BLOG 12 – REGGAETON/POP: LOGIC

For the pop song of this EP, we have decided to create it in Logic instead of Ableton. This is mainly due to the more extensive sounds (e.g. strings) that Logic provides. However, the pop song that we have started to create shows some exploration and influence of Reggaeton style, something that is popular in the current charts. Reggaeton can be described as a fusion of genres such as Latin rhythms, dancehall, hip hop and rap (Hohman, 2018). Below is a playlist which I have created for myself and Connor to listen to of tracks that can be used as reference for this song.

REGGAETON DEMBOW RHYTHM – ‘BOOM-CH-BOOM-CH’

One particular distinctive feature of Reggaeton music, is the rhythm and can be identified as the ‘Dembow’ (see fig 12.0. and fig 12.1.). When first creating this track, me and Connor formed together this rhythm without even realising it was Reggaeton, most probably due to hearing it extensively in the current chart!

Figure 12.0. – Reggaeton Dembow Rhythm

Source: Hanna, 2016, p.26

Figure 12.1. – Reggaeton Dembow Rhythm

Source: Teach Rock, n.d., p.1

Below demonstrates the beginning progress of the track where we have formed together a simple chord progression with the Dembow rhythm. Instead of using a snare for the rhythm, as suggested by Teach Rock who states: ‘the “Dem Bow” rhythm is built between a snare drum and bass drum sound’, we wanted to use a clap instead to create a more pop and organic feel.

We then started to further this experimentation by forming an intro to make something sound more intriguing or unique. This was created by using the ES1 Synthesiser and a Wave Rhythm.

For the next part of the track, it was important to form some kind of chorus to the track. By doing this, we took the synthesiser from the intro and used the Arpeggio pluggin to form an interesting chorus effect to these chords, which worked perfectly! We also added a simple bass sequence, a shaker and also experimented with a vocal chop on the chorus to create something more exciting.

VOCAL IDEAS

Because most Reggaeton tracks are sung in Spanish or Portuguese, I am hoping to collaborate with a singer who is Brazilian who can provide some Spanish or Portuguese lyrics throughout the track! This would work perfectly with this track, especially as this person can provide me with ideas as Reggaeton is big in Brazil! This is also influenced by the track ‘Paradinha’ by the Brazilian singer Anitta (see video/track below).

However, as I would also like English lyrics and vocals in this track, I will also use the Reggaeton song by CNCO, featuring Little Mix who have collaborated together using both English and Spanish in order to reach worldwide audiences (see video below).

Reference List:

Hanna, W. (2016). The Children’s Music Studio: A Reggio-Inspired Approach. Oxford University Press.

Hohman, H. (2018). The rise of reggaeton. Available at: https://www.stanforddaily.com/2018/04/27/the-rise-of-reggaeton/ [Accessed 16th March 2020].

Teach Rock. (n.d.) Handout 1: Select Latin American Genres. Reggaeton. Available at: https://teachrock.org/wp-content/uploads/Handout-1_updated.pdf?x52355 [Accessed March 17th, 2020]

Anitta. (2017). Paradinha. (Online video). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTjnWcxTPIA [Accessed: March 17th, 2020].

Little Mix. (2017). CNCO, Little Mix – Reggaetón Lento (Remix) [Official Video]. (Online Video). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UONnRMuuDps [Accessed: March 17th, 2020].