While many producers can create a great-sounding loop, it takes a little more knowledge to build a track that keeps the listener engaged throughout. In this month’s masterclass, we’ll learn how to arrange an EDM track from a loop and examine the elements each section should consist of.
To understand electronic music structures, we can refer to the pop music song structure, where each song is made up of different parts that all serve a purpose. In pop music, a song consists of a verse, pre-chorus, chorus, second verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge and finishes with a chorus. Modern electronic music utilises a slightly different structure, yet the sections bear some resemblance. A typical EDM track starts with an intro, moves on to a construction part where more elements are added, then the full beat, build-up and breakdown, drop, buildup and breakdown, second drop, deconstruction section and an instrumental outro. A good EDM track captivates the listener’s attention by creating contrasting parts, and creates excitement via tension and release.
Step by step Make a loop into a track
1 Start by making an arrangement guide for the track by making a new MIDI track. Create blank MIDI regions eight bars in length for each section and label each one with the names of the parts of the track. This arrangement will be Intro (2x), Verse (2x), Drop (2x), Verse, (2x) Drop (2x), Breakdown/Buildup, Drop (2x) and Outro.
2 Colour each section differently so it’s easy to see the different parts. Start with an existing loop that you’ve created that consists of drums, bass, synths, other instrumentation, and vocals. Place the loop in the Drop section. Make sure all of the elements work together well, as the drop will be the highlight of the track. Remove any elements that feel out of place.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Autumn 2024 من Computer Music.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Autumn 2024 من Computer Music.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Explore Black Salt Audio's cm bundle
In a new series, we're highlighting the best plugins from the CM Plugin Suite V3.0 and showing you how to make the most of them
DH Plugins LFO-EQ-1
Modulating your EQ parameters opens up a multitude of exciting effects. Can this affordable plugin really hit the mark? Jon Musgrave finds out
SSL Module8
Multi-effects are getting more powerful at the expense of ease of use, but Module8 manages both and is therefore pretty gr8, says Andy Jones
Dawesome/Tracktion Myth
Peter V is fast becoming the most ground-breaking plugin developer around. His latest is a synth of mythical proportions, says Andy Jones
Tailored reverbs
Reverb is a great tool, but cleverly thinking about its application can really take your mix to the next level. Here’s how to get tailoring…
Make a spicy lead with GForce Axxess
It's time to turn up the heat and Axxess a searing lead, with a little help from an ultra-cool addition to the plugin suite
Cherry Audio Chroma
If you're after a colourful new synth, Cherry Audio has something that covers the whole spectrum. Roland Schmidt looks through the prism
GForce Software VSM IV
This updated VSM continues to prove that strings are very much the thing! Roland Schmidt swots up on his virtual string theory
KATIE TAVINI
A ubiquitous name in the world of mastering, Katie Tavini’s intuitive senses and aptitude for bringing out the best in a huge array of music has been rightly praised. We were keen to catch up with Katie – fresh from moving her studio into a new setup in Liverpool – to find out more about her acclaimed approach
Make a loop into a track
It's simple to make a killer loop, but how does that become a dancefloor-filling hit? It only takes a few steps to get the process started...