Musician and YouTuber Hainbach on ‘Breath of the Wild’ and Swiss Army Knives
Hainbach's fondness for the Swiss Army Knife and Nagra reel-to-reel tape recorder showcases his appreciation for versatile, high-quality tools that have stood the test of time. His use of the Bastl Kalimba and collaboration with AudioThing to create plugins like the Wires plugin demonstrate his commitment to exploring unconventional music-making techniques. For instance, his series of Destruction Loops, an installation music piece that destroys itself over time, exemplifies his innovative approach to music production.
The conversation also underscores the importance of community and patronage in supporting creative endeavors. Hainbach's Patreon community has provided him with a sense of security, enabling him to pursue his unconventional musical journey. This model allows artists to maintain creative control and connect directly with their audience, bypassing traditional industry structures. Furthermore, Hainbach's experiences with AI music and sound generators, which he dismisses as "slop machines for technocrats," reflect his concerns about the homogenization of music production.
The mention of playing Breath of the Wild with his kids during the pandemic highlights the role of gaming in bringing people together and creating shared experiences. As a composer, Hainbach's approach to music production is characterized by experimentation and a willingness to challenge assumptions. When feeling stuck, he goes for walks to reset and re-evaluate his work, often finding that a particular element may have served its purpose but no longer contributes to the overall piece.
Key Takeaways
Hainbach's favorite tool is the Nagra reel-to-reel tape recorder, which he uses for live shows, studio work, music, and sound design.
He collaborated with AudioThing to create plugins like the Wires plugin, bringing his unique music-making setup to modern DAWs.
Hainbach values community and patronage, crediting his Patreon community with providing the security to pursue his musical journey.
He is critical of AI music and sound generators, viewing them as a threat to the creative process and the value of human craftsmanship.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by The Verge. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Indulging in the “Dark Souls of synthesis.” | Image: Aleksander Stojanov / Hainbach Stefan Paul Goetsch, better known as Hainbach, is a German experimental composer, artist, and YouTuber who is perhaps most famous for making music with laboratory equipment and scientific instruments. He describes it as being like the "Dark Souls of synthesis." Despite using "hard mode" production techniques that often rely on telephone line testing equipment and gear salvaged from nuclear testing facilities, Hainbach is also incredibly prolific, releasing six albums in 2025 alone, along with a handful of singles and EPs. His latest, Gentle Hum, is a collaboration with Ah! Kosmos (Turkish composer, Başak Günak). The album is a melancholic co … Read the full story at The Verge.Read the original at The Verge
