Beyond
Subtractive Synthesis
When it comes to music production, sound design plays a pivotal role in creating unique and captivating compositions. In fact, in the modern dance music and pop space, sound design is considered an essential skill for carving out a unique space as an artist. There are definitely lots of schools of thought about what the term “sound design” encompasses but, from this writer’s perspective, sound design refers to the processes and techniques employed to create, edit or manipulate audio deliberately. When it comes to artists, being able to effectively sound design can make all the difference in creating a standout sonic signature. While subtractive synthesis is a popular technique, there's a whole world of creative possibilities waiting for exploration beyond traditional synthesizers. In this article, we'll explore the concept of thinking beyond synthesis and delve into some techniques and approaches that can take your sound design skills to the next level.
Field Recording: Capturing the World
One of the most powerful ways to add depth and character to your compositions is through field recording. Stepping outside the studio and capturing sounds from the world around you can introduce organic, personal, and unique sonic elements into your tracks. Whether it's recording the sounds of nature, city streets, or even household objects, field recording offers endless possibilities for creating texture and atmosphere. Most importantly, the smart and creative implementation of field recordings can lend a sense of physical space and intimacy to your songs.
Foley Artistry:
Mundane Objects, Extraordinary Sounds
Foley artistry involves creating and recording sound effects using everyday objects not traditionally intended for music production. Experimenting with items like keys, kitchen utensils, or even crumpled paper can yield remarkable results. By using these objects creatively, you can transform ordinary sounds into extraordinary textures that can bring your compositions to life. The creativity involved here is the vision to imagine a sound performing a function or being in a space it was never intended to. Plastic bottle snare drum, anyone?
Granular Synthesis:
Exploring Microscopic Sound Particles
OKAY, I KNOW. This is technically a form of synthesis. However, the soundscapes that can be brought out by this technique are next-level and not really something that’s possible with traditional, subtractive synthesis. Granular synthesis is a technique that involves breaking down audio samples into tiny grains and manipulating them individually. This process allows for the creation of complex and evolving textures by stretching, looping, and reshaping the sound particles. By utilizing granular synthesis, you can unlock a vast array of sonic possibilities and add intricate layers of sound to your productions.
Processing
I saved what I think is the most important one for last. Post-processing. This is the practice of creatively applying effects to a sound with the intention of changing it fundamentally. This is very different from processing for the purposes of mixing or mastering. By unconventionally and, in some cases extremely, applying tools like reverb, EQ, saturation, and more to sounds you can transform it into something unrecognizable and altogether new. Bonus points if you process, commit samples to audio, then reprocess the new sample even more.