David Castellani

David Castellani is a passionate electronic music artist and educator whose career revolves around the captivating realms of analog hardware and modular synthesis. His journey into music was sparked by an early encounter with the Elektron Analog Keys, which opened a new dimension of sound exploration for him.

Since then, he has devoted himself to not only crafting his unique sound, via his Noetic releases, performances including ARC Music Festival Chicago and regular shows with the RE/FORM crew in LA, but also sharing his knowledge through workshops and collaborative projects. With a commitment to inspiring the next generation of musicians, Castellani’s approach combines technical mastery with a deeply personal connection to music, ensuring that both his performances and teachings resonate with authenticity and creativity.

As a pioneer in the integration of modular synthesis and live performance, Castellani is known for his captivating 360-degree audio-visual shows. He has carved a niche for himself in the electronic music scene, where each performance reflects his dedication to spontaneity and innovation. His upcoming workshop, “A Touch of Modular Synthesis,” at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) promises to encapsulate his journey, offering participants a unique glimpse into his creative process and the insights he has gained over the years. Castellani’s aspirations extend beyond his solo work; he is committed to fostering a community around his Noetic label, where collaboration and artistic growth thrive.

“My passion for analog hardware took off when I got my hands on my first analog synthesizer, the Elektron Analog Keys. I remember the first time I powered it up - it was like unlocking a whole new dimension of the universe. I spent hours tweaking and exploring how each subtle change would transform the texture of the music”.

This moment marked a significant turning point for Castellani, igniting his love for the tactile nature of sound design.

“That experience sparked something deeper in me. The hands-on nature of working with analog gear, especially something as versatile and powerful as Elektron gear, made me fall in love with the process of handson sound design. It wasn’t just about making music; it became about discovering sound and interacting with it in a tactile, intuitive way. That synth set me on a lifelong journey of chasing the richness and depth of analog gear, and now it’s hard to imagine my workflow without it”.

His passion for analog gear seamlessly translates into his live performances, where he integrates modular synthesis and visuals to create captivating 360-degree audio-visual shows.

“It’s taken me years to develop my current live setup, and that journey has been a trip. One of the most beautiful things about playing live is that each artist gets to do it in their way - there’s no single ‘right’ approach”.

Castellani emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between spontaneity and control in his performances.

“For me, it’s been about gradually finding the right balance between spontaneity and control. I’ve focused on building a setup that’s intuitive, where I can get lost in the performance without feeling restricted by the technology. That’s why modular synthesis plays such a big part in my shows. It gives me the freedom to adapt on the fly, making each performance unique”.

Looking ahead to his workshop at ADE Lab, he hopes to share his journey with participants, inspiring them to carve their paths in the world of modular synthesis.

“For the workshop at ADE Lab, I hope to share that process with participants—how I’ve taken time to develop this workflow and how rewarding it is to shape something that feels personal and intuitive. I hope they’ll walk away with an understanding that creating your setup is a personal journey and that there’s no wrong way to do it”.

Castellani’s insights reflect a deep understanding of the collaborative nature of creativity, where unexpected outcomes often lead to the most thrilling musical experiences.

“Another amazing thing about modular synthesizers is that it’s a lot like riding a wild animal. You can try to guide it in a direction, but many times it can also take you places you didn’t expect, and that’s what makes it exciting”.

The launch of his label, Noetic, in 2021 marked a pivotal moment in Castellani’s career, allowing him to curate releases and collaborate with artists he admires.”

“For most electronic musicians, having your record label is the ultimate goal, and the opportunity to work with some of my heroes, like Etapp Kyle, Ken Ishii, Truncate, and Matrixxman, has been nothing short of a dream come true”.

His experience in curating these releases has broadened his artistic vision, blending his style with that of other notable musicians.

“Curating these releases has allowed me to blend my artistic vision with the distinct styles of artists I admire, creating a space where my vision and heart can thrive”.

Castellani’s collaborations have enriched his understanding of music production, allowing him to learn from established artists in the studio.

“Spending time in the studio with artists like Etapp Kyle and Ken Ishii has always been an enriching and educational experience. Both of these artists are people I look up to, and having the opportunity to witness their creative processes firsthand was a real treat”.

He reflects on a memorable session with Etapp, where the meticulous and intuitive approach to sound design left a lasting impression.

“I was amazed at how he approached every choice with a meticulous yet intuitive mindset. He would experiment with different textures and layers, often going off on tangents that led to unexpected sounds”.

Castellani’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the idea of inspiring others rather than simply imparting information.

“I have been blessed to be in the educational space for many years. I think that I am very attracted to that process because I am a student first, so I deeply enjoy sharing information with like-minded people”.

His experiences as a teacher have solidified his belief in the importance of personal connection when sharing creativity.

“I’d say the biggest thing I learned from Juma, being my first teacher and someone I hold in the highest regard, is the importance of personal connection when you’re sharing creativity with someone”.

In his modular synth workshops, Castellani seeks to demystify the complexity of synthesis for newcomers, aiming to ignite their passion for music-making.

“The workshops that I participated in, which were geared toward modular synthesis, were mainly general introductions and demonstrations for newcomers”.

He understands that the challenge often lies in developing good taste and creative intuition.

“To be honest, the hardest thing about making music is taste. Learning how to use a synth or which knob to turn is something anyone can do—if you spend enough time with any instrument, you’ll learn how to play it. The real trick is what you do with that skill”.

His creative journey has also led him to develop innovative tools like the Precision Disrupter sequencer, reflecting his commitment to advancing music technology.

“I have to say that I feel blessed to be building modules. But if I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t trying to start a modular company—or an instrument company, for that matter”

The passion driving this endeavor comes from a desire to make a meaningful impact within the music community.

“I’ve just had the blessing of working with a lot of different instruments, and I saw that this was something that could be impactful”.

Looking toward the future, Castellani’s aspirations revolve around continual growth and exploration within his music.

“I often think about how we relate to music and how every individual finds their way through the process differently”.

His perspective on music as an addictive pursuit illustrates his unyielding enthusiasm for new experiences and creative discoveries.

“My musical journey has been one of addiction. I’m waiting for the next fix. I am addicted to the process of new experiences”.

David Castellani emerges as a truly inspiring figure in the electronic music scene, a blend of passion, innovation, and genuine connection to his craft. His journey, which began with a simple yet profound encounter with analog synthesizers, has blossomed into an impressive exploration of sound that not only captivates audiences but also speaks to the hearts of fellow artists. The way he intertwines the tactile experience of modular synthesis with his live performances showcases his commitment to creating a deeply personal musical expression. This hands-on approach invites listeners into his world, allowing them to share in the magic of discovery alongside him.

David’s dedication to education and mentorship adds another layer to his artistry. Through launching his label, Noetic, and collaborating with respected artists, he cultivates a rich community that encourages experimentation and growth. His emphasis on personal connection in teaching underscores a heartfelt belief that music thrives on shared experiences. This spirit is palpable during his workshops, where he not only imparts technical knowledge but also fosters an atmosphere of encouragement and inspiration. It’s clear that he is not just sharing skills; he is igniting a fire in others, encouraging them to find their voices in the vast world of sound.

Looking ahead, David Castellani’s path is brimming with potential and excitement. His upcoming sessions at ADE are more than just performances; they are opportunities for connection, creativity, and collective exploration. With every new project and collaboration, he continues to push boundaries, remaining ever-curious and hungry for fresh experiences. His journey is a testament to the beauty that arises when passion meets innovation, and it serves as a powerful reminder to aspiring musicians that they, too, can carve out their unique paths in the vibrant landscape of electronic music. David’s story is not just about personal achievements; it’s about creating a shared journey that inspires others to join in the celebration of sound.