MANTi has been quickly rising in LA’s underground house and techno scene. Her latest EP, My Way, was just released on Henri’s Automatik imprint. This EP not only marks her debut with the London-based label but also continues the momentum she’s built over the past few years.
She has released music on top labels like Einmusika, Sequence Music, and Borders of Light. My Way is a slow-burning techno track that focuses on groove, texture, and vibe rather than the peak-time pace commercializing the melodic techno scene. MANTi’s true-to-form, roots-in-the-underground approach is a refreshing change in this genre, one which has been flooded with overly “Afterlife” inspired sounds that don’t often push many boundaries.
With that in mind, we invited her to discuss the plugins and production tricks she used to create such killer music. So, listen to the track below to get a sense of her style before diving into the latest iteration of how it was made. MANTi’s My Way is out now on Automatik Record.
Zebra is an incredibly versatile synthesizer plugin from u-he that combines subtractive and additive synthesis. It’s known for its powerful modulation options, rich sound quality, and extensive library of presets. Zebra’s unique feature is its flexibility, allowing you to design everything from classic analog sounds to intricate, evolving textures. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to experiment with various waveforms, filters, and effects, making it a favorite among producers in various genres. I used Zebra as the main synth for “My Way”.
For the bass, I used Serum, Jack Joseph Puig’s Drum plugin, and Saturn 2. Serum is my go-to for creating the deep, driving bassline. I used the LD 10 preset from PRESET GROUND and adjusted the filters and modulation settings to achieve the perfect rumble.
I also used the KU KICK 2 preset from Jack Joseph Puig’s Drum plugin to punch and clarity to the bass elements, especially the kick and low-end percussion. Saturn 2 provided the finishing touch, adding warmth and subtle distortion which gave the bass a rich, analog feel.
For producers working in Melodic House & Techno, I highly recommend using Serum for your bass sounds. Its flexibility and powerful oscillators make it ideal for creating rich, textured basslines. Don’t be afraid to experiment with Jack Joseph Puig’s Drum plugin to add punch and character to your drum tracks – it can really bring your rhythms to life. Saturn 2 is a fantastic tool for adding warmth and saturation, especially on drums and bass. When working with synths, Zebra paired with Echo Boy can give you some really interesting and dynamic sounds. And for vocals, EchoBoy and Crystalizer are perfect for adding depth and unique effects. Remember, it’s all about experimenting and finding the right combination of settings that work for your track.
In addition to the main synth and bass, I used several other plugins to shape the overall sound of “My Way.” Zebra, combined with Echo Boy, provided the lush, evolving synth textures that are a key element of the track.
For the kick, I used the Nicky Romero Kick plugin, which allowed me to sculpt the perfect kick drum from scratch.
On the vocals, I relied on EchoBoy and Crystalizer by SoundToys to add depth and unique, shimmering effects, making them stand out in the mix.
In Melodic House & Techno, getting the vocals and kicks right is crucial. Regarding vocals, using EchoBoy and Crystalizer by SoundToys can make a significant difference. EchoBoy is perfect for adding depth and space to your vocals with its versatile delay settings. Try experimenting with different delay times and feedback levels to create a sense of movement and dimension. Crystalizer, on the other hand, can add unique, shimmering effects that make your vocals stand out. Don’t be afraid to layer these effects and adjust their wet/dry mix to find the sweet spot that complements your track.
For kicks, the Nicky Romero Kick plugin is a fantastic tool. It gives you control over every aspect of the sound. Start with a solid base sample, then tweak the pitch, decay, and EQ settings to fit your track. Adding a subtle layer of distortion or saturation with Saturn 2 can give your kick more punch and presence in the mix. Finally, always ensure your kick and bass are working harmoniously by using sidechain compression to create space and ensure a clean, powerful low end.
Quick Fire Tips For Making this Genre
Tip #1: Layer your synths to create rich, evolving textures. Use a combination of analog and digital sounds for a unique, dynamic feel.
Tip #2: Sidechain compression is key to achieving a clean mix. Use it to create space between your kick and bass, ensuring a powerful low end.
Tip #3: Automation is your friend! Automate filter sweeps and effects to add movement and keep the listener engaged throughout the track.
Tip #4: Don’t underestimate the power of reverb and delay. Use these effects to create spacious, atmospheric sounds that fill out your mix.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
