Electonica piano sound tips

[playsabadguitar]

I generally play classic rock sounds: piano, b3, clav. I am joining an electroica band in the vein of sound tribe in sector 9 and lotus. I don’t know a lot about the genre. I listened to a few songs.

I want an electronic piano sound that has a…. “Vibrant glisten”???? Hard to explain. Any tips on how to get a fun sound out of an electro 6d that will be responsive and expressive like a piano. But with a sound that would work in a club?I

[Elias]

For a quick answer, I've studied some basic electronic production techniques. Here's what I've found for piano so far:

- Layer (bright) pads/bells on top. Details very much depend on the context/intent. Sometimes not needed at all.

- Try digital alternatives instead of grand/upright samples.

- Lots of compression (single band or multi band). This will make the sound more cohesive and controllable. Also importantly will glue together the possible layers.

- Chorus adds movement, and might help fit together a piano with a synth layer. A super straight and dry piano might not work well with a detuned synth. Chorus will bridge that gap.

- And then there is sidechain compression. Not possible on the Electro alone, but any cheap stereo compressor with sidechain routing will work. I paid 25€ for a 2 channel Behringer rack unit. Insert the kick drum signal in the side chain and BOOM! Instant dance music.