In The Spotlight: Daniel Kastner (aka Preamp)

In The Spotlight turns back onto artists this week, with Daniel Kastner! Daniel produces interesting ambient noise-scapes with his pedalboard set-up under the name ‘Preamp.’ Read on to discover the muscles powering Preamp’s tone!

[Mimmo]: What’s your story? What bands or projects are you currently involved in?

[Preamp]: Hi, I’m Daniel Kastner and I’ve recently moved to Seattle, WA. Three years ago I started recording dark ambient music under the Preamp moniker. The sounds I’m playing have shifted dramatically and I’m taking my cloudy music to the light. Shoegazing cassette tape loops and clean singing are going to be more prominent in future releases.

[Mimmo]: Give us 2-3 (original or cover) songs that allow you to utilize your pedalboard in a unique way.

[Preamp]: My early recordings were all created on an iPhone, believe it or not. The track Lunar Limb features dirty, layered looping on the Strymon Timeline. I ran a microphone through my pedalboard as well.

I spent some time with Adam Tucker at Signaturetone Recording before leaving Minneapolis. This improvised track [Better Ohms and Gardens] shows what my simple pedalboard can do.

[Mimmo]: What are some songs, artists, or guitarists that have influenced the way you utilize your pedalboard?

[Preamp]: Boris initially influenced my board for guitar and bass. I’ve swapped out quite a few pedals along the way. Kevin Shields used some seriously cool rack gear on those infamous albums. I liked the idea of having a studio/live rack and I’m glad I went that route to supplement my pedals and overall sound.

[Mimmo]: Are there any sounds you’d like to emulate that you haven’t quite found out how to do yet?

[Preamp]: I would love to have access to the 10 Alesis Midiverb II reverse reverb sounds right on my pedalboard. The Keeley Loomer and similar effects exist, but it’s just not quite there for digital, time-traveling bliss. Luckily, I have immediate access to the Alesis Midiverb II and the Yamaha FX500.

[Mimmo]: Multi effects units, are you a fan?

[Preamp]: I personally use multi effects units quite a bit. They are great tools in making music. Vintage power supplies for my favorites are questionable though.

Quick-Fire Favorites:

Favorite Overdrive, Distortion, or Fuzz?

Proco R2DU – It’s hard to beat two 1980’s Rats in a single rack unit.

Favorite Chorus, Phase Shifter, or Flanger?

Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine

Favorite Tremolo or Vibrato?

ZVEX Tremorama

Favorite Boost?

J Rockett Archer

Favorite Octaver or Harmonizer?

DOD Meatbox