Behind the Track: BellDingThing
A deep dive into the 45-second opener of Ch.1. How the bell came to life, groove construction in a compressed timeframe, mixing strategy, and what this intro means for the EP's arc.
Studio Diary
Music production insights, technique breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes looks at composition, arrangement, and the craft of funk and soul production.
Behind the Track: SloppyDrippy
The second track of Ch.1. Sloppy grooves, wet reverbs, and the aesthetic shift from the intro. How intentional looseness creates pocket, and why SloppyDrippy is the EP's moment of commitment.
Behind the Track: Sonar
The third track of Ch.1. Spatial depth, atmospheric layers, and finding stillness within motion. How reverb and sound design create immersion rather than movement.
Behind the Track: Tynomite!
The fourth and final track of Ch.1. Convergence, explosive clarity, and the resolution the EP demands. How the finale synthesizes the journey and delivers closure.
Ch.1 EP: A Snapshot of the Process
The first Simonoto EP is live. Here's what went into the four-track release: arrangement decisions, the gear that shaped each track, and how I approached mixing for streaming platforms.
Behind the Mix: Creating Depth in Funk Grooves
Funk can feel flat if the mix isn't layered deliberately. In this post, I break down stereo imaging, compression, and EQ techniques I use to create space and movement in groove-based production.
Production Workflow: From Sketch to Final Master
How does an idea become a finished track? I walk through my personal production process: ideation, arrangement, recording, mixing, and mastering. Tools, techniques, and decision-making at each step.