Interview: Closed Loop on his ‘World of the Rave’

New Hampshire Producer and DJ Closed Loop drops ‘World of the Rave’ on Grand Alliance Music, a track born from winter studio sessions and creative flow states. Built around piano samples and MIDI progressions, the release showcases his signature blend of Serum bass patches and Omnisphere atmospheres.

The producer has been grinding since 2012, developing his collaborative approach through live musician partnerships and his side project Morphic Frequencies with fiancée Samantha. Currently performing with five-piece jam band PhonicSol and running ISR Collective—which recently released a 23-track New England compilation—Closed Loop represents a community-driven approach to electronic music. Here is a little of his tale that has led to this Grand Alliance Music release.

Closed Loop

Where did you first experience a ‘World of the Rave’? What was the last experience that felt like a proper rave for you?

I started getting into electronic music around 2012, but honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced what I would consider a truly authentic rave. In my mind, a classic rave looks like something out of the mid-90s—acid techno and house pounding in a warehouse, RGB lights everywhere, everyone’s dancing hard and sweating under the influence of Molly. That’s the image I’ve always had in my head, and I’ve never experienced something quite like that.

That said, I’ve spent a lot of time at festivals, hitting up renegade stages, staying up all night and soaking in those late-night vibes. One standout moment was playing an afterparty for Pretty Lights, headlined by Michael Menert. It was held in a pole dancing studio on the third floor of a warehouse in Boston—probably the closest thing I’ve ever experienced to a true rave, aside from some wild house parties.

Have you been to the Homie Collective Campout? What can you tell us about the festival? Who’s curating it? Do you have any camping essentials?

Yeah, I’ve been to the Homie Campout twice. The first time was in 2022, which was also the first year it went public. My fiancée Samantha and I helped manage one of the stages, which was literally built on top of our friend Myke Toast’s mini bus. That weekend, Ben Encanti from Zebbler Encanti Experience headlined, and I got to play a set on the bus with my friend Danny Bermm on guitar. That set still stands out as one of my favorites.

The festival showcases a really eclectic mix of music—everything from jam bands to happy hardcore at 200 BPM. Charlie Hi is the mastermind behind it. He plays in a band called The Hot Chocheys and is super dedicated to creating a positive, community-driven festival experience. This year my band PhonicSol will be performing at The Homie Collective Campout, its a 5 piece jam band with heavy electronic and sample based influences.

As for camping essentials: definitely the basics—camping chair, cooler—but I also bring a power bank that can handle 120V accessories. Pro tip: cut foam pool noodles and put them on each corner of your canopy. It stops rainwater from pooling and collapsing it. Also, vacuum-sealing clothes like socks is a game changer. Keeps them dry even if they hit the mud.

Homie Collective Campout 2025 Lineup

Homie Collective Campout 2025 Lineup

What has been one of your more memorable moments in the studio?

Some of my favorite studio memories come from collaborating with others—working with guitarists, bassists, and horn players. I love recording live instruments and then manipulating the audio to fit into an electronic space.

Another meaningful part of the studio for me is working with my fiancée on our side project, Morphic Frequencies. We both contribute equally, bouncing ideas off each other and really catching a vibe. That chemistry comes through in the music every time.

Can you share some insight into the sound design for ‘World of the Rave’? Any newer production techniques, plug-ins, or samples you used?

Honestly, I made that track over the winter, and sometimes when I’m deep in the creative zone, it’s like I “black out” and forget the exact steps I took. But if I recall correctly, it started with a piano sample you hear at the beginning. I built out MIDI progressions based on that initial harmony.

For sound design, I leaned heavily on Serum for bass patches. Omnisphere is another favorite of mine for atmospheric layers and synth textures. I also use Ableton’s Auto Filter a lot—it helps me transition smoothly between sections and blend sounds together in a more fluid way.

Closed Loop – World of the Rave [Grand Alliance Music]

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to fully give yourself to the music. Don’t worry about what people think—just be present and feel it. Audiences can sense when something’s off. If you’re not feeling what you’re playing, they’ll pick up on that energy. But if you’re 100% in it and vibing hard, that energy radiates and brings everyone in with you.

What’s new with the ISR Collective? Anything you can announce today?

ISR Collective is really focused on music releases this year. About a month ago, we dropped a 23-track compilation featuring talent from New England, as well as artists from three other countries and several U.S. states. It was a huge showcase of both emerging and established producers—just a ton of hidden talent.

We’ve got some bigger plans brewing for next year, but it’s still under wraps. More announcements will come when the time is right.

What characteristic makes someone cool and beautiful in your eyes? 

To me, being cool comes down to how you treat others. Your character shows in how you interact with people, especially when you’re not getting something in return. Too many folks get caught up in their own world and miss the chance to connect.

I think real beauty shows through actions. If you can put your own needs aside to help someone else—even for a moment—that’s beautiful. When we collaborate and lift each other up instead of competing, we all move forward, both as a scene and as people.

How was it working with Grand Alliance Music for this release? Where did you first connect?

Working with Grand Alliance Music was a great experience from the beginning. Will and his team are super passionate and professional. They were really organized with promoting the release and made sure it got the attention it deserved.

I’m not 100% sure how we first connected—I probably came across them online. But I remember feeling like they had a similar mission and energy to what Samantha and I are building with ISR Collective.

Funniest scene in a movie ever?

In Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, there’s a scene where they end up at some random guy’s house, and he has a cyclops locked in the basement. At one point he yells down, “You better go back to sleep, boy! Don’t make me come down there and whoop your cyclops ass.” I legit laughed out loud at that one—so random and absurd.