Mixing your favourite music has become incredibly accessible in recent times. Rather than requiring savings for turntables and a mixer, you can initiate your DJing journey right from your laptop without any cost. There’s plenty of freeware out there that equips you with professional features, whethe

Synthesizers are an incredible mixture of physical instruments and electronics. While the physical side of things doesn’t change very much – the piano has remained relatively the same for centuries now – the technology inside is like a wild rollercoaster ride; twisting and turning, with new highs ar

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsChromeo, Justice, Hot Chip, Dam Funk — who are your electro-funk heroes? And how many times have you opened your DAW to try and create similar music, only to get sidetracked for two hours on building that perfect synth patch? We’ve all been there.READ MORE: Chromeo: “We

Most microphones will do a decent job at recording spoken word vocals. But, depending on whether your delivery is laid-back or all-out, the type of microphone you’ll want to use could be very different.READ MORE: Best synth plugins 2024: 10 of the best polyphonic synth plugins for all genresVocal mi

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsIn future bass music, there’s no point keeping things subtle. As masters of the dark arts like REZZ, Zeds Dead and WHIPPED CREAM show us, boisterous, ear-grabbing basslines and dramatic, ethereal atmospheres make a successful pairing.READ MORE: REZZ just wants to keep i

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsDetroit techno was pioneered by artists such as Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson in the 1980s, frequently referred to as The Belleville Three. As shown to us by the likes of these artists, as well as the likes of Jeff Mills and Robert Hood, this sound boas

April’s name is rooted in the Latin ‘Aprilis’, derived from the Latin ‘aperire’ meaning “to open”. It’s a month when Spring bursts into life, with new nature blossoming dramatically.For a music producer, this symbolism could carry over to the transformation of your creative process, opening yourself

This list of new sample packs, hot off the press for April, offers sounds that sit within a variety of genres. This month, peruse through a selection of samples perfect for everything from jazzy afrobeat to driving industrial techno, synthwave or dramatic drum ‘n’ bass.READ MORE: Best free plugins a

Everyone has their own approach to making music. Whether you’re working with hardware or software, MIDI is one of the languages that lets your devices communicate.READ MORE: 13 best Ableton Live controllers to buyThe beauty of MIDI lies in its flexibility. There’s something to suit your needs whatev

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsWhen Tom Oberheim launched his eponymous musical instrument company in 1969, no one anticipated the immense impact his synthesizers and drum machines would have on music in the decades to come.Oberheim is the name behind legendary instruments like the OB-Xa, Matrix-12,

In music production, compression reduces the amplitude (volume) of the loudest parts of a signal. Think of a compressor as an automatic channel fader that is turned down when the signal gets too loud and is returned to its previous position when the signal becomes quieter again. By doing this, a com

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsRooted in the 1990s, IDM is characterised by complex, intricate compositions. The genre is as diverse as it is esoteric, incorporating elements from breakbeat, trip-hop, acid house, and ambient to name a few – so this week’s sample pack round-up is sure to be a goldmine

In the ever-evolving world of music production, the right plugins can transform a simple track into a sonic masterpiece.READ MORE: ‘What does a compressor do in music?’:A beginner’s guide to compressionA plugin is a piece of third-party software that extends the capabilities of your digital audio wo

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsTechno has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1980s. Characterised by repetitive beats, hypnotic rhythms, and often sparse arrangements, the genre emerged out of Detroit courtesy of the Belleville Three before gaining popularity across Europe, parti

Ad Feature with BandLab. The rulebook has been well and truly torn up when it comes to making pop music, with countless artists pushing the boundaries. Movements like hyperpop emerged in the 2010s, pioneered by AG Cook and his PC Music label to name a few, combining accessible songwriting with far-r

Many hobbyist musicians and producers consider a degree in music technology because they’re passionate about honing their craft and dream of making music full-time. Happily, these versatile qualifications can unlock an incredibly wide variety of other paths too, blending creativity with technical ex

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsBuilding a floor-filling progressive or tech house track requires a strong command of energy, groove, and atmosphere. Progressive house is known for its highly emotive melodies and evolving soundscapes, while tech house focuses more on tight, driving rhythms.Artists lik

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsAs more and more boundary-pushing dance music enters the mainstream, artists like Ninajirachi are seeing success for their futuristic soundscapes, intricate rhythms, and shimmering textures. In this week’s free sample pack round-up, we’ve collected a selection of sounds

Ad feature with BandLab SoundsEmerging in the late 2000s, many credit the internet with the birth of chillwave, a genre developed in part thanks to the popularity of music blogs and sharing platforms like SoundCloud. While it’s a term of derision for some, many artists associated with the chillwave

Quincy Jones, one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th century has passed away at the age of 91. A polymath, hitmaker, entrepreneur, industry mogul, and philanthropist, he leaves a legacy that extends far beyond the music industry. As we reflect on his incalculable cultural contributions, here