Sonic Academy proudly welcomes back Nate Raubenheimer aka Protoculture for a look at a different type of genre this week as we check out How To Make Orchestral Hybrid.

Stepping away from his usual tracks, Nate guides us from start to finish in building this epic and grand masterpiece using both EastWest Play and NI Kontakt orchestral sections.

We start with looking at templates and how to set up different articulations within your DAW and lay down an initial sketch over some vocals before breaking down the MIDI chord progression into its individual string sections.
Using constantly evolving automation lanes to create realistic expression we add brass sections and lead lines along with orchestral percussive elements to help with transitions. Once the orchestral sections are complete we layer in synths, pads and arps to build on the wall of sound before mixing down the track and carrying out a master.

This is a masterclass in using orchestral elements in a digital environment and the tips and tricks Nate shows us here can be transferred to all kinds of genres.

Definitely worth checking out!