Let me know what you think of this video in the comments below. If you liked this video don't forget to smash that subscribe button so you don't miss out on any of my upcoming tutorials! 🔥
@INFINITY CULT EDM Even in uplifting trance that i do that usually are very cohesive. This is true ithink esp in breakdowns for me. However parts like bridges, are more of a cohesive part. Sectioning out your favorite tracks into: Intro, start, bridge, breakdown, chorus, verse, etc will help while your comparing your mix to others will help understanding what happens in the structure of arrangment 👍
I asked a band member one time, that was the crater of all the bands music, how do you come up with songs, He said and I quote, "music is a roller coaster,.. what roller coaster do you want to make?"
I feel like I've been given a great gift every time I watch one of your videos. You have rescued my music production from decades of complacency. You get me amped to work on music and I love you for it. There's a place for you on the dance floor in electronic music heaven for sure.
Wow, thank you! This is the best comment I've received so far! Honestly, comments like this motivate me to get up every day and create another piece of content, share another piece of knowledge... Thank you! 🙌🏻
I low key got more out of your 45 min webinar than I had in 3 months of making music I wasn't in a position to take your offer on the courses due to finances but. you gave me very valuable information and im waiting to buy the music making machine course till my next paycheck,
HUGE advice, Will! Thank you so much I’ll take it a step further and say that doing this is a great first step in creating a song. Because once you know which elements occur at different points of the song, you will know what sounds you need before you’ve even begun sketching!
Amen Brother!!!! Thank You! This really is incredibly helpful. I've never heard anyone go into this kind of depth on using reference tracks. At least not in the way you did. Many many thanks Will. And stay warm!!!
You are amazing at this. Please make more! Bless us with your tips. I’d like to learn more about making variations in a single synth sound so the track never gets boring
Enjoyed watching this. Currently doing something similar with Praise You. There was so many things I didn't realise such as the percussion going in and out and the changes with the piano. Hell yeah
I use ref tracks and markers in Ableton but this takes it one step further, will definitely be trying this in my next production. Always learning, always improving, thanks.
Amen Brother. I"m new to the channel but what I've learned so far has been absolutely priceless. I know I'm not the only one here saying "Thank you" for sharing your knowledge with the community. I'm actually looking forward to analyzing my first track. Thanks again. 🙏🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼
@@EDMTips Just throwing this out there as an idea, and you may have already done it but do you have a video on the ins/outs of using "side chains"? For the most part, I understand what you're doing, just not sure why. And maybe some tips and tricks to use in side chains. TIA Will.
I find working with symmetry and simplicity and banging down in any order also works for quickness seems my music will probably never be heard. thank for the tips.
Hell ya! Affirms what I've been doing analysis-wise re: arrangement for reference tracks and builds on it (namely, focus on transitions & identifying the "how"). Many thx :)
Thank you very much for this. The genre I would need to reference is pretty experimental and alot of the songs are totally different but im sure I can still get alot of uses from these tips.
Thanks, Will! It’s incredible to me how “simple” things, like using reference tracks even during production, are often overlooked. I’m guilty of it too. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Willlllll! Hey man, great video. I've been wondering were you been bro. This was some great advice and I'm going to apply it as I do after watching all your videos. I'm glad to see you had safe travels though and thanks for the infinite wisdom you bless us with bro.
Hell yeah. 😂 really liked this tip video. I have watched others but this is the first one I recall hearing about paying attention to a sound from one section to another and noting how it change’s specifically in the arrangement. Thank you.
@@EDMTips you cover so much already and I get quite a bit out of each on I watch. 🙏 have you done any videos on remixing and dj edits? What is your work flow? How much from the original do you keep? Any guidelines remixing a track to a different genre. The Art of the Bootleg 👍 maybe it’s been covered and I haven’t got to it yet.
I remember using Cubase back in the 90s to make tracks. You had the option of creating a seperate arrangement page. By highlighting sections of your track you could create groups (chorus, intro, break etc) which you would then arrange on a separate arrangement page. Made everything so much easier! You didnt have to scroll through pages of blocks which absolutely does my eyes in. Not sure if they've ever brought this feature back. Certainly wasn't in Cubase 9.
Similarities of Verse And Chorus The chorus and verse are different in a lot of ways, but there are also a lot of similarities between the two parts. It makes sense to note the similarities of choruses and verses so that you're able to build songs with different yet cohesive sections. They're Both Important Parts of A Song's Basic Structure. The two sections are equally important since they both serve the overall goal of a song. While a chorus may be more memorable, a verse tells more of a song's story, setting up the payoff for the catchy chorus. A verse and chorus can connect deeply with a listener and work in tandem to create a strong piece of music. They Both Incorporate Rhyme. One of the best ways to make a song memorable is to incorporate rhyme. Fortunately, both the chorus and verse utilize a strong rhyme scheme in order to maximize a listener's retention of a song. The Verse And Chorus Help The Listener Attach To A Song. Every songwriter knows that the chorus and verse are essential. These parts may be different, but at the same time, they both serve the main story of the song in collaboration with one another. As you can see, the chorus and verse are both essential to a successful song even though they have their fair share of differences. Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for you to decode these essential songwriting tools so that you can start crafting better songs. Enjoy writing tracks with a memorable verse and chorus! Question 🙋♂ does bridge,interlude,breakdown,break,post chorus can all be part of song structure and telling a story?
A related but slightly different tip I learned at a full-time music production school was (and this is in Logic Pro language): analyse the track in your DAW, and for each sound/instrument that you identify, create a new DAW track and drop empty MIDI regions in, dragging/cloning them to represent the points in the song when that instrument plays. The regions don't DO anything, they're just visualisations of what is playing and when. It's a bit more in-depth and involved than your tip, but it can help in visualising that "4th dimension" that you refer to. Personally, I would use your technique 9 times out of 10, but I just wanted to offer this suggestion - essentially using MIDI regions as coloured placeholder blocks. Funny thing is that after learning this technique, I gave it a half-assed try and then moved on - despite the teacher stressing that the time investment would really pay off. Here I am years later googling how to arrange my tracks 🤦♂🤣
My tip for reference track. Drop it into NI Traktor or some other DJ software, and it will analyse BPM and root key. Traktor also shows the ‘heat’ of the track which indicates highs and lows, tension and release.
Thanks for the helpful technique! When designing sounds based off of sounds in other tracks, using the same base waveform is critical. Do you have any advice to help identify if sounds are based on sine or triangle waveform vs square or sawtooth? I find this especially tricky when dealing with plucks or pads unless it is an obvious sine or sawtooth. Once again thanks for all the info on your channel, it is a real treasure trove of knowledge.
To solve your problem: If you get an oscilloscope like S(m)exoscope or similar you can view the waveform. However, I also think you may be overstating the importance of visually matching waveforms to design similar sounds
Also Very Important: Sectioning out your favorite tracks into: Intro, start, bridge, breakdown, chorus, verse, etc will help while your comparing your mix to others & will help understanding what happens in the structure of arrangment! 👍
Hi, can you briefly explain what a break and lift are in edm? I know what build up and drop are, but I've seen arrangements that use the previous terms. Thanks for the vid!
We’ll, a break is when you have a break in the song - as in, most of the instruments drop out, but I’m not sure what a lift is. Probably just another name for a build!
@@EDMTips Matan Caspi's remix of Two Gun - Bellatrix just oozes power. Also his track The One, just beautiful... No particular track from Kolev, I just love the energy of his brand of prog...
Is there an generic skeleton for a 2.5-3min track? Like after 8bars there should be x and the first drop after y bars. I know making a full track varies from that but as a practice or to get started it might help me a lot
a technique i use a lot is to anthropamorphise the instruments (imagine they're people) and there's a conversation or argument going on within the track. Boom boom boom, nah f**k you Bang bang bang. this way i subconsciously give every instrument its time at the front of the mix.
Let me know what you think of this video in the comments below. If you liked this video don't forget to smash that subscribe button so you don't miss out on any of my upcoming tutorials! 🔥
Absolutely loved the tips, as well as the editing!
Can't Will! I'm too busy taking notes to type a response to this post!
Amen Ra though!!!
@INFINITY CULT EDM Even in uplifting trance that i do that usually are very cohesive. This is true ithink esp in breakdowns for me. However parts like bridges, are more of a cohesive part. Sectioning out your favorite tracks into: Intro, start, bridge, breakdown, chorus, verse, etc will help while your comparing your mix to others will help understanding what happens in the structure of arrangment 👍
I asked a band member one time, that was the crater of all the bands music, how do you come up with songs, He said and I quote, "music is a roller coaster,.. what roller coaster do you want to make?"
This was a good advice. Thanks
Oh.... I usually start with a 16 bar loop and that's where I end 🤪
Lol u not alone.
😂sad😂 but also true for me.
If it's your goal, why not?! 😁
@@EDMTips Don't worry Will! I use a reference track to get it done son!! Best advice for length and volume! That's what she said..... ;)
15 years into production and STILL stuck in a loop man. Murder!
I feel like I've been given a great gift every time I watch one of your videos. You have rescued my music production from decades of complacency. You get me amped to work on music and I love you for it. There's a place for you on the dance floor in electronic music heaven for sure.
Wow, thank you! This is the best comment I've received so far! Honestly, comments like this motivate me to get up every day and create another piece of content, share another piece of knowledge... Thank you! 🙌🏻
I low key got more out of your 45 min webinar than I had in 3 months of making music I wasn't in a position to take your offer on the courses due to finances but. you gave me very valuable information and im waiting to buy the music making machine course till my next paycheck,
Hell Yeah 🔥 Will! Short and sweet tutorial to the point. Loved it!
HUGE advice, Will! Thank you so much I’ll take it a step further and say that doing this is a great first step in creating a song. Because once you know which elements occur at different points of the song, you will know what sounds you need before you’ve even begun sketching!
Spot on, Tim!
This tip helped me soooo much! A true pleasure to watch all your videos!! Keep it up!!
Amen Brother!!!! Thank You! This really is incredibly helpful. I've never heard anyone go into this kind of depth on using reference tracks. At least not in the way you did. Many many thanks Will. And stay warm!!!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support 🙂
Amen brother! 🙏🏼 Transitions without effects was an awesome tip 👌🏼 Thanks again Will!
You’re welcome, Sam! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support 🙂
You are amazing at this. Please make more! Bless us with your tips. I’d like to learn more about making variations in a single synth sound so the track never gets boring
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! 🙂🙌🏻
Enjoyed watching this. Currently doing something similar with Praise You. There was so many things I didn't realise such as the percussion going in and out and the changes with the piano. Hell yeah
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏
Amen Brother! I really needed this. It put alot of things into perspective for my music and how it would improve my live performances. Thanks!
You're welcome! Glad you found it useful! 🙌🏻
Hell Yeah! Keep those arrangement sessions coming!
Glad it was helpful! 😎
I use ref tracks and markers in Ableton but this takes it one step further, will definitely be trying this in my next production. Always learning, always improving, thanks.
You're welcome, I angled you found it useful! 🙌🏻
Man, the graphic impacts on your key points really has made a difference in the pace of your videos. Nice work, sir!!
Awesome, thank you for watching and supporting the channel! 🙌🏻
Anything about arrangement is always a plus. Thank you. Hope all is well.
Brilliant! Glad you enjoyed :)
Wills the number one man for tutorials, thanks for all the hard work you put in for us all pal x
You're welcome, Jason, glad you found it helpful! 🙌🏻
Hell yeah brother, as always another great video. Thanks mate
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support 🙂
Amen Brother. I"m new to the channel but what I've learned so far has been absolutely priceless. I know I'm not the only one here saying "Thank you" for sharing your knowledge with the community. I'm actually looking forward to analyzing my first track. Thanks again. 🙏🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼
You're welcome, Jason, glad you found it helpful! 🙌🏻 Anything else you'd like me to cover?
@@EDMTips Just throwing this out there as an idea, and you may have already done it but do you have a video on the ins/outs of using "side chains"?
For the most part, I understand what you're doing, just not sure why. And maybe some tips and tricks to use in side chains. TIA Will.
I find working with symmetry and simplicity and banging down in any order also works for quickness seems my music will probably never be heard. thank for the tips.
Thank you so much! You bring so much value to the edm community
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support ☺️
Hell ya!
Affirms what I've been doing analysis-wise re: arrangement for reference tracks and builds on it (namely, focus on transitions & identifying the "how").
Many thx :)
Spot on, Greg!
Really in diggin your content lately. Thanks for these awesome videos.
You're very welcome! Thanks as always for watching and supporting!🙏
Thank you very much for this. The genre I would need to reference is pretty experimental and alot of the songs are totally different but im sure I can still get alot of uses from these tips.
Absolutely! This will work regrades of a genre you want to produce :)
Another great production tip from an excellent teacher !!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! 🙌🏻
Thanks will , loved it , really helped me , been struggling with arrangements👍👍👌🙌
BOOM! You're welcome, and thanks for the support! 🙂
Awesome, in-depth tutorial on arrangement 👊🏼
Really glad you liked it! Anything else in particular you’re struggling with?
Thank you. What a great tips. You are awesome
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support :)
I’ve suffered through a lot of tutorials - but you are legit and dont waste time. Thanks.
You're welcome, Craig, I am glad you found them helpful! 🙌🏻
Thanks, Will! It’s incredible to me how “simple” things, like using reference tracks even during production, are often overlooked. I’m guilty of it too.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You're welcome, Raffael, I am stoked you found this video helpful 🙌🏻
Love it , thanks , super simple and well explained 🎉
Thank you for your comment! Happy to hear! 🙌
Great tips as usual Will ... and Welcome Back to London :)
Thanks! 😃 Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
This video is very insightful. Thanks!
You're welcome, glad it was helpful! 🙌🏻
Great tips as always 🎉👏👏👏
Glad you found them useful! Thanks as always for watching and supporting! 🙌🏻
Damn you are so right! Very helpful tipps, appreciate it
You're welcome, glad you found it useful! 🙌🏻
That was super helpful, thnks
Excellent insight, Will.
Brilliant, glad it was helpful! 🙌🏻
Willlllll! Hey man, great video. I've been wondering were you been bro. This was some great advice and I'm going to apply it as I do after watching all your videos. I'm glad to see you had safe travels though and thanks for the infinite wisdom you bless us with bro.
You're welcome...Thanks as always for watching and supporting! 🙌🏻
Great tune Will. I like it.
Thank you, really appreciate the support!
sooooo useful!!! thank you Will!!
You’re welcome, Sophia!
Great stufff!
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏 Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, thanks brother!
Cheers, and you’re welcome!
GREAT STUFF!!
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙂
Hell yeah nice lesson 👌 Thank you !!
You're welcome...Thanks as always for watching and supporting!
Outstanding sir!......as usual......👍
You're welcome...Thanks as always for watching and supporting!
Hell yeah. 😂 really liked this tip video. I have watched others but this is the first one I recall hearing about paying attention to a sound from one section to another and noting how it change’s specifically in the arrangement. Thank you.
Really glad you liked it! Anything else in particular you’re struggling with and would like me to cover on the channel?
@@EDMTips you cover so much already and I get quite a bit out of each on I watch. 🙏 have you done any videos on remixing and dj edits? What is your work flow? How much from the original do you keep? Any guidelines remixing a track to a different genre. The Art of the Bootleg 👍 maybe it’s been covered and I haven’t got to it yet.
This is GOLD stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Will!! :)
Brilliant, I am glad you found it useful, Ric! 🙌🏻
This is very helpful! 😁🙌
Really glad you liked it! Anything else in particular you’re struggling with?
this was a fantastic tutorial!
Brilliant! Glad it was helpful! 🙌🏻
Cracking video will👌 this will help alot
You're welcome...Thanks as always for watching and supporting! 🙌🏻
awesome sauce as usual Will..
Thank you so much, I am glad you liked it! 🙌🏻
This was a really good summary. Thanks! :)
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
@@EDMTips Based on your video I am doing a techno song analysis, but it would be really helpful if you do a techno one as well. :)
Class video as allways bro
Much appreciated, David, glad you enjoyed!
Very well done ✌️
Thank you so much, glad you liked it! 😀
Soooper helpful Will thanks
You're welcome, glad it was helpful! 🙌🏻
Oh hell yeah!!!!! Your teaching what I am looking for, so I can arrange my songs. So I tagging along on this rolocoaster ride....
Welcome aboard, Angel! 🙂
Always brilliant
BOOM! 🙌🙌 😎 Appreciate it!
Monster video, thank you 🙏
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed :)
Awesome tutorial again
You're welcome...Thanks as always for watching and supporting!
thanks again! Hell yeah!
You’re welcome!
GREAT stuff!
You welcome, Asaf, glad you enjoyed it! 🙌🏻
@@EDMTips Already inplementing!
Quality video as always. Please most used eq and method to do transition.
Thanks for help!
You're welcome! Glad you found it useful 🙌🏻
I remember using Cubase back in the 90s to make tracks. You had the option of creating a seperate arrangement page. By highlighting sections of your track you could create groups (chorus, intro, break etc) which you would then arrange on a separate arrangement page. Made everything so much easier! You didnt have to scroll through pages of blocks which absolutely does my eyes in.
Not sure if they've ever brought this feature back. Certainly wasn't in Cubase 9.
Thanks Will for these great tutorials as always. Is it possible to do a tutorial about vocal melodic trance similar to Aurosonic. Thanks
Great suggestion! What's your favourite track of his?
Thanks, Amen brother.
Amen brother!
We asked and you listened,Great advice, nice one 👍🏼,
Glad it was helpful!
Hell yeah bruv!
Love this video
Cheers, glad you liked it!
Cheers, glad you liked it!
I'm already an expert at arrangements. So I'm taking it one step higher by making a unique arrangement everytime.
Love it! Keep up the good work 🙂
Thanks Will
You're welcome! 🙌🏻
Similarities of Verse And Chorus
The chorus and verse are different in a lot of ways, but there are also a lot of similarities between the two parts. It makes sense to note the similarities of choruses and verses so that you're able to build songs with different yet cohesive sections.
They're Both Important Parts of A Song's Basic Structure.
The two sections are equally important since they both serve the overall goal of a song. While a chorus may be more memorable, a verse tells more of a song's story, setting up the payoff for the catchy chorus. A verse and chorus can connect deeply with a listener and work in tandem to create a strong piece of music.
They Both Incorporate Rhyme.
One of the best ways to make a song memorable is to incorporate rhyme. Fortunately, both the chorus and verse utilize a strong rhyme scheme in order to maximize a listener's retention of a song.
The Verse And Chorus Help The Listener Attach To A Song.
Every songwriter knows that the chorus and verse are essential. These parts may be different, but at the same time, they both serve the main story of the song in collaboration with one another.
As you can see, the chorus and verse are both essential to a successful song even though they have their fair share of differences. Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for you to decode these essential songwriting tools so that you can start crafting better songs. Enjoy writing tracks with a memorable verse and chorus! Question 🙋♂ does bridge,interlude,breakdown,break,post chorus can all be part of song structure and telling a story?
A related but slightly different tip I learned at a full-time music production school was (and this is in Logic Pro language): analyse the track in your DAW, and for each sound/instrument that you identify, create a new DAW track and drop empty MIDI regions in, dragging/cloning them to represent the points in the song when that instrument plays. The regions don't DO anything, they're just visualisations of what is playing and when. It's a bit more in-depth and involved than your tip, but it can help in visualising that "4th dimension" that you refer to. Personally, I would use your technique 9 times out of 10, but I just wanted to offer this suggestion - essentially using MIDI regions as coloured placeholder blocks. Funny thing is that after learning this technique, I gave it a half-assed try and then moved on - despite the teacher stressing that the time investment would really pay off. Here I am years later googling how to arrange my tracks 🤦♂🤣
Thank you! What about how to make a future rave or melodic deep house?
My tip for reference track. Drop it into NI Traktor or some other DJ software, and it will analyse BPM and root key. Traktor also shows the ‘heat’ of the track which indicates highs and lows, tension and release.
Love it! Great tip 🤙
can you do a video on build ups? as in how strip away elements for the break down but keeping the overall sound of the track?
Yeh I'd really appreciate this too Will. Thank you.
Great suggestion! Will add this to my list :)
yeah my week is now complete a new vid. Welcome Back Will.
Thank you! I am glad you found it useful :)
Glad in logic there’s a shortcut that analyzes the track and tells you all the info of it.
Oh, what's the shortcut for it?
Thanks for the helpful technique! When designing sounds based off of sounds in other tracks, using the same base waveform is critical. Do you have any advice to help identify if sounds are based on sine or triangle waveform vs square or sawtooth? I find this especially tricky when dealing with plucks or pads unless it is an obvious sine or sawtooth. Once again thanks for all the info on your channel, it is a real treasure trove of knowledge.
To solve your problem: If you get an oscilloscope like S(m)exoscope or similar you can view the waveform. However, I also think you may be overstating the importance of visually matching waveforms to design similar sounds
you are so amazing
So are you!
Hell Yeah!
helloooooo'¡¡ awesome videos and very very helpfull thanks , regards from chile ¡¡
You are welcome, glad you like them! 🙌🏻
Also Very Important: Sectioning out your favorite tracks into: Intro, start, bridge, breakdown, chorus, verse, etc will help while your comparing your mix to others & will help understanding what happens in the structure of arrangment! 👍
Love it! Great tip 🤙
Hey Will! Do you have a tutorial on how to achieve that "slowing down" effect on the synth at 10:00 ?
HELL YEAH!
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏
Hi, can you briefly explain what a break and lift are in edm? I know what build up and drop are, but I've seen arrangements that use the previous terms.
Thanks for the vid!
We’ll, a break is when you have a break in the song - as in, most of the instruments drop out, but I’m not sure what a lift is. Probably just another name for a build!
Hi Will, love the knowledge and advice... Any possibility of doing a How to video for Progressive House in the style of Stan Kolev/Matan Caspi..?
Great suggestion! What's your favourite track of his?
@@EDMTips Matan Caspi's remix of Two Gun - Bellatrix just oozes power. Also his track The One, just beautiful... No particular track from Kolev, I just love the energy of his brand of prog...
thank you from italy, will
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching and supporting 🙂
If you download your reference tracks from Beatport, you can edit your filename preferences to show BPM and musical key.
Amen Brother
Appreciate it! 🙂🙌🏻🙏🏻
Amen brother and a hell yeah
BOOM! 🙌🙌 😎
amen brother
🙌🙏
"You don't want a roller coaster like this... because everyone would die." legit lol, Will. good stuff.
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏
Hell Yeah!!! and also Amen!!!
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏
Gold
Thanks! Glad you found it useful :)
Is there an generic skeleton for a 2.5-3min track? Like after 8bars there should be x and the first drop after y bars. I know making a full track varies from that but as a practice or to get started it might help me a lot
I want to know how to create that syncopated synth sound that ' bleeds in'to the next segment!
Probably a reverb washout!
a technique i use a lot is to anthropamorphise the instruments (imagine they're people) and there's a conversation or argument going on within the track. Boom boom boom, nah f**k you Bang bang bang. this way i subconsciously give every instrument its time at the front of the mix.
Love it! Great tip 🤙
Amen 🎉
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏 Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!
Can't believe I had not clicked the bell button already