STLLA

19 year old Boston based producer STLLA shares why a more spontaneous approach to producing works best for him and why he chose to join Outboard.

His journey into production began at age 14 during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparked by his first encounter with Daft Punk's album "Homework." This experience ignited a passion for electronic music that has defined his artistic trajectory ever since. STLLA’s creative philosophy centers on bridging generational divides within electronic music, weaving classic French touch influences with contemporary sounds. 

Could you tell us a bit about the process of making your track? How did it come about? Can you remember where you wrote it? What methods did you use to produce it? 

I made this song in my bedroom at my parents house during summer break from university. This track was one of those rare ableton sessions where I really got into a deep flow state. I completed the song in about a week, touching it whenever I’d get an idea to try. Drums, bass and the lead melody came first then the vocals. Once I had the main 8 bar loop it was pretty straightforward getting a nice arrangement out of it. I remember playing the track in my bedroom with the windows open and the sun hitting me and I just knew the track was done. 

If you could go back in time and give guidance to your younger self, what would you say that would impact your career the most? 

I would tell myself to stay patient, good things take time. Also to keep having fun with producing, the best outcomes have come from just having fun and enjoying the music. 

At Outboard, our aim is to establish a new way of remunerating music producers , fairly and transparently. Why did you choose to come on board? 

As an up and coming producer, Outboard's mission stood out to me when I was looking for a home for my track. Outboard prioritizes their artists and seeing that made coming on board a no brainer. 

What is the one thing that you always do when producing that if you didn’t, it wouldn’t be a ‘STLLA’ ’track? 

The Dub Echo is my go to favourite effect in Ableton. I use it a lot in my tracks to add space and texture. 

Do you have a ritual when composing music and how do you stay inspired? 

I try not to have any rituals when composing. I have found that my best work comes out when I didn’t plan to make music that day, it just happens. When I sit down during a scheduled session I just feel the pressure of having a finished product. My best tracks have been made in random, spur of the moment sessions where my mind can just flow and not worry about making mistakes or odd decisions. These can take place anywhere as I usually have my computer with me. Once I get a good idea and put it into Ableton I can get it from an 8 bar loop to an arrangement pretty quickly.

STLLA's track "Feel Factory" is now available on OTBD012

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