How It Was Made: Rameff – Kasbah Fever [Sol Selectas]
French producer Rameff delivered his debut solo EP Kasbah Fever on September 19 (that’s today!) via Sol Selectas. The three-track release (Kasbah Fever, Luxor Madness, and Goddess of Euphoria) introduced his fusion of indie dance, tribal percussion, and organic instrumentation. Written after his first trip to Burning Man, the project reflects a style he often tags in his own DJ library as “Ethno” – music that blends ethnic textures with hypnotic grooves designed for both ritual and the dancefloor.
The EP pairs disco-infused rhythms with mystical sound design, evoking what he describes as a surreal desert rave. The cover art, created by Helia Jamali, mirrors this vision with imagery inspired by Egyptian gods and sacred dunes. Below, Rameff walks through the tools and techniques behind Kasbah Fever.
TAQS.IM Solo
I really love Taqs.im Solo. It’s perfect for creating expressive leads and rich, colorful textures, especially for Ethnic, world-influenced, or Middle Eastern sounds. The library is huge and full of instruments that just feel alive and authentic. Made by Armenian musicians, it’s super intuitive and fully customizable, so you can shape your tones quickly and easily.
For the Kasbah Fever EP, I used it on almost every melodic part. I layered sounds, shifted octaves, and really expanded the frequency range to give everything more depth and presence. I also bounced all the MIDI tracks to audio to keep the CPU happy.
If you’re working in similar genres, this plugin is amazing for crafting detailed, unique sounds. I love just messing around with small tweaks on instruments to create textures that really stand out.
HY-ESG
HY-ESG is a free trance gate plugin with a Euclidean sequencer that I absolutely love. It lets you mix math and music to create evolving, organic rhythmic patterns. The interface is super simple and intuitive, so you can start experimenting and being creative right away.
I use it on all kinds of sounds – lead synths, pads, percussion, FX, almost everything. A trick I like is putting a pattern on one instrument and the opposite on another, creating a quick “call and response” where one fills the gaps of the other. It’s a fast way to keep your tracks clean and dynamic without making them feel crowded.
HY-ESG is a great tool for adding rhythmic complexity while keeping the mix clear. Try contrasting patterns on different instruments to create playful interactions, and don’t be afraid to experiment – its simplicity makes creativity come naturally.
FabFilter Pro-C2
FabFilter Pro-C2 is a versatile compressor that I use extensively in my mixes. It’s incredibly precise and flexible, making it perfect not just for traditional compression but also for creative side-chain. Its interface and visual feedback make it easy to see exactly how the compression is shaping your sound.
In my workflow, I use Pro-C2 for side-chaining on almost every element of my track, beyond the kick/bass couple (which I usually handle with volume rather than compression, using KickStart 2 and a high-pass around 200 Hz). Pro-C2 manages almost all other elements, from leads to pads and atmospheric layers, helping reduce frequency clashes and keep the mix clean. I also use it on short elements like plucks or FX shots with very short release times so the side-chain effect disappears immediately after the sound ends.
For producers, Pro-C2 is a super handy tool for mixing and controlling dynamics. It’s great for clearing space in busy mixes and giving each element room to breathe. Once you start experimenting with it, it quickly becomes a plugin you reach for on almost every track.
Thenatan Underwater FX
Underwater FX by Thenatan is a unique plugin that instantly gives sounds a submerged, smooth character. It combines multiple effects in a single tool, allowing you to create that “underwater” vibe on melodic elements, leads, or atmospheric layers without juggling several plugins. Its soft and fluid character makes it ideal for adding subtle depth and texture.
I mainly use it with automation, which saves me from setting up four or five separate effects to achieve the same result. It lets me smoothly bring a sound in or out, or add a muffled quality when needed. On the Kasbah Fever EP, I applied it on a lead synth multiple times, and I sometimes pair it with Endless Smile by Dada Life, using similar automation curves to enhance the wetness at the start and end of my elements.
For producers, Underwater FX is such a cool tool for adding atmosphere and depth without making your effects chain too complicated. It’s awesome on melodic parts, helping create smooth transitions and immersive textures. You can even layer it with other modulation or delay tools for extra dynamic vibes. Its gentle but versatile character makes it one of those plugins you never get tired of using.
Hot Takes On The Scene And In The Studio
Hot Takes #1
My EP Kasbah Fever and all similar tracks are not pure indie dance to me. This style has not really got a name that everyone agrees on yet. I like to call it Ethno because it blends organic, ethnic and deep sounds with danceable grooves. That is how I tag these tracks in my DJ library.
#Hot Takes 2
I feel like producers sometimes get lost in complexity, thinking that more technical equals better quality or that they absolutely need the latest equipment or plugins. I prefer to keep it simple, have fun, and not overthink. You don’t need top-of-the-line tools to make something good. I live in a very small town of Mexico and my studio is nothing glamorous like the ones you see on Instagram. Creativity can come from limitations and I’m sure that having all the toys you want will not make better tracks. In fact, it can even work against you. It’s okay if it’s not perfect, the important thing is to enjoy the process and keep moving forward.
Hot Takes #3
I think artists should really pay attention to the groove. At the last festivals I went to, I noticed a lot of music is very melodic, “emotional,” or super focused on the kick/bass, and people tend to copy it, which makes the scene feel pretty homogeneous. It’s all about finding the right balance and giving the groove and percussion some love, with the goal of making people move in a more primal, instinctive way.
Hot Takes #4
Creativity works like waves. You have to ride it when it comes and not be too hard on yourself when it passes. Use the downtime to focus on less inspirational things like mastering, digging, or organizing your sample library so that when the wave returns, you can dive deep into your inspiration.
Hot Takes #5
AI is taking a bigger role in music production. See it as an ally to unlock creativity and make your life easier, letting you focus less on technical stuff and more on creation. Tools like iZotope Neutron and Ozone have shown us over the last years how powerful this can be. Keep learning theory and practicing but don’t hesitate to use tools that support your work.
