UK Producer El Train has been making big waves in the Lofi Hiphop scene in recent years, with his fusion of Hip Hop, Soul, RnB and Trap landing him releases on labels like Kitsuné, Darker than Wax and Jakarta Records. On this course, he shows how to build up a quality arrangement from scratch, using samples from his Loopmasters pack and working mainly with factory instruments and effects in Logic Pro, with all techniques being easily transferrable to other DAWs.

El Train begins the course by explaining the importance of using templates to improve workflow and creativity. He then jumps straight into creating the drums, using samples and quantisation to keep them free, loose and organic sounding. He then embellishes this rhythmic basis with live-recorded percussion, as well as showing the effectiveness of using background atmospherics.

Moving on to the melodic elements of the track, El Train explores chord progressions and layering to build the harmonic backbone of the arrangement. He then records live bass, and discusses the best ways to create a convincing but interesting bassline. He continues the live recording process with some short and simple vocals, and explains how to transform and mould them into musically significant points in the track.

The course ends with a lesson on arrangement, showing how to keep your music interesting and evolving, how to pick out key moments in the track and when to use them.

Signing up gets you immediate access to the streamed tutorials, plus the project from the course and a bonus pack of samples from Al Train’s label Tone Kitchn. Check out the sample module before signing up for an example of El Train’s laid back and informative style, imparting valuable techniques and inspiration to kick start your own Lofi Hiphop production journey.

Lofi Hip Hop Vocal Sound Design Techniques - El Train Course Excerpt

Course Breakdown

Introduction
El Train introduces the course and runs through what you’ll learn.
1.12

Module 1 - Creating Templates
Setting up the project with templates for each different section of creativity: producing, mixing and the master track.
4.55

Module 2 - Creating Drum Tracks
Learn how to build a Hip Hop groove using vintage samples, how to add swing and groove, and how to arrange drums in a professional way.
18.53

Module 3 - Drum Percussion and Ambience
El Train steps out of the computer into live recording of percussion, including tambourines, shakers and castanets, to achieve a more organic groove. The textural range of the track is then expanded by adding ambience into the song’s background.
13.40

Module 4 - Chords and Harmony
Using simple techniques, El Train builds out a solid chord progression on a Rhodes Piano, to lay the harmonic foundation of the track, exploring quantisation to achieve the desired level of swing. Then, he layers up with more sounds and develops with simple chord sound design.
15.37

Module 5 - Writing Basslines
El Train explains the most effective ways to write basslines, and how to pair them well with your chord progression. Utilise plugins to elevate the basslines so they fit the track sonically.
7.45

Module 6 - Creating and Transforming Vocals
Vocals are recorded and transformed into leads and textures. Various plugins are used to elevate the vocals into key musical ideas.
15.22

Module 7 - Arranging & Picking out Key Moments
How to keep your track interesting, introduce forward movement, and pick out key musical moments and motifs, and how to introduce and remove them seamlessly.
24.43

Outro
0.26