AWAKENING (UK) CREATIVE LOG.

Awakening was composed as a cinematic piece that embodies the themes of re-emergence and transformation. The sound design of the track was meticulously crafted to evoke the sensation of awakening. evolving from a hip-hop driven beat into the original djembe rhythm, symbolising a reconnection with my South Africa in a renewed form. This rhythmic return then shifts into a Latin-African fusion, representing the blend of past identity with new cultural influences in the UK.

BREAKDOWN OF THE MAIN SWITCH IN THE ARRANGEMENT

ARRANGEMENT BREAKDOWN

SOUND DESIGN

Sources in the Reference list below

AUTOMATED, CINEMATIC, ORCHESTRAL TEXTURED LAYERS

DRUM LAYER SOUND DESIGN

SERUM PATCH SOUND DESIGN PITCH AUTOMATION

VIRTUAL BASS GUITAR TURNED INTO A REAL-SOUNDING GUITAR

STEREO MIX PHASE:

In Ableton, the stereo mix was shaped in tandem with the sound design process, ensuring that creative and technical elements worked together effectively. EQ and compression were applied to place each sound in its own space, while faders were adjusted throughout to maintain balance as new layers were added. Effects such as reverb and delay were used not only for depth but also to enhance the character of specific sound design elements. Panning was applied to widen the image and give movement, helping the designed textures and musical parts complement each other within the overall mix.

MASTERING PROCESS:

IZOTOPE MASTERING CHAIN

CHAIN - BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

EQ – Shapes the tonal balance by boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges.

Dynamic EQ – Adjusts EQ in real time based on the input signal to control problem frequencies only when they occur.

• Multiband Compression – Controls dynamics separately across different frequency bands for balanced loudness.

• Exciter – Adds harmonic content to enhance warmth, brightness, or presence.

  Stereo Imager – Adjusts stereo width for different frequency ranges to control spatial spread.

• Limiter – Maximises loudness while preventing digital clipping

  IZOTOPE SOURCE - https://blog.native-instruments.com/how-to-master-a-song-with-izotope-ozone/

SUBTLE REVERB TRICK- around 2–3% wet was added at the end of the chain to give the entire mix a gentle sense of space and cohesion. This slight ambience helped “glue” the elements together while adding a soft, almost imperceptible glow around the sound. The same approach was used in Rhythm and Struggle to enhance depth and create a unified atmosphere across the track.

CHALLENGES & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS:

1. Transitioning Between Contrasting Styles

   Moving smoothly between the Hip-Hop cinematic section and the contrasting Djembe, Latin-African fusion, without feeling disjointed. The Solution was using a hybrid sound design patch, sped up breath sample and fading in the djembes subtly following a riser.

2. Maintaining Cultural Identity Within Fusion

   Ensuring the South African rhythmic voice remained clear, even when introducing Latin–African grooves and Western cinematic elements. Solution: Kept the original djembe rhythm as a thematic anchor while layering complementary percussion that supported, rather than replaced.

PERSONAL REFLECTION:

Awakening allowed me to blend cinematic build, hip-hop energy, and African and Latin rhythms into a unified piece. Reintroducing the djembe linked the track back to my South African roots, while the fusion of styles reflected my growth and experiences in the UK. The process strengthened my ability to transition between contrasting sections while maintaining the music's cohesion and cultural balance.

Final Mix & Master

Reference list:

Sound Design sources

Miraglia, D. (2025). Reverb Automation 101: Key Parameters & Advanced Techniques. [online] Unison. Available at: https://unison.audio/reverb-automation/ [Accessed 15 Jun. 2025].

Johncy, J. (2025). Guide to Layering Drum Samples for a Punchier Mix -. [online] pointblank Music School’s Blog. Available at: https://www.pointblankmusicschool.com/blog/guide-to-layering-drum-samples-for-a-punchier-mix/ [Accessed 19 Aug. 2025].