Jul 20, 2023 16:40
Leer en Español
At first listen, Kirk Franklin's "All Things" seems like a simple track. Technically and musically, it isn't complex, but achieving its polished sound required careful attention to production details and dynamics.
As always, I began by setting up the grid in Pro Tools. This involved placing the original audio on a track, adjusting the tempo track, and aligning the start of the audio clip. Thanks to its constant tempo, this step was quick and straightforward.
I started with the drums, as I usually do for instrumental recreations. The song features an electronic drum kit with a sharp and firm kick drum, claps replacing the snare, and multiple hi-hats. I used 3 or 4 different hi-hat samples, adding rhythmic variation with the repeat function for certain sections. Once the drum groove was solid, I recorded the harmonic instruments: bass, piano, guitar, and synthesizers. Having the drum foundation helps interpret dynamics more musically.
What stands out in "All Things" is the presence of two basses: an electric bass and a synth bass. They serve distinct purposes. The electric bass provides depth and body, while the synth bass adds a modern, spatial layer. Balancing these two elements is critical so they complement rather than compete.
For the electric bass, I used Prime Bass by Native Instruments, a versatile instrument packed with articulations.
For the synth bass, I chose ANA2 by Sonic Academy, which offers precise control for that modern sound.
The guitar is subtle and appears prominently only in specific sections. Where it wasn’t audible, I improvised to maintain the flow. To recreate the guitar, I used Electric Mint by Native Instruments, which delivers a clean, realistic tone.
For the piano, I turned to Noire by Native Instruments. It’s one of my favorites because of its warm tone and detailed effects like pedal noise, hammer sounds, and resonances. After learning the chord progressions and rhythm, it was pure joy to play. Kirk Franklin's genius truly shines in his Gospel arrangements.
On first impression, it seemed like there were multiple synthesizers. However, after careful listening, I realized it’s primarily a Synth Brass with a short attack and subtle pitch bends for expression. This minimalist approach enhances the overall dynamics of the track.
My recreations, including "All Things," are available on Loop Community. This platform features multitracks from producers worldwide, alongside originals from popular Christian artists. If you're interested, you can find this track here:
If you enjoyed this breakdown, let me know in the comments or share what track you'd like me to recreate next!
Online Musician. Music composer for animations and games, and music producer for singers. Also programmer and graphic generalist.
Design & Programming
Cristián R. Villagra
2023
So I asked: Did you hear?