5 Things Nebno Can’t Live Without
5 Things Nebno
Can’t Live Without
Words by Loren Sunderland
So, you want to dive into the world of music-making? We turned to Zurich-based artist Nebno to uncover the five tools, inspirations and essentials she swears by.
Manon Schlittler is a musician, composer and producer based in Zurich. Known for her textured and introspective style, she has collaborated with artists such as Dustin O’Halloran, José González, and Bára Gísladóttir.
Following her debut album Streams (2019) and Low Skies (2021), Nebno has just released her latest project, Terra, on First Light Records.
“When I start writing a piece, I often begin with a texture as the base.”
TC Helicon VoiceLive Touch Two
This device has been with me for quite a while and has truly captivated me. It’s an effects unit with an integrated loop function. I love its compactness and interface. Besides using classic vocal effects, I enjoy experimenting with a rhythm preset called “Chopper.” When I start writing a piece, I often begin with a texture as the base and then use the VoiceLive Touch 2 to create a loop with a very short duration, which gets layered and layered. The resulting cloud-like texture is pure chaos but feels so organic and cohesive. This often forms the foundation of a composition.
Ableton Live - my DAW of choice
I have a general interest in technology, which I can wonderfully combine with music production. I love the limitless possibilities this DAW offers me, as well as the independence it gives me to create music. Ableton Live has become my most essential tool, both in the creating process and on stage.
Natural Light
I’ve had numerous and very different studio setups, from basement bunkers to small bedroom corners. It has repeatedly made me realize how much I need a natural light source to stay creatively productive over a longer period. Today, I’m fortunate to have a studio with a large window front in the heart of Zurich’s old town.
“I’ve had numerous and very different studio setups, from basement bunkers to small bedroom corners.”
Valhalla
Back to technology. We all have those VST plugins we enjoy and use often, and then there are those that make their way into nearly every piece. For me, that would be the plugin series from Valhalla DSP. VintageVerb, Shimmer and Space Modulator are my loyal companions.
Inside Nebno’s Studio
Arpeggiated Loops
I often work with arpeggiated loops in Ableton or when playing the piano. It creates a circular feeling that’s hard to describe but feels right when I’m writing. This becomes another foundation for my compositions, over which I layer vocals and other elements.
