In previous articles, I've explored arrangement and mixing concepts like the rule of three and the focus element, which consider the arrangement in a vertical sense - what's happening simultaneously. However, it is equally important to think about how elements are introduced over time, in a horizontal sense.
The Importance of Pacing
Legendary producer & songwriter Max Martin emphasises horizontal simplicity, noting that introducing too many sonic ideas at once can overwhelm the listener. Think about a well-paced movie - characters usually aren't all introduced at once, they're gradually introduced, allowing each to breathe and establish themselves before the next enters the scene. A compelling arrangement unfolds in a similar way.
I'll use my track “Anchors” to illustrate how this character introduction analogy can be applied to horizontal arrangement.
Character Introduction in “Anchors”
In “Anchors”, the characters (song elements) are introduced gradually, so the listener gets familiar with each one before the next comes in. Play the song to follow along with the commentary below.
[Song embed]
Verse 1: Setting the Scene
- The First Character: The tremolo guitar enters first, establishing the tempo and introducing the song's initial tonal element.
- The Vocal Lead: The vocals arrive next, establishing the song's key and setting the scene with the descriptive lyrics. Subtle reverb and delay give the listener a sense of the virtual space.
- Notably, no other significant elements are added during the first verse, allowing these initial characters to establish themselves.
Chorus 1: Adding Support
- The first chorus introduces vocal harmonies, which play a supportive role, keeping the lead vocals as the main focus.
- Some subtle staccato synth notes add a harmonic layer on top of the tremolo guitar part.
- By the end of the first chorus, the listener is well-acquainted with the vocals and tremolo guitar.
Verse 2: Increasing the Momentum
- The second verse brings in two new characters, bringing more energy to the track.
- The Percussion: An electronic drum beat enters, with a 16th-note delay on the snare that aligns with the ongoing tremolo guitar.
- The Bold Synth: A distorted synth makes a sudden, sweeping entrance, accompanied by a long reverb tail that expands the perceived space. This synth recurs periodically in bursts throughout the second verse, creating a dynamic interplay with the vocals.
- The lead vocals also take on a new dimension, jumping up an octave and revealing another side of this familiar character.
Chorus 2: Adding Depth and Movement
- Filtered 80s-style synth chords are introduced, adding melodic thickness and a sense of movement. The opening and closing of the low-pass filters create a swelling effect, like waves, gelling with the lyrical narrative.
Bridge: Stripping Back
- For a moment of intimacy before the finale, all characters except the lead vocal leave the stage.
Chorus 3: The Finale
- All the characters return for the final chorus.
Post-Chorus: A Final Word
- The Pluck Lead: A final character, a plucking guitar/synth-blended instrument, takes centre stage, playing over the long, sustained vocal notes that reverberate out into the distance.
Mixing Considerations
With the introduction of each character mapped out effectively through careful horizontal arrangement, the mixing process becomes an opportunity to further refine how the story is presented.
The way our brains become familiar with musical elements allows for subtle manipulation to direct the listener's focus. Once an element has been effectively introduced and the listener has become accustomed to it, mixing adjustments can shift attention to other parts. For example, a sound that has played a prominent role early in the song could be slightly turned down to bring a newly introduced element into sharper focus. Because the listener is already familiar with the initial sound, this small reduction in volume is unlikely to be noticed.
To illustrate, in “Anchors”, the tremolo guitar part opens the song before the vocals enter. It continues as the song progresses, but since it has already been introduced and has been registered by the listener as part of the sound palette, the tremolo guitar’s volume can be gradually turned down, allowing it to recede in the mix so that other elements can take the limelight as they join the arrangement. This technique helps create a dynamic mix where the different characters have their moments to shine.
Thinking about the elements of your track using this character analogy could help you see your arrangement and mix from a new angle, potentially leading to different decisions. Try it out and let me know if you find it useful.
💬 Have you ever thought about your musical elements as characters in a story? How might that affect your arrangement choices? Leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you.
