Where are you currently based?
Just on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, in South Wales.
How did you get into techno and electronic music production?
As a DJ I began around the age of 15. My older cousin came to stay when my parents were away, he brought his 1210’s and an Intimidation Blue mixer, then taught me the ropes, he brought a stack of music I had never heard before which inspired me. In terms of production I started when my bass teacher revealed his studio in another room and I said what the fuck is all that stuff.. teach me.. He had emu sound modules, akai samplers and a mac plus loads of outboard processing gear.. then I was hooked.
What equipment and programs do you use?
Logic + Ableton for production, Reaper for Mastering. For making sounds I use the RYTM, O-Coast and Microbrute, then the Octatrack to sample. I have a Midas desk, an Elysia compressor, a pultec EQ, the Antelope Pure 2 mastering converter, and some insanely big 3 way monitors. Plus other small noisy things and controllers etc. Software is a big player in mastering for me, for colour and punch it has to be analogue bit for precision, stereo control and flexibility digital is fantastic.
Who or what influences your sound when writing and recording music?
The equipment and the morphine.
Where and when was your first show?
The first gig I really remember properly was in the back room of a pub in a small town near where I grew up. I was 17, not sure I’d call it a show but it was fun and messy.
You have over 20 years experience in sound and you’ve just launched your own production and mastering service https://www.joefarrmastering.com/ why did you decide to start mastering for others?
It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and It seems like a logical step, I have built a fully soundproofed studio which is measured and treated to be almost flat so my mixing and production stepped up a fair few notches. I have been mastering my own stuff for a while as well as others who’s music I want to play out.
How did you learn how to master?
Practice and experimentation, plus picking the brains of a few people in the know.
What advise would you give to someone who is interested in getting into mastering?
Be prepared to go down a rabbit hole for a long time and don’t buy any hardware until you have tested it.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
As we speak I am mixing a track for a young guy from Bristol, listened to that 50 times plus this morning and mastering an Ep for a Berlin artist. Apart from that just my own stuff at the moment. I am about to write my second album so I am trying to focus on a particular routing method to make the whole thing sound cohesive.
You’ve been touring quite a bit this year, do any shows in particular stand out above the rest and why?
This years best gig was at Corsica Studios for ‘Them’ – I did my usual Hybrid setup and it went very well, the crowd were well up for it. Charlton was on before me and Adam X was on after. I drove back from London straight after the set and therefore woke up in my own bed – win. The set was recorded so that should go up somewhere soon.
What’s the greatest challenge you face when touring?
Waiting. I don’t mind flying or driving, but standing still drives me mad. Oh and bad coffee, no joke.
Have you been working on new music? If so, can you give us an idea of what to expect?
Lots of music in the pipeline, at least 10 tracks ready to release.. expect bangers.
When and where are you playing next?
Next up is Rotterdam at Transport for the Kraak guys. Heavy lineup for that one ! –https://www.facebook.com/events/290609111455778/
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Favourite food is beetroot and you can usually find me in the kitchen eating beetroot.
https://www.facebook.com/joeFarr01/
https://www.joefarrmastering.com/
