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Track Breakdown: "Tribal Bizniz" w/ AndThen

Track Breakdown: "Tribal Bizniz" w/ AndThen

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Course Lessons

Course Preview

Starting a Track

The Drum Groove

The Bass and the Kick as a Single Unit

Adding Synths and Vocals

Creating Energy in Build-ups

Live Q&A

Live Q&A

About This Course

In this course you will get to see Mixmasters community manager, Luke AKA AndThen’s system of how he composed, arranged and polished his track "Tribal Bizniz" in Ableton Live.

He walks you through the elements of his process - answering any questions you have, whilst giving you some helpful tips and tricks along the way.

You will learn how to:

  • Structure your tracks. 
  • Build an arrangement from a loop. 
  • Process your elements. 
  • Create grooves with percussion loops. 
  • Layer samples. 
  • Get your kick and bass to sound good together. 
  • Mix as you go along. 
  • Use and process vocal samples. 
  • Create energy in build-ups. 
  • Use a reference track for mixdowns. 
  • Create synth arps and melodies. 
  • Organize your project.

1. Starting a Track

AndThen introduces himself and starts off by explaining what he will cover in this tutorial. He plays through his track and briefly covers how he lays tracks out -  starting with a 16/32 bar loop, then building from there.

2. The Drum Groove

There are innumerable approaches to getting a good kick, however Luke shows you how he begins by getting his kick sounding right. He then builds the drums by layering samples and loops, using the kick as a foundation and making sure to mix as he goes along.

3. The Bass and the kick as a Single Unit

Getting your kick and bass balanced relative to each other is crucial for setting the foundation of a solid mix. Luke shows you how he writes his bassline to compliment the kick, as well as how he processes it.

4. Adding Synth and Vocals

Moving on to the musical elements in his track, Luke talks through what synths he used. He demonstrates using an arpeggiator with Sylenth and how he automates that to build tension. He also gives a demo on how to make samples your own, whether that be a groovy synth melody or a vocal chop.

5. Creating Energy in Build-ups

Luke briefly goes through the breakdown sections in his track, talking through how he created energy using tools such as automation and silence.

6. Live Q&A

Finally, Luke gives a recap of everything he covered in the webinar, as well as additional advice on how to use a reference track for mixdowns. 

  • What was the auto-pan on your percussion?
  • What's the automation on the ceiling of the limiter doing?

Meet Your Teacher

AndThen

Having grown with the constant evolution of electronic music in the UK over the last few decades, AndThen’s story spans several genres and has seen him supported by some of the biggest names in House and Techno.

AndThen’s sound is an emphatic fusion of House and Tech House - with Tribal undertones & a key emphasis on percussive-laden groove. His unique sonic palate has seen his work well-received by labels, with the likes of Cubism, Price Incorrect and Circus Recordings being just a few of the imprints to offer him a platform to showcase his sound. 

In the past year alone, AndThen has had several high charting releases on Beatport and Traxsource as well as gaining support from Jamie Jones, Paco Osana and Blondish

Discussions

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

Discussions

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

About This Class 

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

In this new class, Emma shares the framework that allowed her to overcome self-doubt and carve her own path as an author, broadcaster, and podcast host. The secret to her success? Fed up with feeling afraid—of failure, of not being good enough, even of success—Emma dug into the science behind self-sabotage and learned exactly how to get out of her own way.

Now, Emma is sharing what she’s learned so that you can do the same: unlock your creative potential while feeling energized and empowered! 

Together with Emma, you will:

  • Identify the patterns in your life, and let go of habits that don’t serve you
  • Cut out comparison to figure out what you really want and need
  • Silence your inner critic by talking back to negative beliefs and behaviors
  • Own your success and vulnerability—both go hand-in-hand with creativity

Packed with insights and examples from Emma’s personal journey, this class is designed for every creative who needs a pep-talk or extra push to get started—and includes five exclusive downloadable worksheets to support you along the way.

Whether you’re looking to break through block, remove self-imposed pressure, or simply approach each new project with intention, this 45-minute class will unlock your confidence as a creative. Get started and celebrate taking the first step!

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All you need to follow along is a pen and paper. Download the worksheets to follow along with Emma’s exercises, or jot your thoughts in a notebook.

Resources

  • Introduction
  • Week one

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