For this project I have embarked on creating a track which is inspired by the artist ‘Gold Panda’. I wanted to create a world full of unique timbres and sounds which I’ve sampled throughout the song. My DAW of choice is Logic Pro X as in my opinion the range of stock plug ins and my familiarity with the software is what has allowed me to complete this project. I utilised a range of plug ins, samples and have small sections of recorded then manipulated audio. However predominantly the song is made up of sounds from the ‘Opal Morphing synth’ , blended with samples provided by Leeds conservatoire. The track I have specifically referenced and used as inspiration is “you”.
In doing this I used Logic Pros built in Alchemy Sampler plug in , by using granular synthesis and orchestral samples provided to me by Leeds Conservatoire. I was able to manipulate the sample and turn it into my lead instrument. It began as a flute sample but I believe it has evolved into more of a ‘scream’. Using the flute sample was intentional as when discussing the track ‘you’ in class myself and my peers settled on the toppling instrument being a manipulated flute. A lot of the instrumentation is built up of synths made from the opal morphing synth plug in. This plug in combines an analog-modeled interface , wavetable, and noise oscillators with unique morphing filters allowing me to create and manipulate particular sounds to fit the genre. The track ‘you’ by ‘Gold Panda’ was a big inspiration during the process of the track. I found it interesting how although the instrumentation is rigid and robotic , it is so full of life and character. This was something I wanted to harness within my track. In using replicas of analog synths like the Fury-800 VST (Emulator of a 1983 Korg Poly-800) , I managed to capture the unique intricacies which make electronic tracks of this genre feel so alive. The track is built behind a moving keyboard synth. This is built through logics ES-1 synth and plays throughout the whole track. In every section this part is automated to pan from left to right every bar , because of this I can stay in line with the repetitive nature of my inspiration while also keeping the track engaging for listeners.
Alongside utilising my in class inspiration of “gold panda” I also am inspired by producers like George Daniel. George Daniel works mostly within the pop world however is able to use his extensive knowledge on dance and electronic music to subtly incorporate those sounds into the mainstream. With this in mind , I wanted to juxtapose George Daniels lush layers of pads and arpeggiators with “Gold Panda’s” unyieldingly rigid rhythm and instrumentation. Within my work I wanted to capture “Gold Pandas” ability to sit on the fence of something unique and exciting yet familiar and comforting. This dichotomy was at the forefront of my brain while making this track and I believe it really shows in the final section of the track. During this section , I utilise all Melodys that have been played throughout the song. Using these as a motif , I was able to invoke the feeling of familiarity due to the listener recognising the melody from earlier in the song. “Gold Panda” utilises both acoustic and electronically sourced audio within their music. As a guitarist I was happy to play a section on the track in one of the sections, throughout the song there are sections with similar backing but a new unique top line every time. This was done to capture the monotonous nature of “Gold Pandas” music while also keeping intrigue throughout the song.
I began making this track after the seminar session on “Gold Panda”. During this session we were taught “Gold Pandas” sampling technique and how we can go on to further utilise that in our work. The technique consists of layering multiple staccato stabs so they play as a stack when you hit one key. I utilised this technique while creating the top line sound from the flute. However I believed it was lacking that other worldly feel which is so common in this genre of music so therefore I pitch shifted it and used logics granular synthesis option to get it to where I wanted it to be.
For the harmony of this track , I didn’t want to over do it. Music in this genre is often simple and repetitive but the song is carried by the emotions that the sound design carries. It is intended to invoke feeling while listening. Therefore , when writing this track I kept the amount of chords I use to a minimum , only utilising four in most sections. Although this could run the risk of getting monotonous I believe the difference in instrumentation in each section allows the track enough room to be simple.
Samples Used
-“Baauer Sound Pack” Provided by Leeds Conservatoire 2025
