The Three Non-Negotiable Tests
A track is a banger only if it passes all three. If one fails, it is not unforgettable.
Test 1:
Immediate Identity
Can a listener identify the track as yours within 15 seconds from any random point? Avoid generic drums or safe synths. Ensure one signatureelement—a unique rhythm, vocal process, or harmonic movement—is unmistakable.
Red Flag: If the track feels weak without the kick and bass, it fails.
Test 2:
Emotional Narrative
Tracks must tell a story, not just escalate energy. Map theemotions: Intro (curiosity), First Section (confidence), Breakdown (vulnerability), Drop (authority), and Outro (reflection). If a breakdown only removes drums without revealing something new, rewrite it.
Test 3: The "Wait For" Moment
Is there a moment that, if removed, makes the trackmeaningless? Create a moment that breaks expectation: an uncomfortably long silence, a "wrong" element, or an imperfect vocal.
Architecture & Energy
Energy Curves
Avoid simple ramps. Use "waves" with micro-valleys inside high-energy sections. Contrast, not volume, moves the club.
Vocal Authority
Vocals must lead, not decorate. Avoid "polite" vocals. Make the vocal dominant and slightly uncomfortable by drying it out or keeping imperfections.
Groove Sophistication
A great groove moves the head without thinking, even at
low volumes. Don't rely solely on sidechaining. Use off-grid percussion and rhythmic
call-and-response.
Technical Execution
Low End Hierarchy
Only one element can dominate the sub at a time. Ensure the bass is stable and the kick reads on small speakers. It must work in mono.
Midrange Dominance
This is where awards are won. Identify a "hero element" between 800 Hz and 2.5 kHz. If the track disappears on laptop speakers, your mids are weak.
Dynamics Over Loudness
A top-tier track must breathe. Impact comes from contrast, not LUFS. If the limiter is working too hard, the mix is unfinished.
Final Truth Check
If another artist released this tomorrow, would you feel jealous? If the answer is no, you need to make a bold decision that scares you.
Next Steps for Precision
Describe what is emotionally missing, share a reference track, or request a specific section rewrite to become undeniable.
