Sonic-Mapping is a strategic process I developed that integrates sonic exploration, framework development, and preproduction.
This approach is designed to effectively plan a record or a series of records for an artist. The process flows smoothly in a sequenced approach. The initial stage consist of song exploration and framework development where we focus on defining your desired sound and laying the groundwork for your music. The final stage is focuses on a plan to create your record(s).
Let’s take a closer look at the stages.
Sonic Exploration and Framework Development:
Research and Define Your Sound: We’ll work together to intentionally define your desired sound. This involves creating a sonic mood board, identifying music that inspires you, and understanding what you strive to compete against in the industry.
Analyze Popular Songs: I will analyze popular songs in your desired genre(s) to uncover what makes them successful. This analysis will help us incorporate key elements into your music during production. You’ll receive a detailed report demonstrating the breakdown of reference material.
Framework Development: We will utilize the insights from the report to create a sonic profile or toolbox that will serve as a source of inspiration for your recordings.
Pre-Production
Review and Select Demos: If we’re starting from pre-existing ideas, we’ll review any demos that you are considering and decide which song(s) should be taken into production.
Identify Personnel: Together, we’ll identify any additional personnel needed to achieve your desired sound, such as session musicians.
Schedule and Roadmap: We’ll define a schedule, set milestones, and create a roadmap for the production phase, ensuring we’re aligned on timelines and expectations.
When collaborating regularly with an artist, we often bypass sonic exploration and framework development if we’re continuing from a previous planning session. Instead, we dive straight into preproduction.
Benefits of Sonic Mapping in music:
Creative Clarity: We have better clarity around your creative vision and this established production direction.
Cost efficiency: With production direction established you are saving time and money associated with the production process. It’s like arranging your vocals at home instead of figuring them out on the fly while at studio where you’re paying $65/hr.
Streamlined Recording Process: You start with a well-established creative plan includes carefully considered tools, resources, and personnel. This cuts down on unexpected circumstances that can delay the production process. Staying on schedule is key to steady releases.
Better Collaboration: Greater clarity leads to improved execution.
A quick note on how to effectively analyze music:
You’ve got to learn to listen. It may seem simple, but it takes time to really get the hang of it.
Insights from professional mixing teacher and author Bobby Owsinski:
Music pros can hear through a mix and unpack how the elements of the song actually work.
You can pick up this skill by using song analysis as a helpful tool.
Here are his 11 general listening tips:
1/ Listen for the instruments providing the pulse to the song.
2/ Listen to the ambience.
3/ Listen to the clarity of the mix.
4/ Listen to the clarity of each instrument or vocal.
5/ Try to identify each section of the song.
6/ Try to identify the loudest thing in the mix.
7/ Identify the hook of the song.
8/ Listen to the stereo soundfield of the song.
9/ Listen to the overall timbre of the song.
10/ Listen to the dynamics of the song.
11/ Ask yourself, is the song fun to listen to?
Many pros naturally hear these elements. With time, you can too.
