ToneGym Hero: Nikolay Kutkovoy

A pianist, improviser, and electronic music explorer, Nikolay moves between classical roots and minimalist grooves with ease. From Moscow band sessions to daily ToneGym training, he’s shaping sound with curiosity and precision, Nikolay is this month’s ToneGym Hero!

How did you first find your way into making music?

In my childhood I studied at a music school but I decided not to pursue higher education in this field or make it my career. I continued to play occasionally for myself, got deeply into rock and jazz, and tried performing in different bands.

Eventually I found my own musical direction when my friends and I in Moscow formed a band dedicated to minimal groove music. With this band we released several records and performed at various festivals and venues, mainly in Moscow.

At the same time, I became interested in free improvisation and later organized several sessions where we improvised with different musicians without preparation or predetermined themes. For me this created a sense of togetherness that rarely occurs in other situations. I also began exploring electronic music and music production and have been experimenting with composing electronic pieces.

Aside from music, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

I work as a researcher and data scientist in the field of education, it’s a creative and engaging job that requires deep understanding of the subject and is highly rewarding. I also enjoy playing pc games, reading books, and cooking.

What’s something you're surprisingly good at that has nothing to do with music?

I’m quite good at cooking, especially pasta and pilaf, and I enjoy hosting culinary evenings with friends where we cook for each other and share different cooking secrets.

If you could play or create with any artist, who would it be and why?

That’s a very tough question. I think right now I’d choose to work with the band The Necks. They play minimalist free improvisation, and their style is unlike almost anything else I’ve heard.

They’ve been performing for quite a long time but each of their albums, despite having similarities to the previous ones, sounds remarkably new and fresh. I’d love to play with them, to immerse myself in their musical process and to feel the music while creating it.

What musical instrument do you love the most, and what makes it irreplaceable for you?

Of course for me it’s the piano, a very versatile instrument that fits almost any kind of music and its sound always evokes special emotions in me. Piano solo music, whether it’s classical, jazz, or something else, always holds a special place for me. So if you know any albums like that, share them in the comments. :)

What daily or weekly habits do you have in place to keep you creating?

I try to play the piano every day at least for an hour. Usually I work with some classical pieces, for example, by Scriabin or Rachmaninoff, and improvise on some themes that come to my mind. I’m also trying to create something in my DAW on a weekly basis. And every day I train my ear and sense of rhythm using ToneGym.

What keeps you motivated to continue making music?

Music is life, and I can hardly imagine myself without it. I love all kinds of sounds, their texture and interplay and I want to keep improving my ability to bring the sounds from my head into reality :)

What song would you choose as the soundtrack of your life?

Another tough question. I’d choose “Close to the Edge” by Yes. It’s a song that has everything, wild energy and lyricism; a complex structure and beauty in simple moments; both rock and classical influences. All of that is combined into one long crazy composition.

What's your favorite feature on SoundGym, and how has it helped you in your musical journey?

First of all it’s the Daily Workout, especially exercises like Route VI, Scale Spy, and Rhythmic Parrot. These exercises help me improve my ability to listen to and analyze music. I also enjoy the platform’s Contests, they add an extra layer of time pressure, which requires concentration to perform well.

What’s something exciting you're working on or looking forward to?

I hope we’ll finish our electronic tracks soon and release them :)

You can follow Nikolay on his Website & Facebook. You can also listen to his music at Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music!