“They spent hours building up hundreds of vocal tracks from single notes - then they ‘played’ a traditional mixing desk like a keyboard”: The pioneering techniques that brought static sounds to life

Eric Stewart of 10cc.

Speaking in production terms, the concept of applying movement to tracks could be regarded as a relatively new phenomenon, but really - the idea of making static sounds have more depth, texture and dynamic energy goes back longer than you might thing. But, when we talk about 'movement', what is it that we are actually referring to?

The concept of adding a sense of movement and dynamism to the sonic elements of a production really is nothing new, and there have been some quite remarkable concepts over the years.

Let's start by looking at that iconic heartbreak-anthem from 1975 - I'm Not in Love by 10cc. If you’re familiar with this song, you’ll know that its backbone is a very exceptional and ethereal sounding vocal pad.