Insight Interview: Arda Leen

Emerging from the hazy edges of ambient and future garage, Arda Leen has become a familiar name within the Insight Music catalogue.

With a string of releases on the label, he’s woven spacious textures and subtle rhythms into a sound that feels both intimate and cinematic.

Collaborations with Norwegian producer Tremolo, label-mates Jay Mellock (“Moonlight”) and NEREUS (“Make Your Mind”) highlight his instinct for connection and shared atmosphere. In this conversation, Arda Leen reflects on his creative process, key influences, and the moments that shape his evolving world.

Can you share a bit about your journey as a music producer and how you came to specialise in Ambient, Downtempo, and Future Garage music?

My journey as a producer began in 2018, when I changed my name to Arda Leen and released Train To Nothing on The Games We Play. Before that, I had spent about 2 or 3 years learning and making music. Getting into Ambient or Future Garage happened purely by chance, I don’t remember the exact moment, but I do remember listening to Azaleh, Phelian, Honeyruin or Sibewest and being blown away by that kind of music.

What inspired your alias and does it hold any significance to your musical journey?

My name comes from a comic book called Ardalen by Miguelanxo Prado. Ardalen is briefly defined as “Humid wind that blows from the sea towards the land. It is the wind from beyond.” The story is set in Galicia, where I’m from, and it’s about memory and memories. When I read it, I knew that was going to be my name.

How would you describe your artistic process when creating music? Are there any specific themes or emotions you aim to convey, especially in your current release?

The only element I always include in every song is rain, it’s where everything that inspires me begins. I always take into account the specific situations of each moment in which I’m writing.

What draws you to the genres of Ambient, Downtempo, Future Garage?

I’m drawn to the reflective and serene character that these genres evoke. They create moments of relaxation, contemplation, meditation, and pause, things that are increasingly necessary yet increasingly forgotten.

Could you walk us through your studio setup and any favourite gear or software?

I use FL Studio to produce. I actually use very few plugins; the ones I use most often are Diva, LABS, and DecentSampler. For effects, I use different types of reverb and delay, like those in FL Studio, Solaris, Replika, Valhalla Supermassive, Cloud Seed, and DVS Space Echo. I don’t have anything really complex or unique in my music, just creating with the basics.

We’re excited about your upcoming music. What can listeners expect in terms of themes, soundscapes, or collaborations?

For the future, I continue experimenting with blending genres. Currently, I’m more into UK garage and trance, taking the music to more energetic rhythms and less calm vibes, but always keeping the rain.

How does this release differ from your previous work, if at all?

Currently, I’m looking for music that’s more dance-oriented, with more groovy and melodic themes.

Who or what are some of your biggest musical influences?

My biggest influences are a lot, from listening to all kinds of music from different eras, from classical to hardstyle, to artists in the genre like Owsey, Phelian, Blut Own, Azaleh, and Bucky.

Are there any particular experiences or places that inspire your music?

My music is inspired by all the everyday moments that happend, and the conditions in which they take place, both about nature and emotional.

What are your goals or aspirations as an artist moving forward?

My goals are to release music in physical format, as well as to release the albums that are already out in physical form. I’d like to steer my music toward something more classical and produce an album for solo piano, as well as music more oriented toward clubs and festivals.

Are there any particular projects or collaborations you dream of pursuing?

I’d like to do more collaborations with my peers, such as Reиovatio, Jay Mellock, Nereus Tremolo or Archer. I’d also love to work with Shah, Bucky, Vesky, Lazarus Moment, or Warmth. I always enjoy collaborating with other artists, hearing other people’s ideas is always a strong source of inspiration.

Anything else you’d like to share with listeners or aspiring producers?

Thank you to everyone for listening to my music, I’ll always be grateful. To those who feel inspired by it to create their own, I encourage you to search for your own world and shape it through music.

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Big thank you to Arda Leen for this incredible interview! We’d love for you to show thanks to the artist by supporting him on the following platforms:

Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram