Making Music Fun Again // Aqeel Aadam

Aqeel Aadam is a Philadelphia-based musician, composer, and developer who’s released four albums combining modular synth soundscapes with crunchy beats. He started designing audio software plugins on a whim—and found such a passionate audience for them that it’s become a full-time job. But how do you live up to a musician grandfather who played with Charlie Parker and John Coltrane? What did Aqeel’s years working at Google teach him as a musician? And how does he make software plugins that feel like bandmates?I talked to Aqeel to find out. This is Slow Fade, conversations about finding creative clarity, building community, and making art that matters in a digital age. If you like this conversation, subscribe and leave us a 5-star review. It goes a long way. Thanks for listening.- Steve / Good SunsetEPISODE NOTESAqeel on BandcampAqeel Aadam Sound (plugins)Aqeel on YouTubeAqeel on InstagramGood Sunset on InstagramSongs played (in order)”Transmission” - Aqeel Aadam”Weighted Blanket” - Aqeel Aadam”Obsession” - Aqeel Aadam”Vestigial” - Aqeel Aadam”Crash Landing” - Aqeel Aadam”Beneath Cracked Sky” - Aqeel Aadam”Cosmic Irony” - Aqeel Aadam”Rang like a Bell” - Aqeel Aadam”Fault” - Aqeel Aadam”Nails Grow Back” - Aqeel AadamPlugins discussedCoastlineOutgrowthWeeping WallSpecial thanks to Navin Kala for the Slow Fade cover art. Listen to our magical conversation in ep. 1 of Slow Fade.