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Dimitris: What specific sound design choices in Fantasia highlight your growth as an artist?

Brandt Hoff: The hypnotic siren lead truly defines the track. It creates a captivating and immersive atmosphere that draws the listener in. In fact, the track’s title is directly inspired by this sound, reflecting how central it is to the overall experience and my growth as an artist.

Dimitris: How do you integrate hardware synthesizers or drum machines with your software setup during production?

Brandt Hoff:  I typically start by crafting a classic trance sound with as much hardware as possible. This approach gives me a lot of creative inspiration. Once I’ve established that foundation, I gradually layer in modern elements and software-based sounds to give the track a fresh, contemporary feel.

Dimitris: Can you walk us through your process for designing the lead melody or bassline—what tools, both hardware and software, did you use?

Brandt Hoff: For the bassline, it really depends on the track. I recorded sub-bass one-shots in every key from my Prophet Rev2, aiming for a sound similar to a classic Moog-style tone. For this particular track, I used the Roland JV-2080. When I want more raw, old-school mid-basses, I tend to rely on either the Roland JV-2080 or the Virus TI. Occasionally, I’ll use Sylenth for the sub-bass as well. My general approach is straightforward: I keep the bassline to just one mid layer and one sub layer—nothing more. I also focus heavily on making the percussion work seamlessly with the mid-bass layer so that everything feels cohesive.

For the lead sound, I usually strive for a raw, old-school character. On one of my upcoming releases, the main lead was created entirely with a single layer from the JV-2080. Other synths I frequently use for leads include the Novation Mininova and the Virus TI. As for effects and tools, I prefer to keep things simple: I mainly rely on LFO Tool, Valhalla VintageVerb, and FabFilter Saturn. Beyond that, most of the processing is handled with Ableton’s stock plugins.

Dimitris: How has your use of effects processing—whether through analog gear or digital plugins—evolved, and how did it shape the atmosphere of this track?

Brandt Hoff: When it comes to effects, I usually aim for simplicity. If the track allows, I focus primarily on delay and reverb, carefully adjusting the parameters until they sit naturally in the mix. I often roll off the low end from both effects to maintain clarity, though my approach always depends on the specific track. For "Fantasia," I leaned more heavily on reverb and delay than usual. The siren-like lead and the airy vocal textures called for extra depth, which helped create a lush, immersive atmosphere throughout the track.

Dimitris: Did you experiment with any new sound design techniques, such as granular synthesis, resampling, or analog modulation, in this production?

Brandt Hoff:  I’m constantly exploring new sounds—it’s a core part of my production process. Sometimes I dive into analog synths like the Prophet Rev2, and other times I turn to gear like the Roland JV-2080 or the Novation Mininova, which I love for its powerful built-in sound design engine.

Dimitris: How do you approach layering sounds to create depth and texture, and what specific methods or hardware did you apply in this track?

Brandt Hoff: I tend to focus on keeping my arrangements clear and intentional rather than stacking too many layers. Typically, I’ll use a single sub-bass, one mid-bass, and occasionally add an acid layer for extra character. For atmosphere, I rely on one or two pad layers, and I feature a single lead sound to carry the main melody. Overall, my projects usually end up with around 30–35 channels, including effects. I followed this same approach when creating Fantasia, maintaining a clean mix while achieving depth through careful sound selection and placement.

Dimitris: Were there any challenges in syncing hardware with your DAW or achieving a cohesive mix between analog and digital elements? How did you overcome them?

Brandt Hoff: Syncing hardware with my DAW can definitely be tricky, especially when working with the JV-2080. It can sometimes feel like a nightmare to get everything aligned. My approach is to record the different sounds first, then import them into the project. After that, I arrange and fine-tune them around the beat to create a cohesive mix between the analog and digital elements.

Dimitris: When listeners hear this track, what subtle sound design details or hardware-driven elements do you hope they’ll notice that reflect your technical growth as a producer?

Brandt Hoff: I hope they notice the siren-like lead that cuts through the mix and the carefully crafted percussion groove, which together highlight my evolving skills in both sound design and rhythmic production.

Dimitris: Looking ahead, we're curious about your aspirations. What exciting plans and ambitions are on the horizon for you?

Brandt Hoff: (Laughs) I’m looking forward to expanding my collection of hardware gear. I enjoy exploring new tools and equipment, and I plan to keep investing in pieces that inspire my creativity and enhance my work.

Brandt Hoff: This year is packed with upcoming projects. I have five more releases scheduled before the end of 2026, and I’m also looking forward to exploring new collaborations and potential live performances. 

Dimitris: Are there any collaborations you dream of, either with other artists or brands, that you haven’t yet explored?

Brandt Hoff: I would love to collaborate one day with Rank 1 and Ferry Corsten. Working with such talented artists has always been a dream of mine, and I believe it could lead to some truly inspiring projects.

Dimitris: What role do you think AI technology plays in the future of electronic music production, and have you experimented with it?

Brandt Hoff: I’m not particularly a fan of AI-generated music. For me, a huge part of music production lies in the human element—experimenting, making mistakes, and crafting something deeply personal driven by emotion and creativity. While AI can be a tool, I believe the soul of music comes from the unique experiences and feelings of the artist.

Dimitris: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career?

Brandt Hoff: For me, making music is both a form of relaxation and a way to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life. It’s an incredibly rewarding hobby as well as a creative escape. I genuinely enjoy every part of the process—from experimenting with new sounds and crafting melodies to spending hours fine-tuning even the smallest details of a track. Immersing myself in music naturally helps me maintain a healthy balance between my personal life and my creative pursuits. 

Dimitris: Can you walk us through your DJing process—from track selection to live mixing? How do you curate a set that resonates with different audiences?

Brandt Hoff: My DJ sets are carefully crafted to take listeners on an emotional and energetic journey. I focus on building a progression throughout the set, rather than simply playing random tracks. When selecting music, I pay close attention to atmosphere, melodies, and how each track flows seamlessly into the next. During live mixing, I prioritize smooth, natural transitions that maintain both the energy and emotional connection with the audience. I enjoy blending classic trance influences with modern elements, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience that resonates with a wide range of listeners.

Brandt Hoff: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my journey, thoughts, and experiences. I hope my music continues to inspire fans and fellow artists. Your support means the world to me, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. See you all on the dancefloor!