Inside the Studio with Dok & Martin

Since 2006, Dok & Martin have been paving the way toward their current recognition in the techno scene. With releases on techno titan Adam Beyer’s label Drumcode, Reinier Zonneveld’s imprint Filth on Acid, and HILOMATIK, the techno-infused label from Oliver Heldens’ darker alias HI-LO, the Spanish duo is quickly gaining traction.

Last month, they returned to HI-LO’s label with their track ‘InterSpace’, featured as part of a powerful 7-track EP alongside other producers. Seen as some of the most promising duos of the industry, it’s time to dive into Dok & Martin’s production process.

Can you tell us about your studio?
Our studio is pretty simple and functional. We work with two screens, a pair of monitors, and our space is focused on practicality. We don’t have a setup full of hardware - just the essentials to let ideas flow quickly. What we value most is feeling comfortable and having an environment that inspires us to work without distractions.

Do you prefer producing digitally or analog (and why)? 
Right now, we work almost entirely in the digital realm. That’s how we started, and over time we've found all the flexibility we need in digital. We like being able to edit quickly, try things without physical limitations, and especially having access to a vast palette of sounds and effects. That said, we really appreciate the character of analog sound, and we’re not ruling out incorporating more of it in the future.

Which DAW are you using (and why)?
We use Ableton Live. It was the first DAW we tried and it hooked us from the beginning because of how intuitive it is. Its workflow allows us to experiment very freely, especially when we’re creating beats or manipulating audio. We’ve never felt the need to switch because we truly feel at home with Ableton.

What are some of your favorite recent plugins?
We use FabFilter plugins a lot, especially Pro-Q and Pro-C for mixing. We also feel very comfortable with the Waves bundle. As for synths, Serum and Diva are often present, depending on the kind of sound we’re after.

Can you tell us about the production process of your latest release?
For the latest track we released, we started like we usually do: by building a solid kick and percussion foundation. We got a bit obsessed with the groove until we felt it had the energy we were looking for. Then we added a melodic line that contrasted with the rhythm - something hypnotic yet powerful. The mixing stage took the most time because we’re quite perfectionists. Once we felt everything was balanced, we called it done.

What are the first steps you take when producing a new song?
We always start with the kick and percussion. For us, rhythm is the foundation of everything, so if that doesn’t sound right, we don’t move forward. Once the groove is solid, we start experimenting with melodies or textures to complement that base. The important thing is that it has a clear character from the very beginning.

How do you know when a song is finished?
It’s hard to know for sure. Sometimes we go back and forth a lot on the mix, and other times everything flows very quickly. What we try to do is reach a point where we feel the track stands on its own, that it sounds balanced and has identity. When we get there, we stop tweaking it - because continuing just for the sake of it can kill the essence of the track.

What’s your preferred process when collaborating with other artists?
We like to work in a very open way, exchanging ideas throughout the process. We think the best part of collaborating is seeing how another mind interprets what you do, and vice versa. We enjoy moving forward together, without egos, and letting the track take shape naturally between both of us.

Which album(s) from other artists do you admire from a production point of view?
We pay a lot of attention to the sound of Drumcode - it has that perfect balance of energy, clarity, and punch.

Who do you think is the most technically talented producer of all time?
It’s hard to pick just one, but if we’re talking about technique and sound in the context of techno, Enrico Sangiuliano is definitely high on the list. He has an impressive control over all the elements and manages to make every track sound big, clean, and full of personality. There are many other producers we admire, but he’s clearly a reference for us.

What led you to release Interspace on HILOMATIK?
When we created Interspace, we just went with the flow of the rhythm. But once we heard the final result, we knew we wanted to release it here. The sound is perfect for the label, and we also really love Hilomatik.

When you think of Hilomatik, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Quality and an energetic, vibrant sound!

What’s your favorite track from HILOMATIK?
Hi-LO – Pura Vida is simply perfect.

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