Brian D’Oliveira On Building An Innovative Plugin Company

Attack Editor, Eric Brünjes, caught up with Brian D’Oliveira, composer, sound designer, and founder of MNTRA Instruments, to explore an approach to music and music software making that prioritises texture, emotion, and narrative.

Best known for his work in film and game scoring, Brian has built MNTRA Instruments around the idea that sound should feel alive – drawing on highly unique field recordings, physical materials and unconventional recording techniques to create instruments that sit somewhere between organic and electronic.

In this conversation, we dive into the philosophy behind those tools, how his creative process differs from traditional plugin development, and why embracing imperfection can lead to more distinctive productions. He also shares practical insights on finding inspiration outside the studio, developing your own sonic identity, and breaking out of overused workflows.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Find MNTRA Instruments online.