Lessons Learned from Producing a Chart-Topping Record in the '90s
Spoiler alert: Your hit will be forgotten.
Are you eager to know the secrets behind producing a chart-topping record in the early '90s? If so, keep reading as I share the invaluable lessons learned that can help you create a masterpiece. Get ready to discover the crucial elements that can make your music stand out from the crowd and take you straight to the top of the charts.
A (Very) Brief Introduction to “Poing”
I was only 19 in 1992 when I produced an international hit single. It only took a crazy idea, an Akai S-950 sampler and an Atari sequencer to write the “song.” This ‘song’ was then released on 12” vinyl by a small but ambitious record store that started a label. The combination fueled the fire that spread this music style across the globe.
My Track Is Not an Actual Song
I added the word “song” in parentheses for comedic effect, considering the Oxford dictionary definition of a song: “a short poem or another set of words set to music or meant to be sung.” However, my creation cannot be considered poetic or musical, nor was it intended to be sung. It consisted of only a series of beats with a single-pitch jew’s harp sample layered on top. Despite its lack of lyrics, people still attempted to sing it, especially at the record store when they asked for “that song that goes poing, poing, poing.” I later realized that this was not a wise decision. Music rights are typically divided among composers, lyricists, and publishers. When there are no lyrics, the performance rights organization withholds one-third of the payment, which can amount to a significant sum. If I had known this, I would have added some lyrics in the intro or outro.
Technology is a Means to an End, Not an End in Itself
The technological advancements of an era directly impact the evolution of music. The ’90s, for instance, is often called the sampling era. Though samplers existed in the ’80s, they cost as much as a house. However, the ’90s brought affordable samplers like the Akai, which sold for around 5,000 euros, equivalent to a second-hand car. To trigger the samples via MIDI, a sequencer was required, and the Atari was an excellent choice as it had a built-in MIDI interface and cost only about 1,000 euros. With these tools, creating music without the need for live musicians was possible. As for myself, all I ever wanted was a sampler and a sequencer to experiment with. When I finally got my hands on them in 1991, I became addicted to creating music that sounded professional, all on my own. The problem, however, is that I prefer to work alone when composing music. I like to tinker with samples, loops, and other elements for hours, which often leads to shutting down the studio without saving any of my work.
Collaboration: The Key to Success
I had a successful collaboration once, which began with my friend Danny Scholte. At the same time, we both worked at a local clubhouse. I was the DJ, and Danny was the bartender. While watching people dance one night, we noticed they were jumping more than actually dancing. Danny said, “We could use that,” six months later, I stumbled upon the perfect sample, the cartoon-like “Poing” sound. I mapped the sample across the keyboard and played it randomly, but we didn’t know what to do next. I had many TR-909 beats programmed from the past months, which I loaded and copied across a five-minute timeline. I strategically placed a couple of “Poing” samples in 1/4 notes every 32 bars, which resulted in an arrangement similar to the final record.
However, after meeting DJ Paul Elstak, an established DJ and A&R manager, we made a crucial addition to the track. Paul had worked with Peter Slaghuis and had a modest hit record himself. He advised us to put the “Poing” sample on 1/4 notes throughout the entire track, except for the intro, outro, and break. We followed his advice, and he even took us to his studio, where we mixed the track using a Soundcraft console, large speakers, and a real Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer drum machine. The actual TR-909 belonged to the legendary Peter Slaghuis, making it even more special. Finally, he signed us to Rotterdam Records. This label emerged from the basement of a local record store called Mid-town Records. One person assisted us with the arrangement, final mix, and distribution, proving how crucial such a person is.
Pay Attention to Your Cover Art
Having good cover art was crucial in 1992. Customers would visit record stores to search for the tracks they heard while partying over the weekend. They would often hum a melody or a sample to the clerk to help identify the song. As my track had no lyrics, I had to be innovative to ensure my record would stand out. Therefore, I envisioned displaying the word “POING” in bold letters, accompanied by a yellow ball bouncing the letters like in a karaoke video. This strategy turned out to be a success, and customers could spot the record without having to ask the clerk for assistance. This experience taught me the importance of good cover art, which can significantly impact the sales of a record.
Save Your Money
Let’s be honest; creating the “song” didn’t take hard manual labour. I spent a lot of money on equipment, but that’s fine because producing music was my hobby. You can’t expect your hobby to make money, so it’s a bonus when it does. Most creators spend their earnings on their craft. You probably don’t need more or better equipment if you could create a hit record with what you have now. Most people become less productive with more gear, as do I. You need to pay your taxes, too. Many of my peers from the Dutch rave scene eventually got hit hard by the taxman, including me. They can take the gear and leave you devastated and in debt. If there is anything to learn from this story, it’s this. Save your money for something useful, like a house.
Release a Follow-Up
Navigating the music industry can be challenging, especially when choosing the proper follow-up to a successful debut. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what direction to take. However, my advice is simple: don't hesitate to make a decision and release something anyway. Based on my experience, the second release often achieves a similar level of success as the first hit. It's crucial to avoid getting stuck in indecision or striving for perfection. Sometimes, taking a leap of faith and putting your work out into the world is your best decision.
Your Hit Will Be Forgotten
For more than 15 years, friends and colleagues have known me as “Poing”. I was frequently approached to discuss the early ‘90s rave scene in interviews and media appearances. I always obliged, in part because it helped promote my business. Though I hadn’t released any new music in some time, I continued running my production company and often mentioned it in interviews. I last used the “Poing” moniker when I released the “Oldschool Renegades” documentary in 2013. Since retiring from my company in 2014, I haven’t been asked about or referenced as “Poing” in the media, which is fine since music production remains a beloved hobby.