Audeze Interviews Stockholm-based producer and engineer Buster Odeholm

Buster Odeholm is a Stockholm-based producer, mix/master engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. Primarily operating with headphones, he has emerged as a key figure in the “thall” sub-genre, a unique blend of progressive metal, deathcore, and experimental soundscapes. He is renowned for his mixing work with artists like Born Of Osiris, Silent Planet, and Reflections, as well as his contributions to his own bands: Vildhjarta, Humanity’s Last Breath, and Thrown.

"I hit a roadblock in a mix, and the LCD-X's have the ability to spotlight issues I hadn’t noticed before. They have a vibrant high end that allows for clear detection of sibilance in the vocals and cymbals." - Buster Odeholm 

Here's our chat with Buster:

Can you pick out any highlights from your work that you're particularly proud of?

One project that I'm very proud of is the upcoming Silent Planet album, "SUPERBLOOM," which I mixed and mastered. Also, the recent record "Ashen" by Humanity's Last Breath and the "Extended Pain" EP by Thrown are both records that I'm proud of from both a writing and production perspective.

How would you define your main role in most of the projects you work on these days?

I wear many hats, but predominantly, I am a mixer. However, I also dive into producing and writing for various bands and projects.

How did you get started in music?

Music has always been a part of my life, thanks to my father. Our house was filled with musical instruments, and I was drawn to them from a very young age. My first love was "Kiss," which eventually led me down the path of metal music.

Can you name any factors that influenced your musical journey?

Two significant influences in my early musical journey were my father and drummer Peter Wildoer from Darkane. Peter, in particular, had a profound impact on me as a young musician. He took me to a Meshuggah concert in 2004 when I was just 13.

Can you describe a moment of frustration from your past work, and what you have done to overcome these obstacles? Would you approach it differently now?

Overcoming obstacles is part of the process, but nothing specific comes to mind right now. As a general rule, I try to remain objective about my work and constantly strive to refine anything I feel could be stronger.

Is there any gear you find yourself turning to most when working on a project?

I am a staunch "in the box" guy, so physical gear doesn't play a significant role in my setup these days. However, I've found mixing on AirPod Pros to be surprisingly effective. They sound pretty cool and provide a lot of insights into my mixes.

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring musicians or producers?

There is no secret to achieving great sound. It all boils down to hard work and knowledge.

How long have you been working with headphones, and how do you use them in your workflow?

I've been mixing on headphones since the very beginning. While many prefer speakers, I find that the room's acoustics often distort the frequency response. In my opinion, achieving a flat frequency response in a room is nearly impossible. Most mixers adapt to their room's quirks and do the best they can. I prefer the accuracy of calibrated headphones, which bypass the room's acoustics and give me more confidence in my mixing decisions.

Do you have any additional comments or stories you want to share?

I'm very grateful for the journey I have been on and the people I have had the opportunity to work with. It's a privilege to have talented artists entrust me with their music, and to receive the support of top quality audio brands like Audeze.

How have your Audeze headphones affected your work?

They've certainly made a difference! I like to switch between different sources when I hit a roadblock in a mix, and the LCD-X's have the ability to spotlight issues I hadn’t noticed before. They have a vibrant high end that allows for clear detection of sibilance in the vocals and cymbals. The low-end response is also distinct from my other sources, aiding in balancing the relationship between the kick drum and the bass.

Can you tell us what you’ve been working on with them recently?

I’ve been carefully refining my new drum library, with my Audezes playing an important role in the mixing process. On top of that, I’ve been experimenting with them as I work on new Humanity’s Last Breath material, along with a few other bands I’m mixing. Every session with these headphones has been a genuine pleasure. Let us know if you need anything else!