How to create Underground Deephouse | Thomann

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating Underground Deephouse music, inspired by artists like Mr G, Brawther, and early Bicep releases. We will cover essential aspects such as sound design, drum programming, chord creation, and vocal integration, using tools like Ableton Live and Elektron Octatrack.

Step 1: Create Initial Sketches

• Begin by brainstorming ideas for your track. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to convey.
• Use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Ableton Live. Create a basic arrangement with a kick drum and a simple bassline.
• Experiment with different tempos; a range of 120-125 BPM is typical for deephouse.

Step 2: Utilize Sample Packs

• Explore sample packs that fit the deephouse genre. Look for:
  • Drum samples
  • Vocal snippets
  • Atmospheric textures
• Import samples into your DAW and start arranging them. Layer samples to create a fuller sound.

Step 3: Program Drums

• Start with a kick drum on every beat to establish a steady pulse.
• Add snare or clap sounds on the second and fourth beats.
• Layer hi-hats for rhythm. Consider using:
  • Closed hi-hats for a tight sound
  • Open hi-hats for added groove
• Adjust velocities to create a more human feel.

Step 4: Create Chords and Stabs

• Use synthesizers to create lush chords. Consider using:
  • A warm pad for background
  • Short stabs for rhythmic accents
• Experiment with different chord progressions. Common progressions in deephouse often evoke emotional responses.

Step 5: Synthesize Chord Samples from Scratch

• Choose a synthesizer plugin (e.g., Serum, Massive) to create your own sounds.
• Start with a basic waveform (sine, saw, or square) and manipulate parameters like:
  • Filter cutoff
  • Resonance
  • Envelopes (attack, decay, sustain, release)
• Save your custom sounds as samples for use in your track.

Step 6: Integrate Vocals

• Record your own vocal samples or use royalty-free samples from your library.
• Process vocals with effects such as reverb and delay to create depth.
• Consider pitch-shifting or chopping samples for a unique texture.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create an engaging Underground Deephouse track. Start with basic sketches, build your drum patterns, and layer harmonies. Don't hesitate to experiment with synthesizers and vocal samples to make the track your own. For further exploration, dive into detailed sound design tutorials or experiment with different mixing techniques to polish your final track.