A beat produced on AKAI MPC Live in standalone mode, using the new plugins available in update 2.10:


Drums         -  Deephouse-Kit-Cr2 DH Kit 4 124
Bass         - Hype\Complex Hype Saw 1
Pads               - Mellotron\Default
Base Pad - Solina\Default with Air Vocal Doubler
Lead         - Hype\ Singing Sync Sweep


I recorded all the phases it took me to produce the beat, except the mix and the quick mastering.
For the mastering, I just exported the track as mixdown, and imported it into a new MPC project, where I just added HP and LP filters, and the stock Maximizer.

Kirkuk

Before you go
BPM: 110
Key: D Dorian

This instrumental is a eighties-vibe, indie-postpunk, darkvawe track based on the sound of acoustic drums, electric guitars and bass.
The drums are programmed and they are based on the Downbeat Kit available for AKAI MPC here https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291/the-downbeat-kit/. 

The drums are based on round robin samples which give to the patterns a natural feel.

The track has been recorded, mixed and mastered on AKAI MPC Live and software.

[01] DRM          Kit-Downbeat.rn Mix-Cycle
[02] BSS          Ibanez Electric Bass
[05] Strat        Fender Stratocaster Am Pro
[06] LStrat       Fender Stratocaster Am Pro
[07] Pad 01       TubeSynth\Furry Log
[08] KB 01        TubeSynth\Default
[09] LFO          Hybrid\06 Bu.hords 2

Chords:

Chorus
¦¦ Dm7 ¦ F6 ¦  A# ¦ Gm7 ¦¦

Verse
¦¦D dorian ¦¦

Break
¦¦ Gm 7¦¦

Before you go

Images

BPM: 114
Key: C Major

This instrumental has an eighties vibe and a verse based on a pedal in Em7, a chorus in C Major 7, and a break in C Major 7.

The main sound is based on multiple tracks of electric guitar layered in almost all the sections of the song.
The bass is an Ibanez electric bass of the 2000's 
Drums are programmed. I used the Downbeat Acoustic kit, set up on the round robin version. 
You can find more on this here: https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291/the-downbeat-kit/

The song has been mixed and masterd on AKAI MPC Live and Software.
I published a video on YouTube where I show the single tracks of the composition process, you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/b1aGRDlrdcw

Tracks:

[01] Drums      Kit-Downb.rn Mix Cycle
[02] Bass       Ibanez Electric Bass
[05] Strat      Fender AM Professional Stratocaster
[06] LStrat     Fender AM Professional Stratocaster
[07] Pad 01     Xpand!2\+18 Bi.scence
[08] KB 01      TubeSynth\Tubey Saw
[09] LFO        Hybrid\06 Bu.hords 2


CHORDS
Chorus
ǁ: C Maj 7ǀ Am7 ǀ Em 7 ǀ Em 7 ǁ

Verse
ǁ:E7 ǁ

Break
ǁ: C Maj 7 ǁ

Images

Black Friday
BPM: 114

This instrumental is based on the sound of multiple tracks of Strats, synths  and electric bass.
It sounds a lot like a song of the eighties for the keyboards chords and the palm muted guitar parts.
The drums are programmed and they are based on the Downbeat Kit available for AKAI MPC here https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291/the-downbeat-kit/. The drums are based on round robin samples which give to the patterns a natural feel.

The instrumental is available for sale on beatstars.com\gamandello or you can enjoy the full track on:

youtube\gamandello
audius\gamandello


The track has been recorded, mixed and mastered on AKAI MPC Live and software.


MPC Tracks

[01] Drums   Kit-Downbeat Modern Mix-Cycle
[02] Bass    Ibanez electric bass
[04] Piano   Mini Grand\01 Real Piano
[05] Strat   Fender AM Pro Stratocaster
[06] LStrat  Fender AM Pro Stratocaster
[07] Pad 01  Tube Synth\Chorus Tri
[08] Pad 02  Tube Synth\Metallic Dyno Poly    

Chords

Chorus
ǁ: Dm7 | A#M | D7 | GM7 ǁ 

Verse
ǁ: Dm7 ǁ 

Break
ǁ:D M | A7 ǁ

Black Friday

Reflections

BPM: 110
Key: C Major

This instrumental is based on the sound of Synths, multiple tracks of Strats and electric bass. I used a lot of effects on guitars, like flanger, chorus delay in a way that was very common in the eighties.
The drums are programmed and they are based on the Downbeat Kit available for AKAI MPC here: https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291/the-downbeat-kit/. 
The drums are based on round robin samples which give a natural feel to the drums part.

The instrumental is available for sale on beatstars.com\gamandello or you can enjoy the full track on:

youtube\gamandello
audius\gamandello


The track has been recorded, mixed and mastered on AKAI MPC Live and software.
Tracks
[01] DRM           Kit-Downbeat Kit-Modern Mix-Cycle
[02] BSS            Ibanez SR 300 DX Electric Bass
[03] Mellotron    Mellotron\Lofi Choir
[05] Strat           AM Pro Fender Stratocaster
[06] LStrat         AM Pro Fender Stratocaster
[07] Pad 01       Solina\Emotive
[08] KB 01         Tube Synth\Metallic Dyno Poly

Chords
Chorus
ǁ: G7 | Dm7 |  D#Maj | C7  ǁ

Verse
ǁ:   G7 | C Maj 11  ǁ

Break
ǁ:  Dm7 | Am7 ǁ

Reflections

Right by mistake
bpm: 120

This instrumental is inspired by the sound of the eighties. I kept the electric bass fairly prominent in the mix, adding a chorus effect above 200Hz to enhance the string sound.
I used several tracks of a Stratocaster to create the main texture of the composition, incorporating arpeggios and strummed parts with chorus and delay effects.
The drums are programmed and based on the Downbeat Kit available for the AKAI MPC here: www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291…e-downbeat-kit/.
The drum samples are organized in round-robin groups to give a more natural feel to the drum parts.

You can enjoy the full track also on:

youtube\gamandello
Audius\gamandello

The track has been recorded, mixed and mastered on AKAI MPC Live and software.

Tracks
[01] Drums        Kit-Downbeat Kit-Modern Mix-Cycle
[02] Bass           Ibanez SR 300 DX Electric Bass
[05] Strat.          2020 Fender AM Pro Stratocaster
[07] Pad 01        Xpand!2\+08 Sweeping Metal


CHORDS

Chorus
ǁ: C ⎮ Em7 ⎮ Am7 ⎮ Em7 ǁ

Verse
ǁ: Am7 ǁ

Break
ǁ: F9 ⎮ Em7,13 ǁ

Right by mistake

Rocket Boy

BPM: 116

This instrumental is inspired to the sound of the eighties. I kept the electric bass quite high in the mix, adding some chorus effect over 200Hz to enhance the sound of the string.
I used several tracks of Strat to create the main texture of the composition, using arpeggios and strummed parts through chorus and delay.
The drums are programmed and based on the Downbeat Kit available for AKAI MPC here: https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291/the-downbeat-kit/. 
The drum samples are organized in round robin groups to give a natural feel to the drums part.

You can enjoy the full track also on:

youtube\gamandello
audius\gamandello

TRACKS

[01] DRM
[02] BSS
[04] Piano
[05] Strat
[06] LStrat
[07] Pad 01  TubeSynth/Large Warm Pad
[08] KB 01    TubeSynth/Metallic Dyno Poly

CHORDS

Chorus
ǁ:  G7 ⎮ Dm7 ⎮ F Maj ⎮  CM7 ǁ {C Maj}

Verse
ǁ: Dm7 ⎮ G7 ⎮ F M7 ⎮ F M7 ǁ

Break
ǁ: D7(11) ⎮ D7(9) ǁ

Rocket Boy

The hiding man

BPM: 108

This instrumental is inspired to the sound of the eighties. I kept the electric bass quite high in the mix, adding some chorus effect over 200Hz to enhance the sound of the string.
I used several tracks of Strat to create the main texture of the composition, using arpeggios and strummed parts through chorus and delay.
The drums are programmed and based on the Downbeat Kit available for AKAI MPC here: https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291/the-downbeat-kit/. 
The drum samples are organized in round robin groups to give a natural feel to the drums part.

You can enjoy the full track also on:

youtube\gamandello
audius\gamandello

TRACKS

[01] Drums   Kit-Downbeat Kit-Modern Mix-Cycle
[02] Bass    Ibanez electric bass
[05] Strat   Fender AM Pro Strat
[07] Pad 01  Xpand2!/+03 Siberia  
[10] Pad 02  Xpand!2/+07 All Angels

CHORDS

Chorus
¦¦ Cm7  ¦  G# M   ¦  Fm7 (b9) ¦¦

Verse
¦¦ CM7 ¦ Cm7 ¦ FM 11 ¦ F ¦
¦ Cm7  ¦   ¦¦ {}

Break 
¦¦ Gm7 ¦ Gm7 (13) ¦ Gm7 (b5) ¦ Gm7 (11)¦¦

The hiding man

The other girl

BPM: 110

This instrumental is inspired to the sound of the eighties. I kept the electric bass quite high in the mix, adding some chorus effect over 200Hz to enhance the sound of the string.
I used several tracks of Strat to create the main texture of the composition, using arpeggios and strummed parts through chorus and delay.
The drums are programmed and based on the Downbeat Kit available for AKAI MPC here: https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/291/the-downbeat-kit/. 
The drum samples are organized in round robin groups to give a natural feel to the drums part.

You can enjoy the full track also on:

youtube\gamandello
audius\gamandello

TRACKS

[01] Drums   Kit-Downbeat Kit-Modern Mix-Cycle
[02] Bass    Ibanez electric bass
[05] Strat   Fender AM Pro Strat
[07] Pad 01  TubeSynth::Chorus Tri  
[08] Pad 02  TubeSynth::Metallic Dino Poly

CHORDS

Chorus
¦¦ Em7 ¦ Dm7 ¦ Am7 ¦ Dm7 ¦¦ 

Verse
¦¦E Phrigian  ¦ Dm7 ¦ E Phrigian  ¦ Dm7 ¦ 
Am7 ¦ G7 ¦ Dm7 ¦
Am7 ¦ G7 ¦ Dm7 ¦¦ 

Break
¦¦Am7 ¦ Am6 ¦¦

The other girl

Surreal but nice

In a way, this my message of peace and hope.

Stop the choppa

"In Italia una droga per essere definita tale dev'essere censita nell'elenco delle molecole illegali del Ministero della Salute. Cocaina, eroina, anfetamina, metadone, ecstasy e più o meno altre 200 molecole fanno parte di quell'elenco. Se una molecola non è in quella tabella allora la puoi produrre, la puoi assumere, ma soprattutto la puoi vendere. A 24 anni mi sono laureato in neurobiologia con il massimo dei voti, ho un master in neuroscienze computazionali e uno in dinamica molecolare. Negli ultimi mesi ho messo su una banda che gestisce un giro d'affari di centinaia di migliaia di euro, sono accusato di produzione e spaccio di stupefacenti, rapina a mano armata, sequestro di persona e tentato omicidio. Mi chiamo Pietro Zinni... e sono un ricercatore universitario."
 This is what the main character professor Pietro Zinni says in the very beginning of the film "Smetto quando voglio".

Pietro Zinni

Honey, it is not like you think

I propose an instrumental cover of this famous song, composed by Ed Cobb, originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, and later made widely popular by Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop cover.

I have changed the song’s structure and given more prominence to the guitar.

I hope you enjoy it.
100 bpm

Tainted Love

**Lakescape: A Musical Journey Inspired by Lake Como**

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Lake Como with "Lakescape," an instrumental electronic track dedicated to this marvelous destination. Crafted with a blend of electric guitars, synthesizers, and mastered on AKAI MPC, Lakescape takes you on a soothing and relaxing musical journey.

Lake Como, nestled in the Lombardy region of Italy, has enchanted travelers and artists for centuries with its picturesque landscapes and tranquil ambiance. "Lakescape" aims to embody the essence of this breathtaking location, capturing the peaceful ripples of water and the gentle rustling of leaves that surround the lake.

The track weaves soulful melodies of electric guitars, adding warmth and emotion to the composition, while dreamy synthesizers create an ethereal soundscape that mirrors the serene atmosphere of Lake Como. Meticulously produced on the iconic AKAI MPC, the track features intricate layers and arrangements that invite contemplation and reflection.

As you listen to "Lakescape," you'll embark on a blissful musical journey, each note representing a moment of introspection and appreciation for the natural beauty around you. Let the calming melodies and ambient textures transport you to a state of relaxation, offering an oasis of tranquility amidst the fast-paced world.

Experience the magic of "Lakescape" and let its enchanting melodies transport you to the peaceful shores of Lake Como. Sit back, close your eyes, and let the music guide you on this soothing lakeside adventure. Enjoy the serene beauty of "Lakescape" on Soundcloud now!

LakeScape

I experimented on this track some dark synth sounds and drum machine textures.

Chemistry

In this composition I experimented a reduced number of tracks, thanks to some sound patches which sound very big, like the brass-synths of the Hype Synthesizer.

I used two guitars, the Strat and the half hollow body, Italian made Jacaranda, which has a Telecaster shape and features a warm big single coil pick-up on the neck with sound creamy and lively.

The drums come from the stock instrument samples provided by the MPC bundle.

Visual Art

The instrumental track I'm presenting is a blend of electronic and pop sounds with rock riffs and solos played on my Strat. I used the AKAI MPC Live for recording and the MPC Software for mixing and mastering. All the instruments are plugins on the MPC.

Hot Guzzis

"Echoes 9" is the ninth track in a collection titled "Echoes" and composed by my friend Stefano Causo in the late nineties. He asked me to produce some of the tracks, and my choice fell on this one. On one hand, it was the track that I liked the most, but on the other hand, it was the least accomplished in terms of variations and the main composition.

I had to play all the instruments from scratch because there were no available stems or original tracks of any sort. In any case, they had been recorded on a cassette multi-track recorder, making them unreliable.

While I retained the main structure of the composition, I added a guitar solo, a couple of rhythm guitars, and an improvised arpeggio played through the Hype synthesizer included in the MPC. All the sounds and effects come from the AKAI MPC, while the Fender Stratocaster I used was amplified and given crunch via the Marshall DSL-1.

I am thrilled for the opportunity Stefano gave me to work on this composition, and I truly enjoyed its production.

Echoes 9

I enjoyed building a drum track by mixing samples, synthesized sounds, and LFOs.
All the synths originated from the MPC.
The guitars I used are a Gibson SG Standard and a Fender Stratocaster.

110 bpm

A man

In this song, I enjoyed blending the electronic tones of the bass synth and MPC-embedded synthesizers with the warm sound of the Stratocaster. The stock drum kit is kept simple and dry in the mix, adding to the overall texture.
120 bpm.

Try again

This song marks my first production featuring a vocal track. I sourced the vocals from Voclio.com, where I discovered the original song, composed and performed by the marvelous artist Enlia.

My goal was to create a darker atmosphere for the melody. To achieve this, I replaced the synth with an electric bass, incorporated Mellotron background choirs, and added double tom hits inspired by the brooding vibe of Billy Idol's 'White Wedding'.

The original track is available here: https://on.soundcloud.com/RABugNBK1bApgB8HA

Insanity

I decided to double the guitar arpeggio in the chorus to enhance the sound. The two guitars play the same arpeggio, panned to opposite channels in the stereo field. A combination of stock delay and reverb completes the effect.

For the verse, I chose to use an electric guitar and an electric piano. I composed two arpeggios that blend well together. The guitar has a clean tone, with the usual slight natural overdrive I typically set on the crunch channel of the Marshall amplifier.

I added another verse using guitars and synth bass. I like the simplicity of the sound created by these instruments. The synth bass comes from the Bassline included in the AKAI MPC stock plug-ins, while the Jacaranda and Fender Strat handle the rest.

The title of the song was inspired by the concept of "Mediocristan" as explained by the economist Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Mediocristan represents a world where outcomes are generally predictable and fall within a narrow range, with no extreme deviations. It's a contrast to "Extremistan," where rare, unpredictable events have massive impacts.

Ghost Notes

Mediocristan

In this track, I enjoyed blending harsh, overdriven guitars with soft melodies and a synth bass. The song's main vibe is dark and dreamy.

I recorded, mixed, and mastered the track using the AKAI MPC.

Youth

In this instrumental track, I enjoyed blending electric instruments with electronic sounds. I played the solo on a Strat with a crunchy tone, driven by the tubes of my small Marshall amp.
118 bpm.

Father and Son

I created this track by improvising on a Gibson SG over three variations of a drum pattern. I produced the drums using custom sounds I made on the AKAI MPC Live and the Teenage Engineering PO-32. I also played the bass part on a Sire J7—my marvelous fretless bass.
96 bpm

Questa Casa

Italienischer Polizei Funk

I composed this this track based on four classic guitars in order to use it as background for my video "Sant'Alessandro", available on youtube here:
https://youtu.be/goqpCOr9GG4

I produced the whole thing using the AKAI MPC LIve and a Zoom R8 as preamp.

Snigola

This track was inspired by the beauty of a small town on Lake Como, Sala Comacina. The town has a nice port with small boats and a net of very narrow streets in which you can just walk. Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LK3_HfDcOdw

Gamandello

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