Behind the Board: Snowk Discuss Studio Sessions, Tricks & Recording Equipment

Typically, when you think of DJs, you think of a dark nightclub with a specific ambiance, but Snowk are not that conventional. The Japanese deep house duo has unveiled their live DJ mix recorded on the Ice Merry-Go-Round at Daisetsu Dam Lake. It is located within Daisetsuzan National Park in Kamikawa, a small town on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. The one-hour set is an emotional journey through melodic house that complements the breathtaking snowy landscapes of the area. Snowk’s mix features four unreleased tracks, including the recently released single “Big Love,” featuring Cuban singer-songwriter Liset Alea, who is also the lead singer of Nouvelle Vague.

Snow is composed of DJs and producers Yutaka Takanami and Fuminori Kagajo. The snowy setting of this new DJ mix is only fitting for two musicians born in very wintry environments. Their sound is both intimate and expansive. There are minimalistic moments, but emotionally, it feels very vast. They have received international recognition for the emotional range and production sophistication of their recordings. You can often find the pair touring around Japan and across Asia.

Snowk joins us today for a Behind the Board interview to discuss working in the studio, studio tricks, and essential recording equipment.

What’s the weirdest sound you’ve ever recorded and included in a track?

Snowk: “We may not have used particularly eccentric sounds in Snowk’s productions. Our approach tends to be more subtle and organic.”

Describe your most chaotic studio session ever.

“One night, we went to the studio after drinking. Everyone played intensely, but when we listened back the next day, there wasn’t a single usable take (laughs).”

What’s one studio trick or secret you’ve never revealed before?

“We’re not sure what techniques others use, but if I had to name one, sometimes we intentionally run audio through a headphone jack to introduce noise and dirty up the sound.”

Snowk studio image, photo courtesy of Snowk

Which song was unexpectedly challenging to produce, and why?

“‘Writing on the Wall.’ Co-writing really depends on chemistry. When it doesn’t click, it’s hard to move forward. In the end, we had to start over from scratch with a different artist, which made it quite challenging.”

What’s your go-to snack or drink when you’re pulling an all-nighter in the studio?

“Coffee.”

What do you do when you’re stuck creatively in the studio?

“We listen to music from many different genres. It helps reset our perspective and often sparks new ideas.”

Snowk studio image, photo courtesy of Snowk

What’s one piece of recording equipment you refuse to work without?

“We’d like to say everything… but if I had to choose, probably the RME Fireface UCX II.”

What’s your favourite under-the-radar production technique?

“Inserting Satson Channel at the very beginning of every channel.”

How much of producing music is technical skill vs. intuition?

“50/50.”

What’s your favourite plugin or software right now?

“UAD in general.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten about music production?

“You’re fine as you are—don’t overdo anything.”

How do you approach mixing vocals to get the perfect sound?

“Finding the golden ratio between EQ and reverb.”

Snowk studio image, photo courtesy of Snowk

What’s your favourite non-musical inspiration when producing?

“Conversations with other musicians.”

How important is studio ambiance, and how do you create yours?

“Regardless of day or night, we dim the lighting. It helps create an atmosphere that makes it easier to focus.”

What’s the most unusual place you’ve recorded audio?

“Inside a dome made of snow.”

Snowk “Big Love” (feat. Liset Alea) single artwork