How I Did It
Tools I Used
Logic Pro 8
Ableton Live 7
Samples I Used
Used a great pella uploaded by j.lang (thanks!)
Original Samples
Pretty much everything else!
Process
I'm pretty adept at warping vox to a beat, this time i though i'd leave them be and build a track around it. Started with the bass (absynth) and programmed a beat to go with it using a 707 kit (i think). Added a percussion line to build on the syncopated rythm. Played in the chorus synth (minimonsta) and screwed with the fx to try and fit it behind most of the rest of the tracks.
Next I laid down the skank organ and vibe line. Originally it was all organ, but a snipped off the top line and moved it to play the vibes instead as it needed a slightly smoother line in there, esspescially after adding the clav. I played in the basic clav line (EVD6) and pushed it through guitar rig to get that distorted/funky vibe. It didn't seem to hit, so i edited the line, still no joy, hust didn't have enough impact. I'm not a fan of enseble style plugs, so i tried to match the line for a double track, but couldn't pull it off! In the end i copy + pasted the clav line and ever so slightly randomised the position/strength of the notes for a real double track sound.
Generally when i mix i try to visualise the piece as a performance, in this case i saw it as a promo/video and tried match it. Had quite a bit of trouble to get that nice warm bass sound, in the end i took it out of my rig and into my rack. I put it through a phaser with the lfo turned off (big briar, Robert Moog RIP) and then into my TLA 5021 for tube compression (found out the valve on channel 1 has blown, crap, now i need to find a matching pair), that did it. Its great to see the VUs flying, the tubes glowing and the drive light pulsing, nice!
Finished up in Ozone. Really don't like it's brickwall limiter so i backed up a bit, saving up for some wave L'x's!
Other Notes
Really happy with the funky content, i do like the clav line i played! Have to put myself in a stevie mindset when playing the clav! Not entirely happy with the sync btw vox and track, when it works it works and i didn't want to mess with the flow of the clav. Middle section might be a mistake but it felt right at the time.
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