Gear Talk: Valentina Magaletti

With Gear Talk, we learn about the set-ups and instruments of our favourite artists and experimentalists. 

Multi-instrumentalist Valentina Magaletti has developed an esteemed practice around her rhythmic explorations and imaginative percussion work.

Having worked with the likes of Thurston Moore, Mica Levi, Sampha and more, Magaletti is about to embark on her latest collaboration – an infectious, experimental release with Afro-Portuguese beat-maker and DJ Nídia titled Estradas. 

Ahead of the release of Estradas, we catch up with Magaletti to discuss her relationship with the drums, collaboration and avoiding over-reliance on one piece of equipment.

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You started drumming at an early age, what drew you to the drums?

I started drumming fairly young, I was 10 or 11 years old. All the music videos flashing from my parent’s TV started screaming: “DRUMS DRUMS, get on the DRUMS!”

What was your first drum kit?

My parents bought me a marching snare with sticks first and then after a couple of years, I had a proper drum kit – a beginner’s one. I can’t remember the brand but it was white and it looked like the most beautiful thing to me.

Your work is very explorative in terms of how you use the drums, how important is pushing the limits of your instrument to you?

More than pushing the limits, what is important to me is to fight the conventional way of conceiving the instrument. I like to play with drums made of different materials and shapes, also placed in different positions.

How do you approach writing music? If you have had a moment of inspiration, what step comes next?

Every detail from day-to-day life can be an inspiration for a track for me. It defers and shifts all the time

How does working on your solo compositions differ from collaborating with other artists?

It is very different. When you are on your own it is very exposed, all your feelings are out. Collaborating gives you less space to think and more humbleness, I guess. It is important when you play with other people to put your ego in a box and think about the end result.

Would you say your experience as a drummer informs how you approach composition and other instruments in general?

Terminally! I always have a percussive and rhythmic approach to any musical instruments I play.

What equipment is essential to you both in the studio and performing live?

None. I am very careful about not depending on any piece of gear. I would love to be ready to perform in any context, even with a power cut. I often find musicians depending on a very specific piece of equipment very uninspiring. Moreover, I live on planes so it is also really far from practical.

Is there one piece of equipment or instrument that you couldn’t live without?

OK, OK if I really need to answer this, it would have to be my sticks, I use very specific ones.

How do you approach recording? Are there particular audio qualities that are important to you in your work?

I love exploring different angles when I record. Finding the right balance between surgical audio quality and rough and ready field recordings. Phone recordings mixed and mastered at Abbey Road– that sort of thing.

What role do Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) play in your creative process?

An annoying one, I am not very good with digital and I always need someone reading manuals and plugging things for me in the studio.

Are there any instruments that you would like to work with more?

I love [iano, it is my favourite percussive instrument. I would love to do a prepared piano album.

Valentina Magaletti and Nídia’s Estradas is available on vinyl via Latency on September 13. The duo make their live debut at ROBOT in Bologna on October 11.

Read more: Gear Talk with Astrid Sonne