Indie Insights: guitarist, producer & label owner Jonny Abbey

Jonny Abbey is a Portuguese guitarist, producer and composer. Based in Lisbon, his music blends guitar-led logi and chill hop with soulful, melodic production. His focus is on music that feels human and reflective, using organic textures and warm analogue tones to drive emotional compositions.

Jonny is also the founder of Cat Café Records, Portugal’s first lofi label, and his focus as a label owner is showcasing artists who share a passion for organic, emotionally-rich instrumental music.

Jonny’s here to share his ride-or-die production tools and why he can’t live without them!

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Jonny's favourite production tools

I look for tools that are intuitive and stay out of the way of the creative process. I don’t want tools that distract me from that state of flow, but instead help me stay immersed in creating. I value tools that solve problems, rather than introduce more variables, and that give me a sound I connect with. Every tool I use inspires me to keep creating.

Oeksound Soothe 2

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What is it? A dynamic resonance suppression plugin, described as a ‘smart spectral processor’. It removes harshness and cleans up muddiness.

Where can you find it? https://oeksound.com/plugins/soothe3/

Jonny says: The quickest way to control muddiness, harshness, and unwanted resonances.

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Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor

What is it? A plugin that adds analogue warmth and richness to tracks, with dynamics control for vocals, guitars, bass, synths and more.

Where can you find it? https://www.uaudio.com/products/teletronix-la-2a-tube-compressor

Jonny says: My go-to for adding ‘more’. Beautiful tube saturation, often used as a preamp.

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Eventide Blackhole

What is it? A digital version of the Eventide Blackhole Pedal, designed to create ‘otherworldly reverb’. Includes over 50 presets and limitless customisation.

Where can you find it? https://www.eventideaudio.com/plug-ins/blackhole/

Jonny says: My go-to for huge, spaced-out sounds and otherworldly guitar textures.

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XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color

What is it? An audio plugin that recreates the textured, analogue nature of vintage recording equipment.

Where can you find it? https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_fx/effect/rc-20_retro_color

Jonny says: Still the GOAT for wobbly vibes, pitch drift and making rhythm guitars wider.

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Neural DSP Archetype: Cory Wong X

What is it? A plugin that combines multiple guitar pedals into one piece of software that recreates Cory Wong’s recognisable guitar sound.

Where can you find it? https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/archetype-cory-wong

Jonny says: Mostly for lead guitars. Default preset with the presence dialed back, done.

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Hear more from Jonny Abbey

Listen to Jonny on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music or Deezer.

Visit Jonny's website. Visit Cat Cafe Records.

Follow Jonny on Instagram. Follow Cat Café Records on Instagram.