How to make Trentemøller 'Prana' bass and stab sounds in DRC
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Welcome to season 2 of our DRC Sound Design Tutorials series, where we resume our voyage of discovery through the sea of synthesis. Our first port of call is a track which takes the listener on a journey, with a variety of sections forming waypoints as the piece evolves. Captain of this week’s ship is Copenhagen based, Danish music producer ‘Trentemøller’ with the track ‘Prana’ from his 2006 debut album ‘The Last Resort’.
In Hindu philosophy, ‘prana’ means ‘vital principle’ or ‘life force’, a spiritual interpretation and understanding of all cosmic energy in the entire universe. This influence is clear from the very start of the track, sitars paint a picture of sun and sand dunes, instantly invoking an Asian flavour. A bouncing bass soon breaks free of the trance like state and provides an injection of momentum to propel the piece forwards, pulling at the listeners curiosity, the journey begins.
As increasingly interesting elements appear over the horizon and into our ears, the sitar leaves a slow trail of footprints in the sand, a continuous reminder of the path previously tread, which ultimately ends the same way that it started.
Trentemøller’s musical talent was encouraged from an early age, starting with the piano at just 5 years old. At 11 he wrote the music for a school drama production, and by 14 was playing keyboards and drums in several indie, rock and blues bands. Just like DRC, he is a testament to versatility, which has led to remix work for the likes of Moby, Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys.
Hopefully this new season of videos inspires you to take a creative journey of your own - be sure to let us know if it does!
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We love great Danes,
Team Imaginando