How to Tech House in style of Dom Dolla
Welcome to the ultimate guide on producing Tech House music inspired by the sounds of Dom Dolla!
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the techniques and elements that make up that infectious groove that has everyone dancing. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a beginner, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your own track. And don’t worry, you can download the project file and all samples for free at the end!
Getting Started: Setting the Tempo and Kick
To kick things off, we need to set our BPM to 134, which is perfect for that modern Tech House vibe. The first thing we need is a solid kick drum. I personally love using “Will Kick #3” for its punchy character.
Place the kick on every beat to establish a strong foundation. This is crucial, as a good kick drum sets the tone for the entire track. Now that we have our kick, let’s move on to the next essential element.
Adding Vocals: The Cheeky Hook
Next up, we need a catchy vocal hook. Dom Dolla often uses cheeky vocal samples, and I found a great one on Splice titled “Sex Pills Space and Thrill.” It’s playful and embodies the party vibe we’re aiming for.
Make sure to sync the vocal to your project. Since this sample is at 126 BPM, we need to warp it to fit our 134 BPM project. After that, drag it into place so it hits right on the first beat.
Creating a Groovy and Simple Bassline
Now, let’s focus on the bassline. Dom Dolla’s tracks typically feature simple yet effective bass lines. We’ll use a preset from Ableton’s Wavetable synth. The key is G minor, so let’s write our bassline using the root note, G.
Keep it simple—something that skips along nicely. A few notes on the root will do the trick. To add some groove, we need to introduce a bit of shuffle or swing to the bassline. This will give it that bouncy feel that makes you want to dance!
Shaping the Bass Sound
To make our bass sound more interesting, let’s shape it further. I’ll use a saw wave and create a plucky shape for it. We can add some drive and resonance to the sound, and then adjust the amp envelope to tighten it up.
Now we want to ensure we have a separate sub-bass layer. This is crucial for avoiding phase cancellation issues. Roll off the high frequencies on the sub-bass at around 100-120 Hz to get that deep thump.
Adding Swing and Rhythm
Next, we’re going to add some swing to our bassline. In Ableton, you can use the groove pool to apply swing to various elements. Ensure that the kick remains straight while applying swing to the bass. This will create a nice rhythmic feel.
The vocals should stay stripped back, allowing the bass and kick to shine. Keep the energy high and the vibe fun!
Adding High Hats and Percussion
Now it’s time to add some high hats. For this track, we’re going to stick to a high hat and ride cymbal, keeping it simple and effective. Place the high hat on the off-beats to add some groove.
Make sure to adjust the sustain and release settings so that the high hat sounds natural. Layering it with a ride cymbal will give it more texture without overcrowding the mix.
Creating Vocal Harmonies
To make our vocal hook stand out, let’s create a harmony. Duplicate the vocal track and use a tuning plugin to ensure it’s all in the same key. You can use Waves Tune for this—it’s a great tool for real-time pitch correction.
For harmonies, consider using the third or fifth scale positions to add depth. Once you have that sorted, compress the vocals together to gel them nicely in the mix.
Adding Synths and Textures
Next, it’s time to introduce some synths. I like to create a couple of MIDI channels for different synth sounds. Start with a bell-like synth to add some melodic interest. Program a simple riff in G minor and layer it with a bit of Redux to add harmonics.
Don’t forget to add some reverb and delay to create space in the mix. This will help fill out the sound and make it more cohesive.
Building Up to the Drop
As we approach the drop, we need to create tension. Start by stripping back elements and building up the energy. A common technique is to introduce a riser that pitches up over time.
Layer this with some claps and snares to create anticipation. When the drop hits, bring in all elements for that full impact.
Final Touches: Mixing and Arrangement
Finally, let’s mix as we go. Duplicate your tracks and remove unnecessary elements to keep it clean. Roll off frequencies around 100 Hz on the kick to avoid muddiness, and adjust levels to make sure everything sits well together.
Listen back to your track, and make any adjustments necessary. It’s all about finding that perfect balance where each element shines without overpowering the others.
Download Your Free Project File!
Ready to create your own Tech House banger? Download the full project file and all samples for free below:
Thank you for joining me on this journey to create a Dom Dolla-inspired Tech House track. If you enjoyed this tutorial, please like, share, and subscribe to my channel for more music production tips!