MY COMPOSITION 

For the composition, I used a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) called Logic Pro X. Logic Pro is an ideal DAW to use for a 1970s track as it enables you to record live instruments as well as a drum machine. I made the track 120BPM and set the key signature to C major. 120bpm is a common disco beat per minute signature which allows the common drum time signature of four on the floor to shine through the production.  

Then I searched for instruments used in 1970’s disco and listened to a few artists such as Boney M, Bee Gees and Earth, Wind & Fire. I used the synthesizer and added an arpeggiator over it using the mixer. I used the step sequencer to add MIDI to my track by using the step on/off buttons and high function. Then I tried to recreate 1970’s 4 on the floor disco pattern on the kick, using the 4/4-time signature. I placed the clap on the 2nd and 4th note of every bar. And then added some syncopation with the snare drum and hi hats which was the 3rd note of every other beat. Next, I added the bass using a step sequencer. I added syncopation on the bass by adding the bass on every 3rd beat of each bar. Syncopation is when the bass or drums are off the beat which creates an offbeat sound. Syncopation is an essential element of my composition as I want to give my audience the desire to dance, which is what disco music is known for.  

I used a Chinese Ruan Moon Guitar as my string instrument to create a melody then added a 3-part harmony on top of that. I could have used an electric guitar to make the track sound more authentic. After that, I added a chords section using a mellotron instrument called ‘8 Choir & Flute’. This was done to add a rhythm on top of my melody in the second section of my A & B composition. After that, I added automation to achieve a smooth transition and fade in to make my track sound at an industry standard. Fading in and out was also a popular production technique for 70s disco records. I also added a synth brass which emulates a synth cello sound. This solidifies syncopation as the notes are very staccato and off the beat. I also added this software sound because it allows for an A and B section. The intention of this decision was so the track was not repetitive and to add layers to make the composition interesting and not boring.