Are you looking to create an emotional Afro house track inspired by Adam Port’s unique sound? Tracks like Forms of Love, by Adam Port and Alan Dixon, bring a powerful blend of emotive piano, organic drums, and atmospheric layers that make them a favorite in house sets worldwide. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to achieve this style in your own production. From composing melodic piano chords to building a solid rhythm section, you’ll get a detailed overview on how to recreate this emotionally charged vibe.
Synths and composition
Piano chords set the tone for an emotional track. Choose a grand piano plugin, play simple chords in a minor or major key, and let slight imperfections remain to keep a human, natural feel. Layering strings and horns with your piano creates a rich, atmospheric base. Use gentle string presets and warm horns, aligning them with the piano chords to build a cohesive sound. A solid, subtle bassline is essential. Follow the root notes of your chords and use sidechain compression to let the kick and bass complement each other without clashing.
Drums
Afro house is known for its organic, real-sounding drums. Use soft kicks, natural hi-hats, and shakers to create a steady groove. Avoid harsh, punchy drums to keep the track smooth and emotive.
Layering acoustic-sounding hi-hats and shaker loops creates rhythmic complexity and brings authenticity to the Afro house style. These elements add a light, organic movement to the track, keeping the energy alive without crowding the sound. Occasional rides and claps can be introduced to fill out the drum section, but keep them subtle and balanced within the mix to support the groove rather than dominate it. To maintain a smooth, cohesive rhythm, apply sidechain compression to elements like bass and ambient effects so they briefly dip when the kick hits, creating a clean, polished mix that enhances the beat’s presence
Arrangement
Start with the piano and gradually layer in elements like strings, bass, and drums. Introduce different elements over time to keep the listener engaged, saving the full arrangement for the drop or chorus. To enhance the atmosphere, add subtle background effects like drones or ambient sounds. These small details add depth and help bring the track to life. Finally, watch the full tutorial to see each step in action, and check out our Afro House Producer Pack, Savannah, for sounds similar to those used in Forms of Love.
Looking for quality sounds?
Dive into the heart of Afro house with our Ultimate Afro House & Tech Bundle. Featuring the Savannah, Oasis, and Desert packs, this collection offers soulful pianos, deep basslines, organic drums, and lush textures. Perfect for capturing the genre’s signature vibe, this bundle equips you with all you need to create impactful, authentic Afro house tracks.