Creativity In The Studio
Dive into some unconventional production techniques from DjRUM, Leon Vynehall, Shawn Everett, and Jack Antonoff. Sometimes, the 'wrong' way is exactly what your track needs. Here are 5 creative techniques that'll help you think outside the box and even outside the DAW.
MusicRadar Tech
Embracing imperfect edits for creative effect
DjRUM highlights the creative potential of embracing imperfect edits, using a trill as an example. By intentionally leaving the editing crude, they create a unique blend of realism and digital magic, where listeners are left questioning the authenticity of the sound. Instead of meticulously aligning transients and perfecting crossfades, the producer opts for a more spontaneous approach, allowing the imperfections to be masked by other elements in the mix. This technique emphasizes the beauty of free recording and improvisation, demonstrating that not every sound needs to be flawlessly executed to contribute effectively to a track.
Resident Adviser
Guitar pedals: Affordable analog sound shaping
Leon Vynehall highlights the creative potential of using guitar pedals for sound manipulation, emphasizing their affordability and ability to add character to your music. By taking your sound out of the digital realm and into the physical world, you can achieve unique and intriguing results that might not be possible with software alone. Vynehall encourages experimentation with these often inexpensive tools, suggesting that they can lead to some of the most interesting sonic outcomes in your production process.
Mix with the Masters
Creating sound textures with contact mics and tape
Shawn Everett experiments with various contact microphones, including a spring contact mic and a waterproof mic, to craft unique sound textures. He utilizes the Culture Vulture to add edge and character, followed by a tape machine to manipulate and enhance the sound further. Shawn emphasizes the distinctive vibe that analog processing brings, allowing for creative manipulation of sound that digital methods can't quite replicate. This approach showcases the potential of combining unconventional mic techniques with classic analog gear to produce innovative audio textures.
Mix with the Masters
Create a melody that sounds like a sped-up vintage sample to write a song
The focus is on crafting a chorus melody that mimics the vibe of a sped-up vintage sample using vocals. The process involves initially slowing down the project, recording the melody, and then returning it to normal speed, resulting in a unique, sped-up vocal effect. This technique adds a nostalgic, sample-like quality to the melody, providing a creative foundation for songwriting.
Mix with the Masters
Playing with compression like an instrument
Jack Antonoff discusses his creative approach to using compression as an instrument, emphasizing its role in shaping space and dynamics within a mix. He describes how he interacts with compression in real-time, feeling its impact as he plays, which allows him to manipulate the high end and create a sense of glue in the mix. Antonoff likens compression to other effects like reverb or distortion, highlighting its potential for expressive use rather than just a corrective tool. By treating compression as an integral part of the performance, Antonoff avoids the static nature of post-processing, preferring to capture the dynamic interplay with compression when recording.