Remake Charli XCX's "Brat" with only presets & samples (any DAW)

Charli XCX’s album, particularly the track "Brat," uses futuristic pop with hard-hitting production from icons like A.G. Cook, EASYFUN, and Hudson Mohawke. You can remake this using only Ableton’s stock presets and samples from the Sample Focus library by focusing on key elements like claps, bass layering, and simple yet effective melodies.

Let’s break it down, using the same principles that can apply to your favorite DAW(FL Studio, Logic Pro, Reason, or any other DAW).

You Will Learn

• How to select clap samples for your track.
• Techniques for layering bass sounds to enhance depth.
• Methods for creating simple yet catchy pop melodies.
• Tips for building a cohesive track in Ableton.
• Best practices for using stock presets and samples.

The Importance of Claps

One of the standout elements in Brat is the big, punchy claps, which form the backbone of the rhythm. To recreate this:

• Sample Selection: Start by searching for EDM-style claps on SampleFocus. Look for samples tagged with "powerful claps" or "EDM claps." The goal is to find wide, impactful claps that drive the beat.
• Layering: Layer multiple clap samples to give the rhythm more depth and texture. Combine different tonal qualities (e.g., sharp and airy claps) to make the sound fuller.

Combining Bass Sounds

In pop, the bass has a strong role in supporting the melody and to give that extra drive of energy. In "Brat," the bass is multilayered to create a fuller, more dynamic sound.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Start with a Simple Bass: Choose a solid 808 preset like "Drifter" in Ableton. This will serve as the foundation for your bassline. Keep it simple to lock into the groove.
• Layer Additional Bass: Use different bass sounds from SampleFocus to add stereo width and character. Look for samples with attack or bite to complement the 808.
• EQ and Process: Use EQ to carve out space for each bass layer, ensuring that the lows don’t clash. Add subtle overdrive and compression to tighten the overall bass sound.

Simple Pop Melodies

Even though Charli’s tracks sound futuristic and complex, the underlying melodies are often quite simple. Pop music thrives on catchy, repeatable melodies, and Brat is no different.

• Melody Approach: Keep your melody basic, focusing on 3-4 notes. The idea is to create something that sticks in the listener's mind without overcomplicating it.
• Sound Design: Use Ableton’s Wavetable or Drift presets for a clean, synth-pop sound. Adding a slight reverb or delay can create a more spacious, atmospheric vibe.

Building the Track in Ableton

1. Drums: Start by placing all your drum sounds (kicks, claps, and hats) into Ableton’s Drum Rack. Add a Drum Buss to glue the elements together and make the sound more cohesive.
2. Bass: Use the "808 Drifter" preset as your main bassline, adding layers like the "FM Deep Bass" to give it more dimension. EQ each layer carefully to avoid frequency clashes.
3. Claps: Sample claps into an audio channel and add a short reverb using Ableton’s Hybrid Reverb preset to keep them punchy but add a slight ambience.
4. Melody: Record the melody with a simple synth preset from Wavetable. Focus on building a catchy, minimal melody that repeats throughout the track.
5. Effects: Use built-in effects like reverb and saturation sparingly to enhance certain elements, but avoid overloading the track.

Challenges in Recreating "Brat"

Recreating the exact magic of "Brat" is challenging due to the high level of production from legendary producers like A.G. Cook and Hudson Mohawke. Their sound design is intricate, making it nearly impossible to duplicate perfectly with stock tools and a few samples. However, focusing on key elements like bass layering and big claps can help you capture the essence of the track.

Quick Tips

• Use Presets as Starting Points: Don’t hesitate to use stock presets from Ableton, tweaking them to fit your track. This will save you time and allow you to focus on the arrangement.
• Experiment with Layering: Don’t rely on one sample or preset to carry the track. Layering adds depth and can help make a track sound more professional.
• Keep It Simple: Whether it’s the melody or the rhythm, simplicity often works best in pop music. Charli XCX’s "Brat" is proof that sometimes less is more.

Recap

• Focus on powerful claps for rhythm.
• Layer bass for a fuller sound.
• Keep melodies simple and memorable.
• Utilize Ableton’s tools for track cohesion.
• Experiment and simplify for better results.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Charli XCX’s "Brat" using only Ableton’s stock instruments and SampleFocus samples is not an easy task. But by focusing on core elements like big claps, layered bass, and simple yet catchy melodies, you can get close to the magic of the track. You can do this if you're working in Ableton, FL Studio, or any other DAW, the principles of layering, simplicity, and smart sample selection will help.