Hey, what's up, everyone? Mr. Flick here, navigating the pulsating waves of hard techno, hard acid, and industrial music. Today, I'm excited to share a session breakdown of my track 'Mind Breaker', released on DeKonstrukt. Crafted in the summer of 2021, this track encapsulates my journey through sound and beats. So, let's gear up and dive deep into my world of music production.
** PLEASE NOTE, None of the products / software listed below are paying me. The links below are only to make it easy for you to check out the tools. If any of these companies do decide to give me affiliate links I will disclose that information.
This blog post is a summarized version of the YouTube video below:
The Power of Reason
As a loyal Reason user for years, I've found my rhythm within its digital walls. The platform's full VST support (Like my beloved FabFilter Pro-Q3), coupled with a mixing desk modeled after the SSL 9000 studio console, offers up a world of possibilities.
From EQ adjustments to precise compression Reason has been my go-to for crafting those hard-hitting techno tracks.
Kick Drum: The Heartbeat of Techno
The kick drum sets the stage in 'Mind Breaker'. With a straightforward approach, I used a sample from a Unity pack, manipulated through Kong Sampler to find the perfect thump. Layering is key; a rumble created with reverb, low-pass filtering, and the magic of side-chaining adds that ominous depth.
The kick is not just a sound; it's the backbone of the track, tweaked to perfection using various tools, including Shaper Box for that pulsating rhythm.
Crafting the Atmosphere: Percussion and Effects
The essence of 'Mind Breaker' goes beyond the kick. High-end percussion loops, meticulously EQ’d, along with open hats and rides from Kong, create a texture that's both complex and compelling.
Each element, from the smudgy saturation on the hard hat to the subtle swing of the rides, is carefully curated.The trick is in the details, using velocity to control decay and sample start time on much of the cymbals and percussion, ensuring every beat tells a story.
Bass Line: The Dark, Pulsating Undercurrent
The bass line in 'Mind Breaker', crafted with Serum, forms the dark, pulsating undercurrent of the track. It's not just about the sound design; the melody, following the Phrygian mode, plays a crucial role. This mode, with its minor second intervals, brings a dissonant, haunting quality to the music, essential in creating that 'hard' vibe.
Layering effects like Shaper Box, distortion, and OTT compression (this plug in free!), I sculpted the bass to fit perfectly within the sonic landscape, ensuring it complements the kick without overpowering.
Melodic Elements and Sampling: Crafting the Narrative
The melodic elements and sampled vocals in 'Mind Breaker' are more than just sounds; they're narrative devices. The lead, another Serum masterpiece, follows the bass line's dark melody, adding a layer of complexity.
And then, there's the sample – "breaking into his mind" from The Matrix, a nod to the classic movie that fits seamlessly into the techno narrative. Sourcing this sample was a journey in itself, using innovative tools like playphrase.me and Audio Hijack to capture and integrate it into the track.
Conclusion: The Art of Balance and Precision
Producing 'Mind Breaker' was a dance of balance and precision, a testament to the less-is-more philosophy. The track, though complex, is built on a foundation of less than ten elements – each meticulously chosen and crafted.
It's about understanding the space each sound occupies and ensuring harmony among the chaos. As we wrap up this session breakdown, I hope it ignites your passion for music production and offers insights into crafting hard, dark techno.
Remember, it's not only about the tools; it's about how you wield them to create an experience, an emotion. So, keep it dark, keep it hard, and let the music guide you.
Get the samples from this track for free here!