Tobu

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Tell us about yourself and how you got into music?

My name is Toms Burkovskis and I go by alias Tobu. I always had an interest in music and musical instruments, even though I knew very little about theory or how those "bangers" on radio are actually being made. So, after years of being inspired by other big names and seeing how music can impact my life, I wanted to be able to do the same. So I started this journey of an endless learning path more than 10 years ago. It's such a wonderful feeling you can create something that literally affect people, make them happy, help them go through tough times, make them survive because of the music I create. That's the best part.

How did you start using FL Studio & what does it mean to your productions?

As anyone wanting to start creating music, I looked up for tutorials about the topic on the web. And FL Studio came up. So, I downloaded the software. After a while understood how everything works and consistently started making track by track every day and putting it up on the internet. I knew I wasn't making anything that would compare to the big artists, I knew I was learning and had a long way to go. I just wanted to become better at it and hopefully impact at least some people with my music. And, I probably did, at least my fans assure me that every day. There's absolutely one thing FL Studio shines for. It's the piano roll and the overall workflow I haven't experienced in any other DAW. I always recommend it to anyone wanting to get into music.

If you have ever been on YouTube you will know this track!

Tell us about your production environment & toys?

My environment has changed a lot since I started, of course, as part of an evolving process. It probably started in bedroom for most of the producers, so it did for me, haha. But a couple years ago I got my home studio finished, it's always been a dream to have that perfect, dedicated place for music creating with great acoustic treatment. When creating my studio, I probably took it little too far in terms of equipment I needed and what I'd actually use on daily basis. But it sure looks cool.

I swear by Amphion One18 loudspeakers, I just love the natural and non-fatiguing sound coming from them, they've made my mixing experience ten times easier than ever before. I use Apollo Quad (silverface) audio interface, Grace m905 as my monitor controller. Also got a Universal Audio 4-710d mic preamp, which I don't use that often, but I love to have it in my rack. And when it comes to recording, my go-to microphone is Neumann U87, just love the sound I can get from it - voice, guitars, whatever - sounds just right. Got a few guitars from whom my most favorite is Gibson Hummingbird.

Do you have any links you would like to share?

 

Toms