Drifting Away - EP

I started with Drifting Away which was the leading track of the bunch. In terms of its sound and production it shares many of the same qualities as Sea to Sky and 20 Roads in terms of sound design and arrangement but is differentiated by my focus for clarity in the mixing / mastering aspect of the song, I was dedicated to allowing the many melodic elements to flow seamlessly and have space in the mix to prevent the track from sounding crowded and muddy.

Camaraderie takes on a more chill and ambient approach, contrasting with the bright and energetic chords and melodies in Drifting Away. I experimented with sound design by creating a wide variety of synths, which I arpeggiated and blended to achieve a dreamy, spacious vibe after the track's opening segment. The later sections incorporate acoustic elements, such as bass lines and guitar harmonies. Camaraderie is the perfect middle track, featuring a catchy chord progression and evolving plucks. It strikes a balance by incorporating acoustic instruments and atmospheric melodies, avoiding excess while bringing the elements together harmoniously.

The final track on the EP, and a standout for me personally, was Where Is Max. I noticed that most melodic progressive releases, including my own, often follow a bright, happy, and energetic route. I challenged myself to create something more aggressive and darker while still fitting within the genre. This led to a lengthy production process filled with experimentation and a shift in my usual workflow to generate new ideas. I crafted a synth pluck bassline in Serum, arpeggiated it, and immediately loved the result. From there, I built a chord progression and continued to develop the track. I incorporated deep saw stabs for the build-up section, refined a punchy drum beat, and added extra melodic elements like guitar chops and backing vocals. The result was a track that flows with continuous energy from beginning to end and delivers an unexpected punch with the bassline drop.