My work definitly became next level using a simple (kinda) but very effective method. 1. Find your absolute favorite reference track in the style and genre you are attempt to produce. 2. Use this for one thing only copy the arrangement layout every element introduced and try make this exact and name those tracks and make notes in the regions. 3. You would end up with a full silent arrangement. Filling up the regions makes you work faster, to the point and way more effective. 4. Once the regions are filled up you definitly are not having a banger yet but arrangement wise you are certain you do have something good. 5. One more thing you could destile from the reference is the energy/intensity progression (for certain tracks you sure can use that guide to stay on course). 6. When done you don't end up with a copy because you cannot reconize the arrangement but still it helped you being confident and skip the invention of the perfect arrangement. 7. Making good melodies and pouring these in a solid (working) molds makes life easier. You instantly know what does it's job of fullfills it's function and changing or improving is much more focused. 8. Once you laydown the empty arrangement and named all properly (introduction moments, function and type) don't listnen again to the reference and work with your ideas within the arrangement. Maybe save the empty arrangement for another time to get a fresh moment without the reference still ringing in your head. 9. The point of doing this fully relies on doing this accurate, specific and detailed (force yourself to identify the elements but also write down the function of that element in that part of the arrangement this will make you a pro and you feel like having super power only because you layout the specifics in time (normaly less would be more in the case of transcribing more defenitly is more it cuts you loose from the reference while containing enough usefull and functional information) I hope you producers can take the time to try this and experience the day/night differnce once finished. It will feel like you did the right things first and the first things right for the first time...... Take that in for a moment and decide which track would work for you. Arrangements sometimes appear to be straight forward but they are full of choices and having the structure and details mapped out is a fucking game changer. My tracks always sounded good, had good elements and still lacked the confidence of a good structure. Using this method gave me much more insight in the function, interaction and support of parts I hope this long read was worth it for you ;-)
this could be the best arrangement video I have seen, these are very applicable tips. I watched arrangement videos entire 2023 this one is like cracking the code of it man. thank you genius one more time cracking the code for us.
Not only does this guy just GET dance music, he manages to explain concepts in such a simple to understand way. Very hard to come across teachers in any field with that combination of knowledge and communication skills. Big up Zen!
Zen that pack you sent me mate is amazing sound design and going very well in my assignment, took a few days off it as 43 on Thursday 4th of the 4th but just wanted to thank you again and say the thought you've put into the sound design is absolutely unbelievable mate easily a 19 out of 10 mate for sure. Its really fitted into my assignment and talk so spot on mate
The point about Reference tracks influencing your decisions is very, very true. Not even for just arrangement, but I find myself often influenced a little too much on style choices and other creative aspects of the track I’m trying to write by constant reference back to other tracks.
I just watched a Piero Purupa broke down his track and he lived off the grids. As a ux designer I live in 8px grids at work and can tell you it def changes the way you think when you're building something.
Great work! It's not like to arrange a 8 bar loop into a track by using some techniques heard and read somewhere (start with X and introduce Y, cut off C and blend A in),... its arranging by feel it!!!
afterlifes extended mixes are so good as a guideline on how to arrange but again as you said ppl attention span is getting shorted or the listeners might be shorter so taking too long to get to the point might not be what you want depending on stuff
Looks like you are using a bass line recorded from the Moog Matriarch in this song. Since you seem to be an experienced sound designer, and almost all videos I see out there including yours are using soft synths, it would be interesting to hear more about the reason why and how you are using the matriarch. I'd love to know more of the workflow including for which situations you decide to use the hardware Synth, and how you record and process it. I have quite a lot of hardware synths and would like to see more how others are using them, and getting tips and trix.
Yes it’s the same almost just keep in mind 32 Bars for the Big Breakdown. 16 bars for small breakdowns. 8 Bars for new additions can even do 4 bars with minimal. Works in pop music too it’s all divisible by 4
Not sure how much more indepth i can go tbh. 4 Bars Minimal Changes 8 bars bigger CHANGE. 16BARS New section or more bigger change. 32 bars completely new section. @@InztinctTerror
Help me please, when i change velocity on piano roll on serum (minimal nights pack) nothing happens, have i set it up wrong or do i need to do something
My brother this is not a track I intent to finish. I used the idea just for teaching but I’ll say this I’ve taught 2 students who are using it as well but who cares?!? Use it just be unique and tell your story differently
Thank you man! I love your work. I started working more seriously on music thanks to your tutorials. Soon I hope I will show my best work on your review sessions! Peace@@ZenWorld
I used that vocal sample on my latest release. Maybe the arrangement would’ve been better if I’d seen this video before th-cam.com/video/-LODNRN6aGY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pVX6S11iWDufhz5_
My work definitly became next level using a simple (kinda) but very effective method.
1. Find your absolute favorite reference track in the style and genre you are attempt to produce.
2. Use this for one thing only copy the arrangement layout every element introduced and try make this exact and name those tracks and make notes in the regions.
3. You would end up with a full silent arrangement. Filling up the regions makes you work faster, to the point and way more effective.
4. Once the regions are filled up you definitly are not having a banger yet but arrangement wise you are certain you do have something good.
5. One more thing you could destile from the reference is the energy/intensity progression (for certain tracks you sure can use that guide to stay on course).
6. When done you don't end up with a copy because you cannot reconize the arrangement but still it helped you being confident and skip the invention of the perfect arrangement.
7. Making good melodies and pouring these in a solid (working) molds makes life easier. You instantly know what does it's job of fullfills it's function and changing or improving is much more focused.
8. Once you laydown the empty arrangement and named all properly (introduction moments, function and type) don't listnen again to the reference and work with your ideas within the arrangement. Maybe save the empty arrangement for another time to get a fresh moment without the reference still ringing in your head.
9. The point of doing this fully relies on doing this accurate, specific and detailed (force yourself to identify the elements but also write down the function of that element in that part of the arrangement this will make you a pro and you feel like having super power only because you layout the specifics in time (normaly less would be more in the case of transcribing more defenitly is more it cuts you loose from the reference while containing enough usefull and functional information)
I hope you producers can take the time to try this and experience the day/night differnce once finished. It will feel like you did the right things first and the first things right for the first time...... Take that in for a moment and decide which track would work for you. Arrangements sometimes appear to be straight forward but they are full of choices and having the structure and details mapped out is a fucking game changer. My tracks always sounded good, had good elements and still lacked the confidence of a good structure. Using this method gave me much more insight in the function, interaction and support of parts I hope this long read was worth it for you ;-)
this could be the best arrangement video I have seen, these are very applicable tips. I watched arrangement videos entire 2023 this one is like cracking the code of it man. thank you genius one more time cracking the code for us.
Ok so that was the best arrangement video I have ever seen, im going to arrange all my loops right now
this is gold bro
Loved this one, would love to see a continued video of this arrangement, adding the ear candy, unpredictability etc that you mentioned at the end
Not only does this guy just GET dance music, he manages to explain concepts in such a simple to understand way. Very hard to come across teachers in any field with that combination of knowledge and communication skills. Big up Zen!
Zen that pack you sent me mate is amazing sound design and going very well in my assignment, took a few days off it as 43 on Thursday 4th of the 4th but just wanted to thank you again and say the thought you've put into the sound design is absolutely unbelievable mate easily a 19 out of 10 mate for sure. Its really fitted into my assignment and talk so spot on mate
The point about Reference tracks influencing your decisions is very, very true. Not even for just arrangement, but I find myself often influenced a little too much on style choices and other creative aspects of the track I’m trying to write by constant reference back to other tracks.
Certainly one of the best videos I have seen on the arrangement topic. Thank you!
Cool track, Zen. And some killer tips.
I just watched a Piero Purupa broke down his track and he lived off the grids. As a ux designer I live in 8px grids at work and can tell you it def changes the way you think when you're building something.
The tutorial i never knew i needed, But I do...
This is the best arrangement video ever made
Your channel is a goldmine of info!!
I do like the handy use of the arrangement of using abletone
Thank you
Just what I needed thank you Zen
This track is genius! Simple yet so effective. You just made me realize how I tend to overcomplicate things! Thanks ! ❤
i swear this info shouldnt be free🤣
Exactly my thoughts, this dude explains like no other, and i love his honesty and how he thinks. Smart guy with great knowledge
Great work! It's not like to arrange a 8 bar loop into a track by using some techniques heard and read somewhere (start with X and introduce Y, cut off C and blend A in),... its arranging by feel it!!!
Thank you so much for this ❤
The intel is real thank you so much.
got you on the BETA
Mastering videos would be great content 🎉
Great video
You’re the best bro 🙏🏽
Thank you so much! I am learning a lot. Wow! I love you bro! You're the man!!!
Really good teacher man
Thank you bro🔥
Thanks Zen, you're a great teacher
perfect timing. thank you Zen!
very good video brother
afterlifes extended mixes are so good as a guideline on how to arrange but again as you said ppl attention span is getting shorted or the listeners might be shorter so taking too long to get to the point might not be what you want depending on stuff
You deserve more than 200k followers bro
Do you do one on one session Zen? I really love your style of production and would truly love to book a session with you
👏👏👏patiently waiting.
Hope you like it!
@@ZenWorld this was much needed
Looks like you are using a bass line recorded from the Moog Matriarch in this song.
Since you seem to be an experienced sound designer, and almost all videos I see out there including yours are using soft synths, it would be interesting to hear more about the reason why and how you are using the matriarch. I'd love to know more of the workflow including for which situations you decide to use the hardware Synth, and how you record and process it.
I have quite a lot of hardware synths and would like to see more how others are using them, and getting tips and trix.
Have we found the Zen world for fl studio yet? Asking for a friend hahah
fr need it
thanks for info , Can I apply it to melodic techno and peak techno?
Yes it’s the same almost just keep in mind 32 Bars for the Big Breakdown. 16 bars for small breakdowns. 8 Bars for new additions can even do 4 bars with minimal. Works in pop music too it’s all divisible by 4
I always wonder if Zen World sleeps or if he just uses his Breville Espresso machine all day.
I was waiting for this tutorial
lol I hope not to disspoint but I did edit and work fast making a follow up to this with more tips I've learned.
Definitely a more in depth tutorial on arrangement pls sensei 🙏
Not sure how much more indepth i can go tbh. 4 Bars Minimal Changes 8 bars bigger CHANGE. 16BARS New section or more bigger change. 32 bars completely new section. @@InztinctTerror
Gotta practice Flow it will come with experience@@InztinctTerror
Bro, I looked at the picture on the video description and I thought you made the switch to Logic Pro 😢
Help me please, when i change velocity on piano roll on serum (minimal nights pack) nothing happens, have i set it up wrong or do i need to do something
wtf that kick+bass sounds so good ... is it only me??
All the knowledge is in all my past videos my friend. Trust what I teach I only mean to help.
@@ZenWorld Is this kick additionally processed, or is it as you have them ready to go in your packs?
@@ZenWorld I have no doubt of your teachings since the day I discovered you.
When you lower the bass for breaks do you just automate the eq mixer to cut lower frequencies?
Turn that auto filter on and offnthats about it. It cuts at 200HZ
Zen Academy material
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Are you the music producer version of Markiplier? Love your stuff it always helps!
Please give us a download of this bass or show us the pattern
yea baby
reminded me of that ratatouille scene where Remy show the other mouse the feeling of flavors of the food mixed as colors and sound
Wheres the vocals from?
Splice
I’m convinced this foo is a ghost producer for some big names 🤔
Shittt, I was about to use the same vocals in my track
My brother this is not a track I intent to finish. I used the idea just for teaching but I’ll say this I’ve taught 2 students who are using it as well but who cares?!? Use it just be unique and tell your story differently
I always find quite funny when you at the club or something and recognize samples/vocals you used yourself
Hey can you tell me where are the vocals from? :)
Splice Dropgun pack idk where but try it out@@Ch1ckennepper
Thank you man! I love your work. I started working more seriously on music thanks to your tutorials. Soon I hope I will show my best work on your review sessions! Peace@@ZenWorld
Beep beep
I saw logic and felt betrayed for ableton
Beepbeep mfs
I used that vocal sample on my latest release. Maybe the arrangement would’ve been better if I’d seen this video before th-cam.com/video/-LODNRN6aGY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pVX6S11iWDufhz5_