longstoryshort

Producer Masterclass - Arrangement + Patterns

Added 2024-07-10 01:43:13 +0000 UTC

hi,

different style video today that I hope helps level up your songwriting and opens up your mind to more possibilities when creating. it's a bit more of a discussion than technical nerdery on a synth or compressor...and I hope i did a great job expressing my concepts.

we discuss:

arrangement, what is it and why should you care?
the concept of 'macro and micro' arrangement in electronic music - patterns vs arrangement
avoiding predictability while staying palatable
good arrangements deliver complex ideas in ways that feel simple/digestible. telling the story of the song in the most efficient way possible
introducing elements in interesting ways - DAWs work in "blocks" and it's very easy to fall into the trap of just "adding or removing" every 8 bars on the dot. this is boring.
"pollinating" the song. use elements from the drop as textures in the builds/breakdowns, sample elements and build a song around your elements, over boring samples (white noise bursts and stuff that feel generic)
A/B/A/C is a common pattern in bass music, and using call/response is key for making patterns interesting. where you can get creative is how you structure your patterns, how long each section lasts, etc.
introducing elements subtly before they become "full" on sections is an incredible way to make shifts in the song that feel sudden but "work", as well as subliminally planting the theme into your head further

my goal with this video is to open your eyes a little to more possibilities beyond "break > build > drop > break > build > drop", and encourage you to experiment with exciting arrangements/patterns, and challenge the way you introduce elements and themes in your writing.

much love!!