Native Instruments have been at the forefront of music technology for a long time now, and their products are going from strength to strength every year. Their music production software can be found in artist studios around the world and for a variety of purposes. From electronic DJs and producers like Deadmau5, Noisia, and Kaytranda to film composers such as Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL.
We want to show you how some of your favourite artists are using Native Instruments gear to then inspire you in your own productions. We sell the entire NI range so if you see any production methodologies that you want to incorporate into your own music we can provide you with any of the equipment.
Kaytranada
The Canadian producer has really come on leaps and bounds from his early days of doing bootlegs of famous R&B and Hip-Hop artists to slowly breaching the consciousness of mainstream pop music.
With an instantly recognisable style that blends together Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, and Funky House Music, his latest album sees collaborations with AlunaGeorge, Craig David, and Anderson Paak. His off-centre drum patterns and 808 basses carry a unique un-quantised swing to them. Couple this with countless pictures with all of the Maschine controllers all around his studio we are fairly sure that these play an integral role in his production. He has given interviews about how J-Dilla was a main source for inspiration who popularised the use of drum pad controllers in with his jazz-inspired take on hip-hop.
Junkie XL
Junkie XL has been a go-to film composer in Hollywood circles now for well over a decade having collaborated with the likes of Hans Zimmer and Harry- Gregson-Williams. Having made scores for multiple Hollywood blockbusters such as Man of Steel, Mad Max Fury Road, and Justice League he has lengthy tutorials breaking down his processes and studio setup.
He uses the Native Instruments S88 Mk2 as his main keyboard for controlling his extensive Kontakt libraries. In one video he even described utilising over 1000 instances of Kontakt 5 in some of his compositions. So you can see that Native Instruments hardware and software play a crucial role in his productions. For those that may not have space for an 88-Key fully weighted controller, we have 49 and 61 key semi-weighted versions available as part of NI's S-Series. You can even use some of the smart play functions within the keyboard when composing more harmonically complex music.
| In The Studio: Junkie XL |
Noisia
Among bass music fanatics, Noisia are often described as being one of if not the most sonically unique production outfits to come out of the genre. With a style, that showcases technical sound design while maintaining an aggressive neurofunk edge.
It is widely known that their DAW of choice has always been Steinberg's Cubase and while they have confessed to adopting Native Instruments Maschine and Komplete Kontrol gear into their studio. It's their self-confessed love of Native instruments software and their ability to push it to real extremities that give them their unique sound. All three members of Noisia have confirmed FM8, Reaktor, and Massive are some of their go-to-synths when creating their distinct basslines.
| In The Studio: Noisia |
Justice
The French electronic duo are known for combining elements of rock and indie with their funky, electro house sound. Their studio is a sight to behold, with just a sea of outboard and hardware.
However, it's their live setup that they utilise the power of the Komplete Kontrol S49 keyboards. You can move through your DAW with speed while controlling every plugin instrument and effect that utilises the NKS standard. With the sheer amount of instrumentation they use, it makes sense that they use a controller that streamlines all the necessary sounds into one unit.
This can be easily translated into your own studio setup, by utilising the komplete kontrol software you can build, arrange, and mix musical segments straight from your keyboard.
Underworld
Often producers that grew up using complex hardware become creatures of habit. Not wishing to unique and limited equipment of the past, compared to the easy accessibility of music technology today.
So when you see legendary producers like Underworld embracing this new technology it's almost a further stamp of approval. Underworld have been at the forefront of the UK electronic music scene since their breakout in the 90s and have been ever present since. We can see from interviews and social media posts that they are particular fans of the new Maschine MK3 Pad controller, and we can see why as it's very adapted for beat-driven music.
| In The Studio: Underworld |
We stock all Native Instruments technology mentioned in this blog. So if you feel like any of these products will improve your setup or your ability to turn your musical ideas into reality, be sure to call or email so we can best advise you. If you ever fancy trying anything out before you purchase we have a dedicated Native Instruments music production and DJ booth in-store for you to try. We also have our Native Instruments ambassador who would be more than happy to demo anything for you.
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