In this post I am going to break-down one of my tracks ‘Nails’. This was released by ReWasted in 2022 on their Future 002 compilation. They had opened demo submissions for this release so I made a batch of tracks just for this. I then submitted 4 tracks, 3 of which were signed, and this is the one they selected for the Future 002 release. Siiiiick! Let’s listen to the track below to get a feel for what we are talking about.
Now let’s dive into the details of this stomper. We will discuss all the key elements of this track that I believe make it an effective banger.
The Kick Groove
Components
One of the standout elements of the track is its kick groove, which is deceptively simple yet foundational to the track's overall sound. It consists of three primary components: a main kick, a rumble derived from that kick, and a distinctively distorted, "ugly" kick drum that adds depth and texture. This combination creates a compelling rhythm that's both powerful and intricate.
The Main Kick
The main kick originates from an OBI pack, specifically tailored for hard techno. Remarkably, this kick required no modification to fit seamlessly into the track, showcasing its inherent quality and suitability for the genre. A subtle yet impactful addition to this kick is a slight delay effect, which introduces a dynamic element to the sound, enhancing its spatial presence without altering its core tone.
Rumble Creation
To generate the rumble, a creative process involving Valhalla Room and ShaperBox was employed, facilitated by the parallel channels feature in Reason 12. This process allowed for the manipulation of the kick's reverb and side-chain effects, effectively creating a spacious and rhythmic texture that complements the primary kick. A notable technique used in this process was the flipping of the phase, which, although not necessary for avoiding phase issues due to the identical source of the kick, was chosen for the unique characteristic it brought to the sound mix.
The final product of this meticulous process was then bounced to audio, with the best segments looped to maintain consistency and quality. The low-pass filtering of the rumble in its audio form further refined the sound, ensuring a seamless blend with the main kick.
Percussion Elements
Punchy Kick Drum
A gritty, punchy kick drum is layered in, which is a stock sound from Reason. This was achieved using a Rytmik Drum Machine and an old-school drum sequencer within Reason, designed like an old drum machine for a nostalgic feel.
Percussion Loop Automation
The percussion loop includes different patterns, with pulsating tom rolls that change throughout the track. These variations are automated to add complexity and variation within the drum pattern.
909 Clap
A simple 909 clap is added for additional texture that pays homage to the genre's roots.. The plugin used is specifically modeled after the Roland TR-909 drum machine, you can never go wrong adding 909 elements to any techno track!
Lead Sounds
Sound Design: Glitchy Stabs
This patch is from Serum, which I called "Tech stab,". It is designed using two oscillators. This sound is manipulated with distortion, chorus, and delay effects to fit within the track's overall vibe.
LFO Manipulation
The glitchy stabs are shaped in Serum using an LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) controlling the amplitude and level, creating a fast, pulsating effect reminiscent of a dial-up internet sound or a rapid telephone buzz.
Adding Delays for Call & Response
These are introduced with a 3/16 delay using an echo effect, adding depth and a unique character to the track. The effects are from stock Reason Echo Tape Delays, demonstrating how onboard effects can significantly alter and enhance a sound.
Breakdown Section
Creepy Reese Lead
During the breakdown, a digital brass sound run through tube saturation adds tension and anticipation. This sound, sourced from a Test Press pack available on Splice, underscores the importance of selecting quality presets to enhance a track's emotional impact.
Automation for Dynamic Effect
Automation plays a crucial role, especially with low pass and high pass filters, to gradually introduce elements and create a buildup without directly manipulating the volume. This technique allows for a more nuanced control over the dynamics and texture of the track.
Final Thoughts
In the world of hard rolling techno, it's these elements, these techniques, and these creative choices that transform a track from a collection of sounds into a finished piece of art. So, whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting, remember: it's not just about the sounds you choose, but how you bring them to life.
This post has been adapted into written form from this YouTube video below: