Creative Sound Harvesting with ALM – Inside ANNA Z & J.Manuel’s Modular Workflow

ANNA Z and J.Manuel invite us into their Berlin workspace, a studio in perpetual motion where the only constant is change. Their approach to modular synthesis is refreshingly flexible, with gear continuously migrating between home and other creative spaces, reflecting a refusal to settle into fixed routines.

Both artists wear many hats—producer, DJ, designer, engineer—and their backgrounds feed into a workflow that thrives on adaptability. Rather than follow a strict template, they let curiosity and context dictate whether a session is driven by hardware, DAW, or a blend of both. The modular system becomes a partner for creative spontaneity, encouraging the duo to chase new possibilities rather than repeat the past.

For J.Manuel, modular synthesis is as much about sound harvesting as it is about performance. He often records hardware sessions with the intent of capturing raw material for later use, turning fleeting patches into a personal sound library. This process sidesteps the pressure to create finished tracks in one go, instead focusing on capturing intriguing sonic moments.

Anna highlights the inherently modular mindset: each block is a closed system, but connecting them opens up fresh adventures. The duo values the unpredictability of modular patching, where every connection can lead to something new, and the absence of a single ‘right way’ is a source of creative freedom. Patches are temporary, existing for a day before being dismantled, which keeps inspiration flowing and prevents stagnation.

The team stress that their favourite gear earns its place by being versatile and inspiring. The Tyso Daiko’s presence and sonic heft make it a go-to for injecting energy into a patch, whether for their own releases or for collaborations. Its sound sits comfortably in contemporary electronic aesthetics, yet always offers something distinctive.

Ultimately, these tools aren’t just instruments—they’re creative companions. The modular system becomes a conversational partner, one that encourages exploration and never settles for routine. For ANNA Z & J.Manuel, this relationship with their gear is what keeps their music evolving, ensuring that every session brings new ideas and keeps the process as lively as the Berlin scene itself.