Abstract. This paper presents a study of the compositional process of creating electronic music. 18 electronic musicians were interviewed with focus on discussing their compositional approach, how ideas were realized, and how musical tools were utilized throughout the process. Results show that the process changes significantly from the beginning of the compositional process to the end. Freedom and control are not always keywords for designing successful musical tools. Participants reported that many creative ideas arise by not being fully in control, not being able to predict the outcome, or restricting or deliberately creating challenges for ones-self.
