The Making of MANTi – My Way (Automatik)

MANTi is soaring in Los Angeles’ underground house and techno scene. Her latest EP, My Way, has debuted on Henry’s Automatik imprint. This release not only marks her first collaboration with the London-based label but also builds on the momentum she’s garnered in recent years.

Having released music on prominent labels like Einmusika, Sequence Music, and Borders of Light, My Way stands out as a slow-burning techno track. It focuses heavily on groove, texture, and vibe instead of the peak-time pace that often commercializes the melodic techno genre. MANTi’s commitment to her underground roots brings a refreshing change, steering clear from the overused “Afterlife” inspired sounds typically seen in the genre.

To dive deeper into her creative process, she shared some insights about the plugins and production techniques that contributed to her distinctive sound. Take a listen to the track below before delving into the intricate details of how it was crafted. MANTi’s My Way is available now on Automatik Record.

The primary synth used in “My Way” is Zebra from u-he, a versatile plugin combining subtractive and additive synthesis. Known for its powerful modulation options and rich sound quality, Zebra stands out for its flexibility. It allows the creation of everything from classic analog sounds to complex, evolving textures. MANTi relied on Zebra for its user-friendly interface, which made it simple to experiment with various waveforms, filters, and effects.

For the bass, MANTi used Serum, Jack Joseph Puig’s Drum plugin, and Saturn 2. Serum was her go-to for crafting the deep, driving bassline, utilizing the LD 10 preset from PRESET GROUND and refining the filters and modulation settings to achieve the ideal rumble.

The KU KICK 2 preset from Jack Joseph Puig’s Drum plugin added punch and clarity, particularly to the kick and low-end percussion. Saturn 2 provided the finishing touch by imbuing the bass with warmth and subtle distortion, giving it a rich, analog feel.

MANTi recommends Serum for its flexibility and powerful oscillators, making it excellent for creating rich, textured basslines. She also suggests experimenting with Jack Joseph Puig’s Drum plugin to enhance your drum tracks and bring rhythms to life. Additionally, Saturn 2 is ideal for adding warmth and saturation, especially for drums and bass. She uses Zebra paired with EchoBoy to create dynamic synth sounds and relies on EchoBoy and Crystalizer for adding depth and unique effects to vocals.

Zebra, combined with Echo Boy, produced the lush, evolving synth textures crucial to the overall sound of “My Way.”

For the kick, MANTi utilized the Nicky Romero Kick plugin, allowing her to craft the perfect kick drum from scratch.

For vocals, MANTi turned to EchoBoy and Crystalizer by SoundToys to add depth and unique, shimmering effects, making them stand out in the mix.

In Melodic House & Techno, nailing the vocals and kicks is essential. EchoBoy and Crystalizer by SoundToys are effective tools for this. EchoBoy provides depth and space to vocals with its versatile delay settings, and experimenting with different delay times and feedback levels can create a sense of movement. Crystalizer can add unique, shimmering effects to help vocals pop. Layering these effects and adjusting their wet/dry mix can achieve the perfect complement for your track.

The Nicky Romero Kick plugin offers extensive control over the sound. Starting with a solid base sample, MANTi tweaks the pitch, decay, and EQ settings to fit the track, adding a subtle layer of distortion or saturation with Saturn 2 for more punch and presence. Ensuring the kick and bass harmonize with sidechain compression creates a clean, powerful low end.

Quick Fire Tips For Making this Genre:

Tip #1: Layer your synths to create rich, evolving textures. Combining analog and digital sounds adds a unique, dynamic feel.

Tip #2: Sidechain compression is key for a clean mix. It helps create space between the kick and bass, ensuring a robust low end.

Tip #3: Automation adds movement and keeps the listener engaged. Automate filter sweeps and effects for dynamic tracks.

Tip #4: Reverb and delay are powerful tools. Use them to create spacious, atmospheric sounds that enhance your mix.