Chris Rane

1) Tell us about a project you have worked on that you are particularly
proud of.

I think every project has an interesting story behind it that is worth
telling, but if I have to narrow it down to just one, I have to choose
my tune "Great Journey". It was the first production where I felt like I
was able to use all my knowledge and techniques to produce a real tune.
While working on it I felt like I had a real breakthrough moment where I
was like: "Yeah, I'm capable of making music that I'm proud of. Music
that sounds like what I had in mind." That was really special. I
remember that moment of my great journey as a producer very fondly.

2) What's the biggest misconception about producing?

I think the biggest misconception about producing is that a more
complicated and processed production equals a better tune. I firmly
believe that a good sounding tune can be achieved with well executed but
simple techniques. Of course, compression, equalization and some
processing is required to achieve what we understand as a tune with a
good production behind it. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking
that every single track in your production needs these things. Sometimes
a good synth sound with a simple cut in the low end and the right amount
of automation can really bring the existing material to life.

3) How would you describe your style?

I like to work with contrasting elements in my productions. An example
of this would be a hard hitting kick and bass with a dreamy synth melody
and lush pads on top. This particular example creates something you want
to dance to but doesn't sacrifice the beauty we all love to get lost in.

4) What type of music do you usually produce?

This is a very easy question. I usually produce Trance. Sometimes I
venture out and go on adventures, but I'm always rooted in Trance. This
is where my heart is and where I feel at home.

5) Analog or digital and why?

It's pure digital for me. It's the cleanest audio path we have, and
today's VSTs emulate analog gear so well that I take the virtual
convenience over big, clunky gear.

6) What do you like most about electronic music?

I like how accessible electronic music is. Anyone who is interested in
making music can do so with today's technology. From a production
standpoint, I like how many unique sounds can be achieved that you
wouldn't be able to get with real instruments.

7) How long have you been making music?

I've been making music for six years. I began releasing music properly
on labels in 2021. So it has taken me about three years to be able to
produce music that is worthy of being signed to a label.

8) What's your typical work process?

To get the basics of a dance tune down, I often tend to start with the
kick and bass. From there I move on to the pads and melody. This
includes the lead and plucks for the intro and outro sections. Once I
have a basic idea of what the tune is going to be, I start working on
elements like percussion, acid for pace, atmosphere like vocal swells,
sweeps for transitions, drum fills and so on. Anything that's needed to
really elevate the basic idea. Finally, I work on the structure and
arrangement of the tune. If elements don't work together, I separate
them into different sections. Not everything has to play at the same
time during the climax. With a bit of trial and error, I will eventually
end up with something that I like.

9) Tell us about your studio setup.

I have a very simple setup. I have a basic computer that runs FL Studio.
My sound card and headphones are what I consider to be the heart of my
production space. I use a Creative Sound BlasterX G6 sound card and
Beyerdynamic MMX 300 headphones for monitoring. I think the ability to
accurately hear what is going on in your project is the most important
thing in the whole music production process. Any other external
equipment is just a bonus to the workflow. The fact that I can produce
on the road with the same monitoring experience wherever I go is what I
really like about this simple approach.

10) Can you share one production tip?

Try to finish your projects. You would not believe how many of my
projects started out bad but grew over time. In my opinion, you can only
really tell if a project sounds good at the end of the whole process. If
it's still not quite where you want it to be, save it and come back to
it later. You might be able to re-write the main melody or tweak the
structure to get a better flow later on, but I see too many projects
that get abandoned too quickly just because they don't sound perfect
after one day. The ability to push through the shit and have faith in
the process is what really makes a great producer.

11) What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

I have to mention Max Braiman, Giuseppe Ottaviani, James Dymond and
Allan Morrow. They all make really beautiful music. They also offer
great music production tutorials online. Max Braiman in particular has a
great YouTube channel where he streams his production process. The "How
To Make Uplifting Trance 2019 with James Dymond" series on Sonic Academy
really helped me get a grasp on production when I was starting out.
Allan Morrow provides great tutorials and templates on the Allan Morrow
Studios website. Giuseppe Ottaviani's "Evolver Studio Sessions", where
he streamed the process of making his "Evolver" album, was also very
influential for me.