Naturally, music production largely focuses on producing sound—hitting piano keys, holding a synth chord, strumming a guitar. But what if we told you that it’s the space around your sound, the literal physical space, that can push it from good to great? Not just...
When you’re creating new patches and designing sounds, do they sound static? Without rhythm, groove, dynamics, or a sense of movement? If so, what should you do to fix it? Enter the unsung hero of sound design and production, the LFO, or Low-Frequency Oscillator....
Unlocking the Sonic Magic of Physical Spaces Ever shouted into a cave? Or ‘yee-hawed’ down the Grand Canyon? Maybe you've heard an echo in a large bathroom? In each case, you would have heard what convolution reverb is based on. Did you notice how the sound in a cave...
What Makes Drums "Cinematic"? Cinematic drums are crucial for captivating, immersive film-based storytelling. They also elevate pop, hip hop, and EDM productions, adding gravity and depth to key sections of a track. Composers and producers typically turn to percussion...
Atmosphere, rich sonic textures, liminal spaces, and distinctive ambience all help define the allure of ambient music. If you're curious about ambient music's beginnings or how to make it, read on. This article covers a brief history of ambient music then dives into...
A Brief History of String Synths Think of electronic music and it’s impossible to ignore the role of string synthesizers. One only has to consider the lush ambient string pads in ‘Halcyon + On + On’ by Orbital, or the late great Vangelis’ Chariot’s of Fire and,...
Tips and Tricks on How to Make Lofi Music If you’ve stumbled on a playlist titled “study music,” “beats to relax to,” or “chill beats," you’ve heard lofi music. OK great… but what exactly is it? And how do you make lofi music? Read on for some background context, then...
An Overview of Essential Synth Bass Sounds There’s nothing quite like feeling bass vibrate throughout your entire body. It is the most essential part in many music genres, particularly electronic music and hip hop. Synthesizers contribute heavily to the sound of these...
Have you ever heard a song that you would describe as “sparse” or “empty”? Sometimes music can thrive off the space it creates. Other times, a song needs something to wrap everything together. That’s where a synth pad comes into play. It works to pad out an...
Sampling 101: How to Sample Music Sampling is the magic that comes from taking a previously recorded sound and repurposing it. When starting your music production journey, avoid the temptation to download tons of sample packs and libraries. Begin by learning the...