Texas based artist, Todd Last, who goes by the artist name of “Sonic Radiation” worked to create music that arranges songs with a combination of techno and trance that are solid and unique. Inspired by industrial groups like “Front 242” and “Front Line Assembly”, electronic groups like The Crystal Method and Astral Projection, as well as the Dallas club scene, Sonic Radiation pulls from those styles to give the listener something for the ear, the mind and the dance floor. “Infrared” is his latest track and we got a chance to talk one on one with him.
How did you get into music?
Hello! Thank you so much for the interview. Music and sci-fi always excited me as a youngster. When I got older, I discovered electronic music and wanted to make some too.
What was the writing/creative and recording process for the track like?
It takes me a long time to make a track. I try to stay focused and get it the best I can. I think it’s fun and interesting.
How’d it differ from your previous single?
I think all my songs try to grab you by the ear. I hope each one takes you on a different journey through time and space. Each track really reflects my skill level and life at the time. I release each song when it’s finished and I hope over time that will be interesting.
How supportive is the Dallas music scene in furthering your career (e.g. radio stations, magazine, venues)?
Actually, I haven’t reached out to my local area like I should have. Unfortunately, Dallas isn’t really an electronic music hotspot.
You’ve been creating music for over a decade now. What all has changed in the local scene? The overall EDM / electronic genre?
Unfortunately, I think the Dallas EDM scene is so underground that no one knows about it. If anyone knows where the door is, please let me know. I’d love to be a part of it!
What does your recording set up look like (what do you use to record, what are your favorite tools)?
Interestingly, my hardware setup is super simple yet very powerful. Today’s software technology is incredibly advanced. I’ve owned and used a lot of outboard gear in the past, it was good but I couldn’t get the sounds I wanted. Now, I try to keep my gear stack simple and try to unleash the 1’s and 0’s. That works well for me.
Which artists are the greatest influences for you and your music?
I’m a huge fan of Star Wars and sci-fi movies. Also, great bands like Rush, Depeche Mode and many others.
Is there a dream lineup of performers that you would like to perform with if given the chance?
Fun question… I’d love to get Mozart, Enya, Front 242 and R2-D2 on a space station together and see what we come up with.
Which sort of social media websites have you had the best successes with?
I try to stay up-to-date with social media the best I can. I’m signed on with a good many of them. I’m not as social as I’d like to be but I’ll try harder in the future.
What about these online services are different from the traditional face to face meeting and performances that musicians utilize?
The interweb has definitely given us all the opportunity to be closer in some ways and maybe less in others.
What made Todd Last aka Sonic Radiation start producing?
When I first heard electronic music in college, I was blown away! It was so different and unique from anything I’d heard before. I was hooked and had to make my own. It took a longtime and I’m thrilled to be able to now.
Your music is rather distinctive, how did you come to hone such a unique sound?
My style must come from what I like in music and movies. I’m a huge fan of Star Wars and sci-fi movies. Also, great bands like Rush, Depeche Mode and many others really got my attention. I think my style kind of happens by making a sound that takes the best of what I like and enjoy in what I see and hear as a fan.
Could you tell us a little more about the production process you take when producing?
My thinking is always to try and make a sound that I like. After I got it the best I can, I can’t wait to share it with hopes that others will enjoy it in whatever way they like to listen to music and maybe, be an escape for them.
Describe your music in 3 words?
Space Age EDM
What inspires you when making music?
I’ve truly loved music all my life and I love being a part of the world of electronic music. Trying to make the best song I can is always my interest and task at hand. Contributing to the genre of electronic music is something that I enjoy and is important for me.
Your music has a very heavy sci-fi edge to it, both melodically and aesthetically, does this represent you and your thoughts on extraterrestrial life?
Take me to your leader! haha… I visited Roswell once, they really get the best of their UNK N 469 close encounter! I think my music is more influenced by the vastness of space and the smallness of within and the electronic music in-between. Traveling through the galaxy far, far away always brings me a new hope.
Tell us something about yourself no one knows?
I like to imagine I can get away from it all on my space station and enjoy my great view of Planet Earth. It’s so quiet and peaceful out there.
What’s next for Sonic Radiation?
Thanks again for the great interview. I really enjoyed it! My mind, body and soul are itching’ to start my next track. Each one takes a long time so I better get to it. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy “Infrared” in your Space!
Where can fans find you? Please List all your social media links (Youtube/ Facebook/ Instagram/ Soundcloud/ Spotify/ Twitter)
