How to make TECHNO like PAUL KALKBRENNER [Sky and Sand REMAKE]

Paul Kalkbrenner is a legendary artist with many tutorial requests. This tutorial focuses on the Berlin Calling album, which is the most iconic movie in the techno genre.

Create a remake of Sky and Sand from the Berlin Calling soundtrack by building each element separately with explanations before arranging the full track.

• Explain important aspects of each element individually • Arrange all elements into the full track • Apply fine-tuning adjustments for the final remix

A detailed breakdown of how to reconstruct an iconic techno track using various synthesis and production techniques.

Toms create the old-style melody in the track. They form the core melodic element by using simple tom hits as the starting point.

• Use 808 mid toms as the base sample • Create one MIDI channel with a one-bar loop • Tune the toms up around four semitones • Add a second tom one octave above (plus 12 semitones, resulting in 16)

• Apply slight detune (around 24-27 cents) to prevent 100% in-tune sound • Add overdrive distortion for a darker, smoother tone • Use EQ to remove harsh highs and lows • Apply slap delay with creative automation to create the melodic motion • Use tube distortion and saturation on the reverb for additional character

A second tom layer enters later in the track with similar processing. Duplicate and transpose to a minor third of the key to create harmonic variation while maintaining the same processing chain.

• Use a simple kick from the Mercury Core sample pack • Choose a kick with a dirty beginning • Cut the tail to fit the track tempo (107.27 BPM) • The kick provides the rhythmic foundation for the bass elements

Use Serum with a simple sawtooth wave that follows the chord progression. Apply a short decay with sustain, low-pass filter cutoff, and LFO modulation on both cutoff and level to create vibration and movement.

• Add distortion for smoothness and character • Apply sidechain compression to duck when the kick hits • Use EQ to balance with other elements • Add saturation to enhance the sound

Layer a sustained sub bass using Serum with both oscillator layers. Detune the layers and use vintage-style sawtooth oscillators. Add chorus, slight compression, and EQ to remove competing frequencies, then apply sidechain compression for pumping.

Layer a simple triangle wave synthesizer with a vocoder effect. Use 12 bands for a grittier sound, lower formant for darkness, and longer sustain and release envelopes for smooth evolution.

Use Simpler pad modulated charge organ sound. Layer underneath the vocoded pad with a utility to balance levels. The organic organ provides warmth and vintage character.

• Apply multiple distortion layers to recreate the original's distorted character • Use Glue compressor to control transients • Add amp distortion in bass mode • Apply EQ before and after distortion stages • Use a pedal effect for additional harmonic saturation

Apply sidechain compression to the entire pad group to coordinate with the kick. This creates a cohesive pumping effect while maintaining the pad's presence in the mix.

• Layer two clap samples from the sample pack • Use a forward version and a reversed version for contrast • Position slightly before the kick hit for reverse pitching effect • Layer two additional clap samples with distortion and EQ for depth

The original track notably lacks hi-hats, keeping the percussion minimal and focused on the essential elements.

Use forward and reverse samples of the same element to create depth without adding new sounds. This maintains simplicity while providing texture variation.

All percussion elements are duplicated throughout the track to maintain consistency while building different sections with varying pad and bass textures.

The track's beauty comes from a long, evolving chord progression that moves up and down. This sophisticated progression prevents the minimal, repetitive arrangement from feeling monotonous.

• First version maintains the base chord progression • Second version opens up with brighter, more prominent sound • Later variation uses low-pass filter to darken the sound when vocals enter

Vocals are added with minimal processing—just stars and ends without additional effects. The vocal line enters during the arrangement to provide human element and melodic contrast.

Layer all elements together with the tom melodies, bass foundation, pads, and percussion working cohesively. The resulting composition maintains minimalism while delivering emotional impact through sophisticated chord progressions.

Project files are available on the creator's Patreon for those who want to study or modify the arrangement further.

The Mercury Core sample pack used throughout the tutorial is available on Mercurial Tones with a link provided in the video description.

• Last few days to enter the produce one sample video giveaway • Winners selected around Sunday • Instagram giveaway featuring Archery MIDI keyboards, synthesizers, software, and vouchers

The tutorial covers how to deconstruct and rebuild an iconic techno track by understanding each element's role, synthesis approach, and processing techniques.