This past May, we were immediately taken by London producer Tiger Tsunami‘s Re:Antarctica EP. He has a clear knack for crafting music that walks the line between the experimental guitar work of Minus the Bear with the beat scene sounds of Flying Lotus, Shigeto, and others. It’s just as palatable as it is majestic, like watching waves crash and hearing music created by the swells as opposed to, you know, waves crashing. This is evident on his newly released and head nod-inducing single, “Spanish Nights”, that hit the web this morning.
In addition to posting the track, we wanted to speak with Tiger Tsunami about his creative process, what inspires him, and what he has planned for the future. Peep the interview and the single below.
PIMB: Which programs/equipment do you use when making your music?
Tiger Tsunami: I’ve been using Ableton for the last year, and despite the occasional crash, it’s been really awesome. I use it for both the arranging and the mixing, and it works perfectly for me. Also, there’s the added benefit of being able to create live sets pretty seamlessly.
As far as equipment goes, I have to admit I’m a bit of a gear junky. My main setup is a Macbook Pro, Akai MPD26, which I use for the beats, and then a Novation Launchpad for triggering effects and clips. Alongside, I use an Akai MPK49/LPK25 midi keyboard for controlling VST synths/bass and some extras.
I’ve also just recently picked up a Critter and Guitari Pocket Piano. It’s this crazy lo-fi/8bit synth, with wooden buttons instead of keys… It’s fast becoming my favourite piece of gear.
Who are your biggest influences? I hear a lot of Minus The Bear and Flying Lotus in your work.
Definitely, before getting into electronic music I was a huge math/indie-rock fan. Well, I still am I guess. I loved everything from Minus the Bear to This Town Needs Guns, Toe etc. It became my main guitar style, and it just seemed the natural thing to try and incorporate into the music I’m currently making.
My biggest electronic influences are probably Bonobo, Flying Lotus, and Shigeto. I do listen to quite a lot of different artists, so there’s always bits of this and that dotted around my music, but I try to put my own stamp on it as much as humanly possible. Anything with phenomenal production will get my attention.
Talk me through how you create one of your songs. Do you start with the beat, the chords, what exactly?
It really varies quite a bit. Sometimes I’ll fire up the computer with the sole aim of making a beat. Then I’ll add some piano/guitar melodies and it just builds from there.
Other times I’ll have a specific guitar/piano riff in my head, so I record it and work a beat around that. I try not to use the same exact process every time I enter the studio because I feel you can quickly come to a creative standstill. I like to mix things up a lot.
Some days I’ll just spend hours recording random sounds around the house that I can use in a beat. Keys jingling, hitting a table, salt shakers. You name it. I love fusing organic sounds into the electronic stuff. Lately I’ve been recording my own guitar sounds, then sampling them. You can get a really cool choppy/glitchy sound from that.
Are you looking to work with vocalists?
I’m currently working on two collaborations with incredible vocalists, so I’m very excited about those. Nevertheless, I’m always on the lookout for upcoming vocalists to work with. Up until now, I’ve only really been using samples of vocals, such as Jenny Mayhem, chopping them up and almost using them as an instrument. But anyone with a unique, soulful voice would be great to work with.
If I could choose anyone specific? I’d have to say Erykah Badu.
I’m also starting to incorporate my own vocals into my productions. I’ve recorded some backing vocals in previous tracks, but I’d like to progress on that in future releases.
In terms of using your own vocals, does that mean songs with verses and choruses? Or just more layers?
It’s funny, I’ve never been much of a verse/chorus/linear kinda dude, I’ve always thought of a song as more of a progression. I want to take the listener through some kind of musical journey and not have to think “Oh shit, I should probably drop back into the chorus right now, does this need a mid 8? Etcetera.”
But in regards to the vocals, I’m definitely working with full tracks rather than ‘hooks’, paying close attention to the lyrics and harmonies. I’ve already recorded a few demos that will definitely make their way onto the EP after some work and production.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give aspiring producers?
Sounds a little cliché, but just be you. Don’t try and fit yourself into a specific genre, where you think ‘this is the style I’m going for from now on”. It’s one of the most stifling things you can do as a musician.
As long as you’re creating music that you personally love and can relate to, that’s all that matters. If other people dig it too… that’s also rad.
Also, don’t put out every single demo/beat/idea you have out there. I’ve listened back to stuff I created even just a few months ago and thought “I’m so glad I didn’t put that out there” it’s difficult because you always want to share the latest music you’re getting together, but just be a little bit more selective, and definitely patient.
Which one track can you say inspired you to start producing? What about that track moved you?
Oh man, it’s ever since I heard a Shigeto record. I forget which track but it was off of ‘Full Circle. I just remember thinking ‘Wow, this dude is fusing stuff that sounds so organic with pure electronic goodness.’ I’ve spent more than 10 years playing guitar, so that really intrigued me. I’m pretty sure the track was “So So Lovely” where he plays some kind of Kalimba? What a tune that is.
The track that really moved me, though, was probably Bonobo’s “Kong”. I can’t think of any other artist that conveys as much emotion in their music as Bonobo. There’s just something about it that is epic.
What can you tell me about your next project?
I’m working on a few collaborations at the moment, focusing on different sounds/genres that I’m really into. I’m a big hip-hop fan, so there’s a track playing on that, and I’m also working with an incredible vocalist on an organic, guitar-based track. Both at opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but I’m excited to be putting new material out for everyone to hear.
What inspired “Spanish Nights”?
I’ve spent a lot of summers out in Spain, visiting family, and I used to love walking around the city, with my headphones on, enjoying the warm air. It wasn’t really planned, but while I was putting this track together, I got the same vibe listening to it, so it seemed like a perfect fit.
Check out Tigertsunami