This week on TDL Synth Chat, I’m joined by Chileas, a producer and synth lover from France, whose musical journey has taken him from beat-making in Paris to building a studio full of classic synths and exploring synth-pop sounds.

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We chat about his early days in a hip-hop scene full of samplers and soul records, and how that eventually led him to the world of analog synthesizers. From the MicroKorg to the Korg DW-8000, Casio CZ series, and classics like the DX7, D-50, and M1, Chileas shares how each instrument shaped his sound and style.

“When I got my first synth, I didn’t know what a waveform was — it was magic!” – Chileas

He explains how limitations like 4-note polyphony can drive creativity, why editing with VSTs can be a lifesaver, and why the Casio CZ-5000 is still one of his secret weapons.

We also explore:

His love of Kate Bush and the dream of owning a Yamaha CS-80

Why he prefers external FX to built-in presets

His approach to integrating MIDI and VST editors across his entire rig

Using Behringer gear like the Monopoly

And his upcoming synth-pop project under a brand new alias

“I don’t think your synth defines your genre — it’s how you understand the sound and shape it.”

Listen to Chileas on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6zFR6weH7WEYAGootSfcxX?pi=BA_ouvbMTZe9G

My new track: https://open.spotify.com/album/1kWt85r30LqFLECfJ3I7VB?si=8FE8huldSdavhYMWYLPFiw

MicroKorg

Korg Minilogue

Casio CZ-5000

Yamaha DX7 / TX7 / DX100

Roland D-50

Korg M1

Ensoniq ESQ-1

Korg DW-8000

Roland Alpha Juno 2

Korg Prophecy

Siel DK80

Behringer Monopoly, CR-78 clone

Korg OP-6, Modwave, Multi/Poly

Whether you’re deep into synth collecting or just exploring the vintage gear world, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

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