Classically-trained, Melbourne-based LUCIANBLOMKAMP is one of Australia’s most idiosyncratic creative voices. Releases like Bad Faith, Post Nature, and Sick of What I Don’t Understand reveal an introspective producer with a cinematic sound. It’s no wonder he consistently receives accolades from outlets like BBC Radio 1 and KCRW. Still, it’s his dynamic work with chart-topping supernova 6LACK that put LUCIANBLOMKAMP on the map globally. He walks us through 6LACK’s “In Between,” a track he began creating in bed.
Collaborative Coincidence
How did you first begin working with 6LACK, and did you imagine the success the collaboration would yield?
I got the opportunity through pure chance. Before FREE 6LACK came out, 6LACK’s team approached me as they sampled my track “From Afar” on “EA6.” Through this, I started talking to Trevor aka Singawd, whose idea it was to sample me for the track. Turns out he’d been following my music for a while. From there, Trevor and I made countless beats together. Some of those ended up making their way onto 6LACK releases.
"I might go months at a time making everything super wonky, but then keep things very rigid."
Feels, Phases, and a Vintage Synth
You utilize what you describe as a “loose, unquantized” feel in the drum track. Is that something you favor in general?
Not necessarily. I seem to go through phases with most production and writing techniques. In this case, I might go months at a time making everything super wonky, but then for months at a time keep things very rigid. It’s like I forget how to make music every couple of months or something.
What role did your vintage JUNO-6 play in tracking “In Between” by 6LACK ?
I used it on the synth lead which is the only element that distinguishes the hook from the verses. It was the only element I didn’t have in the original draft I made from bed.
"The only way I can get something down that’s even vaguely creative is if I roll with the motions and see what happens."
Writing for Artists Versus Solo Releases
When working on music, can you tell when a track is going to be for another artist or become part of a solo release?
Yeah, most of the time. At least it’s really obvious when something is for me or for another artist. Ironically, I don’t tend to produce for people who make the music I typically put out as LUCIANBLOMKAMP. I don’t know how that came to be, but it keeps things interesting.
I feel the only way I can get something down that’s even vaguely creative is if I roll with the motions and see what happens. Going in thinking, “I should make this for so-and-so” seems to be the kiss of death for me. Even outside of it being a creatively fulfilling process, I find that things I do make with a person in mind very rarely get used by the person I made it for.
Obviously, the downside of this process is that 95% of what I do doesn’t end up getting used. The things I end up using for myself typically lack cohesion because I wasn’t considering how they would mesh together as an EP or something. I don’t mind though.
Inside “In Between”
What was the story of how “In Between” came to be?
As unconstructive as it may seem, I very rarely go into making anything with a person in mind, myself included. I definitely wasn’t thinking of 6LACK when I was making “In Between.” I sent it to Trevor and never would have assumed 48 hours later I’d be listening to a version with 6LACK and Banks on it.
"I very rarely go into making anything with a person in mind, myself included."
From Bed to the Charts
You say you created this loop in bed. Does the MV-1 VERSELAB facilitate this kind of flow?
Completely. I think what I look for in any piece of equipment or software is a sense of flexibility. There are benefits to limitations, but switching up a workflow is a big part of what keeps making music fun for me. That element of being able to twist the MV-1 into what I need is important.
It could be in the form of being able to make a full beat without a screen from bed. Or I can play it safe and import samples I’ve used a million times via the SD card. I can even use sounds that are new to me through Roland Cloud. It’s super malleable and a great hands-on alternative to staring at a screen for hours.
