Back in May we launched the pointblank x Loopcloud competition along with Loopmasters and Plugin Boutique. The competition was a chance for producers to get their hands on a huge library of free samples, unearth the gems inside and bring a fresh track to life. The response was great and the standard of entry was high, but after much deliberation, the pointblank panel have settled on a winner: DazRight, who will receive a huge producer’s care package, as well as a course of his choosing from our ‘Complete’ range. Check out his winning track below and read on to hear what he said when we caught up with him after deciding on a winner.
Hey DazRight, congratulations on winning the competition! Could you start by telling us how you made the track?
I start off with getting my drums tight. What I mean by that is I find the kick, snare, hi-hats, etc…that I want to use in my track. Then I adjust the length of the kick because I personally like shorter kicks in DNB, same with the snare and hi-hats etc… With this track, I mixed it with different drum n bass breaks (from Loopcloud and other sources) where I chop the break up and import it into EXS24 (Logic Pro X). I then create another break using the chopped up sample. After I arranged my drums, I found some pads I liked in Loopcloud. I chopped up the parts I liked and added it to the EXS24 sampler.
I liked the pad so much and I wanted to find the right vocal sample to go on top. I ended up finding this gospel singer that I loved but it wasn’t in the right key. So I used pitch correction with a fast response and corrected the vocals. With the same sample, I pitched it down to make a deeper tone and give the track more depth. Along with the pads, I used another vocal sample that I pitched up to give more interest to the track. I created a melody using the classic Wurlitzer, FX and a distorted 808 bass that I created from the ES2.
After creating a loop, I start composing the track. I wanted a nice progression using the gospel singer to create excitement and I needed it to have a lot of energy. I created that energy by changing the bass line and adding distorted synth sounds at the end of my bass with the vocal sample sitting on top.
How did you hear about the competition?
I heard about the competition through Plugin Boutique.
What’s your background in music?
I played in Orchestra in middle school where I learned the basics, but I go online and learn as much as I can about music theory from pointblank and other videos.
What are your goals/aims in music for the future?
I’ve been producing off and on for over 15 years (adult life kinda of got in the way) but I am at the stage in my life where I want to make music full time. I am sending my tracks to several labels but I want to start up my own label and do this independently. I am very excited about the future and the music that will be made.
Amazing, thank you. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much, I am truly honoured I was chosen. pointblank is amazing, Loopcloud is amazing and I am grateful for this opportunity!
Follow DazRight on Soundcloud.
Thanks to Daz for his winning track and to Loopmasters and Plugin Boutique for their collaboration with the competition. We love Loopcloud here at pointblank, which is why each of our workstations in one of our Orsman Road studio features full access to the online bank of samples and plugins. Learn to make the most of them with a production class with us, choosing a level of tuition that suits your needs. Our flagship BA (Hons) in Music Production and Sound Engineering will teach you everything you need to know and more, (study this online instead if you cannot study in London), or get started with the ever-popular Introduction to Music Production. Give us a call on +44 20 7729 4884 if you have any questions.
Register to Access Free Courses, Plugins, Projects, Samples & More
When you register with pointblank, you access an array of free sounds, plugins, online course samples, access to our social network Plugged In and much more! Simply register below and visit our Free Stuff page to get your hands on a range of exclusive music-making tools and tutorials provided by the team. Fill your boots!
