Peaking Lights creates dreamy soundscapes on stage and in the studio with Campfire Audio

Portland, OR, October 28, 2021- Peak lights, an Amsterdam-based duo made up of married partners Indra Dunis and Aaron Coyes, have written and recorded layered psychedelic pop since they first met in 2008. The couple have since produced 6 full albums and many other single EPs, made around the world, and expanded their family by adding two children to the mix while continuing to follow their creative muses. In order to make the most of their characteristic balance of stimulating and evocative soundscapes and soft vocals, the duo recently adopted Campfire audio Equinox IEM for the stage and studio, giving them the crucial balanced control they need.

A different experience
While the stereotypical couple might feud over control of the TV or the car stereo, Dunis and Coyes have had an ongoing high-spirited battle over their shared monitor mix since they started performing live. The combination of Dunis’ mellow vocals and Coyes’ loaded backing elements became an iconic part of Peaking Lights’ sound, but the requirements for the two to perform in a live environment couldn’t be more different. “I use a lot of weird stuff when it comes to equipment and sound design choices in our work,” Coyes explained. “While this is inspiring from a creative standpoint, it sometimes proves difficult to mix it with Indra’s voice live, causing a lot of comebacks on stage.”

In search of a solution for these live appearances, Dunis found herself drawn to Campfire Audio and started using a first pair of their Nova headphones. First drawn to them for aesthetic reasons, she quickly realized that the brand’s user-friendly approach and audiophile reputation was exactly what they were looking for and would be more than capable of handling her surveillance situation. “I have to be able to hear the details of my isolated voice on the instrumentals – our mixes can get really busy at times,” said Dunis. “Once I started using Novas it totally changed the way we listen and play. Suddenly all of these details were available to me, and we’ve been using Campfire ever since.

“It was a different experience because the vibe of the venue is vanishing, so you can’t really get a feel for the flavor of the crowd,” she continued. “In order to get a full sound range of live performance, we also have a feed from a pair of ambient mics to measure the effect of the music on the live audience.”

Studio effect
After about a year, Dunis and Coyes switched to pairs equipped with Campfire Equinoxes, adding even more depth and clarity to their surveillance situation. The upgrade immediately manifested itself in their studio workflow, providing them with benchmark sound that was still fun to hear despite long hours in the studio. “They have a real warmth that makes them incredibly enjoyable to listen to – it’s like putting something in an analog preamp where everything sounds very present but not necessarily harsh,” Coyes explained. “They had an even bigger impact and a bigger lens in the studio because of it, and we just started using them on everything. Practice, mix, even when I go to professional studios, I always bring my Equinox for reference.

“I can’t say enough good things about the Equinox for both studio and live applications,” he continued. “They are very neutral but also clear in the midrange and have good flex on the low end without being hyped. This mixture of being creamy while remaining neutral allows me to wear them for a long time without fatigue.

Despite the pandemic, the group has remained productive by doing tailor-made advertising work for clients such as Mont Blanc and Evian. Although this widening of their professional field kept them occupied, it did not prevent them from continuing to pursue their own art. Whatever the challenge, Dunis and Coyes have kept their IEM Equinox close at hand. “It is sometimes difficult to find tools that are effective to use but also enjoyable in the context of music creation,” said Coyes. “We’re so glad we found Campfire and to be able to take them with us on this journey – because in the end, it makes listening even more enjoyable.”

For more information on Peaking Lights, please visit: https://peakinglights.bandcamp.com/

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About Campfire Audio
Campfire Audio creates premium audiophile headphones for discerning listeners. Designed and assembled in Portland, Oregon, since 2015. Now offers bespoke in-ear headphones for the stage and the studio.