Interview with Substak
Exploring inner states, dub roots, and sonic honesty with the Athens-based producer devoted to minimalism and mood.
We're pleased to share this new interview with Substak, an artist known for his deep, minimal, and emotionally driven sound. Based in Athens, Substak released his debut on the label last year with the Verde EP, a release that quickly resonated with fans of dub-influenced atmospheres. He now returns with a brand new track on our upcoming Crossing Borders compilation. In this interview, he reflects on his creative process, his evolving artistic identity, and the importance of staying true to your own sound.
Hello! How are you today, and what have you been up to lately?
Hello to all I’m doing well spending a lot of time exploring deeper textures and atmospheres in my sound. I’m always trying to evolve while staying true to my minimal and dub roots.
Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?
I started producing music around 2011. It began as a personal journey experimenting with sounds late at night. My first tool was Ableton Live and i still use it today
My debut release came in 2013. It was called Disorganized Thoughts, and it was released on Sound Designers Techno Gate. It was an ep with acid,dub tech and hypnotic dub techno sounds and two great remixes from Pete Blas and Sonitus Eco.That release taught me the importance of staying true to my instincts and let the music reflect my inner state.
Did you have a mentor or take any lessons, either offline or online, to enhance your skills?
No, I didn’t have a mentor or take lessons. Everything I’ve learned came through experimentation, trials and errors and a lot of time spent listening to music.
I’ve always felt that the most valuable lessons come from doing from getting lost in the process, making mistakes, and discovering what works for you personally.
In this point i must mention first Artists-Label Owners that helped me like Matthias Springer,Matke,Minitronik,R Hz,Shebuzzz(Rip),Seabra Monkey,Eafhm, Francesco Tamburrano and Oldschool Dubtechno .Producer through conversations,exchanging ideas and others from collaboration work.Second the simple listeners,music lovers that learned about me through my music,everyone is Substak's piece.
Do you have a preference between producing music and DJing?
If I had to choose, I’d say producing music is where my heart truly is. There’s something deeply meditative and personal about creating sounds,shaping textures, building atmospheres, and letting the track evolve naturally. It’s like storytelling without words.
What do you consider the highlight of your career so far, both as a DJ and a producer?
As a producer, one of the biggest highlights of my career has been building a discography across labels and netlabels that truly respect and support underground music(there are many but i dont want to disrespect anyone).Every release feels like a personal milestone, especially when people connect with the music on an emotional or meditative level. That kind of connection is more important to me than charts or hype.
How did you first learn about Crossfade Sounds, and could you mention some of your favorite releases on the label?
As i said before i spend a lot of time listening music so i learned also about Crossfade Sounds with releases as Beat Syndromme - Symmetry,Savvas - Lost Souls and Madloch,Subnode - Abyssal
When making a track, how do you typically approach the process? Do you spend more time on sound design, arrangement, or mixing? And how long does a remix usually take you from start to finish?
For me, the process always starts with a mood,not necessarily a melody or beat, but a feeling or texture I want to explore. I usually begin by building an atmospheric or drone-textured background, then add the rhythmic elements.
I’d say I spend the most time on sound design.That’s where the emotion lives. Once the textures feel right, the arrangement tends to follow in an organic way. I don't rush but i work fast too.
As for mixing not too much delay,reverb and sometimes experiments with the frequencies too.
Remixes are a bit different. Since there’s already a base, I focus on finding a new angle that still respects the original. A remix for me can take few days.I want it to feel like my own voice speaking through someone else’s language.
What is your main DAW, and can you name a few of your go-to VSTs, plugins, or tools you use when producing music?
My main Daw is Ableton and since today i have never used any vst or plugin
Many artists have a signature sound or style. How do you balance staying true to your artistic identity while also experimenting and evolving as an artist?
I think having a signature sound isn’t something you force ,it naturally develops over time through instinct, and the choices you make.
Sometimes it’s about changing the tempo, layering different textures, or introducing a more melodic or darker tone.
What helps me stay balanced is intention asking myself: “Does this still feel like me?” If the answer is yes I know I’m still on the right path.
The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming platforms and digital distribution reshaping the landscape. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry, and how have these changes affected your career?
The music industry has definitely changed a lot ,some of it for the better, some of it more challenging. On the positive side, streaming platforms and digital distribution have made it easier for independent artists like me to reach listeners all over the world .
At the same time, the digital model has also made music more disposable. There’s so much content being released and music like mine can get lost in the noise.
I’m grateful that my music is accessible and can be discovered by listeners worldwide. But I also feel a stronger responsibility to stay authentic and not chase trends.
What are some of your favorite record labels, and do you have a specific goal or aspiration to release your music on a particular label in the near future?
I want to be fair so check my releases and you will find out my favourite labels
As for future aspirations, the same as before.Having my music represented by a label that values creative freedom and quality over trends.
What advice would you offer to your younger self, considering all the knowledge and experience you've gained in your career so far? Additionally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who may be reading this interview?
If i could speak to my younger self, I’d say: be patient.Don’t worry about being “perfect.” Trust yourself, even if your sound doesn’t fit the mainstream. Keep creating, keep listening, and don’t be afraid of silence ,that’s often where the best ideas come from. Also,don’t compare your work with others. Every artist has its style and rhythm.
To aspiring artists: focus on your own voice. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, and social media, but at the end of the day, it’s the feeling in your music that people remember.
And most importantly: enjoy the process.
Besides music, do you have any other passions or hobbies?
I like watching sports in general
In future i hope to travel more abroad
Are there any books, documentaries, podcasts, or TV shows that you'd like to recommend to your fans and fellow artists?
I like watching documentaries about animals
Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks or songs that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Favourite tracks that had impact on my musical journey
Atheus - Vox Obscura
Giorgio Gigli - Individual Unconscious
Dadub - Death
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
Right now i work my light experimental(ambient)side and my dark experimental (drone)side. I’m also collaborating with few artists for releases,tracks for upcoming compilations.
There are releases planned for later this year,remixes and podcasts.
As always, the goal is to keep my style and sound.
Check out his Verde EP on Crossfade sounds here.
Listen to the (private) premiere of Substak’s new track here.
Follow Substak here: Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Spotify