What is Tarantula by Pendulum?
Tarantula is a high-energy drum and bass track by the Australian band Pendulum, featuring the iconic vocals of Tenor Fly. Released on their debut album ‘Hold Your Colour’, the song quickly became a staple in the electronic music scene, known for its powerful basslines, intricate drum patterns, and the raw energy of Tenor Fly’s performance. The track’s dynamic structure and blend of drum and bass with elements of other genres, made it a favorite among fans and a challenge for producers looking to remix it. The song’s popularity has led to numerous remixes and bootlegs, each bringing a unique perspective to the original track’s elements.
The Original Tarantula Track
Understanding the original Tarantula track is crucial before attempting a remix. The original track’s structure, which includes a distinctive intro, build-up, drop, breakdown, and outro, provides a framework for the remixer. Listening to the original extensively helps in identifying key components such as the heavy basslines, drum patterns, and, of course, the vocals by Tenor Fly. Analysing these elements helps in understanding their arrangement and how they contribute to the track’s overall energy and impact. Consider its impact in the music scene, its initial release, and what made it stand out.
Key Elements of Tarantula’s Sound
The key elements of Tarantula that make it so recognizable and effective are its heavy basslines, the fast-paced drum and bass rhythm, the powerful vocals of Tenor Fly, and the use of sound effects to build energy. The basslines provide a strong foundation and drive the track, while the complex drum patterns add intricacy. Tenor Fly’s vocals inject a raw, aggressive style that adds to the track’s intensity. These elements work together to create the overall sound. A successful remix will need to respect these core components while adding a unique creative twist. Pay attention to how they interact with each other.
Understanding Remixing Basics
Remixing involves taking existing tracks and adding a new perspective by altering, rearranging, or reinterpreting their components. Basic remixing principles include selecting the right elements from the original track, choosing your DAW, matching the tempo and key, structuring the remix, and adding your unique signature. It’s crucial to identify what makes the original track appealing and what you want to emphasize in your version. A strong remix should both pay homage to the original while also making it your own. Consider the structure of the song to provide a fresh perspective that enhances the listening experience. Proper mixing and mastering are critical for ensuring the remix sounds professional.
Essential Software and Hardware for Remixing
The essential software for remixing is a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, or similar. These DAWs provide tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio. You’ll also need plugins, which include synthesizers, effects, and mixing tools. Good quality headphones or studio monitors are essential for accurate sound monitoring during the mixing and mastering stages. Consider investing in a MIDI controller for hands-on control over parameters. Audio interface and a computer with sufficient processing power and RAM, especially for handling multiple tracks and plugins, are also crucial components to successful remixing.
Choosing Your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
Selecting the right DAW is the first step in remixing. Popular options include Ableton Live, which is known for its intuitive workflow and robust features; FL Studio, which is praised for its user-friendly interface and powerful sequencing capabilities; and Logic Pro X, which provides an extensive array of tools at an affordable price. The best DAW for you will depend on your experience level, workflow preferences, and the features that meet your needs. It’s beneficial to try out different DAWs before making a commitment to find the one that best fits your creative process and production style. Explore the different options available to see which platform suits you best.
Setting Up Your Remix Project
Start by creating a new project in your chosen DAW. Import the original track of Tarantula. Before you start remixing, rename all tracks, and set up your session properly. Set the correct tempo, key, and time signature of the original track to make sure your elements align. Create separate tracks for vocals, basslines, drums, and any other elements you plan to use. Organize your project by color-coding and labeling tracks for easy navigation. This organizational structure provides a clean workspace that facilitates a more efficient workflow. Save your project frequently to avoid losing your work. This organizational structure will save time in the long run and enable you to focus on the creative process of remixing.
Finding and Isolating Tarantula’s Elements
Isolating the various elements of the original track is vital to remixing. Use EQ filters to isolate specific frequency ranges, and use a spectral analyzer to identify different sonic components within the mix. Experiment with tools such as vocal isolators and drum extractors to separate these elements from the original mix. With experience, you can accurately discern the track’s components, such as vocals, drums, and bass. Having these isolated components allows you to re-arrange and create your own version. Proper isolation ensures you have the raw materials needed to begin the creative process of remixing. High-quality extraction methods will ensure a higher quality final product.
Extracting Vocals and Instrumentals
Extracting vocals and instrumentals from the original Tarantula track is a crucial step. Software like iZotope RX can provide advanced tools for separating the elements. Alternatively, you might manually isolate vocals using EQ and panning adjustments to remove other elements. Another option is to find acapella and instrumental versions of the track to work from directly. When extracting vocals, pay attention to removing any artifacts. For the instrumental version, focus on separating the drumbeats, basslines and other musical elements for the remix. These methods allow you to creatively reimagine the track.
Tempo and Key Matching
Matching the tempo and key of your remix to the original Tarantula is essential for a cohesive sound. Use your DAW to analyze the original track’s tempo and key. If you plan to alter them, ensure the changes are harmonious. Use tools to detect the BPM and key and use these to adjust your remix. When changing tempo, consider using time-stretching and pitch-shifting tools that preserve the audio quality. Experiment with slight tempo adjustments to find the best fit. If the original key doesn’t suit your style, use your DAW’s tools to transpose elements while ensuring the original character of the track is retained.
Adding Your Creative Touch
Adding your creative touch involves bringing your own unique style to the remix. Experiment with new sounds, rhythms, and arrangements. You can incorporate new synth melodies, build-ups, or breaks. The most successful remixes blend the elements of the original song with the producer’s style. Experiment with different effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to add texture. Adding your signature sound can involve the use of distinctive synth sounds or drum patterns. Your remix should be recognizable and stand out. The ultimate goal is to reimagine Tarantula in a way that highlights your artistic vision. Use the elements of the original song as a basis for your creativity.
Incorporating Fresh & Pyda’s Style
If you intend to incorporate elements from Fresh & Pyda’s previous work, you’ll want to study their production techniques. Analyze their use of basslines, drum patterns, and sound design. They use heavy, distorted basslines to create a dark and intense atmosphere. Their drum patterns are complex and rhythmically driven. Consider the ways they add to the track’s energy. Experiment with their typical sound design, such as the use of specific synths or effects. The challenge is to integrate their style organically, rather than simply copying. Analyze their tracks, experiment with their key techniques, and look for opportunities to merge them within your Tarantula remix.
Exploring Tenor Fly’s Vocals
Tenor Fly’s vocals are a critical part of Tarantula. In your remix, decide how to use them—whether to emphasize or alter them. Experiment with different effects, like distortion or auto-tune, to modify their sound. Re-pitch or rearrange the vocal snippets to give them a new texture. Make sure the vocals sit well within the mix, without overpowering the music. Adding new harmonies to the original vocals or altering the vocal arrangement can provide a fresh perspective on the track. Use a vocal chain, incorporating EQ, compression, and reverb to make sure the vocals complement the music. A good understanding of the vocal’s dynamics is crucial to keep the power of the vocals intact.
Adding Shockone’s Techniques
Shockone is known for his heavy, precise drum and bass sound. Study his drum programming techniques to incorporate his style into your remix. Analyze his use of sound design, particularly his bass and synth sounds. Experiment with his mixing techniques, such as how he uses compression and EQ. Consider adding his signature vocal chops or sound effects for a familiar touch. Experiment with his mixing techniques and sound design. The goal is to infuse Shockone’s unique sonic style without losing the originality of the track. Analyze his production style through his popular tracks to understand his signature elements, making his style recognizable in your remix.
Experimenting with Ekko & Sidetrack’s Approach
Ekko & Sidetrack have a unique sound with their blend of liquid drum and bass with heavier elements. Examine their approach to sound design, focusing on how they create textures. Pay attention to how they construct drops and breakdowns to inject energy. Integrate their style through their methods of sound design, or their use of specific types of melodies and harmonic progression. You can also look at their signature mixing and mastering approaches, incorporating elements such as a particular kind of reverb or delay. Consider how they balance melodic elements and heavy basslines. Use their remix approach to see how they enhance the original’s energy.
Structuring Your Remix
The structure of your remix is key to creating a compelling listening experience. It should include sections like an intro, build-up, drop, breakdown, and outro. The intro is meant to draw listeners in, with subtle sounds, gradually building into the main theme. A strong build-up is crucial in creating anticipation, leading to a powerful drop. The drop marks the moment of maximum energy, so it should be memorable. The breakdown offers a change of pace, often showcasing a different melody or vocal part. Finally, the outro provides a smooth transition out of the song. Each section should be balanced. The structure of the remix should provide a dynamic and exciting journey for the listener.
Building the Intro
The intro of your remix is designed to draw the listener in and build anticipation. Use elements from the original track, like the vocals, or introduce new sounds. Build-up should be gradual and atmospheric, setting the tone for the rest of the remix. Slowly introduce the drumbeats, adding layers and textures. Use subtle sound effects. Keep the energy level relatively low at this point. Focus on creating an immersive experience. A good intro leads the listener in smoothly, making them eager to hear the drop. This approach ensures that the intro complements the rest of the track, while building interest.
Creating a Drop
The drop is the most energetic part of your remix and needs to make a strong impact. Blend the core elements of the track, the basslines, drums, and vocals to deliver a powerful effect. This is where you introduce your unique creative elements. Make the bassline prominent, ensuring it complements the original track’s energy. The goal is to create a thrilling and memorable moment. Ensure that the drop is properly mixed and mastered, to maximize its impact. Ensure a high level of sonic impact by using a combination of basslines, percussion, and vocals, to create an irresistible and engaging listening experience.
Developing the Breakdown
The breakdown offers a break from the intensity of the drop, allowing the listener to prepare for the next segment. It’s a good time to introduce new melodic elements. This can include re-introducing the vocals with a fresh perspective. The breakdown is about creating contrast and sustaining the listener’s interest. Reduce the tempo and the energy of the track. Ensure that the elements complement each other. Use creative effects, such as reversed sounds. This section should build anticipation for the next drop. The breakdown creates contrast and maintains interest.
Crafting the Outro
The outro brings the remix to a close, leaving the listener with a positive impression. Gradually reduce energy, by removing elements or fading them out. You can repeat key phrases. Ensure a smooth transition to the end, which creates an ear-pleasing experience. Use effects like reverb or delay to provide an atmospheric fade. Use sound effects, like a final echo. Ensure the outro matches the track’s overall vibe. The outro creates a lasting impression. A well-executed outro brings the song to a satisfying end.
Mixing and Mastering Your Remix
Mixing and mastering are essential for achieving a professional sound. Mixing is about balancing the levels of all elements to ensure they work well together. Start by setting up a mix with clean gain staging. Use EQ to clean up frequencies of all elements, and shape their overall sound. Employ compression to control the dynamics of the instruments and vocals. Pan the tracks to create a balanced stereo image, and create a professional-sounding mix. Mastering involves preparing the track for distribution. Use a limiter on the master channel to increase loudness, while preserving dynamics. Do subtle adjustments to EQ. The goal is a well-balanced and polished sound.
Leveling and Panning
Leveling is crucial for balancing your remix elements to ensure they sit well in the mix. Start by setting your levels for each track, keeping the kick drum or bassline at the center of the stereo field. Adjust the levels relative to each other, by listening closely. Panning involves placing sounds in the stereo field. The correct use of panning creates space and dimension. Keep your elements in a way that the mix is not crowded. Panning helps improve the width of your mix and make it more exciting. This approach ensures a professional and balanced sound. Proper leveling and panning help listeners understand your remix.
Using EQ and Compression
Use EQ (equalization) to shape the frequency spectrum. Clean up any muddy frequencies, boosting the frequencies that are most important, and removing frequencies that are not. Use compression to control the dynamics, making loud parts quieter and quieter parts louder. Applying EQ and compression individually to each track is important, but you also may use them on group tracks. Careful EQing and compression will ensure the sonic clarity of the music. These processes will enhance the overall sound of your remix.
Mastering for Loudness
Mastering increases the loudness of your remix. Use a limiter to increase the overall loudness. A well-mastered track should be loud and impactful. During mastering, use subtle EQ to improve clarity and balance the frequency spectrum. Use stereo widening. The purpose of mastering is to make the remix sound competitive. The mastering process ensures that your track meets industry standards. Professional mastering is essential for the quality of your remix.
Finalizing and Sharing Your Remix
Before sharing, do a final listen-through of your remix on different playback systems. This ensures it sounds good on various devices. Proofread to identify any possible errors. When you are satisfied, export the track in the highest quality format possible. Pick platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, or other digital music stores to share your work. Promote your remix. Sharing your work gives you valuable feedback. Engage with your listeners and enjoy the experience of sharing your remix with the world. Follow all copyright laws. With these steps, your remix of Tarantula will be ready to be heard.