I know, but it’s all in the details.
What’s the next big thing?
Spaceship tours. I can’t wait.
Best club experience?
Probably the first time I played Womb in Tokyo. Many years have passed, hundreds of shows and festivals since then and yet the vibe was that exceptional.
What's the next big thing? Spaceship tours. I can't wait.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
My first and only official job was DJing, but I worked with my dad for a couple of summer breaks when I was younger. We used to install air conditioners, and I must say that daily job sucked.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When I just can’t listen to it any more and I’ve had enough of going back and fixing things in it.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Pearl Jam – ‘Black’.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Cheat. Too many artists, young and established, give the ranking and sales too much credit. It’s taking the soul out of what we’re doing. It’s become a money and fame industry, Hollywood style.
Recommend us a film.
Shutter Island. Still one of my favourites. Very dark and slow with a fantastic ending.
Recommend us a book.
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. I’m a heavy reader and this one is very inspiring.
What or who is underrated?
Artists that are making music in the name of music.
What or who is overrated?
Artists that are making music in the name of fame.
What are you addicted to?
Chocolate and cakes. I must have something sweet and a coffee after every meal. It’s addictive.
What do you lust over?
Vintage studio gear. I’m spending so much on studio equipment even though I totally understand I don’t really need it.
What one thing would most improve your life?
A private jet!
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
I’ll definitely say rich creative experience. I wouldn’t collab with anyone I don’t find creative.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
It would be a song from an Israeli singer and producer, Shlomo Artzi. A classic.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Cubase. I’ve been producing with it for about 15 years now and I’m so used to it that anything else would just be a stranger in my house.
Art or money?
Both can combine perfectly. Where there is good art, with time, money will follow. I couldn’t say it the other way around though.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
That music has no sentimental value anymore. Ten years ago, an individual would fight to get a certain vinyl and play it for months. Now he’s buying a new track every few days with a mouse click.
Where there is good art, with time, money will follow. I couldn't say it the other way around though.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
There is always something you could do better.
What’s your motto?
Steve Jobs once said: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” I’ll say if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for me.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Best advice honestly is to produce in a comfortable mode and zone. The first thing I do before going into the studio is change my clothes to something comfortable. The relaxed state of mind is a must, even under a tight schedule.
Shlomi Aber and Guti’s Blossom EP is out now on Be As One. Find Shlomi on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.