The Echio Quiz with Romain FX

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How did you learn music, and did you have mentors?

I’m pretty much self-taught. I started learning music through videos, manuals, and similar resources. I didn’t have a specific mentor, but I grew up surrounded by creative people who inspired me.

Tell us about a key feedback you received during your career and from whom.

About 12 years ago, Justin Faust told me something that stuck: “For basslines, simple is better.” Overcomplicating them makes it trickier to harmonize with everything else. This advice has been invaluable.

What is good music feedback in your opinion?

Good feedback balances both positive and constructive criticism. The positive builds confidence, especially early in your career, while constructive feedback helps you improve. Music is so personal, so this balance is essential.

What feedback would you give to your first release (please name the release)?

My first release was called The Drive, about six years ago. I’d tell myself, “Good job for taking your time.” It took me 12 years to release my first track, which was the right amount of time for me to feel ready to share my music with the world.

If you could spend a day in the studio with one of your heroes, who would it be?

It would be Kuniyuki Takahashi. His approach to music, where everything can be created through sound, is inspiring. Spending a day in his studio in Sapporo would be an honor, and it’s something we’ve even talked about, so maybe it’ll happen someday.

What’s the object in your studio (musical or not) you can’t live without?

Coffee is a life essential for me. In the studio, it would be my new Shure SRH1840 headphones. They’ve taken my mixes to another level, and I couldn’t imagine working without them.

If you were not making music, what would you do?

I’d be a graphic designer. I actually have a degree in graphic design, but I’ve never fully explored that side of my creativity. It’s definitely what I’d fall back on.