House producer Riva Starr emphasizes the importance of finding a quality kick drum for his music production.
Italian music producer Riva Starr, also known as Stefano Miele, is a versatile electronic musician unbound by conventional music genres. Throughout his career under various aliases, Miele has dabbled in house, disco, techno, and hints of indie pop. His most recent album, “Keep Me On The Dancefloor,” released under the Riva Starr moniker, sees him return to classic house music while incorporating elements of traditional acoustic songwriting.
In a recent interview, Miele shared the primary challenge he faced with this album was breaking away from his usual club-centric sounds. He aimed to strike a balance between electronic and acoustic elements, creating a unique fusion. During the video interview, Miele delved into the creative process behind the album’s opening track, “House of Mirrors.” This track embodies a blend of club and acoustic vibes, driven by guitars and featuring synthesizers like the Roland Juno X for chord progressions and the Solina from Arturia for strings – all played live without MIDI.
The genesis of “House of Mirrors” traces back to recording sessions held by Miele in Naples, his hometown. Collaborating with vocalist Harry Stone and fellow artists Rosario and Sarah, Miele shared how the songwriting process took an unexpected turn, recalling an emotional moment when the melody for the track materialized almost magically. Despite initial setbacks during their recording sessions, the team eventually struck a creative chord resulting in a melodic masterpiece.
Reflecting on his collaborative experiences, Miele admitted that each session still feels like a learning curve, reminiscent of being in primary school. The exchange of ideas and insights with talented musicians provides an invaluable growth opportunity, making the creative process both fascinating and challenging for him. Returning to his London studio, Miele meticulously crafted beats, emphasizing the importance of finding the right kick drum, which he considers crucial in determining a track’s overall vibe.
In the video footage shared, viewers witness the intricate process of layering beats and synths by Miele, showcasing his attention to detail and dedication to crafting the perfect sound. Miele’s preference for live instrument playing over MIDI programming adds a human touch to his music, ensuring each composition resonates with authenticity and emotion.
Miele’s dedication to pushing boundaries and blending diverse musical elements shines through in “House of Mirrors” and serves as a testament to his innovative approach to electronic music production. As he continues to evolve and experiment, Miele’s commitment to creating music that transcends traditional genres cements his status as a pioneering force in the electronic music landscape.