LNADoesAudioStuff Drops the 12-Step Groove

When LNADoesAudioStuff steps up to the plate with her 12-step workflow, it’s not just another day in the studio. This video is a masterclass in slapping together a track that’s as polished as the chrome on a hip-hop lowrider. Get ready to learn from the Ableton expert herself and discover how she turns samples into pure gold.

Groove Foundations: Starting Strong

Kicking things off in her signature style, LNA, the maestro behind LNADoesAudioStuff, introduces us to her slick 12-step workflow to craft a track in Ableton Live. Her process begins with finding the right sample and warping it into rhythm. She showcases this by using a bit of magic with her violin and then brutal editing for a killer loop. It’s all about catching that vibe before layering it with percussion. And trust me, this isn’t just beat-making; it’s groove sculpting. LNA takes us through her sample-hunting safari with the precision of a sharpshooter, making sure each sound has its place in the sonic landscape.

Hi hi hi hi hi and welcome to LNA does audio stuff.

"Hi hi hi hi hi and welcome to LNA does audio stuff."
© Screenshot/Quote: Lnadoesaudiostuff (YouTube)

Crafting Rhythm: The Percussive Backbone

I might design my own little kick. DS kick 4 on the floor.

"I might design my own little kick. DS kick 4 on the floor."
© Screenshot/Quote: Lnadoesaudiostuff (YouTube)

This is where the real groove emerges. LNA moves from the intro to building the rhythm section with drumming techniques that would make any DJ do a double-take. Her approach to creating a drum kick that’s deep and drive-filled is like watching a master chef add the perfect spice. She also tweaks the sound envelopes to ensure the beats punch through exactly as they should. As she dives into adding texture with vocal pads and ambient noises, she adds a bag of nuts into her sonic smoothie – for real! The icing on the cake is her signature use of reverb and delay to give the atmosphere that expansive feel. It’s a percussive playground where each element is carefully chosen to enhance the track’s drive.

Hooks and Melodies: Let's Talk Ear Candy

Now that the beat is rolling, LNA goes straight for the ear candy. Crafting a memorable hook is where the track’s essence comes alive. She plays with granulated vocal samples, adding layers and textures that stick. Transforming classic sounds into ‘cloud mode’ is just another day in her workshop. LNA knows how to make melodies that not only complement but enhance the rhythm. It’s akin to sprinkling fairy dust, making even the simplest tune pop with character. Throughout this segment, she shows how tweaking grain size and applying reverb can shift a basic sound into something otherworldly, all the while maintaining that casual finesse she’s known for.

Arrangement and Dynamics: Telling the Story

The beat is tight, and now it’s all about the journey. In a genre-fluid setup, LNA navigates through her arrangement technique without boxing herself into one style. This segment is all about using the tools of the trade to create dynamic shifts and story arcs within the music. She methods her way through with meticulous attention to how each sound interacts, using automation and thoughtful placement of kicks and pads. The process of arranging a track becomes a masterclass in storytelling, one that immediately grabs the listener’s curiosity and holds it. There’s an underlying philosophy of ‘letting the music breathe’ at play, which involves mixing the track while still in creation mode. It’s not just about the sounds; it’s about how they evolve, how they engage, and how they surprise.

Personally I have not really wanted to label this into a certain genre.

"Personally I have not really wanted to label this into a certain genre."
© Screenshot/Quote: Lnadoesaudiostuff (YouTube)

Polishing: The Finishing Touches

We’re nearing the finish line, and LNA’s all about those final flourishes that make a track sparkle. She emphasizes the importance of side-chaining and compression to ensure everything sits just right in the mix. It’s about delicate balancing; making sure no single element overshadows another. Her approach to this stage is much like a jeweler with a loupe, looking for the perfect polish so every beat and note shines. She even jumps into automation to sculpt the mix dynamically. It’s a meticulous process but one that can make or break the track’s impact in the endgame.

The Grand Finale: Track Completion

"No, I'm a good puzzle solver."
© Screenshot/Quote: Lnadoesaudiostuff (YouTube)

The track has been mixed, polished, and is ready to hit the airwaves. LNA reflects on the process like a puzzle solver who’s conquered the final piece. It’s not just about completing a song but understanding the power of perseverance through the creative journey. She compares track-making to solving a puzzle rather than questioning artistic skill. LNA shares her triumph and challenges everyone to take on the 12 Days of Creativity challenge. It’s more than just finishing music; it’s about building that creative confidence and blasting through hurdles. The episode wraps with an invitation to join her Patreon community, where creativity and growth are the main event.