We welcome another artist into the depths of our studio complex at Orsman Road to deconstruct one of her biggest tracks. Flava D has been on our radar for years with her blend of Garage, House, Grime, Funky and Bassline. With tracks out on labels like Butterz and Local Action, it’s not like we’re the only ones, either. For her meet up with DJ Ravine, we get a look under the bonnet of her track ‘Happy’ – officially released this year but dating back a few – it’s a rolling, warm garage cut. Check out the video below for a peek at Flava D’s workflow and, don’t forget, you can learn exactly how to use these techniques with our Music Production Courses.
A producer since the age of 16, Flava D is a musician who relies completely on her inner sense for a melody. With no formal training or more than a passing knowledge of theory and terminology, she works with a melodic precision that suggests the exact opposite. This trust in her own ability is perhaps why, even in those very early days, she was selling instrumentals to artists via PayPal, eventually including the E3 Tiger himself, Wiley. Since then she has a name for herself in her own right, working closely with legends like Elijah & Skilliam and DJ Q, and releasing on the former’s Butterz label.
Now firmly established as one of bassy UK music’s leading lights, Flava D has been self-releasing records more recently, including the More Love album where ‘Happy’ can be found. We learn several of her favourite production techniques in the video, which demonstrates an extremely streamlined way of working. Flava D also reveals how the track initially came about via Miss Fire’s vocal and both she and DJ Ravine wax lyrical about Ableton’s Ping Pong Delay feature.
For comprehensive tuition in music production, as well as DJing, live performance and how to market yourself as an artist, look no further than our flagship degree programme in the BA (Hons) in Music Production and Sound Engineering. If you’re an international student you’ll be pleased to know that, from the next January intake, you too can take the three-year version of the programme. We have also recently launched our new BA (Hons) in Music Production and DJ Practice, which, with a much greater focus on DJing and performance, you may find more suited to your needs. For more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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** Editors note: Things have moved on significantly since this article was published 🙂 Please head to our blog homepage for the very latest updates from Point Blank.