Full Track Breakdown ‘Promises’

In this video, I introduce Promises feat. Penny F, my latest release on REK’D. I talk about why I chose this track for the breakdown, the support it’s received from DJs and Radio 1, and what you can expect to learn throughout the series. This sets the stage for a full deep dive into my creative process, production choices, and the techniques behind the record.

Before opening the project, I share the key musical influences that inspired Promises. I explore my love for late 90s New York and Miami house, highlighting records from Funky Green Dogs, Rui Da Silva, and John Creamer & Stephane K. I break down the signature dark stabs and soulful vocals that shaped the concept, and explain how I planned to blend those ideas into my own sound.

Here, I walk through the very first steps of building the track. Instead of starting with drums as I usually do, I focused on finding the perfect stab sound to form the backbone. I show how I used Saurus to create a simple but powerful stab pattern, how I “sketch” early ideas, and how locking down this key element gave me a strong foundation to build on.

In this chapter, I break down my drum programming process, starting with a punchy 909 kick and layering claps, shakers, hats, toms, and tribal percussion. I demonstrate EQ, compression, panning, stereo widening, and sidechain techniques to create a dynamic, driving groove. I also share how subtle layers like congas and tom hits add depth and movement, especially on big systems.

Here, I focus on building the low end of Promises. I show how I designed the bass line using Repro, shaped the sound with EQ and compression, and used sidechain to create space with the kick. I also explain how automation and layering help keep the bass evolving throughout the arrangement without cluttering the mix.

In this chapter, I break down all the synth elements. I show how I bounced the main stab to audio to fix tuning issues, then processed it with filtering, EQ, stereo imaging, and automation to make it a central part of the record. I layer high strings, atmospheric pads, and even a didgeridoo sample to build texture and tension. I also create melodic and gnarly synth parts using Repro and Diva, keeping the arrangement evolving in a controlled, musical way.

Here, I focus on working with Penny F’s vocals and making them sit perfectly in the mix. I walk through my vocal processing chain, including EQ to carve space, compression for presence, and reverb/delay automation to build atmosphere. I also share my approach to keeping the vocals clear, emotive, and central without overpowering the groove.

This section covers all the FX and textures that glue the track together. From glitchy layers to risers, impacts, white noise, and sweeps, I explain how I use these to create movement and transitions between sections. I show how I group and EQ FX tails, add grit with Decapitator, and use delays to carry energy into breakdowns and drops.

To finish the series, I play through the completed version of Promises feat. Penny F so you can hear how all the elements come together. After walking through every stage—from inspiration and sound design to vocals, FX, and mixing—this is where it all locks in as a fully polished, club-ready record.