Rome and Paris-based music producer Simone, also known as Un:said, has been making a name for himself in the music industry. With a talent for blending different genres, Un:said captivates listeners with haunting synths and groovy rhythms.
Photo credit: Un:said – Instagram
Un:said’s love for music and dedication to his craft are evident in his recent accomplishments. Since releasing his debut EP, ‘Meiretus,’ in 2019, the artist has experienced significant growth. After completing his engineering studies and obtaining his PhD, he has focused on music production and has grown both technically and artistically. This growth is evident in his upcoming releases, which showcase his refined understanding of the production process and his ability to convey emotions through melodies and grooves.
EG recently had the opportunity to speak with Un:said and gain insights into his latest releases, thoughts on the creative process, the evolution of his sound, as well as his future projects and endeavors.
EG: Hi, Simone! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Un:said: Hey, everyone! Thank you for having me. The last period has been fantastic for me – I’ve been working on a lot of new tunes, and I also had the incredible opportunity to get married. I’m in Paris right now, discovering the vibes of the city. There are so many places here that bring inspiration.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new single, ‘Parallax’! You must be very excited to finally share this one. What has the initial reception been like? Do you remember the first time you played this one live?
Un:said: Thanks! I’m beyond excited about the release of ‘Parallax.’ I initially created the first version in late 2021, and since then, I’ve been receiving numerous requests for the release date. The support messages I received after the release were incredible! I always look forward to release day as it marks a special moment of connection with my fans. I perfectly remember playing the track for the first time last year at Nouveau Casino in Paris. The crowd’s reaction was amazing, and the track sounded immense on the big sound system. For DJs and producers, it’s another special moment when you realize you’ve created a bomb.
EG: So, what can your fans expect to find on ‘Parallax’? Is there a concept or emotion driving this piece?
Un:said: In ‘Parallax,’ I aimed to blend a spectrum of emotions that co-exist in harmony. The track’s inception began with the main melody, guiding listeners to a space that is both uplifting and profound. To introduce contrast and release the tension of the melody, I crafted a rhythmic foundation using a groovy and sharp synth sound, adding an aggressive edge. A crucial element contributing to the overall vibe is the bass and drums groove. When you tune into it, there’s no option but to dance!
EG: Since we’re on the releases front… We know you also have a new drop incoming called ‘Nobody’, featuring The Yard Woman. Is there anything you can tell us about this one? What was it like collaborating with The Yard Woman?
Un:said: Oh, yes, consider this a little spoiler for your readers! Another release is just around the corner, set to drop next month. This time, it’s on the label where I made my debut EP, ‘Running Clouds’. The track is titled ‘Nobody,’ and it’s a collaboration with Elena, also known as The Yard Woman. The collab felt incredibly natural and stimulating, and in the process, I discovered an amazing person and artist. We found a special groove, and there’s a strong message behind the lyrics of ‘Nobody,’ but I’ll keep the details under wraps for now. Just mark your calendars for the 8th of December and be ready for something special.
“Experiencing the euphoria of seeing people enjoy and dance to your track is an indescribable feeling”
EG: 2023 has been quite a year for you in terms of support, hasn’t it? How does it feel to have your productions played all over the world at major events?
Un:said: Yes, I’m truly ecstatic that my music is reaching global stages. Experiencing the euphoria of seeing people enjoy and dance to your track is an indescribable feeling, and as a producer of electronic dance music, it’s truly one of the best rewards. I had the incredible opportunity to witness this firsthand live this summer at Hi Ibiza during the Afterlife show. During the event, my two dear friends, David (David Lindmer), and Sam (Massano), were playing during the same timeframe but in two different stages. It was a mix of funny and exciting as I had one of my tracks resonating for the crowd in the theater room and another for those dancing in the club room!
EG: In what ways would you say your sound has evolved since the release of your ‘Meiretus’ EP back in 2019? How have you evolved as an artist?
Un:said: A lot has changed since 2019! During that time, I received significant support for my debut EP on Running Clouds, and I’m genuinely grateful for that. However, I always recognized it as just the beginning, acknowledging the need for continuous improvement. In early 2021, after completing my engineering studies and obtaining my PhD, I committed myself entirely to music production. Navigating the music production landscape involves a significant challenge—finding a delicate balance between technical proficiency and artistic direction. It demanded a substantial amount of hard work, patience, and dedication.
Finally, in 2023, I found that sweet spot and made the decision to release my music once again, signing onto four different records – ‘Arch’ on Radikon, ‘Escalate’ on Simulate, ‘Parallax’ on Eleatics, and ‘Nobody’ on Running Clouds. Understanding the evolution of my sound, it has been a progressive journey marked by an improved understanding of the production process. This ongoing development has provided me with the tools and insights needed to accurately shape and convey emotions and moods through the subtle interplay of melodies and grooves.
EG: Moving on to current issues, how do you feel about the increasing use of AI in the music industry? What kind of applications do you see for AI in the near future?
Un:said: I consider AI as an innovative technology capable of seamlessly integrating into various workflows, aimed at reducing human effort and saving valuable time, where possible. Having said that, I’ve experimented with various software deploying AI to generate chords and melodies, taking some basic inputs like the tonality of the track and the desired vibe. This is really beneficial as it can offer ideas and inspiration to kickstart a track, but it remains crucial to infuse the process with a ‘human’ and artistic touch. AI also proves to be a valuable asset in the process of music mixing, which involves a multitude of operations: some decisions are rooted in the artistic direction of the piece, while others could be efficiently automated. The refined blend of AI assistance and human creativity holds the potential to enhance the overall music production workflow.
EG: What do you think about the current trend that has seen these larger-than-life visuals take center stage? Are they overwhelming the musical aspect instead of just “enhancing” the musical experience?
Un:said: I believe these expansive visuals have introduced an entirely new dimension to the concept of a ‘party’ within the melodic techno scene. This phenomenon is not new and has been essential in various popular music genres for many years, where stage production plays a pivotal role in enhancing the artist’s performance. In my opinion, the visuals don’t overshadow the musical aspect; instead, they contribute an additional layer to the scene, enhancing the overall experience for ticket-buyers. Personally, I really love intimate club parties with minimal lights and no visuals, where the music immerses you in a solitary and unique journey. Simultaneously, I find it incredible to attend festivals with grand visual productions – it’s similar to stepping into a cinematic experience!
“Navigating the music production landscape involves a significant challenge—finding a delicate balance between technical proficiency and artistic direction”
EG: Finally, can you provide some insights into what’s next for Un:said? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?
Un:said: Absolutely, I’m really thrilled about what the future holds! Currently, I’m in the process of producing two EPs scheduled for release in 2024. At the same time, I’m working in my studio, providing private music production lessons and mixdown services. Looking ahead to the coming year, my primary objective is to release more of my music to the world and to expand my reach by performing in more shows across the globe.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Simone! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Un:said: Thank you guys for your questions, and thanks to all the readers who took some time to read this interview! Cheers.
Un:said’s ‘Parallax’ is out now via Eleatics Records. Stream and download here.
Follow Un:said: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
