Devin Townsend’s “Genesis”: Wild Production & Mixing Tricks

Ever stared at your DAW, wondering how to inject truly unique, almost chaotic energy into a track while keeping it all glued together? If you're looking to blend steel drums, seventies breakbeats, and explosive effects into something fresh and powerful, you're in for a treat. We’re diving into some of the "production madness" that metal maestro Devin Townsend unleashed on his track "Genesis," offering a peek into how he turns seemingly random elements into intentional, song-enhancing moments. This isn't just about throwing samples at a wall; it's about surgical precision and creative vision.

If you want to see Devin himself break down the entire mix of "Genesis," from raw tracks to finished master, check out his full Nail The Mix session.

Making Steel Drums Shine (and Disappear)

Steel drums in a metal track? Yep, Devin Townsend goes there. But it's all about how they're used. In "Genesis," they have their moments to shine and moments where they subtly support the larger sonic landscape.

Strategic Reverb and Compression

For a key "beach section," the steel drums are a prominent feature. Devin mentions printing them with reverb and compression already baked in. This commits to a sound early on and can simplify the mixing process later, especially if you're confident in the vibe you’re after. When working with unique textures like steel drums, getting the initial compression right can define their character in the mix.

The Art of Panning for Impact

While initially a feature, the steel drums later transition into a supporting role. Here, it's not about their overall presence but a specific percussive hit that adds a "wow" factor. This is achieved with clever panning automation, making the sound dart across the stereo field. This kind of ear candy can make a section pop without cluttering the mix. A quick, automated pan on a specific hit can be far more effective than leaving the element static.

The Power of "Cutting Pieces"

A crucial part of Devin's workflow is slicing up audio regions. By meticulously cutting each element (like the steel drums) into individual clips for the sections they appear in, he maintains a clear overview. When focusing on a specific part of the song, he knows he only has to deal with the audio present in that visual block. This organizational method prevents sonic surprises and helps streamline the decision-making process.

Wrangling the Seventies Breakbeat

Timing is Everything: Manual Nudges

Even with quantization, sometimes a loop needs a human touch. Devin noticed a part of the seventies beat was slightly ahead. Instead of complex time-stretching, a simple manual nudge, "just a dink," was all it took to lock it into the groove. Sometimes the simplest fixes are the most effective for feel.

Making it Cut Through: Multi-band Magic

The breakbeat initially got a bit lost against the main drum kit. The key was to enhance its unique character without just cranking the volume. He focused on the "stink" – the distinctive snare/hi-hat combination. Using what sounds like a multi-band processor, he could isolate and control the hi-hat content within the loop. This allowed him to bring out the percussive elements of the breakbeat so it could be heard, without it clashing frequency-wise with the main drums. A little panning to the side also helped give it its own space.

For more on how to use EQ and multi-band processing to make elements distinct, Nail The Mix offers a wealth of tutorials.

Creative Sourcing: Loops from Logic/Ableton

Where did this breakbeat come from? Devin reveals his process: he creates a session in Logic (or Ableton) at the same tempo as his main Pro Tools project. He imports a submix of his main track into Logic, then auditions and manipulates loops from Logic's library. He'll cut them up, add effects, quantize, and then export them back into his main session. This workflow allows for focused sound design without cluttering the primary mix project.

Dynamic Width with Brower Motion

In a particularly dense section of "Genesis," the breakbeat needed to feel bigger without just getting louder. For this, Devin reached for the Brower Motion plugin by Joey Sturgis Tones. By enabling automation for the plugin just for that section, he could make the breakbeat wide and encompassing. Interestingly, making it wider also made it sound louder, even at the same volume. This allowed him to then subtly turn the breakbeat down while retaining its perceived impact, a classic psychoacoustic trick.

Accentuating Hits with Samples

To give certain moments in the breakbeat even more punch, Devin layers in additional drum samples. He describes scrolling through his sample library to find the right sound, then placing it strategically. A cool trick he employs is a quick crossfade on the added sample, giving it a unique attack and decay that blends smoothly.

Taming and Placing Explosive Effects

Explosions are another signature Devin Townsend sound. But like any powerful effect, they need to be controlled to work for the song, not against it.

Cleaning Up the Low End

The first order of business with explosion samples? Taming the low end. These sounds often contain massive amounts of sub-bass that can muddy up a mix instantly. A steep high-pass filter is essential to get rid of this problematic low-frequency information, making space for the kick and bass. When dealing with impactful sounds like this, precise EQ work is crucial.

Strategic EQ and Panning

For repetitive explosion sounds, Devin mentions using a simple EQ (one with low CPU usage) rather than a complex multi-band tool if the job doesn't require it. He also uses automation on these EQs, sometimes filtering an explosion more heavily if it’s just there for texture. Panning also comes into play; for instance, an explosion reinforcing a snare might be panned slightly off-center to give it space and character.

Reinforcing with Extra Kick Layers

Sometimes, an existing element needs a little extra "oomph." In one section, Devin felt an explosion sounded a bit "shit." His solution? He considered adding a touch of an electro kick sample he used elsewhere in the track, tucking it underneath to add weight and attack. This layering approach can be a great way to enhance sounds without replacing them entirely.

Beyond the Madness: Intentional Creativity

Devin Townsend's approach to "Genesis" is a masterclass in how to incorporate diverse and seemingly unconventional sounds into a cohesive, powerful mix. It's about:

• Knowing when an element should be a feature versus a subtle texture.
• Using automation (volume, panning, effects) dynamically to create interest.
• Being meticulous with editing and organization ("cutting pieces").
• Not being afraid to experiment with plugins like Brower Motion or creative sample layering.
• Always serving the song – even the "madness" has a purpose.

These techniques show that with careful thought and execution, even the wildest production ideas can elevate a track. If you're inspired to see how Devin applies these concepts and many more across an entire song, his full "Genesis" mixing session on Nail The Mix is an invaluable resource.

Want to dive deeper into modern metal mixing techniques and learn from the pros who craft the sounds of bands like Gojira, Periphery, and Architects? Nail The Mix gives you access to multitracks from real sessions and in-depth tutorials every month. And if you're looking for a comprehensive guide to elevate your mixes beyond presets, check out our Unlock Your Sound course.