Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Plugin Week 2023
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • Plugin Week A-Z
  • Best free lo-fi plugins
  • Top EQ plugins
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Free music samples
  • Best free music-making software

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News

Me in my studio: DoubtingThomas

By Simon Arblaster
published 26 March 2019

French performer on his favourite gear

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)

French live act DoubtingThomas, aka Aurelien Riviere, has been on a rich vein of form of late. Famed for his hypnotic, winding and always captivating tracks, the Toulouse native has left his intricate stamp on a wide-range of discerning imprints, the latest of which is Gaazol. 

Based in Lille and quickly earning a reputation for savvy minimal and house records, the label is a perfect fit for a producer renowned for similar aesthetics. 

Founded in 2015 and ran by Crisna, Molek and Yamos, the promoters have brought the likes of Mandar, Cristi Cons, Nu Zau, Cabanne, Ferro and Lowris to their native city, while bringing their party-starting vibes to Paris, Brussels, London and Berlin among other cities. 

For his latest release, GAAZOL003, we’re treated to three originals, as well as a remix from Beste Modus man, Diego Krause.

We asked Aurelien about his favourite tools of the trade, as we take a tour around his Toulouse studio.

Upcoming DoubtingThomas shows

Friday 03 May 2019
Superflu - DoubtingThomas (Live)
Unten, Kassel

Saturday 04 May 2019
Sasomo & Underyourskin - Serge Devant / DoubtingThomas / Shaun Reeves / Love Over Entropy
Kater Blau, Berlin

Friday 31 May 2019
DoubtingThomas (Live)
TBA, Moscow

Saturday 01 June 2019
Studio presents DoubtingThomas (Live)
Studio Club, Russia

Keep up with DoubtingThomas on Facebook (opens in new tab), Soundcloud (opens in new tab) and Instagram (opens in new tab). 

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Ableton Live

Ableton Live

“I developed a complex 32-channel live set-up in Ableton Live, which I also use to cut electronic music tracks out of. My entire studio is centred around this DAW. 

“For live acts, the set up includes Ableton Live with all 32 channels divided into four different areas of sounds, including drums, various drum breaks, sub bass; bass lines and pads/melodies, with all parameters sequenced and effected via MIDI controllers.

“It’s a large grid of prerecorded stems that I prepare prior to shows, completely modulable and interchangeable. I can delete and re-record parts and stems indefinitely. This set up allows me to use a larger spectrum of sounds by adding field recordings and acoustic instruments to my live sets.

“Adding to it, I now use the Synthstrom Deluge for various sequences, a Roland TR-8 for hi-hats and the Korg Monologue for sub lines and arpeggiated sequences.”

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Synthstrom Deluge

Synthstrom Deluge

“A new addition to the studio and my new favourite companion on tour, the Deluge is a portable and extremely well designed little box of wonders. 

“Sampler, synth, sequencer, VC gate and more. It’s really perfect for touring and jamming on the spot, as it powers itself while plugged in via USB. Deluge is pretty sturdy and easy to travel with, pretty much plug and play.

“It’s extremely easy to use and sample into, it has to be my new favourite companion on tour. 

“While preparing sequences prior to shows, or cutting tracks out of it, I inject some analogue synths in (with a preference for old school gear such as the Yamaha SY22 and 35 ) and various live acoustic instruments, to add that organic feel to the electronic side of my music.”

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Korg Monologue

Korg Monologue

“Love this synth, it just sounds great and it’s very versatile. I use it for various things and really love the arpeggiator on it. 

“It’s extremely easy to use and fun to dig into when looking for moods. I have been using a lot of Korg hardware over the years, but this has to be my favorite one by far. 

“The Korg Monologue offers a more raw and ravey sonic vibe and as it’s monophonic, it’s great for bass lines and quirky arpeggios while played live. It’s also easy to transport due to its small size, I use it in my live set very often.”

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
8raw8

8raw8

“In my opinion the best clone of the legendary TR-808 drum machine you can get. This beautiful piece of machinery really delivers the original 808 sounds with no compromises. Although it’s pretty bulky, I use to tour with it for a while. 

“Now it stays in my studio and it’ll get used for drum layers and kick drums. Can’t beat a good old 808 kick. Great design, huge sound!

“It’s hand made by a very passionate guy by order in the south west of France and pretty affordable for what you get.”

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Yamaha SY35 and SY22

Yamaha SY35 and SY22

“Now if you’re looking for affordable vintage sounds with a twist these synths have are it. I couldn’t choose one of the two to feature as they kind of compliment one another. 

"A very unique vector system designed by Dave Smith back when he was working for Yamaha, although programming is a little tedious, you can get a lot of great analogue love out of these. 

“Not the most straight forward and versatile synthesizers out there, but pretty amazing for their price range, if you can find one.”

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Simon Arblaster
Simon Arblaster
Video Producer & Reviews Editor

I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.

  1. Oasis
    1
    "It was written, recorded and mixed in about six hours" – Noel Gallagher names the Oasis and solo songs he'd take to a desert island
  2. 2
    John Oates on 10 albums that changed his life, and the guitar that now feels like a part of him: "I bought my ‘58 Strat in 1972 for a hundred and twenty-five bucks and I’ve played it ever since"
  3. 3
    16 inspiring guitar chords that are great for clean tones
  4. 4
    Chuck D on Rick Rubin's holistic production style: "Art is what you feel. No one should tell you what Art should come out of you. He gets that"
  5. 5
    Noel Gallagher says the Robert Smith remix of High Flying Birds’ Pretty Boy “sounds exactly like The Cure”
  1. John Oates
    1
    John Oates on 10 albums that changed his life, and the guitar that now feels like a part of him: "I bought my ‘58 Strat in 1972 for a hundred and twenty-five bucks and I’ve played it ever since"
  2. 2
    Chuck D on Rick Rubin's holistic production style: "Art is what you feel. No one should tell you what Art should come out of you. He gets that"
  3. 3
    Noel Gallagher says the Robert Smith remix of High Flying Birds’ Pretty Boy “sounds exactly like The Cure”
  4. 4
    Mindful Harmony is a free online chord progression composing tool based on the circle of fifths
  5. 5
    Tascam’s Portacapture X6 looks like a compact and versatile multitrack recorder that can also be used as an audio interface

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.