Three Questions With Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith

Next up to answer 3Qs is the amazing composer, performer and producer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith!

Her album Gush is out now.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.

Synth History: What gear are you working with right now?

Kaitlyn: Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of live shows, so my main focus has been on refining the gear I bring on stage. My current live setup includes the Buchla Music Easel, Oberheim SEM, a microphone, OP-1, Sensel controller, Arturia controller, and a computer rig that connects and communicates with the visuals system. When I’m not performing live, I’ve been spending time reconnecting with some of my favorite instruments: the Moog Mother, Subharmonicon, Model D, and the Buchla 200e.

Synth History: What is inspiring you the most right now?

Kaitlyn: I love this question.

Lately, my favorite creative practice has been finding places or objects in my environment that feel overlooked—spaces or things that seem like they haven’t been interacted with or truly perceived in a long time. I sit with them, give them my full attention, and listen to them for guidance on how to interact.

This kind of practice of my sensitivity helps me bypass the tendency to “think” my way through creating music. It opens doors to compositional ideas in the subtle places that I wouldn’t otherwise access.

Synth History: If you could recommend one album for someone to listen to in their life what would it be?

Kaitlyn: I find myself returning to this answer often:

Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich.

This album remains the most influential piece of music in my life. It was the first time I experienced sound truly animating the space around me. It shaped my ethos for making music—creating sound for the “soundless.” It reminds me of why I make music in the first place.

Synth History Exclusive.

Photo courtesy of Nettwerk.

Conducted by Danz.