David Guetta Future Rave Special

What inspired you to start your Future Rave Journey

As a DJ I was in an impossible situation. Underground became so trendy but I didn’t really work for festivals cause it’s club music and playing EDM was making me sound like 5 years ago because there was no evolution of that style. We had to create something new. I just wanted to make the music I needed for my sets

What were your musical inspirations growing up?

Funk and Disco

How do you go about starting a new track?

I usually start with chords and bass, then the song then the drop and drums. Future rave is the only type of music that makes me start with the drop because it’s dj music only.

What to you, defines the Future Rave sound?

The foundation when we started it was using saw sounds with a huge reverb on it and a cool side chain technique using the sound itself to trigger the compressor. Using 808 bass with a groove. Also melodically we're using some techno tricks, using unusual scales, lots of semi tones; but of course with time, we can’t always do the same thing.

What’s your favourite Reverb for your leads - your favourite drum compressor - and your favourite way to get that big stadium filling sound?

Valhalla room, eventide blackhole. I only use the compressor from ableton. Sometimes the reverb too. In general I try to use as much as I can the plug ons from ableton that are less cpu consuming and still sound great

What is your favourite or least favourite part of the production process?

I love creating the concept, the main idea. I also love working on optimising the arrangement. I would say adding all the small details to give more life to the track. Fx, ear candy etc. This to me is just something we have to do to trick the listener but I found it a bit boring

What piece of advice do you wish you had when starting out?

Keep it simple, not too many elements, not too many plug ins, avoid sticking elements in the same frequency range. Less is more

What is your favourite Future Rave production you have released and why?

I was really proud of the first one and it's still one of my favorite: never be alone. Also alive again because of the way we used the synths and the loo triggering. I still find it super impressive when I play it.

Have you got a secret studio weapon?

Not really sorry to disappoint. I love using kick start 2 by Nicky Romero because I can see the kick and adjust the side chain so fast. I gave him this idea and I think it's incredible

Beginners struggle with turning loops into finished tracks. What is your process / secret to completing tracks?

Force myself, Also if I’m honest; when I have a strong idea I can now pass it to my team to finish. I think creating the main concept is the most exiting thing. For sure when learning you need to force yourself to finish records even if it can be a bit boring. This is how you learn that a simple melody could sound boring at first but with automations stacking sounds, fx, filters, you can give it life

What would you say is the one essential thing all new producers should learn?

Patience

What would you say was the turning point in your career?

When I accepted who I was as an artist. One day I stopped caring about what other djs opinion. I stopped trying to be credible and I became incredible!

What was the hardest part of the production process for you to learn?

Composing

Is there a musician of a different genre that you are a fan of, and you would like to have the opportunity to collaborate with?

Adele

How has production changed for you since you first started out?

I started by creating loop with a revox b77 reel 2 reel tape. I would use a glass and glue the tape to create a loop because samplers didn’t exist. So yes I've seen a big technical evolution hahahaha

Having a massive touring schedule, how do you fit in studio time to make music?

It's very hard. The reason why I have so many hits right now and the future rave is thanks to covid. I wasn’t touring and I was making music all day every single day of my life. Of course my productivity was incredible. My label is now asking to release less music because they can’t flow! Hahahaha Since 6 weeks I’m back touring constantly, I ve worked on 2 records only. Last year it have been 1 a day ...

How long do you spend on a production?

It can go from 2 days to 2 years

What percentage of tracks you make actually get released, and do they just go to waste or used elsewhere?

I probably release 10% of my ideas; another 5 to 10 % goes to other artists when I’m just a producer

Favourite Plugin apart from ANA 2 and Kick 2 ;-)?

Kick Start 2 from Nicky Romero. I gave him the idea of making it communicate with the kick so it shows visually. It's life changing in my opinion. Tonal balance control so I can work on the road and I have a decent mix to try out during my set. Eventide blackhole reverb. Glue compressor or ssl, decapitator trackspacer, waves vitamins, isotope ozone, I wish universal audio was easier to use on the road because they are so good but not very convenient for people that travel

Favourite piece of outboard?

I only use plug ins

Favourite monitors and studio headphones?

My favorite studio monitors are barefoot micro main 27 but I love focal too and they are French ! for headphones I like Senneiser hd 850