Interview: Robert Babicz's invites us into his acid-infused universe with new album

Robert Babicz is a unique artist. One who defies categorization and continues to develop new ways to express his singular vision. 

Playing in the past as Rob Acid, where every set was 100% live and unique, in recent years Robert has continued to push the boundaries of electronic music as an artist, consultant, teacher, and engineer. We sat down with him to discuss his new album, his experiences as a live artist, and more….

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Hi Robert, appreciate you taking the time to chat to us. We can not wait for your “Light Of The Universe” album to drop in July. How are you feeling about the release?

I am very excited of course, every album is special. And I am thankful that ASW got me into the family of cool live artists.

The title of the album and track names clearly show a consistent theme of space, and other worlds. We thought it could be interesting to dive into this side of things, is this something you have always had an interest in? Are you actively looking to discover more about what else is out there? And how do you associate these themes with music in general?

Since my childhood, space and sci-fi have been my fascination. I was always dreaming of having a spaceship one day and exploring new worlds. And you know what ? I have a studio spaceship and I travel to other worlds through sounds. I don't feel like a musician, I am a storyteller that is using sounds to bring people to their own fantasy worlds.

How do you approach an album as opposed to an EP? Do you work towards a certain destination or after a period of time you realise you have a set of cohesive tracks that can be released as one body of work?

An album has a topic for me, but also it is a project where you can dive a bit deeper into what you are able to do. Like in this album, a colourful journey through feelings and energy. An EP is more focused on the dancefloor for me, at least most of the time. But an album is also a thing that you can listen to at home or in the car and just enjoy.

The mastering of the album was done by yourself, are you handling the mastering for other artists and friends as well? We respect the start to finish process all in your hands. 

I have been doing mastering since 2005 and I am doing mastering as a job here. All of my own music is mastered by me, because I have a clear vision, and I love to have control from the first waveform to the last moment on the master.

Of course, as a group of hardcore live enthusiasts we have to ask you, how is your current live set up looking? Is this the same as the machines used in the album?

I have a room full of toys, and sure a lot was used on the album. So my modular system is growing all the time, but I also got a cool mixing board from APB, that helped me on the album. You also hear my TB303 , as I am still Rob Acid inside. Or one of my really cool effects that I love is the light pedal, a spring reverb on steroids. And I am really not against cheap copies of expensive synths, I really like how the synth world is opening up now for people with every budget.

Any gear you have your eye on in the coming period?

All the crazy stuff from SOMA is super cool, but also many modular companies are doing very interesting stuff, also every day a new cool plugin is released as well, maybe even too much if I am honest, but I love to know as much as possible and am still learning every day. Because even after 30 years of producing music I still feel like an advanced beginner.

How is summer looking for you, do you have some exciting shows planned? We are looking forward to having you with us again soon.  

I had some very cool shows this summer. I love to play long sets, because then I can really dive into my own sound world. When you have a short set, you need to be the instant rockstar, but on long sets you can be the shaman.

Last of all, what else can we expect from you in 2023 and beyond? More music on the way we hope!!

Of course, I am super addicted to sound and do soooo much music all the time. Sometimes I tell myself to stop for some days, because nobody can listen to as much music as I do.

Thanks for the music and being a part of the growing ASW family!

Big pleasure from my side!

▶ LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE - ROBERT BABICZ, out September 1st.

Grab your copy here >>

Interview conducted by Zac Bidwell, Eureka Artists.