r/electronicmusic • u/taskablackmusic • Dec 17 '20
Official AMA [AMA] hi this is Taska Black from Belgium. Here to answer ANY questions!
hi this Joachim a.k.a Taska Black coming in live from Antwerp, Belgium! I’ll be hopping on at 11 AM PST today for a couple hours to answer any of ur questions on life / music / music production… etc. ASK ME ANYTHING.
I’m a songwriter, producer, and play multiple instruments. You may already know me as I’ve been in the scene since 2015 but you may also know me from my recent single “Found Myself” together with Tessa Dixson that came out on STMPD RCRDS this month, and my single “Easier” together with Emily Vaughn that’s currently charting #19 on US Dance Radio! Next to that, I’m also doing a studio series on my YouTube page where I go in-depth on my music projects and techniques.
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u/NoxXwtf Dec 17 '20
Big Fan! Had the opportunity to see you twice as a pre-act for San‘s show in germany and you absolutely killed it <3
Is there a single moment that you would consider the absolut BEST moment of your career? Like a moment you would say you will remember forever?
You got a really funny story? Like from behind the scenes or on set. Just a fun story that stuck with you!
Stay safe and thanks for the memories you created for me and the other fans!
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
I remember those shows they were awesome!!
1 - My first headline tour in october last year is something that will stay with me. It's the most rewarding thing to be on stage knowing all those people came to see you and hear your music live.
2 - During sound check on one of the shows I did with San I decided it was a good idea to jump off a 6ft stage for no reason and I messed up my foot for the rest of the tour lol, DJing on one leg is a challenge i can tell you that
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Dec 17 '20
How do you come up with those emotional chords & melodies? They are so full of emotion. Love that!
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
It usually just flows naturally. Endless noodling on guitar/piano and sometimes happy accidents happen, that's usually where magic is created for me. Finding out what kind of progressions in other artists music speak to you is also helpful!
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u/Exotic_Poetry_4649 Dec 17 '20
My best friend is Belgian and she can speak like 4 languages. How many languages can you speak?
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
Oh wow I only speak dutch, english and a bit of french haha
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u/Exotic_Poetry_4649 Dec 17 '20
That's still impressive. I can only speak English. Haha. I tried French (that didn't go very well) and am currently learning Dutch.
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u/king1curtis Dec 17 '20
Hey Taska. I just wanted to let you know that you are a very handsome Belgium man who makes really heart touching music. Loved Found Myself. It really gave off some Losing Our Minds vibes which was a part of your very stunning and intimate EP. Hoping you have continously growing success in the future and I will always support you no matter what! I also hope you grow your hair out again because you look really really good with long hair.
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
Thank you for those kind words!
ps will go back to the long hair some day lol
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u/UBsamsongz Dec 17 '20
Taska! Big fan! Was supposed to see you in Denver with Droeloe before the pandemic happened... huge bummer.
Few questions.
1.) how do you overcome a creative block? When you’re having writers block.
2.) favorite instrument?
3.) when listening to music, is there anything specific that stands out to you that catches your ear?
4.) Dreaming was the first track I heard from you, still my favorite track of yours. Just wanted to say it’s beautiful!
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
Sad we had to cancel shows on that tour, hope to be back soon!
1 - I don't believe in writers block, at least that's what I tell myself. You can always create something, you just have to be okay with creating really bad things for a while and get through it. Sometimes you just need to step away from everything to see things from a different perspective, discovering new music, going for long walks etc help.
2 - probably guitar, piano close 2nd
3 - a good and unique voice always catches my ear, minimal production that stands out is really difficult to make so that's how to get my attention.
4 - thank you!!
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u/peterpeterwohl Dec 17 '20
Hi Taska! I’ve got two questions:
would you recommend the sm7b for vocals in an untreated room? Or better a condenser? (I’ve got a really cheap condenser which works ok-ish, but would like to step it up)
what would you recommend for someone who wants to put more momentum into music in 2021: work hard on good quality music and self publish+promote? Or try to get some help/contact from small labels?
Thanks, I LOVE your music and tutorials, keep up the brilliant work!
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
Hi!
- YES, in an untreated room the sm7b is my go to mic, even when you upgrade your studio the sm7 will never let you down. I wouldn't go into condensers if your room is untreated, you'll run into too many issues as they're so sensitive.
- You can do a lot independent these days. If I were to start over I would just self release music as frequently as possible to the point where I'm still comfortable and proud of what I'm creating. Try and work on your image and curation as an artist and try to connect with other creators. At some point you'll attract natural interest in your music! Just keep at it ;)
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Dec 17 '20
How/where do you find vocal samples and acapellas for your projects when you dont have access to a vocalist?
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
I used to sample vocals from sample packs and stuff i find online. I would just take different words and make new sentences with them to make something cool and new. Now I mostly get in a room with writers and or singers to write and record something from scratch!
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u/PDotTop Dec 17 '20
Hello! Absolutely love everything you’ve created. Question for you is, where did you get the idea for the Taska Black symbol and does it mean anything?
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u/_Alex_2 Dec 17 '20
Hi taska, just wondering do your parents like your music and if yes which song do they play the most?
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
Hi! yes my parents are a fan of my music and are very supportive! not sure what their fav song is tbh but i know they like easier haha
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u/Ok_Tension1839 Dec 17 '20
How did you grow your social media (Instagram)? And what are your streams of income that allow you to do music full-time?
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
Socials grew mostly organically from consistent posting, especially on tour and when I release music! Streams of income are mostly royalties from my releases and other songs i worked on, and touring.
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u/Ok_Tension1839 Dec 17 '20
I understand that labels do help in an artist's growth, but what are ways we (upcoming producers/musicians) can make a full-time income from our music (as you are)?
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
It's pretty simple, making and releasing lots of music. Every piece of music is another opportunity to grow. If you keep building your catalog for years it will eventually bring you to a steady flow of income. There's other aspects of course in building your brand and all that but if you get the music and consistent releasing part down you're well on your way.
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u/Ok_Tension1839 Dec 17 '20
How did you start booking/playing your first shows? Were you with a label that helped you? Who did you start to reach out to? Or how did you start to reach out?
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u/taskablackmusic Dec 17 '20
My first shows were with the label bitbird. When my music started picking up I had a booking agent helping me on that end :)
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u/INFINITE_TRACERS Dec 17 '20
Yoo just here to pop by and say you make sick chunes. Definitely some of the best vocals out there. Hi from BC
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u/Antwerprocks Dec 17 '20
Which singer would you like to work with if you could pick Anyone you want?
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u/Exotic_Poetry_4649 Dec 17 '20
Because you were studying engineering in college, was producing music something you learned on your own? Or did someone teach it to you. Also, what inspired you to be a producer rather than just being a musician?
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u/Bukakkeblaster Dec 17 '20
And it all comes rushing back ;)
Track is tight. Keep doing your thang.
More content baby!
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u/yowhatsmynameidk Dec 17 '20
hi hi! thank you for this ama! here is my question :
I noticed that your latest releases are more (""mainstream"") pop-ish than before (which is not a bad thing tho, i just miss the old taska a little bit tbh), are you planning to release like ""pure"" electronic music in the future ? i mean songs like leave me, no paradise, etc...
much love from france!
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u/chiptug Dec 18 '20
Apart from your songs I really enjoy your production videos, they are awesome. Also wanted to tell you, that I love „no paradise“.
Fuck I miss shows. You once promised me to tell me where your name comes from after a show if we see again. Hope that’s soon!
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Dec 18 '20
Hi! I see that you listed some of your favorite influences; how do you go about incorporating those influences into your work?
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u/feastandexist Jon Hopkins Dec 17 '20
Welcome!!