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

Musician and YouTuber Hainbach, whose real name is Stefan Paul Goetsch, discussed his creative process and influences, including the video game "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," in an interview this week. Hainbach is known for his experimental music, often created using laboratory and scientific equipment, a technique he likens to the "Dark Souls of synthesis." He detailed how the open-world exploration and emergent gameplay of "Breath of the Wild" inspired his approach to sound design and composition, emphasizing the freedom and unexpected discoveries within the game. Hainbach also drew parallels between the versatility of a Swiss Army knife and his approach to music production, highlighting the utility of having multiple tools and techniques at his disposal. He explained that his use of unconventional equipment, such as telephone line testing apparatus, forces him to be more resourceful and innovative in generating sounds. This philosophy extends to his YouTube channel, where he shares his experiments and educates viewers on synthesis and audio manipulation, often demystifying complex electronic instruments. His work bridges the gap between academic sound art and accessible electronic music, garnering a dedicated following for its unique sonic palette and intellectual depth. The interview touched upon his upcoming projects, though specific details were not disclosed, maintaining the element of surprise characteristic of his artistic output.