ABLETON FOR MUSIC PRODUCERS AND AUDIO ENGINEERS
Course 32: Electronic Music Production and Arranging II – Part II

In a continuation of the previous course, we’ll dive deeper into the world of music production and learn various automation techniques as well as tips for radio edits, chopping vocals, and more! Automation techniques can be an invaluable tool for adding subtle nuances and natural dynamics to your music.

Automation also makes it easy to make dynamic transitions which help take the composition to the next level. Furthermore, spending time with automation techniques introduces new dimensions to the production process, often pushing musicians outside their comfort zone and inspiring creativity.

When it comes to mastering music for radio play, there are a few key considerations that musicians need to take into account. Firstly, ensuring that the overall mix is balanced and sounds good on a variety of systems. It is important to consider special versioning where relevant–this could involve removing explicit lyrics from a song, shortening the track length, or adding alternate versions such as acapella or instrumental versions.

The human voice is an incredibly versatile and complex instrument, but with a little bit of creativity, you can chop vocals up to create unique and interesting sounds. By breaking down isolated vocal elements, you can manipulate them to create new backdrops, melodies, and even percussive elements.

Achieving an even mix for your music is key to creating a professional quality production. Fortunately, there are some great ways to maintain balance throughout the mixing process. The technique you learn here can help keep everything in check without cutting off any crucial elements from your mix. Your assignment for this course will be to create a radio edit for a long song you’ve already made. Pay attention to transitions, intros/outros, and clean up the lyrics if necessary.