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Track Walkthrough: "Das Boot" w/ Lee Pennington

Track Walkthrough: "Das Boot" w/ Lee Pennington

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Course Lessons

Course Preview

The Kick and Drums

The Melody

Bass Programming

Working with Samples

About This Course

In this workshop Riff Raff founder Lee Pennington shows you a track breakdown/walkthrough of his monster of a tune 'Das Boot'!

You will get to see him dive deeply into his process and sound selection on Cubase. He will be going through his elements from the kick, to the percussion and the saxophone samples, as well as how and why processes each of them. 

This session will be a great way to learn how to get your track to stand out and climb the charts of Beatport like Lee has done time and time again!

You will learn how to:

  • Compose and Arrange. 
  • When to process and what to process.  
  • Sidechain Your Bass and Kick 
  • Sample Select. 
  • Use a Sequencer To Create A Melody. 
  • Create Depth With Distortion and Saturation. 
  • Use EQ. 
  • Use Effects on Send Channels.  
  • Cut and Manipulate Samples. 
  • Create Call and Response.
  • Program Drums.  
  • Create Space For Your Mix. 
  • Make Loops Your Own. 
  • Using Automation. 


Lessons:
 

1. The Kick and Drums

Lee starts off with the kick, talking through how he processes it and each plug-in he uses in the chain. He moves on to the percussion sample that forms the backbone of the groove, as well as some helpful tips on how to incorporate loops into your tracks and make them your own.

2. The Melody

Lee walks through how he created the main melodic riff of his track, starting off with a chord and then using a sequencer to create an arpeggiated rhythm. He then duplicates the sound and layers it an octave higher to add more presence.

3. Bass Programming

Lee uses two Bass synths to layer the sound and make it cut through the mix. He discusses how to make room for the bass and use side-chain compression to achieve clarity and definition.

4. Working with Samples

Finally, Lee goes through his sampling process. He shows us how he layers and processes his sounds - from using send effects such as reverb and delay to bring his samples to life, to incorporating a ‘brass section’ that forms the hook of the track.   

Q&A

  • What was the synth called again?
  • How do you translate the pan trumpets to mono, will they come out centered if you do?

Meet Your Teacher

Lee Pennington

Lee Pennington is a DJ/Producer/Events Manager/Mastering Engineer/Radio Show Host/Label Owner, who has carved a career in the underground house and techno world with his brand *riffraff, one of the UK's longest running underground events since 2003. 

He is also a full-time music production teacher at Middlesbrough college where he has nurtured stars such as Lee Walker & Joe Mckenna who have both gone on to become Beatport No.1 artists, as well as his own Beatport chart toppers. 

Lee has worked with Rui Da Silva, Xpress2, Lee Walker and many more on music projects but his biggest was working in the studio to produce a record for DJ Alfredo which had great success. Lee’s music has support from some of the biggest DJs around, such as Sasha, Digweed, Carola.. the list goes on.

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!

______________________________

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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