Sienna Rhodes
To sound like Medasin, an electronic music producer known for his lush, atmospheric soundscapes and intricate production techniques, it's essential to focus on a few key elements. Start by incorporating rich, layered textures using a combination of organic and synthetic sounds, such as warm pads, glitchy vocal chops, and dynamic percussion. Utilize sidechain compression heavily to create a pumping, rhythmic foundation that drives the track forward. Experiment with unconventional sound design, blending futuristic synths with natural elements like field recordings or acoustic instruments. Pay close attention to your mix, ensuring clarity and depth by carefully EQing and panning elements to create a wide stereo image. Finally, embrace a melodic and emotional approach, crafting chord progressions and melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, a signature of Medasin’s style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Future Bass, Melodic Bass, Electronic |
| Tempo | 85-105 BPM (commonly around 95 BPM) |
| Key Signatures | Minor keys (e.g., A minor, E minor) |
| Chord Progressions | Emotive, often using suspended chords (e.g., Add9, sus4) |
| Synths | Warm, lush pads; plucky, melodic leads; FM synthesis |
| Bass Design | Deep, rounded 808s; layered sub-bass; modulated basslines |
| Drums | Crisp snares, tight kicks; trap-inspired hi-hats; shuffled percussion |
| Vocal Chopping | Pitch-shifted, chopped vocals; heavily processed vocal samples |
| Effects | Heavy reverb, delay, and chorus; sidechain compression |
| Atmosphere | Dreamy, nostalgic, and emotional soundscapes |
| Arrangement | Dynamic builds, drops with melodic focus; introspective breakdowns |
| Sampling | Organic instruments (e.g., piano, guitar) blended with electronic elements |
| Mixing | Clean, balanced mix with emphasis on mid-range frequencies |
| Mastering | Loud, but retains dynamic range; emphasis on clarity and warmth |
| Influences | Combines elements of Flume, Cashmere Cat, and San Holo |
| Unique Elements | Signature "Medasin glide" (smooth, gliding synth transitions) |
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What You'll Learn
- Use Reverb and Delay: Apply long reverb tails and sync delays to create spacious, ethereal textures
- Layer Synths: Combine multiple synth layers (e.g., pads, plucks) for rich, evolving sounds
- Chop Vocals: Slice and manipulate vocal samples to create rhythmic, glitchy melodies
- Sidechain Compression: Use aggressive sidechaining on bass and drums for a pumping groove
- Sound Design: Focus on unique, organic sounds using FM synthesis and granular effects
Use Reverb and Delay: Apply long reverb tails and sync delays to create spacious, ethereal textures
Reverb and delay are the secret weapons in Medasin's arsenal, transforming ordinary sounds into lush, otherworldly landscapes. To emulate his signature style, start by experimenting with long reverb tails—think decay times of 3 to 7 seconds, depending on the track’s tempo. This creates a sense of infinite space, allowing elements like pads, vocals, or ambient textures to dissolve gracefully into the mix. Pair this with synced delays, where the delay time matches the BPM of your track (e.g., 1/8 or 1/16 notes), to add rhythmic movement without cluttering the mix. The result? A delicate balance of depth and clarity that feels both expansive and intentional.
Consider the interplay between reverb and delay as a dance—one leads while the other follows. For instance, apply a long reverb to a synth pad to create a floating backdrop, then layer a synced delay on a pluck or melody to give it a sense of propulsion. Be mindful of frequency overlap; if your reverb is heavy in the low end, dial back the delay’s bass frequencies to avoid muddiness. Medasin often uses this technique to create contrast, ensuring each element has its own space while contributing to the overall ethereal vibe.
A practical tip for achieving Medasin’s spaciousness is to use convolution reverbs with large hall or plate presets, as they add richness without overwhelming the mix. For delays, experiment with ping-pong or stereo widening effects to enhance the sense of movement. Keep the wet/dry ratio of your reverb around 30-50% for most elements, reserving 100% wet signals for specific atmospheric layers. This ensures the mix remains cohesive while still feeling expansive.
One common pitfall is overdoing it—too much reverb or delay can turn a mix into a washed-out mess. To avoid this, use pre-delay (20-50ms) on your reverb to keep the initial transient intact, and automate delay sends to highlight key moments in the track. Medasin’s mastery lies in restraint; he uses these effects to enhance, not dominate. By focusing on subtlety and intentionality, you can achieve that same delicate, dreamlike quality.
Finally, listen to Medasin’s tracks with a critical ear, paying attention to how reverb and delay are used to create texture and movement. Notice how certain elements seem to hover in the distance while others glide through the foreground. Emulate this by layering multiple reverbs with varying decay times or using parallel processing to retain the original sound’s clarity. With practice, you’ll develop an instinct for when to add space and when to pull back, capturing the essence of Medasin’s production style.
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Layer Synths: Combine multiple synth layers (e.g., pads, plucks) for rich, evolving sounds
Medasin's signature sound often hinges on lush, textured synth work that feels both organic and futuristic. One key technique to achieve this is layering synths—combining pads, plucks, and other synth types to create rich, evolving sounds. Start by selecting a foundational layer, such as a warm pad, to establish the harmonic base. This pad should be subtle yet expansive, using long release times (2-4 seconds) and a touch of reverb (30-40% wet) to create depth. Next, introduce a contrasting layer, like a sharp pluck or staccato synth, to add movement and rhythm. Ensure the pluck sits in a different frequency range (e.g., 2-3 kHz) to avoid muddiness, and automate its volume or filter cutoff to create dynamic interest.
The magic lies in how these layers interact. Experiment with slight detuning or panning to create a wider stereo image without clashing frequencies. For instance, detune one layer by 5-10 cents and pan it hard left, while keeping the other layer centered or slightly right. Add a third layer, such as a textured arpeggio or a granular synth, to introduce complexity. This layer should be more experimental—use modulation effects like phasers or flangers at low rates (0.1-0.3 Hz) to create subtle, evolving movement. The goal is to make each layer feel distinct yet cohesive, like pieces of a sonic puzzle.
A common pitfall is overloading the mix with too many layers or failing to carve out space for each element. Use EQ surgically: cut unnecessary low end (below 100 Hz) from higher layers and remove mid-range clutter (500-1000 Hz) where layers compete. Sidechain compression, especially on the pad layer, can help create rhythmic breathing room when paired with a kick drum. Aim for a balance where no single layer dominates but together they form a unified, evolving sound.
To elevate the technique, incorporate automation and modulation. Automate the filter cutoff on the pad layer to sweep open during transitions, or modulate the pluck’s pitch envelope for a warbling effect. Tools like LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) can sync modulation to the project tempo, ensuring everything feels intentional. For example, assign an LFO to control the pad’s reverb send, creating a pulsing, ethereal effect. The result should feel alive, as if the sound is constantly shifting and responding to the track’s energy.
Finally, reference Medasin’s tracks to understand how he uses layering subtly yet effectively. Notice how his sounds evolve over time, often through small changes in timbre or texture rather than drastic shifts. Mimic this by creating subtle variations within your layers—adjusting effects sends, introducing micro-delays, or automating panning. The key is patience and attention to detail. Layering synths isn’t about complexity for its own sake but about crafting a sound that feels intentional, immersive, and uniquely yours.
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Chop Vocals: Slice and manipulate vocal samples to create rhythmic, glitchy melodies
Vocal chopping is a signature technique in Medasin's production style, transforming static vocals into dynamic, rhythmic elements. To achieve this, start by selecting a vocal sample with clear consonants and vowels—think "ah," "oh," or "yeah"—as these provide the most malleability. Slice the sample into 1/8 or 1/16 note segments using a DAW like Ableton Live or FL Studio. For precision, zoom in on the waveform to ensure cuts align with transient peaks, preserving clarity.
Next, manipulate the timing and pitch of these slices. Randomize playback order or reverse individual segments to introduce unpredictability. Apply pitch shifting to create melodic variations; for instance, raise a slice by +7 semitones to harmonize with the key of your track. Combine this with time stretching to sync the chopped vocals to your project's tempo without artifacts. Tools like Serum's built-in wavetable import or iZotope’s RX can refine the edges of your cuts, ensuring a polished result.
A critical step is layering and effects processing. Duplicate your chopped vocal tracks and apply contrasting effects—one track with heavy reverb for depth, another with distortion for grit. Use a multi-band compressor to tighten the low end and enhance the percussive quality of the chops. For a Medasin-esque touch, automate panning and volume to create movement, making the vocals feel alive. Experiment with sidechain compression to rhythmically duck the vocals in sync with your kick drum, adding groove.
Finally, contextualize the chopped vocals within your arrangement. Place them during build-ups or breakdowns to heighten tension, or use them as a rhythmic counterpoint to your melody. Avoid overloading the mix—limit chopped vocal layers to 2-3 tracks to maintain clarity. Reference Medasin tracks like "Sirens" or "Riverbed" to study how he balances chopped vocals with other elements. With practice, this technique will become a versatile tool in your production arsenal, adding complexity and character to your sound.
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Sidechain Compression: Use aggressive sidechaining on bass and drums for a pumping groove
Medasin’s signature "pumping groove" isn’t accidental—it’s engineered through aggressive sidechain compression, a technique that rhythmically ducks the volume of bass and drums in sync with the kick drum. This creates a pulsating, heartbeat-like effect that drives energy without sacrificing clarity. To replicate this, start by setting your sidechain compressor’s attack time to 1-5 milliseconds, ensuring the ducking is immediate and snappy. A release time of 50-100 milliseconds will maintain the groove’s urgency while avoiding a washed-out sound. Use a ratio of 6:1 or higher for maximum impact, but be cautious—over-compression can kill the organic feel of the bass.
The key to Medasin’s style lies in the balance between aggression and musicality. Sidechaining isn’t just about technical settings; it’s about enhancing the emotional rhythm of the track. Experiment with the threshold to find the sweet spot where the bass and drums breathe in sync with the kick, creating a hypnotic push-pull effect. For instance, if your kick hits at 120 BPM, adjust the sidechain’s timing to align perfectly with the beat grid. This precision ensures the groove feels intentional, not mechanical.
A common mistake is overdoing the sidechain on both bass and drums simultaneously, which can muddy the mix. Instead, prioritize the bass for sidechaining and subtly apply it to the drums only if needed. This keeps the mix clean while still achieving the pumping effect. If your drums lose their punch, try parallel compression on the drum bus to restore impact without sacrificing the sidechain’s rhythm.
Finally, context matters. Medasin’s sidechaining works best in genres like future bass or melodic trap, where the groove is as important as the melody. Test your settings in the full mix, ensuring the sidechain complements the track’s dynamics rather than dominating them. A well-executed sidechain should feel like an invisible force driving the song forward, not a glaring production trick. Master this, and you’ll capture the essence of Medasin’s groove—a blend of technical precision and emotional resonance.
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Sound Design: Focus on unique, organic sounds using FM synthesis and granular effects
Medasin’s signature sound thrives on a blend of organic warmth and futuristic textures, achieved largely through FM synthesis and granular effects. FM synthesis, a technique where one oscillator modulates the frequency of another, creates complex, evolving timbres that feel both mechanical and alive. Pair this with granular effects—which fragment audio into tiny “grains” and manipulate them in time and pitch—and you unlock a world of unique, morphing sounds. Start by experimenting with FM operators in synthesizers like the Yamaha DX7 or modern plugins like Serum. Assign subtle modulation to the operator ratios to introduce organic movement, then layer granular effects to blur the lines between synthetic and natural.
To craft sounds that feel distinctly Medasin-esque, focus on blending FM synthesis with organic samples. Record everyday sounds—water droplets, rustling leaves, or creaking wood—and import them into a granular processor like Granulab or Buffer Override. Use FM-synthesized tones as carriers for these granular textures, creating hybrid sounds that are both familiar and alien. For instance, modulate a plucked string sample with FM-generated harmonics, or scatter granular fragments of a vocal recording over a shimmering FM pad. The key is to balance precision with unpredictability, ensuring the sounds feel alive rather than sterile.
A practical workflow for achieving this involves three steps. First, design a base FM patch with a rich harmonic spectrum—experiment with feedback loops and detuned operators to avoid sterility. Second, route this patch through a granular processor, adjusting grain size and density to introduce organic variation. Finally, automate parameters like pitch, modulation depth, and grain position to create dynamic movement. For example, slowly increase the grain size while decreasing the pitch to simulate a sound “melting” into the mix. This layered approach ensures your sounds retain depth and character.
One common pitfall is overcomplicating the process. While FM synthesis and granular effects offer endless possibilities, restraint is crucial. Medasin’s sounds often derive their impact from simplicity—a single, well-crafted FM patch with subtle granular processing can be more effective than a cluttered, over-designed element. Start with a clear intention (e.g., “a metallic bell that dissolves into a cloud of particles”) and build outward from there. Additionally, avoid over-relying on presets; instead, dissect how they achieve their sound and apply those principles to your own designs.
In conclusion, emulating Medasin’s sound design requires a thoughtful marriage of FM synthesis and granular effects, prioritizing organic movement and unique textures. By combining the precision of FM with the unpredictability of granular processing, you can create sounds that feel both innovative and grounded. Remember, the goal isn’t to replicate his work but to internalize his approach—experimentation, intentionality, and a focus on blending the synthetic with the natural. With practice, these techniques will become second nature, allowing you to craft sounds that are distinctly your own while nodding to his influence.
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Frequently asked questions
Medasin's sound is characterized by lush, atmospheric pads, intricate percussion, and a blend of organic and electronic elements. Focus on using warm, textured synths, layered melodies, and dynamic rhythms. Incorporate live instruments or samples to add depth, and pay attention to detailed sound design and mixing to achieve clarity and richness.
To capture Medasin's emotional depth, prioritize chord progressions that evoke mood and use reverb and delay to create space. Layer ambient sounds and subtle textures to build atmosphere. Experiment with tempo changes or unconventional song structures to enhance the emotional journey, and don’t be afraid to leave space for the music to breathe.
Medasin often uses plugins like Serum for synth design, FabFilter Pro-Q 3 for precise EQing, and Valhalla VintageVerb for rich reverb. He also incorporates granular synthesis tools like Alter/Ego or granular samplers for unique textures. Additionally, focus on high-quality samples and consider using live instruments or MIDI controllers for organic elements.
