Table of Contents
Indie dance music is a genre that is probably the most loosely defined of any genre in club music and because it’s so broad in sound and sonics, it can be difficult at times to pinpoint exactly what constitutes an indie dance track in the first place. On the plus side, if you really follow the trends and producers of Indie Dance, there’s so many amazing producers doing insanely cool stuff within the wide confines of what makes up Indie Dance music, that it really can be one of the most inspiring genres to study and talk about.
And if any label is going to curate the best of the best, it will be Manual Music. And with the release of KAMADEV’s latest Indie Dance track, “Left To Say,” I decided I had to pick the producer’s brain and figure out the studio tools he uses and the tricks to get the most from them in the latest How It Was Made feature. So listen to the track below to acclimate your ears to the sauce he’s about to share, and then dive into the latest iteration of KAMADEV – Left To Say, which is out now on Manual Music.
Omnisphere
Omnisphere is one heck of a VST plugin known for its vast selection of sounds and cool synthesis features. It combines different types of synthesis, like wavetable, granular, and sample-based, to give producers a versatile tool to make all kinds of sounds, from lush pads to intricate leads. The plugin’s easy-to-use interface makes it simple to tweak and play around with sounds, whether getting into deep sound design or just checking out its massive preset collection. Omnisphere is the top choice for producers who want many options and top- notch sound in their music production..
For this track, I used Omnisphere as the backbone of the bassline. I crafted a really cool arp bass that drives the vibe. I started with the “Lawnmower” preset and shortened the arp sequence, making it tighter and more rhythmic. I added an accent to the arp sequence to give it some extra character. I split the bass into two tracks— one for the punchy low-end and another for the mid-range. To liven up the mid-range, I widened the stereo image. I added some panning modulation, bringing the bass to life with a sense of movement. Thanks to some filtering and envelope tweaks, you’ll notice the mid-range bass evolving throughout the track.
Producers can dig into Omnisphere’s wide variety of ARPs that’s just right for this genre. Start with a preset that you really like, and then start tweaking the synth settings – play around with the arp sequence, envelopes, and stereo effects. A cool trick is to layer two tracks: keep the low-end in the center and push the mid-range out to the sides. This adds depth and movement, making your bassline the driving force of the track.
Soothe 2
Soothe 2 by OEK Sound is an incredible tool for taming harsh frequencies and smoothing your mix. It automatically finds and reduces problem areas in real time, making it perfect for fixing things like harsh vocals or muddy low-end. The plugin is really easy to use, so you can adjust the controls without making things too complicated. Soothe 2 is like having a fine-tuning tool that helps your tracks sound polished and balanced..
I used Soothe 2 to smooth out the vocals for this track since I layered them with a vocoder plugin to give them that edgy, gritty sound. The combination can sometimes introduce harsh frequencies, so Soothe 2 was perfect for taming those without losing my desired character. I started with a preset that focused on vocal resonance and then adjusted it to target specific frequencies that needed taming. It’s a lifesaver for keeping the vocals clear and balanced, even when pushing them into more aggressive territory.
Soothe 2 is a must-have tool for producers —it can be used on anything from drums and synths to vocals. I’ve learned that it’s especially great for handling those tricky frequencies that tend to clash with other elements in the mix. Whether you’re taming harshness in vocals or smoothing out resonances in your synths, Soothe 2 helps keep your track clean and balanced. It’s essential for making everything sit right in the mix.
GEM Dopamine
The Gem Dopamine Audio Enhancer is an incredible tool for adding warmth and clarity to your mix. Dopamine helps bring out the brightness and oomph, making everything sound more polished and lively. It’s a straightforward tool to use and can make your music shine.
I add Gem Dopamine to almost every track I make, especially on elements that need to pop out a bit more. For this track, I used it on the mid-range and pluck synths to give them extra presence and warmth. It’s a straightforward plugin. There’s no need for complex settings; it’s all about subtle adjustments to bring out the best in your mix.
Any producer can use the Gem Dopamine to add that extra polish to their tracks, whether you’re applying it to individual elements or on a bus. It’s a simple yet powerful tool—trust your ear and use it to bring out the best in your music. Whether you aim for a subtle enhancement or a more pronounced effect, this plugin has you covered.
Black Box
The Brainworx Black Box is my essential analog saturation plugin that adds warmth, richness, and harmonic color to tracks. It’s all about emulating classic tube and transformer circuitry, so you can tweak it from giving a little warmth to totally distorting your sound, depending on what you’re going for. The controls are super easy to use, making it a breeze to get just the right amount of saturation and give your mix that extra depth and character. .
I used Black Box on the drums and bass bus for this track to give them that extra edge. I dialed in enough saturation to bring out the harmonics and add some punch without overpowering the mix. You can hear how the drums and bass cut through, giving the track a more aggressive, textured feel. It’s a great way to add character and make those elements stand out..
The Brainworx Black Box adds extra grit and edge, whether on solo tracks, a bus, or synths. It helps bring out the character in your drums, bass, and synths, making them stand out. Experiment with the saturation levels to see how much depth and texture you can add. .
Quick Fire Tips for Making Indie Dance
1. Get Inspired: Pull references from tracks you love and use them as your vibe guide. Let them inspire the direction of your music.
2. Bassline is the Heart: The bassline is the soul of your track—make sure it stands out and drives the groove.
3. Keep Drums Tight and Simple: Don’t overcomplicate the drums. Simple, tight beats are key to keeping the energy right.
4. Create Tension and Release: Build anticipation and then let it go. This dynamic keeps your listeners hooked.
5. Tell a Story: Make sure your track has an overall theme and tells a story through its arrangement. Let each section build on the last, guiding your listeners on a journey from start to finish.
The post How It Was Made: KAMADEV – Left To Say (Manual Music, Indie Dance) appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.