Songwriting & Producing with Toontrack: Dream Pop
Chapter 1 : Series Introduction
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5:23 Introduction
Luke outlines the kind of EDM track that will be created in this tutorial series.
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6:32 The Dream Pop EZX Product Explained
Learn about the Dream Pop EZX expansion for EZdrummer 2.
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4:33 EZkeys, String Machine, & EZmix 2 Product Overview
Luke explains how he will use EZkeys, the String Machine expansion and EZmix 2 to create an EDM track.
Chapter 2 : EZdrummer 2 - Dream Pop Presets & Grooves
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5:49 Creating a Foundational Groove with EZdrummer 2
Luke begins the song creation process by auditioning EZdrummer 2 grooves from the Dream Pop expansion to find a "foundational" groove that can be used for this track.
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9:18 Adding Groove Layers with EZdrummer 2
Luke creates four additional instances of EZdrummer 2 and chooses a variety of grooves that work well for groove layering.
Chapter 3 : EZkeys - Creating a Song Track
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4:35 EZkeys Dream Pop MIDI
Learn how to use the Dream Pop MIDI pack within EZkeys.
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6:13 Song Arrangement with EZkeys Pt. 1
Luke uses the Dream Pop MIDI pack to create the Intro, Verse, Pre-Chorus and Chorus of this "Dream Pop" track.
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8:18 Song Arrangement with EZkeys Pt. 2
Luke completes the song arrangement process by adding Verse 2, Pre-Chorus 2, Chorus 2, a Bridge, Chorus 3-4 and an Outro.
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5:28 Song Arrangement Overview
A quick listen through the song arrangement to see if any other modifications need to be made to the piano part.
Chapter 4 : EZkeys - Creating Pads & Using EZmix 2
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4:23 Auditioning String Machine Sounds
Listen to the String Machine EZKeys expansion as Luke auditions a variety of sounds and reveals some of his favorite presets.
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11:37 Creating Pad Chords in EZkeys
Luke takes the piano part from previous tutorials and explains how to create simple chords using the same chord progression found within the main song track.
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2:37 Adding a 2nd EZkeys Pad Layer
Learn how to add new EZKeys pad layers by using the "chord" MIDI created in the previous tutorial and the Dream Pads MIDI from the Dream Pop MIDI expansion.
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8:53 Using EZmix 2 with EZkeys
Luke uses EZmix 2 on all EZKeys instances to add unique FX to the piano and pad tracks.
Chapter 5 : EZdrummer 2 - Groove Layer Arrangement & EZmix 2
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8:34 Adding EZdrummer 2 Layers Pt. 1
Luke takes the grooves that he picked from the Dream Pop EZX library and begins to layer them throughout the song arrangement.
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6:23 Adding EZdrummer 2 Layers Pt. 2
Learn how to add cymbal crashes, cymbal swells and modify groove MIDI within your DAW for custom groove adjustments.
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7:19 Using EZmix 2 with EZdrummer 2
Luke creates a drum bus and adds a couple of is favorite EZmix 2 drum bus presets.
Chapter 6 : Editing Your Piano Part & Volume Automation
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5:56 Editing EZkeys MIDI in Your DAW
Luke now takes the piano part from EZKeys and modifies its MIDI in Studio One to add variety to some of the chords and modify the ending of the song.
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8:56 Volume Automation in Studio One
Learn how to use volume automation to bring out different aspects of the song and build dynamics and intensity.
Chapter 7 : EZdrummer 2 - Creating Pads & Bass Tracks With The Dream Pop EZx
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5:41 Consolidating Virtual Instrument Tracks
Learn how to bounce down your instrument tracks to create new audio tracks in order to conserve CPU resources.
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10:31 Creating Pads with EZdrummer 2 - Dream Pop EZX
Luke explains how you can create additional instrument pad tracks using EZdrummer 2 and the Dream Pop EZX.
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7:52 Creating a Bass Track with EZdrummer 2
Learn how to create a bass track using EZdrummer 2 and the Dream Pop EZX.
Chapter 8 : Creating Vocal Tracks
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5:31 Vocal Track Overview
Listen to each of the individual vocal tracks including lead vocals, background vocals and vocal FX tracks. (Vocals created by Spencer Hansen)
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5:01 EZmix 2 Presets for Lead & Background Vocals
Luke explains the EZmix 2 FX chain used for the lead vocals and background vocals.
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4:36 EZmix 2 Presets for Vocal FX Tracks
Learn how to spice up your vocal FX tracks with these EZmix 2 presets.
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5:34 EZmix 2 Presets for Beat Rhythm Vocal FX
An explanation of the "beat rhythm" vocal track and how you can use EZmix 2 and an EQ to create an AM Radio effect.
Chapter 9 : EZmix 2 - Master Bus FX Chain
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4:49 Additional EZmix 2 FX
Additional EZmix 2 effect presets are added to the Drum Bus, Pad Bus and Vocal FX tracks.
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3:37 EZmix 2 Mastering Preset
Luke finishes this track with a great EZmix 2 Mastering preset from the Mastering II expansion.
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1:53 Series Recap
A recap of all the Toontrack products used to create this track.
Product Overview
In this video tutorial series, Toontrack guru Luke Oswald and vocal extraordinaire Spencer Hansen return, and this time create a stunning Dream Pop song from scratch, using only Toontrack products and a DAW. See it built from nothing, all the way to mix and master!
Using Toontrack’s “Dream Pop EZX”, “Grand Piano Expansion”, and the “Dream Pop EZKeys MIDI Pack” these guys put together a pro level production including vocals. Luke and Spencer use Studio One, but the info can be applied to any modern DAW, so you’ll be able to use what they show in the videos in your own DAW and productions.
See the individual tutorial descriptions below for more info. If you are interested in this style of music, or just want to see an inspirational way to use Toontrack products creatively, watch “Songwriting & Producing with Toontrack: Dream Pop” today!
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Reviews
Submitted 1 year ago
Just like having a video manual = Fantastic!
Just found Groove 3 today via a YouTube video while checking out NAMM 2020 reviews. At the completion of the very first Groove 3 sample clip, I jumped on their page and signed up for the monthly membership and all I can say is I'll probably be switching to the yearly membership because there hours of material I am interested in. I have recently re-ignited a dormant home recording hobby and have upgraded/updated my old stand alone MIDI gear to now dig deep into this whole computer DAW recording experience. I had been randomly watching various YouTube videos to try and learn all the ins and outs of this new digital domain I have become incredibly excited about, but honestly trying to structure a comfortable learning flow that way is a pain and not too productive. I am a airline transport pilot and favor detailed videos and/or well written manuals for complex explanations presented in a step formatted flow. So far, the videos I have viewed on Groove 3 are just what I have been craving. Thank you, thank you, thank you - fate steered me in the right direction. I have already learned how to utilize my ToonTrack EZmix, EZkeys, and EZdrummer 2 related to the Dream Pop pack. Absolutely fantastic guys and gals - keep it up!!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Brilliant!
I’m new to the Toontrack products and these tutorials are brilliant they have taught me so much and because they have also given the bonus of there saved presets I can listen to how it sounds to learn about what I’m listening for, if that makes sense. Please please please Groove 3 makes some more for us beginners ! Brilliant
I am a: Beginner
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Luke is extraordinary -----
Intelligent, organized, efficient, thoughtful.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Excelent method explained very easy
Excelent method explained very easy. Would like to see more easy keys tutoraisl.
I am a: Beginner, Producer, Game Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Studio One
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Inspiring video
well explained lessons, inspiring, great song
Submitted 4 years ago
Great Workflow!
Great tutorial , learned a lot from it, thank you guys!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Musician, Sound for Film/TV
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 years ago
Excellent workflow
Very clear, concise training, gained more than I anticipated!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Musician
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 years ago
The best of this series so far!
Luke is becoming better and better at showcasing many skills, workflows, and techniques at once. Here you can see all of Toontrack products power at full force, while also better grasping Studio One production workflow capabilities, and also many interesting music production ideas and workflows. Excellent!!!
I am a: Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 1 year ago
Just like having a video manual = Fantastic!
Just found Groove 3 today via a YouTube video while checking out NAMM 2020 reviews. At the completion of the very first Groove 3 sample clip, I jumped on their page and signed up for the monthly membership and all I can say is I'll probably be switching to the yearly membership because there hours of material I am interested in. I have recently re-ignited a dormant home recording hobby and have upgraded/updated my old stand alone MIDI gear to now dig deep into this whole computer DAW recording experience. I had been randomly watching various YouTube videos to try and learn all the ins and outs of this new digital domain I have become incredibly excited about, but honestly trying to structure a comfortable learning flow that way is a pain and not too productive. I am a airline transport pilot and favor detailed videos and/or well written manuals for complex explanations presented in a step formatted flow. So far, the videos I have viewed on Groove 3 are just what I have been craving. Thank you, thank you, thank you - fate steered me in the right direction. I have already learned how to utilize my ToonTrack EZmix, EZkeys, and EZdrummer 2 related to the Dream Pop pack. Absolutely fantastic guys and gals - keep it up!!
Submitted 2 years ago
Brilliant!
I’m new to the Toontrack products and these tutorials are brilliant they have taught me so much and because they have also given the bonus of there saved presets I can listen to how it sounds to learn about what I’m listening for, if that makes sense. Please please please Groove 3 makes some more for us beginners ! Brilliant
I am a: Beginner
Submitted 2 years ago
Luke is extraordinary -----
Intelligent, organized, efficient, thoughtful.
Submitted 2 years ago
Excelent method explained very easy
Excelent method explained very easy. Would like to see more easy keys tutoraisl.
I am a: Beginner, Producer, Game Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Studio One
Submitted 3 years ago
Inspiring video
well explained lessons, inspiring, great song
Submitted 4 years ago
Great Workflow!
Great tutorial , learned a lot from it, thank you guys!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Musician, Sound for Film/TV
Submitted 4 years ago
Excellent workflow
Very clear, concise training, gained more than I anticipated!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Musician
Submitted 4 years ago
The best of this series so far!
Luke is becoming better and better at showcasing many skills, workflows, and techniques at once. Here you can see all of Toontrack products power at full force, while also better grasping Studio One production workflow capabilities, and also many interesting music production ideas and workflows. Excellent!!!
I am a: Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I've always had an interest in drumming from a young age and started playing in 6th grade when a family friend stored their drum set at my parents house for a summer. I started playing in church the next fall and have been playing ever since. No one had to tell me to practice, it was just something I loved to do. I just enjoyed everything that had to do with drumming.
2. What training have you had?
I studied piano at a young age, then played trumpet from elementary through middle school. I started drumming on my own at the age of 12, then switched to drumming as my main instrument in high school and went on to study in college along with Music Business. I've been teaching drums since college, both private instruction and drum clinics.
3. When did you get into recording?
When I was in middle school/high school, I was very interested in music technology. It was much different then, but I remember recording/sequencing song arrangements with music software and filming videos and editing in camera all the time. In and after college, I started learning about audio production when I was recording drums for the bands I was in. In the late 2000's I stumbled upon drum sample technology, and that changed everything for me. I started really digging into the study of audio production, recording, mixing and mastering. I started studying video production around the same time as I knew I wanted to eventually film high quality drum videos while using this sample technology.
4. People you have worked with/for?
During my time in Nashville, I studied drums with Derico Watson (Victor Wooten), Jeff Bowders (Paul Gilbert), Will Denton (Steven Curtis Chapman, LeAnn Rimes), Marcus Finnie (Kirk Whalum, India Arie) and Raymond Massey (Pearl Drums). I've recorded drums on multiple albums produced by Sadson Music Group and have played on albums with artists such as George Clinton and Samantha Ware.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
To me, teaching is as inspiring as performing. When you teach, you're forced to understand the topic at a much deeper level. I love the process of learning and improving, and to me teaching is just an extension of that process. I learn something new every time I teach anything, whether it be a drum lesson or a software tutorial. I also believe as artists we have a responsibility to pass on the knowledge that we've accumulated. You must take action and apply what you've learned to your own life, but that only goes so far. If you can take what you've learned and share it with someone else, you're giving them the opportunity to take that knowledge, nurture it and allow it to influence their own lives. Eventually, they can pass that knowledge on to someone else, and the process keeps going. You never know the impact you can have on someone simply by sharing with them what you've learned.
Products by Luke
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tutorial videoAddictive Drums 2 Advanced Vol 1
In volume one of this advanced video tutorial series, eDrum guru Luke Oswald explains a wide range of topics designed to make you a real master and addict, of XLN’s Addictive Drummer 2 virtual instrument plug-in!
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tutorial videoAddictive Drums 2 Advanced Vol 2
In volume two of this advanced video tutorial series, eDrum guru Luke Oswald covers the finer nuances, more features and functions, as well as eye-opening tips and tricks for using XLN’s Addictive Drums 2 virtual instrument!
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tutorial videoAdvanced Drumming Combinations & Patterns
In this Drumstroke™ video tutorial series, drum guru Luke Oswald lays down the groove and shows you awesome drumming combinations and patterns that you can use to spice up your drumming or drum programming!
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tutorial videoBass Drum Technique Workshop
In this Drumstroke video tutorial series, drum guru Luke Oswald reveals the steps to take to build up bionic feet when playing your kit, including speed and endurance and the ability to play what’s in your head!
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tutorial videoCreating Drum Fills & Patterns
In this Drumstroke#TM# video tutorial series, drum master Luke Oswald reveals how to create both basic and advanced drum fills and patterns, that you can apply to both real drums and programmed drums in your DAW!
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