6 min read
Lesson 2 · Energy and tension
Two curves that carry every track — and why they are not the same.
Energy is how much is happening: loudness, density, how many parts are playing. Tension is how much the listener is waiting for something. A build-up has little energy but enormous tension. A drop has maximum energy — and releases the tension.
- Create tension: drop the kick, close the filter, risers, snare rolls, rising pitch, silence.
- Release tension: drop, return of the kick, home chord (degree i), full bass.
- Increase energy: more parts, more hats, higher density, wider stereo image.
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Quick check
Which phase typically has little energy but high tension?
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