SONAR Platinum artist iLan Bluestone’s career trajectory is moving fast. The jet-setting EDM producer is touring the world, but was kind enough to share not only his time with us discussing his music production techniques, but also his new single collaboration with mogul-producer BT titled “All These Wounds.” We caught up with iLan in Chicago at the Spring Awakening Festival, and then again down the road at Sweetwater’s Gearfest:
SONAR PLATINUM: Hello from DanceFair Utrecht Netherlands 2015
[Many photos; this conference is way too vivd to tell it all in words.] 
Cakewalk’s SONAR Platinum, along with many other Gibson Brands’ products are making a splash in Utrecht Netherlands this weekend at DanceFair 2015. EDM has had strong roots in Utrecht, 
and in the Netherlands in general for quite some time, so it’s absolutely the perfect location to capture the spirit of this genre. Electronic music makers from all over the world have converged here over the weekend to celebrate and discuss the state of the industry, technology, creativity and performance.
Some of the world’s most influential electronic professionals including Martin Garrix, Alvaro, GLOWINTHEDARK, Andrew Bayer, Roog, and even Cakewalk’s own SONAR Platinum endorsee iLan Bluestone can be seen walking the halls, testing out the latest and greatest new gear, and even holding workshops for tomorrow’s EDM stars. One of the greatest aspects of Dancefair is that the pros are very accessible to the many aspiring (and very young) EDM enthusiasts who can be seen mingling in breakout rooms around the conference. 
The conference is held at Jaarbeurs Utrecht which is a very impressive complex to say the least, and also lends itself very well to the modern theme and overall vibe of this convention. From complex rhythms to chilled out backbeats, walking through the different pockets in this facility has everything modern EDM has to offer. The KRK listening room was exceptionally popular Continue reading “SONAR PLATINUM: Hello from DanceFair Utrecht Netherlands 2015”
EDM Production Tip: Ducking Synth Melodies using Sidechaining
Ducking is a popular technique used in EDM music to apply percussive processing to pads, leads, and bass lines using side-chains on compressors. This technique is also used as a method for getting bass and drum passages to subtly fit together in mixes. In order to successfully apply ducking to your track you must have the following:
- Compressor inserted on a pad or lead track with side-chain capabilities
- Percussive source to key the side-chain
First, grab a kick drum sample and align it to the desirable rhythm you need. Next, insert a compressor onto your synth lead or pad track. Afterwards insert a send on the sampled kick drum track and set the send to “Pre-fader”. In SONAR, deselecting the [Post] button enables pre-fader sends. Mute the kick drum sample and turn up the gain on the send.
Once you have the signal flow set, enable the Sidechain on the Compressor. Now, every time the kick drum sample plays the Side-Chain will trigger the compressor and “Duck” the signal. You can set the compressor using the Threshold, Attack, and Release settings to shape the kind of effect you want.
Try it yourself with the SONAR X2 Producer free 30-Day trial.