Boom Jinx touched on this aspect of energy control, and I'm here to elaborate on it a bit more so it makes more sense.
You can read the original article here:http://www.facebook.com/boomjinxofficial?sk=notes
The amount of energy that a track gives off is controlled by the perceived loudness. The lows, mids, and high frequencies all contribute to this sense of energy, but not each band has the same weight. The low band is typically very steady in dance music so other than turning a kick or bassline on and off, it doesn't have a grand effect. Of the three bands, the low band can be sacrifice the most easily with the least amount of damage to the perception of the energy of the track. The low mids, 250 Hz - 2k,are the second least important, and finally the upper mids and highs(2k-6k and 6k+) are the most important.
It's important to be able to listen for this aspect of music, and before going further I'll tell you how to do so more easily. Most of the time in a track is spent making relatively incremental changes, so a track that goes from a level of 1 to a level of 10 might not be readily apparently if the track is 10 minutes long. The easiest way to hear these changes is to load the track into your DAW, place markers in front of all of the major sections and maybe 1 or 2 within each section, and then rapidly switch between them only listening a few seconds. Making this rapid change will allow you to get a better overall profile of the track and how it changes.
Have a listen to three short samples from each of the three major section in Pryda's "Niton."
Notice how the second section has a slight energy boost with the extra hat, and then the track bumps it up a few notches in the final section that really goes all out with vocals, a new lead, and new layering.
The general rule of thumb for good energy control is: the track must ascend until its peak, where it then winds down. The peak of the track should happen in the last third of the track. When the peak is reached, it might plateau for a little while and then it will descend. If energy control was expressed via a line over time, it would not necessarily be straight. Dropping the energy during parts of the track is perfectly normal. However, the general trend should be upward, not downward or flat-lining.
Of all of the less than stellar tracks that I have heard, amateur and professional alike, poor energy control is really one of the hallmarks. Good energy control is a constant hallmark of a great dance track. People like Deadmau5, Pryda, and SHM really get this aspect of dance music, especially Eric Prydz and SHM.
One exception to the rule of thumb are some pop dance tunes(Prydz's "Call on Me"), the chorus might actually just repeat itself verbatim. Despite the exception, three minutes pop dance tunes are still can and do follow this rising energy template like Benny Benassi's "Satisfaction."
Recommended listening for good energy control:
This track is just brilliant:
Looney4Clooney
this is basically a discussion on form and scot project is one of the best in this regard. One of the few guys that uses motives, uses coherent forms that aren't just ABA like 99% of the producers out there.
Seandroid
Arguru remains my favourite progressive house track of all time.
J.L.
Thanks for the read. One of the actually more useful threads than a lot of "how to get this sound" or "what should I buy" threads
Beatflux
quote:
Originally posted by Looney4Clooney
this is basically a discussion on form and scot project is one of the best in this regard. One of the few guys that uses motives, uses coherent forms that aren't just ABA like 99% of the producers out there.
He introduces a lot of ideas like A B A+B.
Evolve140
Nice piece, Beatflux.
cl0ckw3rk
Quality post.
Part of my challenge in completing a quality track is getting this concept down. It's not only the energy levels that I need to constantly be aware of, but also the timing of the tension and release.
klahvay
Found this video tutorial on tension for any beginners looking at this thread. Very basic explanations but guy has a good perspective on it.
okay, so I had to upload a track (and share it) because I need some advice on this "energy control" your talking about. What about this? Is the energy controlled enough? Is it (meaning energy) channeled correctly?
that is just one monotone passage with no dynamics / energy control what so ever.
Beatflux
quote:
Originally posted by DJRYAN™
okay, so I had to upload a track (and share it) because I need some advice on this "energy control" your talking about. What about this? Is the energy controlled enough? Is it (meaning energy) channeled correctly?
You gave away the track 1 minute into it, so after that there's really no where to go and really no reason to keep on listening. You're track is flat-lining.
Beatflux
Track is flat-lining(bad energy control):
Good energy control with the track ascending and peaking near the very end:
