Inside the Studio with GAWP

He talks about his studio setup, production process and preferred process when collaborating with an artist

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A few weeks ago, the high-energy tech-house track "Losing My Head" by Black V Neck, GAWP, & Juush featuring Gaby G, released on Heldeep Records. Following our recent interview with Black V Neck, we’re now turning the spotlight on GAWP. He took the time to answer questions about his studio setup, production process and preferred process when collaborating with an artist.

1. Can you walk us through your studio set up?

Absolutely. My studio’s a hybrid setup with both analog and digital gear. I’ve got a collection of outboard hardware I use for processing—things like the SSL comp, Culture Vulture, Neve MBP, and custom audio Germany tasty analog Eq. Monitoring is key, so I use Yamaha hs7 for writing and playback tests as lots of clients have these and custom built speakers similar to PMC transmission line design, with acoustic treatment dialed in designed by Dr Douglas Docherty from Dacs audio and use Trinnov st2 pro room correction. I run everything through a high-end prism interface into Logic and Ableton depending on the project. It’s also the home of Most Wanted Audio, so everything’s set up for both creative production and high-end mastering.

2. Do you prefer to produce digital or analog? (and why?)

I love blending both. Analog brings a warmth and character you just can’t replicate, but digital offers insane flexibility, especially when traveling or working quickly. So I use analog for color and depth, then digital for arrangement, edits, and fine-tuning. If I have time Analogue! 

3. What DAW are you working with? (and why?)

Primarily Ableton for creativity and arrangement—it just feels fast and intuitive. For mixing and mastering, I often jump into Logic because of its solid summing and precise automation. Each DAW has its strength, and I like to use what suits the task best.. but I’d say my best tracks have been on Logic. 

4. What are some of your favorite recent plugins?

This one’s going to be biased but it’s my very own I just launched, it’s called LockUP available from gawpmusic.com it includes all my signature sounds for creating house, bass, UKG and more! Took me months to make and I’ve also recorded my TR808 42 year old Roland drum machine in too! 

5. Can you run us through the production process of your most recent release?

Sure! My latest release started with a sample I mangled in Ableton, chopped it into a groove, then layered some analog synths over it from my Prophet and Moog. Drums were built from scratch using samples I’ve created over the years or my plugin. Once the main vibe was locked, I arranged it intuitively and used my mastering chain early on to give it that punch and polish even during production.

6. What are the first steps you are taking when producing a new song?

I usually start with drums or a weird sample I can warp into something inspiring. If it grabs me within the first few minutes, I build around it—bassline next, then synths or vocal chops. I always try to capture a unique hook early on so it has a purpose from the start.

7. When do you know a song is finished?

Honestly? When I can listen to it start to finish without wanting to tweak anything. I also test it in a few environments—studio, car, club—and if it translates well everywhere, it’s done. Sometimes less is more.

8. What’s your preferred process when collaborating with other artists?

I love bouncing ideas back and forth rather than sitting in the same room. That gives both people space to explore without pressure. I’ll usually send over a groove or hook and see how they flip it, then build from there. Shared Dropbox folders and voice notes go a long way too. But in my next release it was actually done in Miami with Black v neck and Juush at the retail writing camp! Good coffee too! 

9. What record(s) from other artists do you like from a production point of view?

Anything from Gorgon City is always super clean and fat. Also, Chris Lake’s stuff is ridiculously dialed in from a mix perspective. I’ve also got a lot of love for the raw energy in early Daft Punk—sonically gritty but still tight.

Rob Swire also is a god! 

10. Who is in your eyes technically the most gifted producer of all time?

Tough question, but Quincy Jones is up there for me—his depth of knowledge across genres is unmatched. In electronic music, I’d say someone like Eric Prydz—his attention to detail, sound design, and arrangement are next level.. same with Deadmau5 or James Wiltshire from F9 guys a G! 

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