Musician and YouTuber Hainbach on ‘Breath of the Wild’ and Swiss Army

Experimental musician and prolific YouTuber Stefan Paul Goetsch, known professionally as Hainbach, recently shared insights into his unique creative process and essential tools during an interview with The Verge. The German artist, celebrated for his unconventional use of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments in music production, discussed his latest album, Gentle Hum, a new plugin, and the indispensable technology that underpins his distinct sound.

Hainbach’s approach to music has been described as the “Dark Souls of synthesis,” reflecting his dedication to using challenging, often vintage, gear. His sound incorporates everything from telephone line testing equipment to components salvaged from nuclear testing facilities. Despite these complex methods, he maintains an incredibly high output, having released six albums in 2025 alone, alongside numerous singles and EPs. His most recent work, Gentle Hum, is a collaboration with Turkish composer Başak Günak (Ah! Kosmos), offering a melancholic blend of processed vocals, analog drones, and unique percussion.

Beyond his compositions, Hainbach has cultivated a substantial following on YouTube. His channel serves as a platform to explore experimental music techniques, delve into obscure vintage synthesizers, and even examine modern eccentricities like the Bastl Kalimba. This educational aspect of his work extends to collaborations with software companies such as AudioThing, where he helps develop plugins like "Wires" that bring the character of his arcane studio setup to contemporary digital audio workstations, making his unique sonic palette accessible to a broader audience.

When asked about his most indispensable tool, Hainbach pointed to the Nagra reel-to-reel tape recorder. He highlights its enduring quality and versatility, using it for live performances, studio work, and sound design. This piece of technology, once considered the absolute high-end of its era, continues to deliver fantastic sound decades later, proving its lasting value in his experimental workflow. For software, his first choice for any new device is the Gauss field looper app, showcasing his preference for innovative sound manipulation tools.

Hainbach’s work exemplifies a fascinating intersection of vintage analog technology and modern digital creativity. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound design with unique equipment, coupled with his willingness to share these explorations through his YouTube channel and software collaborations, positions him as a significant figure in the experimental music landscape. His prolific output and innovative spirit continue to inspire musicians to look beyond conventional tools for creative expression.

FAQ

Q: Who is Hainbach and what kind of music does he make?

A: Hainbach is Stefan Paul Goetsch, a German experimental composer, artist, and YouTuber. He is known for making music using unconventional methods and equipment, including laboratory gear and scientific instruments, a style he calls the “Dark Souls of synthesis.”

Q: What is Hainbach’s most recent album?

A: His latest album is Gentle Hum, a collaborative project with Turkish composer Başak Günak, who performs under the name Ah! Kosmos.

Q: What technological tool does Hainbach consider essential to his work?

A: Hainbach regards a Nagra reel-to-reel tape recorder as his most indispensable tool, utilizing it for live shows, studio production, and sound design due to its enduring high-fidelity sound.