While many are struggling to fill their time amidst a global pandemic, that is certainly not the case for Spanish producer Toni Varga. Celebrated as part of a growing international core of elrow music residents, Varga has risen in the ranks as a notable musician to watch. Over the past few years, he has signed music onto Kittball, Rawesome Ltd, and Circus, among others. This year he has put his burgeoning platform for good by joining in on the #WeMakeEvents movement, calling attention to ongoing struggles of the entertainment industry, as well as helping to raise money for COVID relief.
He continues to spend much of his time in the studio, sharing several mixes on SoundCloud and engaging listeners in a podcast with Partai Festival Venezuela. His latest success is a collaboration with Sola co-owner and artist C.O.Z. who released their two-piece debut EP ‘Your Touch’ on Desert Hearts earlier this month. The high energy EP with alternating groovy basslines and acid-based hooks show Varga is no stranger to spending long hours in the studio crafting his music.
We were able to catch up with him and pick his brain about some of his insider tips on setting the scene and mindset needed in the studio. Read on to learn some tricks of the trade.
1. Buy a good chair
Don’t try to save money on this! It is really important that you are comfortable and that your back isn’t suffering. In the end, you will spend so many hours sitting there and having an adequate postural position will help you avoid neck problems. I can tell you this from my own experience.
2. Find your inspirational moments
We all need to feel good and inspired in order to develop new ideas and projects in a way where everything flows naturally. Everyone is different; some people feel more inspired when they get up in the morning, others in the evening. Others, like me for example, feel most inspired at night. I like working at night because it feels like the world has stopped around me—my phone doesn’t ring, I’m not getting any messages, etc. It gives me a sense of peace to work calmly and allows my ideas to flow better.
3. Find your own sound
This is probably one of the most difficult things of all but is critical that you find the sound that fits you. In your musical path, you need to create a recognizable unique sound that people will recognize without a doubt when they hear it.
4. Be original
Don’t be afraid to try something different, even if it seems out of the ordinary. Being creative means being original. Never copy. Never imitate. Let your creativity and talent flow, and the result will not disappoint you.
5. Take a break
When you find yourself stuck in ‘loop mode’ where you don’t feel inspired, it’s time to take a break. Turn off the computer, disconnect, go to the gym, play a sport, read a book, or do whatever else you want to disconnect your mind for a moment. Don’t come back to the studio until you feel that the inspiration is back. Often we make the mistake of forcing things when they do not want to flow, and this only generates more frustration and wastes more time. It’s better to stop, even for a few days if necessary, and come back when you feel inspired again.
Toni Varga & C.O.Z’s ‘Your Touch’ is now available on Desert Hearts. Stream and buy here.
Follow Toni Varga: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify
