Creating Synth Tracks and Beats with TASCAM's Portacapture X6 and X8: An Interview with TAETRO

Sampling real-world sounds imbues chill lofi beats with warmth and humanity that could hardly be achieved with a digital-only approach — yet modern producers still often struggle to find the right balance of portable studio recording devices with their DAW and beat making equipment. We caught up with musician and producer TAETRO, whose YouTube channel has helped countless musicians start their lofi beatmaking journey. We learned much more than some synth recording tricks, gaining insight on how TAETRO uses TASCAM Portacapture field recorders to create lofi beats with a unique personal touch — and how you can too.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into music production and what inspired you to start creating lo-fi beats and synth tracks?

TAETRO: My first foray into making music was as a singer-songwriter with just my guitar or keyboard. I realized quickly that the easiest way to get my songs recorded was to set up my own home studio and learn the production process myself. From there that opened a door into electronic music and beat making — a journey I’ve continued on for more than a decade now.

What drew you to the idea of incorporating real-world sounds into your music production, and how has this approach influenced your overall sound and creativity?

TAETRO: I've always been drawn to music that doesn't sound purely synthetic, like there is some connection to the real world. I also realize as I continue to make music throughout my life, that the music ends up representing a specific time in my life — when I include field recordings and real world sounds into the music, it can immediately transport me back to a different place and time. It's like the sonic version of photographing a memorable time.

You often experiment with different audio systems and DAWs. How does the TASCAM Portacapture series fit into your workflow, especially when it comes to field recording and beat-making?

TAETRO: The Portacapture is my ultimate Swiss Army knife for everything I do. Often times I'm recording my performances and rehearsals which is the most basic use of the recorder. Other times, I'm making a tutorial where I need to capture multiple audio sources including my voice, and since I can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to my productions, having every track separated is essential. Of course I’m also always on the lookout for new soundscapes, so whether the frogs near my house are being particularly loud one night, or a thunderstorm rolls in, or I'm traveling to a new city — I've always got the Portacapture ready. Since I travel often, it's too versatile not to pack on every trip. One device with so many different uses.

One of your popular recording-based videos is "Sampling My Instrument Collection On The Portacapture X8." I loved how you sampled some really unique instruments here, like a handpan drum, a flute you got at an antique shop, and an ocarina. Did you ever find a way to incorporate these sounds into your productions?

TAETRO: Ultimately I've learned to separate my sampling process from my music-making process. Meaning when I sample my instruments or different soundscapes, I'm not thinking at all about what I will make with those samples. There's no specific goal other than capturing unique sounds or musical ideas.

All of those samples and sounds go into my own personal sample library so that the next time I’m creating music, instead of reaching for some third party sample library (which I still do use) I can start by reaching into my own sample library which I think gives my music a unique sound.

You have another great video titled "Making Lofi Chill Beats With No Computer." I saw a Portacapture X8 being used in there, and it got me thinking about a trend in music production, which is the 'DAWless revolution.' Basically, there's growing momentum for musicians interested in escaping complex digital setups and getting back to a more traditional physical, and tactile mixing environment. Something they can touch, and that feels slightly more organic, plus getting away from the multiple-menu drill down of software. These musicians also often like to be able to record without relying completely on a computer. You seem like you're at the forefront of that, with a couple of your videos. Any thoughts?

TAETRO: As much I've been a DAW based, 'in the box' artist in the past — I'm growing more and more fond of DAWless setups, or even hybrid setups that simplify the creative process. Computers get more advanced every year, of course that advancement leads to faster processing — but as the capabilities expand, so does the complexity. At the end of the day I still remember a time where my main form of musical expression was using a guitar and my voice. Neither of those instruments require a firmware update, require adapters, and my guitar won't get new features downloaded from the cloud. I could just sit and instantly make music.

We are nearing a time where electronic music — in the DAWless space — is getting closer to that type of experience, especially with more standalone devices coming out. I have a standalone setup featuring Push 3 & the Arturia Astrolab. I can sit at that setup as if it's the modern version of the home piano — just pure music making. If I just hit record on the Portacapture during a session like that I can easily share that music, use it as sample material, or reference it later for a more fleshed out composition. It's just easy.

For producers just starting with field recording and looking to create their own music, what tips would you offer for using the Portacapture series effectively?

TAETRO: My community is comprised of music makers and artists from all around the world. Everyone in that community has different tastes, different influences, and different daily experiences. Each artist capturing that experience, in this case with music and sound, is truly what I think makes the world a more vibrant place.
If we lean more into what makes us unique in our music, we start to develop our "sound". Every artist that I've looked up to has their "sound" — and it's something we should all cultivate in our own music.

The Portacapture is the equivalent to the artist's sketchbook — it's essential for capturing ideas, sketches, or even our polished performances. Next time you're just noodling around on your synths, hit record and capture it all — judgement free. Later, examine the recording — are there things you can improve? Is this great sample material? Add it to your collection for a later time when you'll need inspiration.

Go stand outside your home and record for one minute — use that field recording in your track intro. Bring us to a specific time and place.

Related Products:
Portacapture X6
https://tascam.com/us/product/portacapture_x6/
Portacapture X8
https://tascam.com/us/product/portacapture_x8/
AK-BT1
https://tascam.com/us/product/ak-bt1/