Synopsis
Audio (320kbps .mp3):
1. Project Overview
This project synthesises the concepts and production techniques developed across Semester 1 and Semester 2 through the creation of a 1990s-inspired house track produced entirely within a computer-based environment. Confident in the house genre, I aimed to capture the energetic nightclub atmosphere of 90s electronic dance music, with particular emphasis on the lead vocal as the central expressive element. The composition incorporates software synthesizers inspired by classic digital instruments such as the Korg M1 and vintage-style drum machine sounds, alongside chopped and processed vocal samples to demonstrate digital manipulation, sequencing, and sampling techniques. By blending nostalgic sonic characteristics with contemporary production methods, the piece reflects both historical influence and my individual development within computer-based music production.
2. Musical Influences
For my musical influences, I focused on house music, the genre I am most confident in within computer-based production. To better understand the defining features of 1990s house, I researched its key elements and found the YouTube video “How To Make 90s UK Organ House” by (SOTA SOUNDS,2023). The video highlights the importance of the Korg M1 organ sound and classic drum machine rhythms in creating an authentic 90s house style. I planned to combine these traditional elements with modern synthesizers and effects processing.
I also searched Spotify for reference tracks and selected “Do To Me” by Tim Sanders (Tim Sanders, 2024) (Appendix 1) and “High On Me” (Rossi and Jazzy, 2025)(Appendix 2)as a key inspiration, as it effectively blends classic house characteristics with contemporary production.
(Appendix 1)
(Appendix 2)
3. Production Processes
I used Logic Pro for the entire production process and mixed the track completely in the box using mainly the default plugins and software instruments, including Logic Sampler, Alchemy, Retro Synth, and EFM-1 (Appendix 3). The tempo was set to 115 BPM, which is typical for house music.
For the synth and bass parts, I used Alchemy to create a bass line inspired by the classic Korg M1 organ sound. I also created a house piano part with a four-chord progression in the key of C major (VI–III–IV–V), which repeats throughout the track. Additional synthesizer layers were added using an arpeggiator to create more movement and texture in the arrangement (Appendix 4). The additional technique I used with the bass is side-chaining with the kick (Appendix 5).
Vocal samples were created using my own voice recordings and chopped to form rhythmic vocal hooks in the chorus and breakdown sections (Appendix 6). I recorded the vocals using a condenser microphone and imported them into Logic Sampler, where I trimmed, pitch-shifted, and time-stretched the samples to achieve rhythmic alignment.
(Appendix 3)
(Appendix 4)
(Appendix 5)
(Appendix 6)
4. Third Party Samples
This track uses nine samples to enhance rhythm, energy, and transitions.
Aftershock Synth Lead – The only melodic sample, featured in the chorus.
4th Dimension Beat 02 – A percussion clap loop with FX and reverb to strengthen the main beat.
Festival Snare Buildup 04 – A pitched-up, compressed snare with reverb to create a powerful build-up.
Boomer FX 32 – A bass drop effect placed at the start of the beat to emphasise the first bar.
Sun Up Riser 02 – A riser used at the end of the chorus to transition into the second verse.
Shaker 10 – A shaker loop added in the chorus for rhythmic texture.
80s Synth FX Riser 02 – Layered with the snare build-up to enhance energy before the drop.
Classic Hat Topper – A hi-hat and clap loop at the start to establish the house rhythm.
Classic House Beat – The main drum loop in the chorus, including kick, snare, hi-hat, and percussion.
5. Influence of Module Content
This module in computer-based production across Semester 1 and Semester 2 introduced key techniques, including MIDI sequencing, sampling, sound design, and ambient music, all of which were applied in this track.
In Semester 1, I developed skills in sampling, particularly vocal manipulation. I applied these techniques in this project through vocal chopping, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and rearranging samples.
In Semester 2, I explored the use of software synthesizers and arpeggiators, particularly in Week 11 seminars. These techniques were incorporated into the track to enhance its harmonic and rhythmic elements.
Additionally, many of the reference tracks discussed in seminars focused on ambient music. This influenced my approach to processing vocals and instruments, allowing me to create a more immersive and atmospheric sound.
Overall, this module helped shape the structure and development of the composition, enabling me to produce a track that reflects both technical understanding and creative application.
6. Critical Reflection
This track successfully captures the atmosphere of 1990s house music, particularly through its rhythmic structure and emphasis on vocals. One of the main challenges I faced during production was balancing the lead vocal with the other elements of the track, as I aimed to create a large, ambient vocal sound while maintaining clarity within the mix.
For future development, I would improve the structure of the track by introducing more variation to maintain listener engagement. This project has strengthened my computer-based production skills and reflects the techniques I developed across Semester 1 and Semester 2, contributing to my growth as an electronic music producer.
7. Bibliography
(SOTA SOUNDS,2023). How To Make 90s UK Organ House (Spinning Beats Style). [online] Youtu.be. Available at: https://youtu.be/JMdGoM1OqfY?si=7ybgmc0A4dk2wqqJ [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026]
(Tim Sanders, 2024) . Spotify. [online] Spotify.com. Available at: https://open.spotify.com/track/6ow9Iwh3H3ud5cRREiEX53?si=SgWBv75QTpqVzqm9mlAIag [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].
(Rossi and Jazzy,2025). High On Me . Available at: https://open.spotify.com/track/3Z23sDc2J9ZkmFiMStRoIp?si=b7c7828249444bf5 [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026].
