TUNIC x SENTIENT - TROLLIED EP [DCM008]
Unscripted Spark, Charted Collision
The Meeting of Minds
- Sarah Styles
There is a space where two minds meet—a convergence not of chance, but of intention. Pat Gubner (Tunic) and Dom Wallace (Sentient), two artisans shaping sound into something tangible, something that pulses with life beyond its mere vibration. They are architects of atmosphere, weaving texture and tone into something visceral, something that grips the bones as much as the mind.
☉☉☉
The Evolution of Collaboration
For both, collaboration is an evolution. It all began with a simple request—Dom reaching out to Pat, asking for permission to remix Rude Boy Dub (LDHBLK001). The track, which was initially released under LDH, had already begun to establish its own energy, but Dom, with his keen ear, saw something deeper. He felt an untapped potential in the remix, something that could be pushed further, given a fresh perspective. He didn’t just want to remix it—he wanted to engage with the track in a way that felt personal, like bringing his own voice into the narrative.
He was immediately drawn to the track’s mid bass—a sound that struck him as unique and powerful. Initially, he had planned to transform the piece into something different, perhaps turning it into a wobbler. But as he immersed himself in the track, he found himself unable to change the mid bass Pat had already crafted. It was too compelling, too essential to the track’s core. Instead of altering it, Dom decided to keep that element as it was. He added layers of haunting pads and eerie textures, pushing the track into a new dimension without altering the essence of Pat's original creation. This delicate balance—of respecting the original while taking it to another realm—became the foundation for their future collaborations.
Pat recalls the first interaction fondly, noting that it was a natural, organic moment. There was no hesitation in granting Dom permission—it was a mutual understanding that the music could grow into something even more vibrant through their connection. From this first gesture, what started as a single remix request blossomed into something more profound, a series of collaborations that would bring them together in both the digital and physical spaces.
The next step came when Tunic traveled to the UK, and the two met in real life for the first time. The face-to-face meeting added a layer of depth to their connection, transforming their previous interactions from messages and emails to real, tangible exchanges. The atmosphere shifted from virtual to visceral. The conversations flowed effortlessly, their shared vision of pushing boundaries in sound becoming even clearer.
As they began to work side by side, there was a palpable synergy between them. For Tunic, Sentient’s approach was refreshing—his raw honesty, paired with a deep commitment to the music, mirrored Pat’s own passion for creating without compromise. Dom, on the other hand, was drawn to Pat's organic style, the way he crafted sound with a sense of freedom and fluidity. It wasn’t just about fitting into a mold; it was about carving new paths together. They both agreed that collaboration wasn’t just about completing a project—it was about growing, learning, and challenging each other to step beyond their comfort zones.
Reflecting on other past experiences, Pat speaks of it as a way to stretch the edges of his own understanding, absorbing the nuances of another's craft. He recalls working with DoVeE, where the shift from MIDI to raw audio was a revelation, a recalibration of process. Dom echoes this, describing how working with artists like Tunic, Clearlight, and Ceiva has pulled his creativity in unexpected directions. But more than the technical shifts, it was the experience of working with Pat himself that left an indelible mark. Their collaborations were not just about merging sounds but about learning the unspoken rhythms of another’s creative mind. There was an unforced understanding, a give and take that made the process feel less like compromise and more like alchemy.
The Art of Selection
But it is not just about skill or technique—it is about connection. Both artists seek out those whose artistic language resonates with their own. Tunic gravitates toward those who carry an organic rawness in their sound, those who exist beyond the polished veneer of commercial appeal. Sentient, once a fan seeking collaborations from afar, now carefully selects those who will push him to complete what was once left unfinished, those who complement rather than replicate.
Navigating Creative Tension
And yet, the act of creating together is not always seamless. There are moments when visions clash, when paths diverge. Pat speaks of this balance—of honoring his desire to experiment while remaining true to his own artistic essence. Dom, too, understands the weight of compromise, of recognizing when to hold firm and when to let go. For both, it is in the friction where something remarkable can emerge.
Revisiting the Past
There is a reverence for the past in their work—not as a place to dwell, but as a foundation upon which they build. Tunic revisits his older tracks with an understanding that they are snapshots of a moment, of who he was then versus who he is now. He embraces imperfection, the necessity of release over endless refinement. Sentient, similarly, listens back to his early work and hears not just its limitations but its unique identity, unburdened by over-analysis.
The Power of Support Systems
Beyond music, both are upheld by the people around them. Pat speaks of a support system spanning friends, family, and a community that believes in his journey. Dom finds solace in those who give him unfiltered feedback, in those who remind him why he creates in the first place. The music industry can be relentless, but neither walks alone.
The Purpose of Music
And through it all, the question lingers—why music? What purpose does it serve in a world constantly shifting beneath our feet? Tunic sees it as a vessel for emotion, a thread that binds people together, that carves out space for something greater than the individual. Sentient, too, speaks of music as an escape, a means of stepping beyond the immediate, into a place where sound is both sanctuary and rebellion.
Values as an Artistic Compass
Their values, like their music, are deeply personal. Pat refuses to chase trends, to dilute his vision for fleeting recognition. He admires those who remain steadfast in their artistry, those who carve paths rather than follow them. Dom, too, creates from a place untouched by external noise, striving for something that is wholly, unmistakably his own.
Beyond the Music
And yet, life is not solely made of music. Tunic’s ambitions extend outward—into Hi-Vi hospitality, into video, into tangible spaces where creativity can thrive. Sentient finds himself drawn toward fashion, where he works in branding now, but his heart still carries a long-term ambition. "My dream is to score a horror film or a video game," he reveals, his voice filled with the weight of an unfulfilled creative calling. He sees his interest in fashion and branding as a part of his broader artistic journey—something that allows him to express his vision in diverse ways. But it’s the world of film and gaming soundtracks where he feels his creativity could truly break free. It’s a goal that anchors him as he continues to grow as an artist, ever reaching for something new. Both recognize that artistry does not exist in isolation; it spills over, shaping everything it touches.
The Balance of Present and Future
They stand at the meeting point of present and future, their eyes set on what lies ahead but their feet firmly planted in the now. Pat, ever meticulous, maps his course with careful precision, while Dom leans into spontaneity, into the freedom of uncharted territory.
☉☉☉
Two artists, two journeys, intersecting here. What they have built together is more than just an EP—it is a conversation, a dialogue between minds that understand that music is not merely heard, but felt. It is a world unto itself, bound not by expectation, but by the limitless expanse of creative will.
