Kenya Grace's ascent to the top of the charts with her drum'n'bass track "Strangers" marks a significant moment in the music industry. Her success highlights a shift towards greater recognition and representation of women in electronic music production. With her catchy pop songwriting combined with dance instrumentals, created in her bedroom using a simple mic and MIDI-controller setup, she attracted thousands of followers.
Kenya Grace. Source: YouTube
But Grace's journey hasn't been without its challenges. She's encountered sexist and patronizing comments, with some even questioning whether she produced her tracks. Despite these microaggressions, Grace's success inspires a new generation of female producers.
Electronic music has historically sidelined women, with male producers dominating credits and women often relegated to providing vocals. However, a new wave of female producers, including PinkPantheress, Becky Hill, Jazzy, and Hannah Laing, are redefining dance music.
Venbee notes that women are now taking charge, demonstrating their abilities through self-made videos. Similarly, Piri, inspired by acts like Yunè Pinku and Nia Archives, began exploring music software and production.
Synth Basics (Everything You Need to Know)
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Understanding Synthesizers
To synthesize is to create by combining different elements. In audio, synthesis involves creating sounds from scratch using basic building blocks:
- Sound waves (sine waves, triangle waves)
- Filters (to boost or cut frequencies)
- Modulators (Low Frequency Oscillators, Envelopes)
- Effects (delays, reverbs, distortions)
Synthesizer Block Diagram
Synthesizers offer unlimited possibilities through different combinations of signal generators, signal processors, and signal modulators. Understanding the basics allows endless experimentation.
A Brief History of Synths
The Predecessors to Modern Synths (1920s-1950s)
In 1928, Lev Termen (Leon Theremin) invented the theremin, an instrument played without touch. The theremin uses two electronic oscillators, a mixer, and two metal antennae. Moving your hand near the antennae changes the electrical field, affecting the sound. The signals from the oscillators are combined to create the theremin's eerie sound.
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Clara Rockmore playing the theremin
The theremin demonstrated that music could be made with electricity, inspiring further innovation.
Friedrich Trautwein invented the Trautonium in the 1930s. These early instruments proved you could make music with electricity, not just acoustic instruments.
The First Modern Synthesizers (1950s-1970s)
The RCA Mark I in 1955 was the first true synthesizer, but it was programmed with punched paper tape and lacked a keyboard. The game-changer was Moog's Minimoog in 1970, the first portable and affordable synthesizer. Suddenly, a working musician could walk into a music store, buy a synthesizer, and take it home the same day.
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Types of Synths
Software Synths
These are software synths you can download on your computer or phone and use in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation - think Garageband, Logic ProX, Pro Tools, or Ableton Live). Popular examples include Serum, Pigments, Massive, and Omnisphere. They offer incredible value and flexibility, you play them using MIDI notes (Musical Instrument Digital Interface - the digital standard that allows instruments and computers to communicate with each other. MIDI keyboards are the keyboards you use to play/trigger your software synths), so you can change the velocity, pitch, and rhythm of the sounds. You're only limited by your computer's processing power.
Hardware Synths
These are physical electronic synthesizers with oscillators, filters, and other modules that generate and manipulate sound. They range from affordable options like the Korg Volca series to classic recreations like the Moog Subsequent 37. Hardware synths often have a more natural feel and each one has a unique colour. Plus, there's something really satisfying and fun about experimenting with synths, turning real knobs and automating parameters by hand as you play a sound.
Common Types of Hardware Synths:
- Analogue
- Digital
- Hybrid
- Modular
Why Experiment with Synths?
Synthesizers are more accessible than ever, with free software, browser-based options, and affordable hardware. Learning synthesis teaches sound design and frequency relationships, enabling the creation of unique sounds. From bedroom producers to video game sound designers, synthesizers offer endless creative possibilities.
Understanding synths helps understand modern music, as they are prevalent in pop songs, film scores, and video game soundtracks.
Getting Started with Synths
Here's how you can get started on your synth journey:- Start free: Download a free software synth or try browser-based options
- Watch YouTube tutorials: Some of my favourite synth / sound design YouTubers are Andrew Huang for synth tutorials, modular synth intros and sample battles, Jabeau for Ableton synth sound design, Sofia Wylie for new synth introductions and music production tutorials and Rachel K Collier for synth walkthroughs
- Experiment: Don't worry about making "good" sounds at first - just explore, turn knobs, press buttons and see what happens. The coolest sounds are usually happy accidents!
- Listen and recreate: Try to identify synth sounds in your favorite songs and try to recreate them!
Collectives and Support Networks
Collectives like Loud LDN build support networks for women and gender-nonconforming artists. Bedroom producers can establish careers with affordable gear and online presence, reducing reliance on industry gatekeepers. The public chooses artists via streaming and social media, fostering the rise of underdogs. It’s such an exciting time.
Manchester-based producer Anz notes that mainstream shifts have roots in the underground. Local scenes support women through mentorship and training, such as Bristol’s Saffron Music and All Hands on Deck in Manchester.
Anz says that major labels are finally recognizing the wave of female producers who are making things happen for themselves. She also highlights the importance of collectives and support networks in empowering marginalized voices.
While progress is being made, gender discrepancies persist in songwriting credits and DJ rankings. Anz emphasizes that women often have to fight for their fair share. She says that dance music is the ultimate example of people not being paid their dues or getting the respect or attention that they deserve. But we’re here, we’ve always been here, and I think it’s always heartening to be seen.
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