Meeting summary

Quick recap

This was a music production class focused on electronic music arranging and automation techniques. LSEM guided students through analysing different track structures, demonstrating how to use reference tracks to map out arrangements and extend ideas through automation and effects processing. The class covered techniques like parallel processing, filter automation, and spatial effects to create interest and development in tracks over time. Students were asked to practise these techniques by creating 2-3 minute explorations focusing on automation and layering of a single instrument or idea. LSEM provided specific plugin recommendations including free Valhalla plugins and suggested students hold off on major plugin purchases until sales events later in the year. The session concluded with plans to cover chords and harmony in the next week's class.

Next steps

Brian

• Implement automation (particularly filter/cutoff) and add drum elements to the breakdown section of his track as per LSEM's feedback

Dror

• Send reference tracks in the 100 BPM ambient/slowed dance tempo range to LSEM for sound design guidance

• Use provided reference tracks (Seventh Seal and Requiem) to map out arrangement in DAW and apply to his track

Ellie

• Use DJ Shadow track (or similar) as reference to map out arrangement in DAW and apply to her track

LSEM

• Send email tomorrow with detailed homework explanation

Collaboration

• All participants: Take one of your Pomodoros or start a new track and create a 2-3 minute piece focusing on automation, layering, and arrangement development of one main idea—submit for next session

• All participants: Check Valhalla website for free reverb plugins (as recommended by LSEM)

Summary

Electronic Music Arranging Techniques

LSEM led a discussion on electronic music arranging techniques, analysing track structures and automation to demonstrate how to create engaging dance floor music. The group discussed their progress with weekly music-making tasks, with participants sharing challenges like finding suitable templates and managing chord progressions. LSEM explained the importance of establishing consistent patterns while incorporating subtle variations to maintain listener engagement, using specific examples to illustrate these concepts.

Music Production Techniques Discussion

LSEM led a discussion on music production techniques, focusing on how artists like Barker and others use subtle changes and effects to maintain listener engagement. He analysed tracks with minimal chord progressions and explored how elements such as reverb, delay, and automation can transform a simple loop into an engaging piece. The group discussed the balance between repetition and variation, with LSEM emphasising the importance of evolving sounds to prevent listener fatigue. Dror and Cedric shared their observations about the tracks, highlighting their interest in the evolving layers and effects.

Music Arrangement Technique Discussion

LSEM led a discussion on music arrangement techniques, focusing on how to structure tracks effectively. Dror expressed preference for arrangements that change every 8 bars and showed interest in exploring frequency manipulation, while LSEM explained that arrangement should serve the song's essence and suggested analysing different instrumental combinations. Cedric shared his approach of starting from the beginning rather than the hook, though he acknowledged struggling with either method. LSEM demonstrated a practical methodology using reference tracks to map out arrangements, suggesting students spend 15 minutes applying this technique to their own tracks by finding a reference song and mapping its arrangement structure.

Music Genre and Tempo Discussion

Eliepark and LSEM discussed tempo and genre for a music track, with LSEM suggesting a trip-hop style at 68 BPM. LSEM played examples by DJ Shadow and Joy Orbison to help guide the genre direction, and Eliepark expressed confusion about identifying appropriate instrument sounds for different genres. LSEM advised using existing tracks as references for arrangement and suggested focusing on electronic music templates to help shape the composition.

Music Track Feedback Session

Dror shared his screen to play a track for feedback, which LSEM listened to and described as having an indie dance style with band-style arrangements. LSEM provided feedback that the track had too many ideas happening simultaneously and suggested building upon foundations with repeating patterns, rather than introducing new ideas frequently. LSEM committed to finding reference tracks to help Dror understand better arrangement techniques and explained they would demonstrate how to map out a track's arrangement in their DAW.

Music Production Technique Demonstration

LSEM demonstrated a music production technique involving mapping out arrangements by using reference tracks to influence the structure of Pomodoro tracks. He showed how to analyse reference tracks to identify key elements like kick patterns, hat rhythms, bass entries, and melody progression, then apply these patterns to create similar arrangements. The discussion included technical details about using Ableton's timeline and track organisation, though the specific audio examples were not clearly visible in the transcript.

Audio Track Processing Techniques

LSEM demonstrated a technique for extending track arrangements by duplicating and processing audio tracks using effects like filters, distortion, and spatial effects. He showed how to create width using stereo techniques and the Haas effect, and explained the concept of parallel processing by maintaining an unprocessed "dry" version alongside a processed version. The group discussed their experience with these techniques, with Bri sharing that they had only used the Haas effect on high-end percussion but not on lead instruments, and Cedric indicating they had used similar processing but not for sound transformation purposes. The session concluded with plans for participants to practise this technique by creating a two-minute exploration of an instrument in their arrangement using audio effects and synthesis parameters.

LSEM Team Check-in Meeting

The meeting began with LSEM checking in with the team and asking about a reference track, though the response was not captured in the transcript. LSEM indicated that the team had some time to work on their task and encouraged them to continue.

Music Track Feedback and Improvements

LSEM provided feedback to Bri on a music track, suggesting improvements to make it more engaging. Key recommendations included using automation to create dynamic changes in sound, particularly through filter effects, and adding drums and percussion to build up to a stronger climax. LSEM also advised Bri to explore processing different versions of a track differently, panning and affecting them in various ways to create nuance without adding new layers. Eliepark asked about panning techniques and phase cancellation, which LSEM explained, recommending to check for issues by listening in mono.

MIDI Notes Filter Cutoff Issue

Bri and LSEM discussed an issue with MIDI notes in Serum where the filter cutoff was not opening consistently across different pitches. They examined the automation settings and found that the attack parameter was modulated differently for different notes, causing inconsistent results. LSEM suggested adjusting the automation or bouncing it down to ensure consistent behavior. They also noted that adding extra drums to the breakdown had improved the overall depth and layers of the track.

Music Automation and Layering Techniques

LSEM demonstrated techniques for implementing automation and layering in music production, using an example track that featured heavily automated organ and lead parts. They explained how to create tension and release through automation, particularly during drop sections, and discussed the importance of using contrapuntal sounds when layering. For homework, students were tasked with creating a 2-3 minute track exploring automation and layering through arrangement, focusing on developing one main idea. LSEM also provided recommendations for free plugins, particularly Valhalla's offerings, and mentioned that next week's session would cover chords, harmony, and electronic music writing.