Groove Machine – Now on all streaming platforms
I am super excited to report that I have just released my new deep house track “Groove Machine”! I used DistroKid, so it’s on all your favourite streaming platforms. Here is the YouTube music clip:
DAW – Ableton Live
I used Ableton Live for all the production. I used onboard and plug-in sounds.
I always use Sonic Academy Kick 2 because it offers so many options to choose, tune, and fine-tune the all-important kick sound.
I don’t tend to over-elaborate my tracks. I have a hi-hat drum rack that I usually use. The hats are all tuned to D- and A-, and it loads in my default template. This is just to save time, and keep me motivated when I open up the workstation. I also have a bongo rack that is tuned to D- and A- and loads in the default template.
Groove Machine does not have bongo sounds – but a sampled clap. yes. I use spectrum to analyse the frequencies of any samples that I may use, and am careful to keep everything in tune. Last night, thinking about production, I decided to put spectrum on the Master track of the template, and then solo the tracks to analyse them. Every little RAM saving helps!
Sound design
The lead synth sound in Groove Machine is all mine. I am proud that I did my own sound design for this song. It is tempting – and perfectly fine – to use samples and loops in production. But, since I am a singer-songwriter and from the DIY era, I love to do it myself.
In this case, I listened carefully to the reference track lead sound, then I messed around with a Wavetable preset, and then finally added a guitar amp plug-in, which I tweaked until I got the sound that I used on the track.
Vocal
The voice on the track is mine. I did a bunch of takes, using different microphone techniques (distance, angle). I equalised and de-essed the samples, and left the rest to the mixing and mastering engineer.
Reference Track
This is the first time I have ever produced a song using a reference track. I enjoyed the experience, and it gave me a new tool for my kit. For example: when I was trying to get a similar hi-hat sound, I worked out that you have to use some reverb on the hi-hats. I now apply this knowledge to every production.
Here is the reference track:
Mixing and Mastering
I outsourced the mixing and mastering of Groove Machine to a friend with whom I collaborate frequently. It is not the first time that I have used mixing and mastering services. But, it is the first time that I exported stems and sent them for treatment. I am really happy with how it turned out. It goes to show that two pairs of ears are better than one!
Graphic Design – Adobe Express
I use Adobe Express for almost everything, including the cover art for Groove Machine.
This is the first time that I used a template of theirs, and I am really happy with the ease and speed of creation, as well as the finished product.
What’s Next?
I have another tune already in the can – finished, mixed and mastered. If you sign up to my mailing list, you can get a free MP3 copy the week before it gets released. Here is the sign-up form:
Where to catch me spinning live
I have a weekly gig in Benidorm, at the Caiman Beach Bar.
- When: Every Saturday
- Time: 4-6 PM (16.00-18:00 hrs)
- Where: Caiman Beach Bar, Av. de Madrid no.13, Benidorm
- What to expect: Deep, groovy, funky house music in a seafront location with cocktails, cold beer, and lovely service.