Rushkeys (pictured on the left in the above image) has been steadily carving out a name in the melodic and organic electronic scene, building a reputation for detailed productions that balance emotion with technical clarity. His catalog has found support across European imprints and stages, with recent remixes for Korora and performances in Madrid, Barcelona, and Riga reflecting both his reach and steady presence as a live artist.
For his latest work, Rushkeys teams up with Indian producer Souvnear (pictured on the right in the featured image) on Ohmu, released on the forward–thinking label Wabi Sabi. The track blends intricate rhythmic textures with evolving melodies, leaning into both artists’ shared interest in atmospheric storytelling within deep house and melodic electronica. It’s a release that continues to underline Rushkeys’ progression as a producer while expanding his global collaborations.
In this feature, Rushkeys and Souvnear walk us through the tools and techniques that shaped Ohmu. From software choices to creative workflow, they outline how the track came together, offering insight into the small details that give their collaboration its character.
About the track in the artist’s words
Ohmu is a collaboration between Lithuanian artist Rushkeys and Souvnear from Lyon, France. Created remotely between two countries, the track blends chopped samples, layered synths, background field recordings, and a tight rhythmic pulse to create a rich, groove-driven sound. Named after the calm but powerful creatures in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, the track captures a sense of steady movement and hidden force — organic, textured, and always in motion.
Main Piano – Native Instruments Kontakt (Autumn Piano)
Souvnear:
The track’s inspiration began when I reopened an old Kontakt instrument, a free piano from PianoBook created by Christian Henson. This Autumn Piano perfectly captured the feeling of autumn, with a tone that was at once warm and cold, carrying a delicate sensitivity. That sensitivity came through in the instrument’s subtle mechanical noises and its intimate character.
From there, I experimented with chord progressions over a rhythmic pattern and added an instance of Soundtoys Crystallizer. It broadened the sound and added a slightly unpredictable, granular texture. A touch of saturation and EQ helped it sit better in the mix. This became the foundation of the track, from which all the other instruments and percussion naturally evolved.
Resampled Textures
Souvnear:
I resampled all the chord progressions made with the Autumn Piano in Kontakt. The original had artifacts and mechanical textures when adjusting parameters, so I ran everything through delays and Crystallizer.
After that, I added reverb, cut the low frequencies, and used subtle panning to create an ambient texture, leaving harmonics in the background. These details helped maintain cohesion in the atmosphere and enhanced the organic feel, adding unpredictable elements that made it more alive.
Ableton Simpler
Rushkeys:
Hearing Souvnear’s ambience inspired me to create a chopped, rhythmic texture by slicing up a Wurlitzer recording in Simpler. Even though it’s technically not a synth, Simpler is one of my main instruments. It’s fast, intuitive, and turns any sound into something playable — whether one-shots, loops, or chopped samples.
For this track, an old Wurlitzer recording was chopped rhythmically around the beat and reshaped into a supporting texture. I love digging through vinyl or YouTube for samples — jazz, soul, world, or ethnic records — not for melodies but for tone and texture. That imperfect, organic character often adds something purely electronic sounds miss.
I shaped the sound with UAD Hitsville U.S.A. EQ, boosting low mids for body and highs for sparkle. Kickstart 2 added light sidechain movement so the kick cut through. In the B section, I rolled off highs with Autofilter and used Wavesfactory Trackspacer to carve overlapping frequencies, letting the sample sit back while leaving room for the main parts.
For producers in this style: focus less on the “perfect” loop and more on sonics. Even a dusty chord or fragment can become the centerpiece. Simpler’s slice mode is great for rhythmic ideas, and with EQ, subtle sidechain, and dynamic tools like Trackspacer, you can keep textures present without overcrowding the mix.
Korg MS-20 Mini
Rushkeys:
The Korg MS-20 mini is a compact reissue of Korg’s legendary analog synth. It’s semi-modular, with two oscillators, flexible filters, and a patch bay for creative routing. What makes it special is its raw, unpredictable sound. Plugins often fall short compared to the grit and warmth of its circuitry.
For the bassline, I used a straightforward patch built around oscillators and filter, then processed it with the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor. I used a 2:1 ratio, medium attack, slower release, and light gain reduction with makeup gain. This kept the low end tight and steady while preserving its analog character.
After compression, I used the UAD Pultec EQP-1A with the classic low-end trick of boosting and attenuating at 60 Hz, and a gentle high-end boost for clarity. Even small moves with the Pultec go a long way.
The MS-20 mini adds unmistakable analog character — from warm depth to gritty rawness. Compression keeps it controlled, and EQ highlights its best qualities without overprocessing.
Elektron Analog Heat MKII
The Elektron Analog Heat MKII is an analog stereo processor with saturation, distortion, filtering, and EQ. It offers eight drive circuits, from subtle warmth to heavy distortion, and integrates into DAWs with Overbridge.
For Ohmu, it was used across synth parts and groups to add depth and warmth. Synths were run through it as a “front end” or re-recorded back into the DAW as a finishing touch. Subtle saturation added harmonics and cohesion to the mix.
For producers, Analog Heat can bridge clean digital mixes with organic analog feel. Used with restraint, a touch of saturation makes flat sounds bloom with character. It works during sound design or final mix stages.
Hot Takes and advice about music production from the aritsts
Rushkeys’ takes
- Hot Take 1: In production, less really is more. Focus on the core element and let it breathe.
- Hot Take 2: Chasing perfection can kill the vibe. Imperfect synth tones or unquantized grooves often add the liveliness a track needs.
- Hot Take 3: Artists should pay attention to storytelling. Music, visuals, and process all connect to create a bigger narrative.
Souvnear’s opinions
- Hot Take 1: Artists should keep sets dynamic and unpredictable. Audiences crave surprise, not repetition.
- Hot Take 2: As a self-taught producer, I introduce unpredictability with sequencers and LFOs to kickstart ideas.
- Hot Take 3: I don’t like being boxed into a single genre. A good set or playlist should move between genres to stay exciting.
The post How It Was Made: Rushkeys & Souvnear – Ohmu (Wabi Sabi + Melodic Electronica, Deep House) appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.