16/06/2024
*WHAT GOES INTO MAKING '1' EPISODE OF SENTIEN SESSIONS ??*
Someone asked me recently, so I thought I'd share the process (pictures attached of each app in action) - and please, ASK ME ANYTHING about this post if you have any...
*1. PREPARATION - Getting the tunes for the HOT 10 selection!*
Picking tunes from promos I receive from various labels during the week, also listening to various mixes from Pure Trance Radio/Solarstone, FSOE/Aly&Fila, ASOT/Armin etc and hearing tunes that I may not have received (not on those labels promos list) and wait until they're released on the Friday or the week after. Picking around 10-13, then choosing a final 11 (Hot 10 PLUS Bonus track!)
*2. MIXING - Doing the mix in Traktor Pro*
I've used various apps over the last 2-3 years, and now i've discovered *Traktor Pro* which I bought 2 weeks ago - love it! Nice simple interface with lots of effects and tools - mixing is made easy! I don't have physical decks (I dream of some Pioneers CDJ3000's, but that's a long long way away). I used to have CDJ's and Technics decks a long time ago - I don't like vinyl, personal choice - I champion new technology and formats all the way. I try and download WAV files when I can - makes the mix sound clean and crisp. Also as I mix, I capture the 'Timestamps' for each track (when each track starts/mixes in), this is very useful on Youtubes 'Chapters' feature, which gives you direct access option for each track.
*3. PRE-YOUTUBE VIDEO EDITING*
Until last weekend, I used to use iMovie. I used to grab the final MP3/WAV file of the mix from Traktor Pro, then stick it into iMovie. With this, i'd add the 'Sentien Sesssion' logo, titles, a nice video loop, and the A.I. female voiceovers (yes, they're A.I.!!)
Since discovering DaVinci Resolve, that has changed - it's much more advanced and has many more options that I can use and explore - so this is my go-to video editor. As you can see in the image, there's various layers - intro graphics, mix channel, voiceovers, logo and titles and transitions! This takes up more time to get right and put together.
*4. YOUTUBE POSTING*
Once the video is finalised in DaVinci Resolve, I then prepare the video upload on Youtube. I use the same copy and paste method for the general information - just change the Timestamps and track details. Regarding Copyright - most labels allow for tracks to be played on Youtube without giving you a 'copyright strike', as Youtube distribute any earnings between the labels distribution company/rights holders. I've had around 5-6 distribution channel block attempts from the labels represtatives, but i've put forward good arguments.... basically, i'm providing a music vlog to promote artists and labels.
I only post to Youtube now and nowhere else - I want to grow the Youtube channel , into a decent-sized channel that will offer many facets of music news - not just new trance.
.....I really hope this has given you guys an insight, into what goes into, 1 hour of a Sentien Sessions Youtube mix - a whole lot more than you'd think.
I have to say, LOADS of Respect to all the artists and labels out there... small, medium and large - there's a LOT of effort that goes into making these tracks and promoting them... Money, Blood, Sweat, Tears and Emotions - but the results, are absolutely amazing , that I thoroughly enjoy playing and promoting.... so *PLEASE, support the artists and labels where you can... a mention, a share, a play, a stream, a purchase - everything helps - the whole business model for the music industry has changed over the last 10 -15 years - so all these things help*. Thank guys 😀 😎 🫶
