ToneGym Hero: Sebastian Gonzalez

Music production student, multi-instrumentalist, and self-described sound obsessive, this creator has been chasing the sounds that light up his soul since long before he ever picked up an instrument. With a voice he calls his first and most irreplaceable tool, he's now building his artist project while finishing his degree. Sebastian is this month's ToneGym Hero!

How did you first find your way into making music?

I didn't. It's safer to say that music found me first, before I knew it: there was always something about the way some songs made me wonder stunnedly during car trips while listening to the radio; How some of my favorite artists sang or played an instrument (Oscar Peterson, Eric Clapton, BB King, John Mayer, Luis Miguel, Michael Jackson, to name a few); The unfathomable amusement musicality in performance sparks... I remember being one day at a wedding where a guy played the guitar and sang, I still think about that moment till today; or just how the sound of an instrument would intrigue me to the core of my soul.

I'm obsessed with sound, but I can also certainly say I'm in the search of beauty... Why? I don't really know.. I'm still looking for the next sound that lights up my soul,
still amazed at music and all it's impact in culture and society; still intrigued by that ethereal characteristic in which I yet can't put my finger on; I 'still love it. Nothing has really changed between me and my relationship with music. Although I didn't start playing music myself until around my late teenage years. I now think it's always been part of who I am. Years passed and now I'm about to finish my Music Production degree at university!

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

I enjoy reading(A lot). I'm guilty of buying way more books than I can actually read, but I'm trying my best to actively keep reading. Right now I'm reading "The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains" by Nicholas Charr. Sports are also something I enjoy doing. I try to excercise every morning to start out the day, and on the weekends I like to play soccer with my friends.

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

I've always had an easiness with numbers and logical reasoning. I can memorize numbers and make associations of measurements as well as calculations without any inconvenience. I memorize phone numbers, IDs, addresses, credit cards(Lol), for fun.

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

Shit! Thats a really hard question. I would say, maybe Daft Punk, Jungle, FK], Charlie Puth,  Calvin Harris or Avicii (RIP). I really like the way they craft songs, which is a little more from texture and production, but keeping a well rounded melody and arrangement. Solid songwriting mixed with great sounds. I think just by being around them would be so valuable, my perspective on creativity and songwriting would be broadened, for sure.

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

Can I say my voice? My voice! yes. As much as I love playing instruments and diving-in to explore their sonic possibilities, my voice is just indispensable to my day-to-day. My voice is my first instrument to transcribing, creating, song-writing, producing or any other music related activity (And it's also my most unique asset).

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

I write down 5 things I want to get done for the next day every night. Whether that is practicing a piece, finishing up a song or recording something. It helps me stay realistic with what I can and cannot do. On a weekly basis I also try to schedule for important things. Making sure I stay dynamic and also have time to breathe and take some sunlight in. , I think healthy creation can only surge in a healthy living environment.

What keeps you motivated to continue making music?

Well, the more I learn, the more things I have to play around with. Nonetheless, music is just like a time-picture of emotions when you create it, so you won't be able to write the same thing ever again: that music at the time nurtured from the things that surrounded you. You won't even like the same music ever again the same way you like it now.

In that order of ideas I think I just stay amused by the music I haven't played yet. I'm excited to see what I'll be making tomorrow...On another note, I also had a teacher last year who had a big impact on who I want to become music-wise, so props to her as well.

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

Gravity by John Mayer. Man, I wish I could be half as cool as that song is. Simple, nostalgic, empowering and overall beautiful. This is one of the songs that can take me out of reality when I need it, but also bring me back to it. 

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

I value so much how the platform/app is designed. Completely focused on learning and practicing but also giving a small sense of community. I would love to meet the creators because it must've come out of a genius. I know Tonegym and Soundgym and I are going to be lifelong friends.

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

I have an artist project currently running, there's some things like name and branding which I yet have to figure out, but I'm excited to further make it grow. On the other hand, I'm trying to collaborate more and help others produce and record their songs. It's the first step in my plan to becoming a full-on music producer.

 

You can listen to Sebastian's music at Spotify, YouTube, and Soundcloud!

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