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!”
