Deep house is having quite a moment, especially across the pond.
Tomorrow, two of the UK’s hottest deep house talents, Max Sinàl and KingCrowney, will be re-releasing their smash hit “Intentions” on Soul Quest Records’ newest compilation album, Maintain Altitude. “Intentions” is deep house at its absolute best, with a breezy vocal performance courtesy of Liv East, and low-key trumpet and electric piano blending with meticulously crafted drumbeats and a bouncy bassline to deliver a laid-back, soulful triumph of a tune.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the song is just how well it’s produced. That’s no surprise coming from these two: both artists have recently been named Artists to Watch by DJ Mag, Sinàl produced one of Bandcamp’s best releases of 2023 and has had music placed in Fortnite, and Crowney has been on top of the Traxsource deep house chart for months. These artists not only have quite the pedigree on their own, but certainly have styles that work very well together.
We asked both of these deep house experts for a few production tips that they could give to upcoming producers. Take a listen to “Intentions” as you read a few of their best tips and tricks.
Max Sinàl:
1. Don’t be afraid to use place holders.
A lot of the time I may use a vocal sample from another song to build the tune around. It helps find a direction and something to work against. Once the production is done, I’ll then take the sample out to write and record original vocals with a singer. This can also work with musical samples which can be replaced with original bits from musicians.
2. Don’t be too rigid with your arrangement.
Let it flow and experiment. An interesting arrangement keeps a listener or a dancefloor on their toes and locked in. I think it’s easy to get in to a robotic mode while arranging a song, I’ve been guilty of it. Its important to break out of that, I think
KingCrowney:
1. Precision with automation is key.
It’s important to be precise with your automation! I think of this process as the icing on the cake. Take your time with it and make sure you get it right. Automation can shape a tune so learn how to use it to your advantage.
2. Make your live instruments fuller.
If you use live instruments in your productions stack them up! When I record myself playing I always double up on each part and pan a group left and right. It gives an illusion effect allowing your sound to become bigger and wider.
Pre-order Maintain Altitude here.
Ben Lepper is a music producer and journalist from Boston, Massachusetts.
