3 Tips The Dare Taught me about music
Slanj-a-Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from The Dare, finding out 3 lessons about music production - enjoy!
Need Help Finishing Your Damn Track?
I have a free 10 day challenge to take your track from a bunch of loops to a self mastered master-piece!
Interested? Click below and finish off your best music in the next ten days… and even have it considered for release on Tonic Note Records!
Only 5 free spots available per week
4 More Tips CHVRCHES Taught me about music
Slanj-a-Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from CHVRCHES, finding out 4 lessons focussing on writing lyrics, vocal performance & production
Need Help Finishing Your Damn Track?
I have a free 10 day challenge to take your track from a bunch of loops to a self mastered master-piece!
Interested? Click below and finish off your best music in the next ten days… and even have it considered for release on Tonic Note Records!
4 Tips Justice Taught me about music production
Slanj Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from Justice, finding out 4 lessons from the famous duo.
Need Help Finishing Your Damn Track?
I have a free 10 day challenge to take your track from a bunch of loops to a self mastered master-piece!
Interested? Click below and finish off your best music in the next ten days… and even have it considered for release on Tonic Note Records!
4 Tips CARIBOU Taught me about music production
Slanj Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from Caribou, finding out 4 lessons from the famous producer.
Audio version here
Need Help Finishing Your Damn Track?
I have a free 10 day challenge to take your track from a bunch of loops to a self mastered master-piece!
Interested? Click below and finish off your best music in the next ten days… and even have it considered for release on Tonic Note Records!
Discover 4 Essential Music Production Tips Inspired by Caribou In this episode of Whisky and Synths, David presents four crucial music production lessons drawn from Grammy-nominated producer Caribou (Dan Snaith). These tips, intended for intermediate to advanced producers, cover generating numerous ideas, seeking feedback, maintaining regular studio sessions, and experimenting with different approaches.
Additionally, the video has the 'Finish That Damn Track' email challenge, providing daily objectives, artist tips, quotes, and checklists. This resource is designed to help producers finish, master, and release their music, ultimately fostering creativity and joy in music creation. Tune in to elevate your music production skills!
00:00 Introduction to Whiskey and Synths
00:32 Lessons from Caribou: An Overview
01:25 Tip 1: Searching and Feeling for Ideas
02:54 Tip 2: The Importance of Consistency
03:51 Struggles with Unfinished Projects
04:11 Get Your Track Self-Mastered in 10 Days
04:53 Different Approaches for Different Albums
06:18 Using Sounds Out of Context
07:34 Final Tips and Encouragement
SOURCES
https://www.stereogum.com/1707443/caribou-on-the-inspirations-experiences-and-complex-emotions-that-define-our-love/interviews/
https://www.musicradar.com/news/caribou-even-if-a-hardware-sampler-has-a-slightly-different-sound-its-too-much-of-a-faff
https://open.spotify.com/episode/15zqJPjb3Is6IyBqlqq8Bk?si=eVxv7DG5SuSxAVtawfuo-w
Remember to join the free 10 step, Finish Your Damn Track Challenge!
5 Tips Charli XCX Taught me about music production
Slanj Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from Charli XCX, finding out 5 tips from her amazing new album!
Audio version here
Need Help Finishing Your Damn Track?
I have a free 10 day challenge to take your track from a bunch of loops to a self mastered master-piece!
Interested? Click below and finish off your best music in the next ten days… and even have it considered for release on Tonic Note Records!
Join the FREE Finish Your Damn Track Challenge: https://www.tonicnoteaudio.co.uk
5 Music Production Tips from Charli XCX's 'Brat' Album - Whisky and Synths In this episode of Whisky and Synths, Dave delves into five production tips inspired by Charli XCX's album 'Brat,' exploring its minimalist style, drum production, innovative synth chords, and the influence of location on music creation.
Dave offers a free 'Finish That Track' challenge to help music producers complete unfinished tracks, blending insights from industry experts with practical advice.
00:00 Introduction to Whisky and Synths
00:55 Tip 1: Embracing Minimalism in Music Production
03:24 Tip 2: Drum Production Insights
05:23 Tip 3: Crafting Synth Chords
07:33 Finish That Damn Track Challenge
09:01 Tip 4: Being Innovative and Bratty
10:52 Tip 5: Location Influences Music
12:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/02/charli-xcx-interview-brat-360-b2b-club-classics-dutch
https://open.spotify.com/episode/05M4Wfq9cAGvndfByRCQzZ?si=oeCSGoYWRoWfGWx_HHV6gQ
Remember to join the free 10 step, Finish Your Damn Track Challenge!
4 Tips GORILLAZ Taught me about music production
Slanj Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from Gorillaz, finding out 4 tips from the amazing Damon Albarn - the co-founder and mastermind behind the music and collaborations in the band!
Audio version here
Need Help Finishing Your Damn Track?
I have a free 10 day challenge to take your track from a bunch of loops to a self mastered master-piece!
Interested? Click below and finish off your best music in the next ten days… and even have it considered for release on Tonic Note Records!
Join David on the Whisky and Synths channel as he explores four significant lessons learned from Damon Albarn of Gorillaz about music production. With over 15 years of experience and having helped over 500 artists, David shares insights into collaboration, lyric writing, wellness routines, and creating an atmosphere for music-making.
Discover how Albarn’s approach to not being precious about ideas, improvising lyrics, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and setting the right creative environment can enhance your music production skills.
Also, get David's free 10-step guide to finishing your tracks effectively. Ideal for intermediate producers looking for inspiration and practical advice. Engage with the community by sharing your own tips and experiences in the comments.
00:00 Introduction to Whisky and Synths
00:19 Gorillaz and Music Production
01:28 Collaboration Tips from Damon Albarn
02:33 Lyric Writing Techniques
04:50 Wellness Routine for Music Producers
07:23 Creating the Right Atmosphere
08:34 Conclusion and Community Engagement
Sources
https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2017/apr/30/damon-albarn-and-jamie-hewlett-we-fight-over-everything-gorillaz-humanz-interview
https://www.thefader.com/2023/02/24/damon-albarn-the-fader-interview-feature
https://www.vulture.com/2021/11/damon-albarn-interview-iceland-gorillaz-the-nearer-the-fountain.html
https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/gorillaz/damon-albarn-talks-cracker-island-collabs-future-band/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDX6l9_58RA
Remember to join the free 10 step, Finish Your Damn Track Challenge!
4 Things CHVRCHES Taught me about music production
Slanj Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from CHVRCHES, finding out 4 tips from the amazing Scottish Synth Pop Band!
Audio version here
Need Help Finishing Your Damn Track?
I have a free 10 day challenge to take your track from a bunch of loops to a self mastered master-piece!
Interested? Click below and finish off your best music in the next ten days… and even have it considered for release on Tonic Note Records!
In this episode of Whisky and Synths, Dave dives into the music production techniques of the renowned synth-pop band, CHVRCHES. Drawing from his 15-year experience and insights from over 500 producers, Dave discusses four crucial lessons learned from Churches: demoing and song creation, synthesizer tips, unique drum machine use, and the importance of finishing tracks.
With detailed tips on synths like Moog Voyager and insights into their home studio practices, this video is tailored for intermediate music producers looking to elevate their production skills. Don't forget to check the video description for a list of free VSTs, plugins, and sound packs to get that Church's sound! 00:00 Introduction to Music Lessons from Churches
00:36 Exploring Churches' Music Style
01:45 Demoing and Creating Music
03:48 Synthesizers and Home Studio Tips
08:29 Drum Machines and Unique Beats
10:15 Finishing Tracks and Mixing Tips
11:44 Conclusion and Additional Resources
Sources
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YmRTQLpvIuwotat9iNwG6?si=4-Nuk4PiQ2CGLlWXCunvSA
https://www.soundonsound.com/people/chvrches https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/chvrches-talk-synths-and-their-forthcoming-debut-album-the-bones-of-what-you-believe-582460
https://musictech.com/features/interviews/chvrches-making-screen-violence-lockdown/
Free Plug ins & Packs to get the sound
Moog Voyager blamsoft.com/vst/vk-1-viking-synthesizer
Jupiter 8 - amazing polyphonic synth - Legowelt Jupiter 8 samplepack - http://legowelt.org/samples/
Juno 106 -another analogue polysynth - Legowelt Juno 106 Samplepack http://legowelt.org/samples/
Oberheim OBXA - A BEAST - OBXD VST - https://www.discodsp.com/obxd/
KORG Polysix - https://shop.producerhive.com/products/korg-polysix-samples-one-shots
Remember to sign up for your free Zoom call!1
6 lessons BOARDS OF CANADA taught me about music
Slanj Va!
In this week’s episode we take inspiration from Boards of Canada, finding out 6 tips from the most innovative music producers ever!
Do you want a free 1-2-1 music production consultation?
Register below to book a FREE Zoom call with me where I coach you through the steps you need to take to finish that track you are working on!
You will get:
A free 30-60 minute coaching call
A PDF checklist of steps you need to take to finish your track
A rewatch video of the call
Ongoing support if you need it!
Audio only version here
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:15
Who are they?
01:01 Using Memory Triggers
01:46 Dusting sounds with compression
02:45 Make your music sound outdoorsy
03:50 Get free help with your own music
04:24 Why quantisation sometimes sucks
05:11 Create a track in another genre
06:33 Escape the DAW 08:20 Conclusion & thanks for watching
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jun/06/boards-of-canada-become-more-nihilistic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boards_of_Canada https://larslentzaudio.wordpress.com/2022/04/29/deconstructing-the-boards-of-canada-boc-sound-and-music/
https://larslentzaudio.wordpress.com/2019/01/03/synth-vst-plugins-that-sound-like-boards-of-canada/
https://flypaper.soundfly.com/produce/emulating-boards-of-canadas-classic-synth-sound-without-breaking-your-bank-or-brain/
Remember to sign up for your free Zoom call!1
How did Justice make One Night/ All Night? - Track Analysis!
Slanj Va!
In this week’s video we take inspiration from Justice’s most recent track and album, finding out 6 tips from it that make it so good!
PS - Do you need 1-2-1 Help finishing your tracks?
Register below to book a FREE Zoom call with me where I coach you through the steps you need to take to finish that track you are working on!
You will get:
A free 30-60 minute coaching call
A PDF checklist of steps you need to take to finish your track
A rewatch video of the call
Ongoing support if you need it!
00:00 why watch this?
00:41 How did hardcore rave influence them?
02:00 Why did they record disco band versions of each track?
03:01 Why they had to trash a mix to get it right
04:20 Get help with your own tracks
05:01 My analysis of the track
09:52 Treating the vocal like a sample
10:55 Unusual use of structure
11:18 200 versions of the same song!
13:11 Conclusion
Sources
BBC interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqj8rcI8Kh0
SXSW interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D08Olh49QM&t=1397s
Guardian Interview https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/apr/20/justice-hyperdrama-interview
Billboard interview https://www.billboard.com/music/features/justice-coachella-hyperdrama-album-interview-1235653188/