Producer Spotlight: In the Studio with Ghost-Producer “Cipher”

Behind every great track is a talented producer. Here at Universe of Tracks, we’re not just a marketplace; we’re a community of creators. That’s why we’re launching “Producer Spotlight,” a series where we go behind the scenes with the minds crafting the bangers you love.

For our first edition, we had a chat with “Cipher,” the anonymous producer behind some of our top-selling Melodic Techno tracks.

Welcome, Cipher! Let’s start from the beginning. What sparked your journey into music production?

“Thanks for having me. It all started with a fascination for movie soundtracks, actually. The way a piece of music could completely change the emotion of a scene was magical to me. I wanted to learn how to do that. I downloaded a copy of FL Studio when I was 16, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The transition to electronic music, specifically techno, came from the club scene. The raw energy and hypnotic repetition felt like a modern evolution of that cinematic feeling.”

Your sound is very polished and powerful. Can you walk us through your typical creative process?

“My process almost always starts with the harmony. I’ll sit at the piano or with a simple pad sound and work out a chord progression that feels right. That progression dictates the entire mood of the track. Once I have that, I build the foundation: a solid kick and a deep, rolling bassline that complements the chords. The lead melodies and arps are usually the last creative elements to be added. The rest is just technical work: arrangement, mixing, and mastering. I spend probably 70% of my time on that technical side to make sure everything is perfect.”

What’s one piece of gear or software you absolutely couldn’t live without right now?

“That’s an easy one: u-he Diva. For the style of Melodic Techno I produce, it’s undefeated. The analog emulation is just so warm and rich. The oscillators have a weight to them that is hard to replicate with other VSTs. Most of my basslines and pads are made with Diva. It’s a CPU hog, but it’s worth every single percentage point.”

As a successful ghost-producer, what’s your best advice for new producers looking to sell their tracks?

“Two things. First, finish your tracks. So many producers have hard drives full of 8-bar loops. A finished, well-arranged, and mixed track is infinitely more valuable than a brilliant but incomplete idea. Second, be professional. When you submit your track, make sure the files are correctly named, the levels are good, and you’ve included all the necessary stems. It shows you respect the platform and the potential buyer. Quality and professionalism will always win.”

Finally, what can we expect from you next on Universe of Tracks?

“I’m currently working on a new pack of tracks with a slightly darker, more aggressive edge. Still very melodic, but with a raw energy inspired by the Berlin techno scene. I’m excited to share it with the community soon!”

Producer Spotlight: An Anonymous Ghost Producer Interview

Welcome to Producer Spotlight, our series dedicated to celebrating the incredible talent behind the music on our platform. To honor their anonymity, we sit down with our top sellers for an exclusive, anonymous ghost producer interview. Today, we’re talking to one of the minds behind some of our most powerful Hard Techno tracks, a producer known for relentless kicks and dark, industrial soundscapes.

The Interview

Welcome! Thanks for talking with us. First off, how did you get into ghost production?

Thanks for having me. I started like most producers, making music for myself and trying to get it signed. I had some success, but I realized I was making tracks much faster than I could release them under my own artist project. A friend mentioned ghost production, and it just clicked. It’s a way for me to be creative every single day, work across different styles, and earn a stable income from my passion without the pressure of touring and social media. It’s pure production, which is what I love.

What’s your creative process like when you start a new track for Universe of Tracks?

It always starts with the kick drum, especially for a genre like Hard Techno. The kick is the heart of the track. I spend a lot of time getting it to punch through without being muddy. Once I have a solid, driving kick and bass groove, the rest of the track builds around that energy. I try to create a unique “hook” or a memorable sonic texture early on. I’m always thinking about the DJ: what part of this track will make them want to play it? What will make the crowd react?

What’s one piece of gear or VST you can’t live without?

That’s a tough one. For hardware, it would be my Moog Sub 37 for the warmth of its bass. But in the box, it has to be Xfer’s Serum. The sound design possibilities are practically infinite. Most of the abrasive, metallic sounds you hear in my tracks are born from hours of experimenting in Serum. It’s a true sound design powerhouse that is worth checking out for any serious producer.

What’s the biggest misconception about ghost producers?

That we’re “sellouts” or that we don’t care about the music. It’s the exact opposite. Most of us are complete studio nerds who are obsessed with sound. A successful ghost producer interview like this can hopefully show that. We provide a crucial service in an industry where many DJs are incredible performers but don’t have the 20,000 hours of studio time needed to master production. We help them bring their vision to life. It’s a collaboration, even if it’s an anonymous one.

What advice would you give to new producers wanting to sell their music?

Finish your tracks. Don’t get stuck with hundreds of 8-bar loops on your hard drive. Finish the arrangement, mix it as best you can, and move on to the next one. The more music you finish, the faster you improve. And secondly, be professional. When you sell your music on a platform, deliver high-quality files, be reliable, and treat it like the business it is. Talent is important, but professionalism is what builds a career.

Explore the Sound

A huge thanks to our guest for their incredible insights. You can find their latest exclusive and royalty-free tracks in our Hard Techno section. Listen for the powerful kicks and intricate sound design—you’ll know it when you hear it.