[Eng-Esp] Behind Of SCENE - Freestyle Session #2

In this video tutorial, I wanted to share a little of what goes on behind the scenes in my creative process for 'Freestyle 2', recorded in my home studio, Lexicodecalle. This freestyle not only represents an important part of my music, but also of my learning process and growth as an urban artist. My goal is to document every step, from recording to editing, so that those who follow me can see how I am improving with each new project.

I started by explaining the plug-in chain I used on my voice for this freestyle. I wanted to maintain a clean, professional sound, and to achieve that, I turned to some of the most reliable plugins I know. The first in the chain was Waves CLA-2A, a compressor I use frequently because it gives my voice a warm and balanced feel, helping me to maintain proper control over the dynamic range without losing that natural rap feel. This plugin is key because in freestyle the energy has to remain constant, and with the CLA-2A I manage to keep the voice sounding solid at all times.

After the compression, came the cleanup. I used the WNS Mono also from Waves, which helps me eliminate annoying or unwanted noises in the recording. This is essential, especially when recording in a home studio, where there are always little sounds that can interfere with the audio quality. The WNS Mono allowed me to effectively clean up the take without sacrificing the clarity of my voice.

One of the details I like to add to my music is the subtle touch of Auto-Tune Antares 5. I'm not looking to make my voice sound completely robotic, but rather to give it a soft tuning that brings out certain nuances. This plugin allows me to play with the melody of my freestyle, adding a vibe that complements the beat. In this case, I wanted to keep the authenticity of the rap, so the Auto-Tune is present in a very discreet way, almost like an ornament.

Next, we move on to EQ with Waves Q10. I used this plugin to highlight the most important frequencies of my voice. I made some cuts in the bass to eliminate any background noise or echoes, and lifted the treble to give the words more clarity and brightness. This step is crucial, because with a good EQ you get the voice to sit perfectly on the beat without dulling it or being dulled by it.

Finally, I applied a touch of reverb just on the punch of the lead vocal. I didn't want to overdo it with this effect, as the freestyle has to feel raw and direct, but at the same time I wanted to give it a bit of ambience to make it sound fuller. By adding the reverb at specific points, I struck that balance between intimate and spacious, giving the freestyle the feeling of being in a larger space without losing the closeness of the performance.

Throughout the video, I also mentioned that in the future I plan to continue releasing official videos of each freestyle, showing the progress I'm making with each installment. My intention is to create a deeper connection with those who follow me, so they can see the effort and dedication behind each project. In addition, I want to continue to learn how to better structure my content calendar, to make sure that each step of my journey is well documented and I can reach more people.

This process of documenting my recording sessions, mixes, and beat creation is something that has motivated me to keep improving. Through these videos, I also seek to learn from my mistakes and see how I can optimize my work in every aspect, from sound quality to content distribution on networks.

The beat for this freestyle was produced by Xielo, who I've been working with lately. His ability to capture the essence of my style has allowed me to take my rhymes to another level. In this freestyle, the combination of his beat and my lyrics creates an intense and dark atmosphere, something I wanted to convey from the beginning.

In conclusion, this tutorial is not only a behind-the-scenes look at my technical process, but also a reflection of my evolution as an artist. Every plugin I use, every decision I make in the mix, and every tweak to the sound is part of my constant quest to improve. I'm excited for what's to come and eager to see how these videos can help me continue to build my music career. At Lexicodecalle Home Records, freestyle is just the beginning, and I'm looking forward to sharing more music, more content, and more of my story with all of you.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)