SONWU’s 10-Minute Beat-Buildin’ on the Elektron Machinedrum

Kickin' It Off with Hi-Hats and Kicks

SONWU kicks off the session by diving right into the hi-hats, laying down the foundation for the track. It’s all about setting the groove early on, with parameter locks added to tweak the decay. SONWU then shifts towards the kicks but isn’t impressed with the physical modeling kick drum. Like any true beatmaker in pursuit of perfection, they crank up some distortion to give it that extra punch we all crave. SONWU always manages to surprise us with their fearless adjustments, tinkering until the kicks slap harder than a late-night jam session in a basement club.

Crafting Chaos with Snares and Claps

Moving from kicks to the heart of rhythm, SONWU works some snare magic, introducing reverb to add depth. The snares are joined by claps, layering the sound and doubling patterns to ensure it all grooves together smoothly. SONWU isn’t afraid to edit on the fly, modulating parameters as they go. Each step feels deeply hands-on, evoking the gritty, real-world atmosphere of an underground beat lab. The extra touches SONWU adds, like reverb on the snares and delays on selected claps, show their knack for turning a simple setup into something electrifying. Their approach is casual, confident, yet entirely engrossing, capturing the raw authenticity anyone familiar with SONWU’s style would expect.

The Art of Distortion and Effects

SONWU’s passion for sound exploration shines through as they delve into their effects, tweaking hi-hats and adding toms for some experimental texture. They aren’t afraid to distort things, pushing the kick further into territory where it either shines or crumbles. SONWU makes each adjustment feel like an exciting gamble, and you can bet they know when it pays off. It’s like remodeling a classic street tune with some spicy new flavors – sometimes chaotic, but always captivating.

The Power of Control and Experimentation

Here’s where SONWU flips the script, diving into the ‘control all’ functions of the Machinedrum, and saving kits like a seasoned pro. It’s an electrifying journey into the more experimental side of the Machinedrum, with parameter locks, slide tricks, and unexpected modulations flying left and right. SONWU isn’t just pushing buttons; they’re guiding a chaotic symphony with skillful spontaneity. The ‘control all’ feature becomes a playground for improvisation, essentially turning the Machinedrum into an instrument of boundless creativity. The results are, as SONWU describes, either pure gold or absolute chaos. And that’s exactly where SONWU seems most at home – surfing the line between thrift store tuners and studio wizards, juggling sounds with the careful chaos that only a true beatmaker knows best.

"I mean I could do this for hours."

Wrap-up and Reflections

"Expressive and can easily mess up your whole pattern and make it sound like trash or sometimes like gold."

As the session winds down, SONWU takes a breath, reflecting on the jam while sharing some future plans. They talk about the expressive power of the Machinedrum and the fine line between crafting an intentional sound and flirting with disaster. SONWU remains candid about needing to further explore the machine’s potential. They emphasize how the ‘control all’ can either wreck a pattern or elevate it into something transcendent. It’s here you see SONWU’s commitment to pushing their gear – they might not be done yet, but this beat workout marks a solid groove into the Machinedrum’s capabilities. Wrap it up with an invitation to join them on their sonic adventures, and you’ve got a neat blend of playful beats and insightful groove-crafting from a true beat artisan.