Assessment 1: Music Production
Process in Logic Pro
1. The Story, Idea, and Feeling
This song was created for a dance performance in March 2025, inspired by
Chinese poetry. I chose Su Shi's "Ding Feng Bo" as the lyrics and composed a
new melody for it. The song begins with a moment of liubai (intentional
emptiness) but remains simple, setting the stage for a duet dance. The climax
transitions into the section where I sing my part of the song.
The core emotion I want to convey is a mix of intensity and euphoria, inspiring
a sense of freedom and connection through dynamic rhythms. The overall
mood is uplifting and powerful, blending modern electronic music with
traditional influences.
2. Initial Ensemble
To establish the foundation of the song, I have selected the following
instruments:
• Synth Bass – A deep, pulsating bassline that anchors the rhythm and
groove.
• Drum Kit – A blend of electronic and traditional percussive elements for
a high-energy beat.
• Lead Synth – A bright, melodic synth that carries the main hook and
adds a memorable character.
• Pad Synth – A warm, atmospheric layer to add emotional depth.
3. Additional Ensembles
To enhance dynamics and texture, I have incorporated additional instrumental
layers:
• Chinese Percussion – Providing intricate rhythmic accents and
traditional timbres.
• Guzheng – Adjusted the beat from 4/4 to 6/8, creating a gradually
accelerating descending roll.
• Dizi – Adding a soaring, expressive quality to the melody.
• Cinema Strings – Used in the bridge to introduce contrast and drama.
• African Singer Group – Adding a rich, organic vocal layer for rhythmic
and harmonic depth.
• Tihnbat Singing Bowl – Infusing an ethereal resonance into transitions
and ambient moments.
4. Gesture Elements and Song Structure
The song follows this structured progression:
• Intro – A filtered synth bass builds anticipation, gradually introducing
percussion.
• Verse – The bass and drums establish a steady groove, allowing space
for choreography. The lead synth subtly introduces a melodic motif.
• Chorus – The full ensemble enters, with the lead synth playing a catchy
hook. The Guzheng shifts the rhythm to 6/8, creating fluid motion. Vocal
layers and percussion enhance rhythmic complexity.
• Bridge – The Cinema Strings and FX elements take the forefront,
providing contrast and emotional depth. The rhythm shifts, encouraging
intricate dance movements.
• Ending – A stripped-down version of the chorus fades out, leaving a
lingering sense of euphoria.
5. Melody
The melody is structured to complement the rhythmic foundation:
• The verses feature a simple, rhythmic vocal line, aligning strong beats
with lyrical phrasing.
• The chorus adopts a more anthemic approach, with a repetitive,
engaging hook.
• The bridge introduces melodic improvisations, creating a shift in energy
and texture.
6. Pre-Mix of the Song Arrangement
In Logic Pro, I have organized tracks into groups (e.g., drums, synths, vocals)
for streamlined mixing. The key pre-mix adjustments include:
• Mic Effects – Applied tempo changes and minor pitch corrections where
necessary. Adjusted word placement to align with strong beats and
omitted breath sounds using silence.
• Warm Vocal Effect – Used to enhance vocal presence and blend within
the mix.
• Track Volume Balancing – Adjusted dynamic pressure (dp) levels to
maintain sound balance.
• Fade-in/Fade-out Effects – Applied for smoother transitions between
sections.
• Guzheng – Adjusted from 4/4 to 6/8, with a gradual acceleration in the
descending roll.
7. Functions of Logic Pro Used
Throughout the production process, I utilized various Logic Pro features:
• Sampler/Synthesizers/Legacy Instruments – Used for sound design
and tonal shaping.
• MIDI Editing – Modulations, panning, volume adjustments, and velocity
changes.
• Flex Time – Pitch corrections and rhythm-based editing.
• Automation – Controlled dynamic changes in volume, panning, and
effects.
• Effects Processing – Reverb, EQ, compression, and delay to refine the
sound.
• Synth Warm Waves – Used to add depth and warmth to the electronic
elements.
Conclusion
This song is a work in progress but has a strong foundation. By focusing on the
core story, ensemble selection, and gesture elements, I have created a
framework that captures the intended energy and emotion for dance
choreography. The pre-mix adjustments and Logic Pro tools have helped refine
the arrangement, bringing the composition closer to its final form. Moving
forward, I will fine-tune the melody, incorporate more detailed production
elements, and finalize the mix for a polished, high-impact result.
