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Compression for Beatmakers

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Compression is one of the most crucial tools in any beatmaker's toolkit, shaping the dynamics of your track and helping achieve that punchy, polished sound....

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The Best Beginner-Friendly DAWs for Music Production

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Getting into music production can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners. With so many digital audio workstations (DAWs) available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

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Top 10 Mixing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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Choosing the Best CPU for Music Production

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How to Create Epic Risers and Transition Effects for Electronic Music

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Creating epic risers and transition effects is essential for electronic music producers to build tension and anticipation before a drop or shift in their tracks. Here’s how you can do it...

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Automating a Drum Bus in Reaper to Create Dynamic Room Effects

October 6, 2024

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EQ in Practice: How to Use Subtractive EQ to Clean Up Muddy Mixes

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ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...

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How to Manage Static Noise in High Frequencies When Compressing Vocals

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One common frustration in vocal production, especially for home studio and bedroom producers, is encountering static noise in the high frequencies after compressing and brightening vocals...

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Sampling Like a Pro: How to Flip Samples and Avoid Legal Issues

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Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...

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What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

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When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

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Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

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Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

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Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

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In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

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NCT 127 Comes Back To 'Fact Check' Their Skills With New Album

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Photo Source: Rolling Stone

NCTzens, the wait is finally over. On October 6, NCT 127 returned with their fifth album, Fact Check, accompanied by a futuristic music video for the album’s title track. 

In 2016, SM Entertainment debuted NCT, a boy group that currently consists of 26 members. Among this group, five subunits exist: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT DoJaeJung. Each subunit has their own unique sound and performances. Since their debut in 2016, NCT 127 has become known for their experimental hip-hop and R&B music, while showcasing their strong vocal and rap abilities. With their new nine-track album, Fact Check, their sound becomes far more mature and powerful. The comeback features Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jongwoo, Mark, and Haechan. 

The album’s single, ‘Fact Check,’ is an energetic Afrobeats-inspired dance track that oozes confidence. It carries the electro-synth rhythm that NCT 127 is known for with a trendier sound to engage new listeners. The chorus consists of a repetitive beat using percussive elements. The bridge also showcases the outstanding vocal performances of members Doyoung, Jaehyun, Taeil, and Haechan. Then it leads into a cool rapping section from Mark and Taeyong, accompanied with dramatic drumming. The lyrics express the group’s unmatched confidence in their music, despite any attempts to ‘fact check’ their credentials. In the music video, the group hops to different landmarks across Seoul, as well as more futuristic landscapes. 

The album’s b-sides are great gems as well. ‘Space’ is a groovy, chill song that masterfully utilizes a saxophone. ‘Parade’ is a fun hip-hop song that showcases the group’s versatility. ‘Angel Eyes’ is a lively 80s-inspired rock song, co-written by Mark and Taeyong. Continuing the summer vibes, ‘Yacht,’ is an easy-listening song, perfect for a night on a yacht. ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ blends NCT 127’s signature style of rap with R&B vocals over a grungy bass. ‘Love is a beauty,’ presents sentimental lyrics written by Taeil, Taeyong, and Mark. The emotional ballad, ‘Misty,’ co-written by Mark and Taeyong, is sure to send shivers down your spine. The album concludes with ‘Real Life,’ discussing the magical feeling of being loved.