{"id":30279,"date":"2024-01-09T04:51:01","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T09:51:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/?p=30279"},"modified":"2025-03-28T12:25:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T16:25:04","slug":"creative-strategies-create-mode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/creative-strategies-create-mode\/","title":{"rendered":"5 creative ways to use Create mode"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you tried using Create mode<\/strong><\/a> on Splice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Create mode is an AI-powered tool that provides a way to build musical ideas comprising up to eight layers (a.k.a. Stacks) using samples from the immense Splice Sounds<\/a> catalog. Once you have something going that inspires you, the stems in these Stacks can be saved and exported straight to your DAW for further editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Create mode is undeniably powerful, it can also seem quite straightforward on the surface\u2014keep generating new Stacks until you find something you like, and then rinse and repeat, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, while it’s incredibly easy to get started with, you’ll find that the more you use Create mode, the more you’ll discover new and versatile ways it can complement your music production process. Below, we share a few potentially less-obvious creative strategies for using the tool that might be worth considering the next time you’re working on a track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Capitalize on the different starting points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start off with an easy one\u2014are you aware that there are multiple avenues for using Create mode on Splice? One is going to its dedicated page on Splice,<\/a> where you can pick from an array of different genres and styles to create a Stack from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An alternate method is starting from a specific loop, which you can do by hitting the “Create a Stack” icon next to any eligible loop on Splice Sounds. This will generate a Stack that’s based around the loop’s BPM, in addition to its key and melodic and harmonic characteristics (if applicable).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The key is understanding the unique benefits offered by each method. The former is ideal for when you want to start from a fully blank slate\u2014it can be a particularly effective tool for overcoming writer’s block.<\/a> Meanwhile, the latter is great if you already have an explicit groove, chord progression, etc. that you’re liking, and want to explore possibilities for how the idea could be developed in an arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a particular loop is in the ballpark of what you want to build a Stack around but isn’t the<\/em> one, you can also explore alternate sounds that share timbral and musical similarities by hitting the “Show similar sounds” button that’s right next to the “Create a Stack” icon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Strip a Stack down and build it back up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, you might find that a single layer in a Stack inspires you, but the other sounds aren’t quite what you’re looking for. If you encounter this, try muting or removing all of the other layers in the Stack, and then building it back up by manually selecting the specific sound types you’re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 0:23 in the video below, you can see how veteran producer Devon Johnson<\/a> puts this strategy into action to find sounds for a beat that’s inspired by Daft Punk and Justice.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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