How to make TECHNO like ANYMA

How to make TECHNO like ANYMA

7 chapters
  • Understanding ANYMA's Creative Framework(0'001'22)
    ANYMA is the project of Elia Matteucci, co-founder of Tale of Us, who was already successful before creating ANYMA but chose to explore something entirely new.
    ANYMA's vision centers on a self-created AI coming into existence from data uploaded to the cloud, eventually becoming self-conscious and gaining awareness.
    • Creating a vision • Translating it into art via music • Conceptualizing the whole vision
    ANYMA has 4 million Spotify listeners and sold out shows worldwide by perfecting a formula known by many but innovated by few.
  • AI Vocals and Conceptual Translation(1'222'56)
    ANYMA uses AI-like vocals in tracks like the Sentient album, starting with 'Reminding You' which features the first sign of AI translating the creative vision.
    • Initial state: searching inner core • Development: consciousness emerges • Evolution: AI becoming sentient • Future: exploring virtual existence
    The artwork and promo imagery directly visualize the three-step concept, making the abstract idea of AI consciousness tangible and clear for viewers.
    ANYMA demonstrates genius in the seamless connection from vision to conceptualization to music, showing how all elements work together cohesively.
  • Futuristic Synthesizer Design and Lead Sound(2'565'32)
    ANYMA uses futuristic synthesizers extensively with intricate sound design and meticulous attention to lead sounds, translating AI emergence into sonic form.
    • LFO modulation: changing LFO shape while rolling and adjusting roll amount • Dual oscillators: LFO 2 modulates both oscillator levels and cutoff simultaneously • Automation layer: adds complexity beyond static modulation • Effect synthesis: combining distortion and effects for aggressive character
    The 'Explore Your Future' lead uses two oscillators with FM modulation, creating hollow individual sounds that become powerful only when combined with extensive distortion and multiband compression.
    • Multiple glued layers: hat layer, pad layer, noise layers • Progressive drama building: final layers add impact before drops • Attention to detail: layers require close listening to fully appreciate • Dynamic depth: each layer serves the overall sound design
  • Advanced Envelope and Patch Engineering(5'328'32)
    • Amplitude envelope: simple poly envelope controlling main loudness • Filter envelope: fast cutoff opening with secondary controls • FM envelope: extremely short envelope controlling FM amount for plucky hits • Velocity modulation: decay and cutoff respond to velocity for dynamic accents
    Extensive use of distortion creates warm high-end character, which is essential to the sound's presence and aggression compared to clean signals.
    Alice Efe's Serum wavetable packs (including Sub37 wavetables) and Techno preset pack provide ready-to-use patches for learning and reverse-engineering production techniques.
    Patches are more complex than appears, involving carefully orchestrated envelope interactions, FM synthesis, and dynamic EQ modulation to achieve the final aesthetic.
  • Bassline Design and Low-End Power(8'3212'14)
    After AI gains consciousness in the vision, it attempts to break through and be free—this struggle translates into powerful, driving basslines.
    • Driving sub: keeps the foundation minimal but essential • Main power: stabs and essence in the bass step pattern • Dual step pattern: first aggressive step followed by slightly different second step • FM hit: adds big room ambiance and perceived scale
    Straightforward, driving, minimalistic yet powerful approach featuring a thick, long synthmic kick with rolling layers on the low end and controlled distortion.
    • Two soft oscillators with envelope shaping • Noise layer underneath for additional strength • Generous distortion amount with velocity-modulated controls • Modulated EQ emphasizing initial hits and subsequent dynamics
  • Drum Programming and Ambient Textures(12'1415'12)
    ANYMA avoids overcrowding tracks by maintaining focus on main ideas—in 'Explore Your Future', the big lead and driving low-end are supported by minimal, purposeful elements.
    • On-beat cymbals: simple hits with EQ, dynamic EQ, reverb, and compression for snappiness • Closed hats: balancing counterpart to cymbals • Claps: three layers with alternation between them creating variation and interest • Tom hits: darker EQ with layered reverbs for depth
    Huge ambient reverbs (vintage long-release) transform simple sounds into big apocalyptic spaces, making listeners feel like they're sitting in vast rooms.
    • Laser sounds: using envelope pitch modulation with distortion and course details • Layered reverbs: small room reverb with EQ on top for reflection emphasis • Noise elements: supporting details that aren't essential but enhance the whole • V-drums style ambience: combining elements creates professional, spacious soundscape
  • Conceptual Clarity and Long-Term Impact(15'1215'52)
    Significant effort and craftsmanship goes into creating all these interconnected elements, demonstrating the level of work required to establish a unique artistic sound.
    While many producers copy ANYMA's AI vocal techniques and lead sound aesthetic, none replicate the clear conceptual framework that defines ANYMA's work.
    In ten years, people will remember ANYMA for the innovative vision and execution, while the copycats will be forgotten—emphasizing the importance of authentic concept over surface techniques.
    Establishing a recognizable sound requires more than technique imitation; it demands a clear, cohesive concept that connects vision, music, and presentation into unified artistic statement.