Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam goes South

Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam at Dancefair Kortrijk XPO 4 & 5 November

Are you a producer, DJ, Musician? After 7 very successful editions in the Netherlands, with over 10.000 visitors per year, the first Belgian edition of Dancefair/Musicfair will take place on the 4th and 5th of November in Kortrijk. Because an important part of Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam’s roots lies in Belgium and we have already welcomed a good number of students from Belgium, we are pleased to head south with a very interesting line-up of masterclasses.

Dancefair was originally a stand-alone event, focussed on DJ’s, producers and everyone in the dance scene. Due to demand, Musicfair was added and offers an expansive program for musicians, bands and singer/songwriters.

“In our opinion, visitors want to experience more than just a fair. During Dancefair/Musicfair, inspiration and education are the number one. Our focus lies in the sharing of knowledge, networking and inspiration.” – dancefair.nl

Abbey Road Institute made its first Dancefair/Musicfair appearance in Utrecht last February. With a very interesting series of workshops and masterclasses (see below) we are ready for Kortrijk next month and have confirmed our presence for 2018 in Utrecht. Come visit us to learn more, have a chat and get to know us.

Our list of workshops/masterclasses for the 4th and 5th of November at the XPO in Kortrijk:

Saturday
Workshop 1:
The benefits of side-chain compression
MarcoAntonio Spaventi

Side-chain compression can be the difference between a flat, lifeless mix and an adrenalised floor-filler. Especially in dance music, side-chain compression usage is more than common. But what exactly is sidechain compression, how does it work, and how can you use it in your mixes?

Learn from Abbey Road Institute lecturer MarcoAntonio Spaventi on how and when to use side-chain compression to create more room in your mix and how to create that nice rhythm.

Workshop 2:
Demystifying the secrets of mastering
Frederik Dejongh

In music production, the mastering stage is the final step in the creative process. The stage where a lot of additional magic happens, bringing the listener closer to your music by giving them a stronger sense of connection. In other words, it can enhance the reason why you are making music in the first place.

Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam and mastering engineer Frederik Dejongh unveil the secrets of mastering! Frederik will give an in-depth look into all the different aspects of mastering, including how loud is too loud.

Workshop 3:
Possibilities of using distortion during mixing
Emiliano Caballero

The word ‘distortion’ can call to mind screaming guitars or bit-crushed drums, but there are also many more subtle ways we can use this tool in a mix. Learn from Abbey Road Institute lecturer Emiliano how to use analog and digital distortion to create interest and energy in your mixes.

Workshop 4:
It’s all about that bass
MarcoAntonio Spaventi

Getting that pumping low-end in your track is an ongoing challenge. There is not just one rule, but some elements cannot be overlooked. Abbey Road Institute lecturer MarcoAntonio Spaventi will lead you through the process of ‘All about the bass’. How to get that nice fat bass line in your production to cut through and how to make sure your low end translates to small speakers but also during festivals. It’s the perfect chance to add a professional bass sound to your music.

Kickstart your Bass!

Workshop 5:
Mastering for vinyl and streaming
Frederik Dejongh

There are various reasons to get your tracks properly mastered. One very important one is to adapt the material for various distribution formats. But how does mastering actually differ for vinyl and for digital releases? This is a timely question. Mastering for vinyl has recently gone from being a specialized rarity to a common extra that clients ask for in addition to the digital master. Abbey Road Institute and mastering engineer Frederik Dejongh talk different approaches for different kinds of media, what to look out for when cutting vinyl vs releasing on streaming service. Get up-to-date knowledge about this hot topic!

Sunday
Workshop 1:
Parallel compression unravelled
Robin Reumers

Parallel compression is a powerful mixing technique! It’s a dynamic range compression technique, also known as New York compression. But it’s often misunderstood, since it can be fairly challenging. Find out what it really does and how it can upgrade your mix.

Learn from audio engineer and director of Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, Robin Reumers, when and how to use parallel compression, even in combination with multiband parallel compression. Uplift your studio techniques and master the real benefits of compression.

Workshop 2:
Demystifying the secrets of mastering
Frederik Dejongh

In music production, the mastering stage is the final step in the creative process. The stage where a lot of additional magic happens, bringing the listener closer to your music by giving them a stronger sense of connection. In other words, it can enhance the reason why you are making music in the first place.

Abbey Road Institute and mastering engineer Frederik Dejongh unveil the secrets of mastering! Frederik will give an in-depth look into all the different aspects of mastering, including how loud is too loud.

Workshop 3:
Getting an upfront vocal sound
Robin Reumers

Mixing vocals is the most important part of your mix, it can make or break it. Robin Reumers, audio engineer and director of Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, educates you on how to create an all-around solid mix with an upfront vocal sound. Learn what techniques you can use to get your vocal to sit upfront, without it sounding squashed. By the end of this masterclass, you’ll know what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how to do it.

Workshop 4:
How to incorporate orchestral music in pop productions
Wouter van Belle

Orchestral music takes your audience on an emotional journey. Whether you’re looking for a powerful tearjerker, a rousing anthem or something more delicate, an orchestral touch can do the trick.

Producer and composer Wouter van Belle is an expert in incorporating orchestral music in pop productions. And together with Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam he is going to give insightful information on how to do it yourself. He is also going to reveal his production- and mix techniques when working with artists and bands such as Racoon, Novastar, and Gorky.

Workshop 5:
Mastering for vinyl and streaming
Frederik Dejongh

There are various reasons to get your tracks properly mastered. One very important one is to adapt the material for various distribution formats. But how does mastering actually differ for vinyl and for digital releases? This is a timely question. Mastering for vinyl has recently gone from being a specialized rarity to a common extra that clients ask for in addition to the digital master. Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam and mastering engineer Frederik Dejongh talk different approaches for different kinds of media, what to look out for when cutting vinyl vs. releasing on streaming service. Get up-to-date knowledge about this hot topic!