Melodic techno has become one of the most captivating subgenres of electronic music, and Sam Rose, better known as Massano, has quickly emerged as one of its shining stars. Known for his emotive soundscapes, heavy basslines, and transient-rich grooves, Massano's journey from festival attendee to a globally recognized artist on Afterlife Records is truly inspiring.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the essential elements that define Massano’s sound, using techniques and sound design tips shared in our recent YouTube video.
Breaking Down the Sound of Massano
Here’s how to create a track inspired by Massano, step by step:
1. Foundation: Kick and Bass
The core of any melodic techno track lies in its low end.
- Kick Drum: Use a punchy, transient-heavy kick. For Massano’s style, a deep, resonant kick is ideal. In our example, we used a kick sample from our Voyage pack, known for its rich low-end presence.
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Rolling Bassline: A rolling bassline is essential for groove. Use a 1/16 rhythm with a sub-bass layered with a top bass for added depth. Our preset "Bass Arch" features a blend of Moog-inspired wave tables, perfect for this purpose. Key techniques include:
- Low-pass filtering for a warm, filtered tone.
- Sidechain compression to ensure the bass doesn’t clash with the kick.
- Subtle distortion for added warmth.
Pro Tip: Keep your sub clean by using aggressive sidechain settings to carve space for the kick.
2. Signature Bass Stabs
Massano’s tracks often feature hard-hitting bass stabs, adding intensity and rhythm.
- Create a stab sound using FM modulation to add grit.
- Add a sharp transient by linking a fast-attack envelope to pitch modulation.
- Layer effects like tape saturation, OTT compression, and reverb to make the stab punchy yet spacious.
3. Layered Leads
Massano’s leads are big, wide, and harmonically rich.
- Sound Design: Use saw wave layers with slight detuning for width. Modulate the filter cutoff with a short envelope to add bite.
- Post-Processing: Enhance the sound with EQ boosts in the high-mid range, compression, and sidechain reverb to create a dynamic, atmospheric feel.
- Harmony: Build your lead melodies by starting with a copy of your bassline rhythm, then layer harmonies using perfect fifths or thirds for depth.
4. Drums and Percussion
Melodic techno drums are minimal but impactful.
- Top Loops: Use textured loops to add groove.
- Hi-Hats: Layer closed hats on kicks for crispness.
- Snares: Choose short, sharp snares with a transient-heavy character, like those found in our Voyage pack.
5. Arrangement Tips
Structure your track to keep listeners engaged.
- Intro: Slowly tease elements like the kick and bass with filters.
- Breakdown: Add emotional depth with pads or arpeggios.
- Build-Up: Gradually reintroduce key elements like leads and bass stabs, creating tension.
- Climax/Drop: Deliver a high-energy moment where all elements come together.
- Outro: Simplify the arrangement to create a smooth, hypnotic finish.
Pro Tip: Silence can be a powerful tool to emphasize drops. Use it strategically in your arrangement.