Editorial

How to Write Catchy Melancholic Vocal Hooks

In R&B, a powerful vocal hook can transform a song into a timeless anthem. When it comes to crafting melancholic hooks, it’s all about striking that perfect balance between vulnerability and catchiness. Drawing from the emotional depth of sounds like those in our Melanchelodies sample pack, let’s explore how to create vocal hooks that resonate with listeners and elevate your tracks.

How to turn field recordings into unique Botanica inspired instruments

Granular synthesis combined with field recordings is a powerful method for crafting unique, nature-inspired instruments. Using a Zoom H1n, we captured sounds from a secluded area near Calapan City, Philippines, including rustling leaves, flowing water, and distant wildlife. These recordings, rich in texture and detail, were transformed into ethereal pads and percussive hits using Ableton’s granular synth and enhanced with plugins like Output Portal, Autochroma, and Arturia eFX Fragments. Layering and experimenting with these processed sounds allow for the creation of organic, botanica-inspired instruments, perfect for adding warmth and character to genres like indie electronic, ambient, or experimental music.