Interview With HAAi: Absynth 6
- Danz
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Got the chance to catch up with producer and DJ Teneil Throssell, better known as HAAi!! One of the first artists to work with Native Instruments' Absynth 6, who created a track using the instrument.
Native Instruments also teamed up with legendary digital artist Weirdcore – known for his surreal, glitch-heavy work with Aphex Twin, Arca, and Charli XCX – to create a series of custom visualizers.
Synth History: Can you tell me about the track you created with Absynth 6?
HAAi: For this project I wanted to lean into using as much of the Absynth as possible, to create a layered, textural atmosphere. The options for layered sound design with the synth was limitless. I felt the sounds talk to each other so nicely. I really just wanted to create something that explored the synth and allowed me to translate a feeling of calmness.
Synth History: How did you get involved with Native Instruments?
HAAi: I’ve been using Native Instruments products for my production for years. They seem to be my go-to with sound design and so I’ve built up a great relationship with the NI team. I just love the software/plug-ins and feel they’ve become such a dependable part of my sound.
Synth History: What was it like using Absynth 6?
HAAi: I loved using the Absynth. I found the depth in which you can explore, build and modify patches was incredible. The sound quality was what really struck me and how well sounds within the synth speak to one another. The visualizer was such a great touch. It really feels like a world you can explore and use infinitely and never end up with the same result.
Synth History: What is your personal favorite aspect about it?
HAAi: I think the vastness of sounds you can build. It’s rare to have a synth that you can use for every element of a track and for it to not become muddied or dull. This was super exciting for me as I explored and saved so much and feel like I really just scratched the surface on what you can do with the Absynth.
Synth History: Do you remember the first synth you ever got? What was it and do you still have it?
HAAi: My first synth I bought was a Moog Sub37. I bought this because I used Daniel Millar’s Minimoog all over my first album and wanted something that had some of the same frequency qualities but a little more versatile. I still use it to this day and have used it in some of my live sets as well. A great piece of machinery!
Synth History: What is one piece of advice you’d give someone approaching a new synth for the first time?
HAAi: One piece of advice is to just explore. Get to know it, make mistakes, modify existing patches to create your own sound with it. Make all the mistakes. Some of my favorite patches I’ve made have been from happy accidents. Save as many patches as you can as well as you can tweak and build on them forever. It’s all about getting comfortable, but over time. Learning the quirks of different synths is something I enjoy so much. Lean all the way in!
Learn more about Absynth 6 here.
Synth History Exclusive.
Photos provided by NI.
Interview conducted by Danz.
