Melody and its Techniques
Beautiful sound creation using x For serum
The song “Language” by Porter Robinson begins with a breathtaking sound that was created using x For Serum. To achieve this sound, the artist initialized the preset, grabbed a Sawtooth wave, turned on the filter, and tightened it. By dragging Envelope 2 over the cutoff knob and adjusting the sustain and decay, they were able to create a stunning pluck sound that is widely regarded as one of the best sounds in EDM.
Repetitive interval art melody
The melody in “Language” is a repetitive interval art melody that starts on the note E and triggers an eighth note in each bar. The melody then moves to the note A, creating a beautiful pattern that repeats throughout the song. This interval of five steps or seven semitones creates harmonies that are exceptionally pleasing when aligned with a set of chords.
Alignment with chords to create harmonies
The chords in “Language” use the same sound as the melody and also trigger in eighth notes. The first note of the chords is a long D note that lasts for two bars, while the second two bars are where the chord movement takes place. The chords move from F# to E, then to C#, and finally back to D. This unique chord movement, combined with the melody, creates harmonies that are both rare and captivating.
Chord movement on the second two bars
In the intro of “Language,” the chords are technically not even chords yet; they are intervals because they only have two lines. The second line would go an octave up and sit on the fifth or five steps up from the root note. This subtle movement adds to the beauty of the harmonies and creates a sense of weightlessness.
The melody and its techniques in “Language” showcase Porter Robinson’s genius in creating a timeless and captivating sound. The combination of sound creation, interval melodies, harmonies, and chord movement all contribute to the song’s exceptional beauty and lasting impact in the EDM genre.
Chords and their Uniqueness
Using the same sound as the melody
In “Language” by Porter Robinson, one of the unique aspects of the song is how the chords and melody are closely intertwined. The chords actually use the same sound as the melody, creating a cohesive and harmonious feel throughout the track. This technique adds depth and richness to the overall sound, making it a standout element in the song.
Rare movement in the chords
Another striking feature of the chords in “Language” is their rare movement. Unlike many other songs that use basic diatonic chords and simple progressions, “Language” breaks the mold by incorporating more complex chord movements. The chords ascend and descend, creating interesting and unexpected harmonic variations. This adds a sense of intrigue and uniqueness to the song, setting it apart from others in the genre.
Difference from basic diatonic chords
While other artists might use chords in a more traditional way, Porter Robinson takes a different approach. The chord progressions in “Language” are not only more intricate, but also more captivating. By deviating from the typical diatonic chords, Robinson creates a distinct and unforgettable sound. This departure from the norm contributes to the song’s genius and helps establish its timeless appeal.
The chords in “Language” by Porter Robinson exhibit a level of creativity and uniqueness that sets them apart from other songs in the EDM genre. The use of the same sound as the melody, rare chord movements, and departure from basic diatonic chords contribute to the song’s brilliance. These techniques have not only shaped the new EDM sound, but also offer valuable insights and inspiration for musicians looking to create their own powerful and beautiful music.
Piano Melody
Using Native Instruments the Giant piano
In the intro of “Language”, Porter Robinson incorporates a beautiful piano melody that adds depth and emotion to the song. He uses the Native Instruments the Giant piano to achieve this captivating sound. By selecting this particular instrument, he is able to create a rich and resonant tone that resonates with listeners.
Octave change for weightless sound
To enhance the ethereal quality of the piano melody, Porter Robinson cleverly transitions the melody by shifting it up an octave. This adjustment gives the melody a weightless quality, adding to the overall beauty and impact of the song. The higher pitch of the melody contributes to a sense of uplifting energy, engaging the listener on a deeper level.
The piano melody is repeated multiple times in the intro, allowing the listener to become familiar with its enchanting sound. Each repetition creates a sense of anticipation, building up to a powerful moment in the song.
The piano melody in “Language” showcases Porter Robinson’s mastery of creating captivating and emotive music. Its harmonic structure and use of the Native Instruments the Giant piano contribute to the song’s genius and timeless appeal.
Transition and Expression
One of the standout features of “Language” by Porter Robinson is the masterful use of transitions and expression throughout the song. These elements play a crucial role in making the song so captivating and memorable.
Upgrade of chords and melody into bigger synth sounds
In the chorus of the song, there is a noticeable shift in expression as the chords and melody transform into bigger synth sounds. While technically using the same sound as the intro, the chords and melody are enhanced with a wide open cut off knob and increased unison. This upgrade in sound adds a new level of intensity and energy to the song, and it’s a technique commonly employed by successful EDM artists.
Adding expression through cut off knob and unison
To further enhance the expression in the song, Porter Robinson utilizes automation of the cut off knob. By opening up the cut off knob, the sound becomes more suspenseful and dynamic. Additionally, more unison is introduced, which adds depth and richness to the overall sound. These small adjustments contribute to the overall impact of the song and create a more engaging listening experience.
Adding additional lines to keep arrangement interesting
Another way Porter Robinson keeps the arrangement interesting is by adding additional lines to the chords and melody. In the intro, the chords initially only have two lines, creating a sense of suspense and anticipation. As the song progresses, a third line is introduced, adding complexity and depth to the arrangement. This technique helps to maintain the listener’s interest and prevents the arrangement from becoming monotonous.
The transitions and expression in “Language” are what set it apart as a genius melody. Whether it’s the upgrade of chords and melody into bigger synth sounds, the manipulation of the cut off knob and unison, or the addition of new lines, Porter Robinson demonstrates his mastery of composition and arrangement. These techniques can serve as inspiration for aspiring musicians looking to create powerful and engaging music of their own.
Piano in the Chorus
Increase of velocity for a big satisfying sound
In the chorus of “Language” by Porter Robinson, the piano takes on a bigger and more powerful role. To achieve this, the Native Instruments the Giant piano is used with the velocity of the notes increased. By increasing the velocity, the piano becomes more prominent and creates a sense of grandeur in the music.
The piano starts with a sort of introductory sound, but as we transition into the chorus, it becomes more pronounced and impactful. The keys are played with more force, resulting in a massive sound that adds to the overall energy of the song.
By choosing to increase the velocity of the piano in the chorus, Porter Robinson effectively elevates the emotional impact of the music. The powerful and resonant qualities of the instrument are fully utilized, giving the chorus a sense of grandiosity and intensity.
This technique demonstrates the importance of carefully manipulating the dynamics and characteristics of each element in a song. By making intentional choices in the arrangement, artists can create captivating and memorable music that resonates with listeners.
Importance of Arranging
Arranging a song is just as important as creating a catchy melody. In the case of “Language” by Porter Robinson, the genius lies not only in the melody but also in the way it is arranged. Let’s dive into the techniques that make the arrangement of this song so extraordinary.
Making the arrangement interesting with transitions
Firstly, the song captivates listeners with its seamless transitions. Porter Robinson showcases two major transitions in the song that elevate the overall experience. These transitions provide a shift in expression and energy, keeping the arrangement captivating and engaging.
Sustaining the chords for suspense
One effective technique used in the transitions is the suspension of the chords. By sustaining the chords and halting their movement, a sense of suspense is created. This suspense grabs the listener’s attention and makes them eager for what is to come.
Automation of cutoff knob for added effect
Another key aspect is the automation of the cutoff knob. By adjusting the cutoff knob, the sound gradually opens up, building tension and anticipation. This technique adds a dynamic element to the song, intensifying the experience for the audience.
The genius of “Language” lies in how Porter Robinson delicately crafted the arrangement. By incorporating seamless transitions, suspending chords, and utilizing automation, the song takes listeners on a captivating musical journey. These techniques can inspire and guide aspiring musicians to create their own beautiful and powerful music. So, harness the power of arrangement and let your melodies shine!
Transition Effects
The use of transitional effects to enhance the transition
One of the reasons why Porter Robinson’s “Language” is considered a melodic masterpiece is the expert use of transition effects. These effects play a significant role in creating a seamless and satisfying shift in the arrangement of the song.
In the breakdown leading to the chorus, Porter sustains the chords, adding suspense and tension to the music. He then automates the cutoff knob, creating a gradual opening of the sound. This technique adds intensity and anticipation, preparing the listener for what’s to come.
Additionally, the transitional effects utilized in “Language” make the transition come to life. These effects, ranging from risers, impacts, and sweeps, provide a smooth and cohesive flow between different sections of the song. They act as connectors, guiding the listener from one part to another, and heightening the overall impact of the musical journey.
Creating a satisfying shift in the arrangement
Porter Robinson’s skillful arrangement of “Language” showcases his ability to create satisfying shifts. By strategically holding back certain elements and introducing them gradually, he keeps the arrangement interesting and engaging. Instead of using all the musical material upfront, Porter strategically builds the song, allowing it to evolve in a captivating manner.
For example, in the introduction, the chords only consist of two lines, creating a sense of simplicity. As the song progresses, new elements, such as an additional chord line and an upgraded synth sound, are introduced. This gradual layering of sounds and melodies adds depth and richness to the arrangement, creating a dynamic and captivating listening experience.
The use of transitional effects and thoughtful arrangement techniques in “Language” is what sets it apart and showcases Porter Robinson’s genius as a musician and producer. These techniques can serve as valuable lessons to aspiring music producers, providing insights into creating impactful and memorable compositions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Porter Robinson’s “Language” is a melodic masterpiece that has had a significant impact on the EDM genre since its release in 2012. This song showcases timeless and beautiful techniques that can be applied to create your own powerful and captivating music.
The song begins with a beautiful sound created using X for Serum, with a sawtooth wave and a tightened filter. The repetitive interval melody, starting on the E and triggering eighth notes, creates stunning harmonies when aligned with the chords. The movement of the chords in the second two bars adds depth and intrigue to the song.
The intro sequence, including the chords and the piano melody, builds up to an aggressive leap in expression, where the chords and melody stay the same, but the sounds become larger. This transition is exceptionally satisfying and showcases Porter Robinson’s ability to create impactful shifts in arrangement.
The song also highlights the importance of transitions in creating a memorable song. Sustaining the chords, automating the cutoff knob, and utilizing transitional effects all contribute to the overall satisfaction of the transition.
Porter Robinson’s “Language” is a prime example of how genius arrangement and thoughtful transitions can elevate a song to new heights. By studying and applying these techniques, you can create your own beautiful and powerful music.