Steven Wilson Reveals the $20 Plugin Behind the Guitars on His New Space Rock Epic
In an age where music production often involves thousands of dollars in gear and software, acclaimed musician and producer Steven Wilson has once again proven that creativity far outweighs cost. The Porcupine Tree frontman and solo visionary recently revealed that a humble $20 plugin was the secret weapon behind the soaring, atmospheric guitar tones on his upcoming space rock epic, sending shockwaves through the music production community.
Wilson, known for his progressive sonic landscapes and meticulous production techniques, unveiled the surprising detail during a recent interview promoting his new album. “All the guitars on the new record—every single one—ran through a plugin called Valhalla Supermassive,” he shared. “It cost me less than a round of drinks, and yet it gave me the exact kind of interstellar depth I wanted. It’s just incredible.”
Valhalla Supermassive, developed by Valhalla DSP, is a free (yes, $0) reverb and delay plugin celebrated for its lush, cavernous spaces and experimental textures. Though the plugin itself is technically free, Wilson mentioned upgrading or supporting the developer with a $20 donation or related plugin purchase—thus dubbing it his “$20 secret weapon.”
The space rock genre—defined by its sprawling arrangements, psychedelic textures, and immersive sonic layers—demands a certain kind of grandeur and depth. Wilson explained that traditional amps and pedals weren’t giving him the galactic scale he was after. “I wanted something that didn’t just echo the sound of the guitar, but exploded it outward like a dying star,” he said.
Using Supermassive, Wilson sculpted vast sonic tapestries, layering guitars with long, modulated delays, shimmering tails, and cosmic reverb that drifted endlessly into the mix. Fans who’ve previewed snippets from the album describe the guitars as “haunting,” “celestial,” and “transportive”—a true testament to the plugin’s power in the hands of a master.
This revelation highlights a growing trend among modern musicians: budget-friendly tools competing with high-end gear. Wilson acknowledged this shift. “We’re at a point where anyone with a laptop, a DAW, and the right mindset can produce something truly moving. You don’t need a million-dollar studio anymore—just taste and imagination.”
The yet-untitled album, expected to drop later this year, is being described as one of Wilson’s most adventurous solo efforts to date. It marks a return to his progressive and psychedelic roots, with themes of cosmic isolation, artificial intelligence, and human transcendence. “It’s a spiritual successor to The Sky Moves Sideways, but updated for the 21st century,” Wilson hinted.
As fans eagerly await the album’s release, producers and guitarists around the world are rushing to download the plugin behind the sound. Wilson, never one to gatekeep, encourages it. “If something works beautifully and it’s accessible, why not shout about it? Music should be about sharing ideas.”
In the end, Steven Wilson’s $20 revelation serves as a reminder that innovation isn’t about cost—it’s about vision. And in the vast universe of space rock, sometimes all it takes is the right delay pedal—digital or otherwise—to
reach the stars.
