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Tech Sessions #5

The Sound
One of the biggest things that we producers struggle with is the definition of our "sound." It's a curse and a blessing. On one hand having a "sound" can set you up for a nice string of hits when opportunity comes calling.

On the other hand, once your "sound" gets old, you're instantly considered played out and either have to reinvent yourself or pray you Ok'd the right financial moves during your run at the top.

Now what I am about to say is subjective. So take it for what its worth but as producers we don't really try to have a "sound." In our minds it goes against the very reason why we got into this to begin with.

If we wanted to live by rules we would have gotten real jobs as they say so why should we sit down in front of our gear and be like 'yo pull up the club banger patches?'

Instead, we each decorate our tracks with our little preferences that we are into. I'm not going to start giving away trade secrets or anything but the fact is there are certain pieces of sound that we like that don't really show up anywhere else and that is as deep as we get into having a " sound."

Coming into this thing, most of you are in a really good position because people are hungry right now. Hungry for new and fresh sonics and ideas. Use your creativity to let each track stand on its own as its own thing.

So, the question could become 'how do you break out of the habits that make your tracks sound the same?' That's really up for you to decide and its not as simple as swapping out a patch or using a different kick drum here and there.

The biggest thing (at least for me) has always been to constantly shuffle how I get tracks started. On some days, I'll do the beat first and then build from that foundation.

On other days I'll get a synth line going and do it like that. Sometimes I'll get some guitar or piano chords together and work everything around that. You get the idea.

Coming into a song from different angles allows you not only to keep things fresh but it gives you the true perspective on the role of each instrument.

Next week, I'll get into just how important music theory is so you'll see where this is going but for now, know that if you're just coming up, you have no rules. You don't answer to anyone. Use that freedom to build your own thing to keep our music as vital and progressive as it's been since day one.

Glover is one half of the Atlanta, GA based production squad The Audio Assassins which are founding members of The Elements. You can find them both at Audioassassins.com and theelementsinc.com

Message Glover and differentiate the sounds of your favorite producers

Ray Tamarra

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