Gab Strum knows what he’s doing. He began learning the piano at age six, and created Japanese Wallpaper age 13. Since then he’s collaborated with the likes of Wafia and Airling, and played at Australia’s biggest festivals. The young producer’s sound has Australia captured – all before he’s even completed high school.
We caught up with Strum to find out exactly what kind of gear creates that unique sound. Read below to find out which five pieces of equipment are responsible for all of Japanese Wallpaper’s tranquil vibes.
Fender Rhodes
I found this in a second hand shop in Carlton and (as clichéd as it sounds) immediately felt attached to it. The bell-like electric piano sounds produced by the Rhodes have a unique, sparkling quality which I have been utilising quite extensively at the moment.
Strymon Bigsky
This is a super lush reverb pedal that sounds beautiful when processing just a few notes with the decay and mix knobs cranked up all the way. I use the Bigsky to make a lot of the atmospheric background noises in my music.
Prophet 08
I use this on everything – it is a really versatile instrument with heaps of character. Every now and then I’ll go menu diving and find another sound from one of the James Blake records or something. Sounds great through the Bigsky pedal too!
Hundo Basic
This is a really simple, hand-made wooden instrument that I use in my live show to play pre-recorded samples. It was made by Henry and Jack from The Harpoons.
Garageband World Instruments Expansion Pack
This technically isn’t gear but I use this garageband add-on for all the bell sounds in my recordings. They sound particularly warm when recorded to cassette and then back into the computer.
