Blog interview nick goulding guitarist vex red

17 August 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern rock and experimental electronic music, few acts manage to fuse raw, distorted guitar tones with precise, rhythmic sequencing as seamlessly as Vex Red. At the heart of this unique sound sits Nick Goulding, a guitarist whose approach to performance is less about traditional soloing and more about crafting intricate sonic landscapes that breathe life into digital backdrops. For music enthusiasts and aspiring producers alike, understanding how Goulding constructs these soundscapes offers a practical lesson in blending organic texture with calculated electronic precision. This exploration delves into the mechanics, philosophy, and practical techniques that define his contribution to the genre, providing a blueprint for those looking to expand their own musical vocabulary.

The Intersection of Analog and Digital

The core of Vex Red's identity lies in the deliberate friction between traditional analog guitar amps and modern digital audio workstations. Nick Goulding does not simply play guitar over a beat; he treats the amplifier as a primary synthesizer and the effects pedals as essential controllers. The practical application of this involves routing the guitar signal through a chain of vintage pedals before hitting a high-quality analog amp, which is then recorded directly into a computer interface. This method captures the micro-dynamics and harmonic overtones of the tube amp, ensuring that the "analog soul" remains intact even when the track is processed through complex digital plugins.

Goulding's workflow emphasizes capturing the physicality of the instrument before any heavy digital processing begins. In practice, this means setting up a dedicated recording space with acoustic treatment to isolate the raw guitar tone. Once the track is recorded, the digital layering happens in stages, allowing the guitarist to focus purely on the performance without the distraction of mixing. This separation of concerns ensures that the organic elements never get lost in the digital sheen, maintaining the gritty, human feel that characterizes the Vex Red sound.

Practical Gear Setup for the Modern Rocker

For musicians looking to replicate or build upon this style, having the right equipment is crucial, though the specific brand is less important than the signal path. A standard setup for achieving the Vex Red texture typically involves a combination of high-gain preamps, distortion pedals, and a versatile amp head. However, the most critical component is the interface connecting the guitar to the digital realm.

The following list outlines the essential components needed to create a foundational Vex Red setup:

A high-quality, multi-channel audio interface capable of low-latency monitoring.
A combination of tube and solid-state guitar amplifiers to allow for tonal flexibility.
A collection of stompbox effects, specifically focusing on fuzz, delay, and modulation units.
A reliable digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording and editing.
High-resolution studio monitors to accurately assess the final mix.

By investing in these tools, a guitarist can begin to experiment with layering their recorded tracks with MIDI-generated melodies or sequenced basslines. The key is to treat the digital environment as an extension of the pedalboard, allowing for real-time manipulation of the recorded guitar tones during the performance or production phase.

Developing a Hybrid Performance Style

Beyond the static setup, the performance style itself requires a unique mindset. Nick Goulding's approach often involves visualizing the music as a two-dimensional canvas where the guitar acts as the brush and the sequencer as the palette. This hybrid performance style demands a level of multitasking that few traditional guitarists possess. During a live show or a studio session, the musician must be aware of their foot pedals while simultaneously navigating a mouse or MIDI controller to trigger pre-programmed loops or alter the effects chain.

To master this, practice sessions should involve separating the guitar skills from the electronic skills. Spend time perfecting the fingerwork and picking patterns for the guitar parts, ensuring they are tight and expressive. Then, dedicate separate time to learning the software, understanding how to map buttons to physical actions, and creating custom presets. This compartmentalization prevents frustration and allows for a more fluid performance where the transition between organic riffs and digital textures happens instantly and naturally.

The Art of Layering and Texturing

One of the most effective techniques employed by Vex Red is the strategic layering of guitar tracks. Rather than recording a single take, the sound is often built up by recording multiple layers at different volumes and panning positions. This creates a sense of depth and width that fills out the stereo field without relying solely on wide stereo effects processors. By recording a main rhythm layer, a mid-range harmonic layer, and a high-frequency texture layer, the guitarist can construct a complex sonic entity that evolves as the song progresses.

Practically, this involves recording the guitar, bouncing the track to a new audio file, and then re-recording with a different distortion level or effect chain on the new bounce. This process, known as doubling or triple-tracking, adds a sense of power and density to the sound. In the digital domain, these individual layers can then be treated independently; some can be EQ'd to carve out specific frequency ranges, while others might be sent to different effects chains. This flexibility allows the producer to sculpt the sound dynamically, ensuring that the guitar remains the focal point even amidst a dense wall of electronic elements.

The Philosophy of Sonic Sculpting

Ultimately, the work of Nick Goulding and Vex Red is rooted in a philosophy of sonic sculpting. It is a methodical process of taking raw, chaotic energy from the guitar and refining it into a structured, harmonious whole. This approach encourages musicians to think about their playing not just as a means of making noise, but as a means of constructing an environment. Every note chosen, every pedal engaged, and every parameter adjusted serves a purpose in shaping the emotional arc of the track.

For those entering this field, the takeaway is to embrace the complexity of the modern production landscape without letting it overwhelm the core melody and rhythm. The balance between the tangible and the intangible is where the magic happens. By respecting the physical nature of the guitar while leveraging the limitless possibilities of digital technology, artists can create music that feels both immediate and expansive. The journey with Vex Red is a reminder that innovation in music is not just about new tools, but about a new way of thinking about sound itself.