True Cuckoo’s Digitakt Groove Odyssey

Kicking Off with the Digitakt 2

True Cuckoo, the maestro of Norwegian beats, opens his latest journey by introducing the new star of his setup: the Digitakt 2. This stereo sampler becomes his playground as he explores the familiar territory of Electron gear. He plans an ambitious new soundscape that’s all about transforming samples into a vibrant, novel sound universe. It’s about time he moved beyond his FM synthesis past with the Digitone into a vast new realm where samples reign supreme. True Cuckoo isn’t just going through the motions—he’s intent on crafting a new sonic adventure, bridging old familiarity with fresh creativity.

"Yeah, I'm working on a brand new live set and now I've started using the DigiTact 2."

© Screenshot/Quote: Truecuckoo (YouTube)

Let the Sampling Begin

"Make something different this time. It needs to be different."

© Screenshot/Quote: Truecuckoo (YouTube)

In a digital dance of creation, True Cuckoo takes us through the process of concocting his new live set by engaging in the art of sampling. He’s all about shifting from synthesizers to the adventurous possibilities of samples. By taking sounds from the world around him—anything from random noises to self-created bits—he crafts what he describes as unpredictable yet delightful soundscapes. As he explains, while synthesizers stick to traditional tunes, samples let him blend chaos into harmony. It’s this chaotic edge that thrills him, allowing each sound to breathe life into his tracks. With the Digitakt 2 in play, True Cuckoo pushes the boundaries of typical electronica, crafting tunes that promise epic new dimensions.

Structuring Chaos Into Tunes

True Cuckoo digs deeper into his process, sharing how he lays out his tracks on the Digitakt 2. This is where his sampler takes on the role of a bricklayer, putting together the building blocks of his set. As a master planner, he designates specific roles to each sample—kick drums, melodies, and those mysterious ID samples that give each piece its unique vibe. Everything is organized on a musical shelf ready to pull out whenever the crowd demands a shift in energy. All the while, he’s keen to keep the crowds moving with identifiable rhythmical lines amid the chaos, using his structured madness to lay down a danceable groove.

Epic Enter the Club Vibes

Taking his musical sketches further, True Cuckoo ventures into tracks designed to transform any venue into a pulsating club atmosphere. He aims for an epic vibe, with deeper textures and exploratory samples, promising beats that demand movement. His track “Gravel” epitomizes this approach, combining intricate sonic elements with a powerful bass line that finds itself right at home in a live club setting. True Cuckoo’s method—with intentional bass adjustments and tactful sampling—seeks to captivate, ensuring every dimension of sound is finely tuned for larger-than-life systems. His creative approach channels the energy of a spontaneous street jam, but with the precision required for live performance.

"I'm picturing myself playing this in more of a club environment."

© Screenshot/Quote: Truecuckoo (YouTube)

Finding the Chill in the Storm

Not all parts of the set are pure adrenaline; True Cuckoo also weaves in tracks like “Sandslot” that provide, as he puts it, a place to breathe amid the storm. He’s about balance, after all. With a tempo that cools down, these tracks let listeners unwind, giving the set a necessary ebb and flow. It’s like a bossa nova sample in a mixtape of dubstep—a dance between intensity and calm that doesn’t forget its groove, offering a momentary retreat before launching back into the beat-driven frenzy. Even in a high-energy set, the chill tunes find their space, utilizing the stereo sampler to its fullest potential.

Crafting the Finest Beats

True Cuckoo gets technical as he shares the nitty-gritty details behind the tracks “Larcy” and “Fiesta.” Driven by keyboard tracking and crafty sample manipulation, he transcends the ordinary. It’s here that his experience with finely tuning each element shines, ensuring every sample has its place in the mix. As he dives into British grime influences and explores the rhythmic layers, his tracks come alive with a distinct Cuckoo flavor. The artistry is in the details, with every beat calculated to hit just right without overcrowding the sonic space. This is where the art of sampling turns into genuine craftsmanship, proving that True Cuckoo knows his way around a beat like a top chef with street food.

Full Circle in a New World

Ending the journey on a high note, True Cuckoo’s final pattern, “D-Stab,” brings everything full circle with a combination of high energy and an enticing oriental melody twist. In this climatic piece, he revisits his older sets, bridging them to the present with samples that connect his musical past to new explorations. The melodic twists lead into a grand finale, leaving audiences with an unforgettable experience. While True Cuckoo reflects on the journey thus far, he hints at an ongoing mission to refine and expand his sonic universe even further before his upcoming performance at Superbooth. It’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of musical innovation, promising more adventures to come.