BLOG 5

Continuing To Build Structure

I have been successful in creating my track in Logic Pro X and forming the verses and the chorus’. After producing the verse and chorus structure, I focused on layering various instruments from piano, bass and to varying synths as shown in the screenshot below. I have also added a string ensemble as it adds another layer to the track and creates harmony (Plachno, 2014, p.61) fitting well with the other instruments I have formed.

Layered Instruments

Instead of using the drum loops that I found on Logic, (as shown in the previous blog) I have instead created my own by using the software electronic drum kit called ‘Silverlake’. I find that this initially works better and has a much deeper, thicker sound that I was hoping to achieve. It particularly fits nicely with the other instruments, however, it needs be adjusted in the mixing process as the kick drum has formed the most prominent part of the track and is somewhat the ‘pulse’ of the song (Bennett, 2008, p.160).

Kick Drum Loop

Modern Pop & 90s Dance Pop Incorporated

Furthermore, I have also created an intro to my song. In Blog 3, I showed a slower version of my song which I did not initially like, however, I feel that this could create an interesting effect/mood to the song and I wanted to somewhat incorporate this into my track. This was done by forming a slow intro tempo and to then changing the tempo to be more upbeat. This is to create the essence of 90s Dance Pop once the upbeat sound comes in. This is also forming together more modern and 90s Dance Pop ideas together.

The slow intro idea came from a recent song by Ariana Grande called ‘bad idea’ where in the middle of the song (at 3:10) the music changes as an orchestral arrangement is played, completely altering the sound of the song. However, after this section of the song, the beat comes back in. I really loved this effect and wanted to incorporate it into my own track, though during the start of the song.

The instruments that I have used for this intro are – piano (main body of the piece), strings in a ‘Cinematic’ effect, a synth called ‘Wandering Voices’ that creates a thicker layer, fitting well around the other instruments and finally an interesting choice of instrument called ‘Erhu’ which works perfectly with the rest of the instruments.

The intro begins at 110 tempo and then changes to 130 once the verse begins. This slight change in tempo has allowed the track to be more vibrant in how it sounds and creates a surprise on the listener when the verse comes in.

Staggered Instruments (Build Up)

As inspired by 90s Dance/Electronic songs, I want to ensure that this style is delivered correctly to the listener. Creating each instrument to come in at a different times (staggering) creates a excitement to the song. I have done this by making the piano start, then the drums and bass to gradually come in. This is done in various 90s Dance songs such as ‘What Is Love’ by Haddaway, as the bass and drums come in after the main melody at the beginning of the song.

Intro and Start of Verse – Together

I am pleased with the outcome of the intro and the verses of my song. Although the instruments sound muddy like the bass, this needs to be adjusted during the mixing and mastering stages by adjusting the frequencies and dynamics to form a clear sound to the piece. This will be done in a later process once the track and vocals are recorded.

Reference List:

Ariana Grande. (2019). Ariana Grande – bad idea. [Online Video] 14 February. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7XHduHsBvk [Accessed 20th March 2019].

Bennett, S. (2008). Logic Pro 8: Tips and Tricks. Norfolk: PC Publishing.

CoconutMusicGermany. (2014). Haddaway – What Is Love. [Online Video] 18 June 2014. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEXWRTEbj1I [Accessed 20th March 2019].

Plachno., R.J. (2014). Becoming a One Person Band.