Meet the Producer: Zach
Updated: Sep 18
In our new blog series, we’re diving into our in-house production team and getting to know the people behind the music. From different production styles and creative approaches to a wide range of musical influences, our team brings a wealth of skills, experience and knowledge across a variety of genres.
You might have already spotted some of our producers across our social channels, whether they’re sharing their latest releases, showing off their studios or giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the music they’ve produced. But now, we’re giving you the chance to get to know the people behind the music a little better.
In each edition of Meet the Producer, one member of our production team will answer a set of questions about their role, their journey in music, life as an Ameritz producer, their creative process and what inspires them.
This week we're joined by our producer Zach, who is releasing brand new music on Friday 18th September under his artist project Solar Canvas.
What’s your name and what is our job with Ameritz?
I'm Zachary Struelens, I’m part of the Sound Design and Composition team and I’ve been working with Ameritz since the 1st of April 2021!
How did you first get into music and what inspired you to become a music producer?
My dad was always playing music on the piano and singing when I was a kid. At a young age I was singing along and recording tracks with him which led to me performing at his concerts he would organise for his students. From there I decided I wanted to learn an instrument and understand how melodies and chords were created, and how I could create my own music form them. Eventually I wanted to learn more of the technical side and start learning production to fully realise my music. Now I use what I have learned In my job here at Ameritz as a composer and sound designer.
What does a typical day look like for you as a producer at Ameritz?
I make my morning coffee and start exploring inspirations for the piece of music that I'll be working on. Then I start experimenting with new sounds or instruments that I think would work in my track. Whether that is recording ambient nature sounds, playing an instrument or finding and creating a synth sound that I think would work great! Then begins the recording process, I spend a lot of the time here exploring and experimenting with those sounds to produce something I think would sound amazing. Once I have played everything and I am happy with the arrangement I will listen back multiple times to see if my composition fits perfectly into the genre I'm aiming for. If all sounds great, I might add some finishing touches or revisit some sections, then start editing the timings of notes to make sure the music is tight and then go in to the mixing and mastering phase of the track.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a producer?
The freedom of being able to create music every day, as it always feels like every day is different. There is never a day where it’s exactly the same as the last. Also being able to use my own equipment and working at my own pace helps to create the music in a more organic way. It has also helped me push my creativity by exploring genres that were new to me before I started working with Ameritz.
Where do you usually find inspiration to start a new track?
I usually find inspiration by going outside, listening to other artists in the genre, or thinking of past experiences that put me in the correct state of mind.
Are there any particular genres, sounds or styles that you especially enjoy working with?
Ambient, lofi, Ibiza Lounge, covers in different genres, guitar instrumentals, vapor-wave. In general, I love music that has a relaxing feel.
What’s your favourite part of the production process, coming up with ideas, recording, arranging, mixing, mastering or something else?
Playing and arranging as the music determines the emotions and vibe that the rest of the track is going to have. Arranging helps tell the story of the music, as well as the character of each sound that if done well helps the music feel like a full experience rather than something you would put on in the background.
What piece of studio equipment, instrument or plugin could you not work without?
It depends on the genre. I tend to use my midi keyboard across all genres as I like to have access to the full range of notes whilst I am playing melodies. I often use Ozone to master each of my finished tracks as I find it the best way to make my music have the right amount of dynamics when I bounce my finished tracks.
Is there a project or track you’ve worked on at Ameritz that you’re particularly proud of or enjoyed creating?
One of my favourites has to be my latest track under my artist project, Solar Canvas. The track, Safe Place, feels like a natural progression in my work and, in many ways, feels like it has further developed my skills as that artist. I really enjoyed experimenting with the production, exploring new ideas and changing up my workflow during the production of this track.
Finally, if you could have any artist walk into your studio to work with you, who would it be?
Flying Lotus! As I would love to see his songwriting process and how he creates and gathers his sounds.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read through my answers! These were great to think about!
Thanks for Zach for answering our questions! If you didn't know already, Zach produces music under his artist project Solar Canvas and also Chrome Avenue.
Zach's upcoming track, Safe Place, leans into whimsical, airy synths and blissful chimes, creating a dreamy atmosphere that feels like being transported somewhere calm and peaceful. You can stream it right now, tap on the link to listen on your favourite streaming service: https://tr.ee/DVP3KJ
