Building strong foundations

Before we look at specific techniques to develop arrangements, let’s consider some overriding themes that apply across all genres, then perhaps apply that thinking to your own specific styles.

Typically, a pop or rock song follows an intro > verse > pre-chorus > chorus structure – a timeless, tried-and-tested template that’s proven to work in those genres. Even if you’re not making straight-up pop, there’s a lot to learn from this type of arrangement. For example, if you’re stuck creating an eight- or 16-bar loop, treat this as your ‘verse’ section, then use this as a foundation to lay down a complementary ‘chorus’ section. Once done, is the jump between these two sections too stark? Then you probably need some kind of ‘bridge’ or build-up in dance music.

Speaking of build-ups, these all-important sections are designed primarily to increase anticipation and build tension towards that main ‘drop’ section. These can range from simple drum-roll-style rhythmic builds and enigmatic ambience washes to electrifying noise ‘whooshes’ and DJ-style effect treatments.

One reason many producers remain stuck in a repetitive cycle is that they treat these build-up elements as secondary, often leaving them until later on in the process. However, it can be a good idea to create these tension-building elements early on and design the rest of the sounds around the build-up. Not only is this a fresh way of working if you usually lay down beats and bass first, but you’ll be inspired to synergise the ‘drop’ with this build-up in a way you may not have otherwise.

Transitional components of an arrangement can range from the purely functional – think noise sweeps and 16th-note snare rolls – through to more creative approaches. There’s something to be said for creating tension-boosting parts that naturally work in your current track. In a recent episode of FM’s The

Track, DnB producer DLR discusses the importance of wringing the most out of your existing sounds by using them to create new and interesting FX elements that evolve out of the song itself – for example, by firing your track’s intro pad into processors to create a new ‘child’ special effect.

High contrast

Contrast is important when arranging a short loop into a full song. The use of contrasting sections, while not working for all styles of music, can be an effective technique, especially within dancefloor-destined music, capturing the listener’s attention with a jarring change or ‘switch’ of some kind. A tried-and-tested example is the use of an overly ‘floaty’, sustained, melodic breakdown section that builds and releases into a stripped-back kick and staccato synth bass drop. The washed-out euphoria of the break section is expected to let go of its tension somehow, and the abrupt switch into something more rhythmic and groove-led provides that release of tension combined with an element of surprise.

So if you’re stuck in a loop with no way out, evaluate your track’s vibe and see if you can use contrasting sections to create some kind of ‘woah’ moment – perhaps flip everything into a different rhythm, throw in new chords, or a quiet breakdown.

If this kind of switch-up doesn’t suit your style, you may be seeking ways to extend the exact same musical idea out for several minutes. Many ‘deeper’ styles of house and techno comprise the exact same groove, only incorporating the most necessary new elements to keep the groove rolling. More on that next…