Writing Archives - Desert Sound Colony Tutorials

Let’s Write A Banger 14 – Hardware Obsessive – Part 1

Feb 2, 2022

I've finally bit the bullet and stepped over to the dark side. I've got my first hardware synth (a DFAM) and well, I feel like I better put it to some use! I don't have a way to sync it with Ableton yet but I'm sure we can make something work! Exciting times.

Considering The Key

Dec 3, 2021

Something to always be considering somewhere in your mind when writing a song is the key that you are in. I don't think it's as simple a rule as 'never play a note outside of that key' but it's something you want to be considering when the melodic elements don't all sit quite right together.

Let’s Mix A Banger 12 – Fresh One – Part 5

Nov 17, 2021

Mix down is very nearly done. Let's get this locked off and then take a look at the Echo Shaper project.

Some Thoughts On Panning In Dance Music

Nov 11, 2021

I often find that when I am sent music for feedback that the panning can be a bit all over the place so I thought I would give some suggestions on how I like to use panning in my tracks.

Let’s Write A Banger 12 – Fresh One – Part 3

Nov 3, 2021

Looks like the basic structure has been laid out and now it's time to record it in and start finessing. I reckon we can get this one finished up tonight.

When Is A Loop Too Full?

Oct 27, 2021

One of the easiest mistakes one can make when writing a track is filling it up with lots of extra elements. It can seem in the moment like more = better but often that is not the case. Stripping a loop back to it's basic components often illuminates the groove that you fell in love with in the first place. Another mistake that I come across a lot is over using reverb. It can sound good on parts when you have them soloed but once you try and integrate them into a busy mix if often just swamps the soundscape...