At Brandenburg Labs, innovation thrives at the crossroads of technology, creativity, and curiosity. In our Expert Insights series, we speak with the brilliant minds behind our work, uncovering their perspectives on audio technology, research, and the creative processes that drive breakthrough ideas.
In this edition, we sat down with Gustav Anthon, one of our talented Software Engineers. Gustav combines deep technical expertise with a lifelong passion for music, a combination that allows him to shape the future of audio experiences at Brandenburg Labs.
From his early experiences in music and technology to his insights on innovation and R&D, Gustav shares what inspires him and how he approaches complex challenges.
You started out with a deep interest in both music and technology. What was the moment/experience that made you decide to pursue audio software development professionally?
After spending time with music production tools, I found myself fascinated by how they worked. I would use these tools, but I didn’t fully understand what was going on under the hood. That curiosity led me to dive deeper into how audio software was built. The idea of not just using the tools but creating them myself became an obsession, and that obsession led me to this career.
What advice would you give to young engineers or musicians who want to build a career in audio software development?
My advice would be to stay curious and get your hands dirty. Don’t just use the tools, dive into the code, and figure out how they work. Experiment, break things, and learn from the process. I’ve found the best way to grow is by getting into the nitty-gritty and pushing things to their limits.
Immersive and interactive audio experiences are transforming how we perceive sound. What do you think will be the next big leap or breakthrough in this area?
I think we’re moving towards more intuitive and responsive immersive audio experiences. Right now, we’re still in the early stages of fully interactive spatial audio, where sound can be dynamically influenced by user movement or interaction. The next big leap will likely come from more seamless integration of audio with virtual and augmented reality. We might see more advances in how audio adapts to the physical environment in real time, or new ways to manipulate the sound space that are more natural and immersive for users
What inspires you when working on long, complex software projects? How do you stay curious over time?
When I’m working on a project that genuinely excites me, I find that I stay motivated no matter how complex or long it takes. The real driving force for me is the creative potential of the tool I’m building. If I can envision how a musician or sound designer might use it to push boundaries, I’m all in. It’s the challenge of creating something that could spark new forms of artistic expression that keeps me engaged and curious throughout the process.
What’s something outside of software engineering, whether music, art, or another field, that surprisingly influences your work or how you approach innovation?
Outside of engineering, I’m really inspired by boundary-pushing art, whether it’s music, visual art, or performance. Seeing artists challenge conventions encourages me to think outside the box in my own work, especially when it comes to how people interact with sound.