TJ Tunez Universe

03/10/2025

🎚️Mid Range Issues and how to navigate them:
➡Midrange frequencies are known to be around 200 - 900hz, and can be tricky as most instruments have information in this range, but it's usually hard to navigate these problems, making our mixes muddy and hard to translate to other playback systems, but let's dive into ways could use

1️⃣Volume Balance
➡️The basics, start with all the faders low,turn them up one by one in order of importance to create the difference between the loudest and quietest instruments
✅How it will help:
You'll notice frequency clashes across the entire spectrum, including Midrange

2️⃣Decay
➡Decay simply refers to a duration/how long the sample plays on a loop or sample alone
Ensure that there are sample decay differences across each loop,e.g If piano plays longer, make a space between guitar notes and low release
✅How this helps:
Again, you'll know which part of the loop clashes in frequency, and which frequencies do clashes

3️⃣Quantizing
Quantizing is the control over how many notes/instruments play at once across the grid,if too many instruments play at once on one grid, the frequencies will clash, leading to less clarity
✅How to use it
Ensure that sounds don't over share or play at the same time/note across the grid

4️⃣Polyphony
How many notes to we play at once (similar to Quantizing, except for the fact that we don't talk about the grid, but only the number of notes we play on one instrument,e.g piano)
✅How this helps:
If too many notes play at once ,they could muddy Up your mix,e.g if your piano chord progressions include 5 notes per bar, ensure that the other instrument play lesser notes

5️⃣Masking
This is known as decreasing frequencies present in an instrument to make space for another
✅How this helps:
You'll decrease the number of frequencies that clashes at once, and it will be easier to know which instruments depend in which range

🎯Bonus Tip:
Combination of those methods can lead to an improvement in your mixes and masters

02/10/2025

🎛️Panning Decisions

🎚️What is Panning?
Panning refers to the placement of audio signals/instruments in the stereo field, which means positioning sounds between the left and right speakers. It creates a sense of width and space in your mix.

🤔Decisions to Make Before Panning
Before you start panning, consider these:

✅Song Arrangement: The overall structure and instrumentation of your song will influence your panning choices.
✅Mix Balance: Ensure a good balance between the different elements of your song before panning.
✅Mono Compatibility: Check how your mix sounds in mono to ensure important elements are still present.

🤔How to Know What to Pan in Your Song?
✅Identify Key Elements: Decide which sounds are most important and where they should sit in the stereo field (I personally leave the main elements in mono or pan just slightly).
✅Create Space: Pan instruments to avoid clashing and create a wider soundstage.
✅Follow Musicality: Use panning to enhance the feel of your song (start panning on the busiest section of your song e.g chorus/drop).

🤔Important Factors to Note When Panning
🔉Balance:
❌Avoid extreme panning that can make your mix sound unnatural.
〰️Frequency Content:
🟢Be mindful of the frequency content of each sound.
🎚️Mono Compatibility:
✅Make sure your mix sounds good in mono.
🎧Headphones vs. Speakers:
✅Consider how your mix will sound on different playback systems.

🎯Bonus Tip:
Ensure your mix sounds good in mono before panning

➡️We'll dive into drum panning on the upcoming posts, stay tuned for more 🔐

That's it for this tip, remember to follow TJ Tunez ZA for more

01/10/2025

Let's share 😜

🎛️Layering
➡️Layering is a common technique used in music production to create a cohesive and tight sound,so what is it?
➡️Layering is basically a use of different sounds/instruments in a song/loop to emphasize a certain part,e.g:
using both piano and guitar on the chorus section
automating synths different synths at the same time on a build up
layering kick drums to create consistent energy

1️⃣Choose Complementary Sounds
✅Texture Variety: Combine different types of sounds (e.g., a smooth pad with a bright synth) to create contrast and interest.
✅Frequency Balance: Ensure that the sounds occupy different frequency ranges to avoid muddiness.

2️⃣Volume and Panning
✅Adjust Levels: Start by getting the volumes of your layers to blend well. Use faders to balance them according to your vision.
✅Pan Strategically: Spread layers across the stereo field to create a wider sound. This helps in maintaining clarity and separation.

3️⃣Dynamic Control
✅Use Compression: Apply compression to control the dynamic range of each layer. Adjust the attack and release settings to shape the transients effectively.
✅Layer Dynamics: Consider using different dynamic levels for each layer. For instance, keep some layers more subdued while others are more prominent.

4️⃣EQ and Frequency Management
✅Cut Unnecessary Frequencies: Use EQ to remove frequencies that are not needed in each layer, allowing the essential elements to shine through.
✅Boost Wisely: Enhance specific frequencies that complement the overall mix without overwhelming it.

5️⃣Automation
✅Dynamic Changes: Automate volume, panning, or effects to create movement and maintain interest throughout the track.
✅Layer Introduction: Gradually introduce layers at different points in the song to build intensity without losing dynamics.

🎯Bonus Tip:
Layer sounds of different frequencies,e.g piano + high synth + conga to occupy low mid

That's it for this tip, remember to follow TJ Tunez ZA for more like this 💕

01/10/2025

🎛️Layering
➡️Layering is a common technique used in music production to create a cohesive and tight sound,so what is it?
➡️Layering is basically a use of different sounds/instruments in a song/loop to emphasize a certain part,e.g:
using both piano and guitar on the chorus section
automating synths different synths at the same time on a build up
layering kick drums to create consistent energy

1️⃣Choose Complementary Sounds
✅Texture Variety: Combine different types of sounds (e.g., a smooth pad with a bright synth) to create contrast and interest.
✅Frequency Balance: Ensure that the sounds occupy different frequency ranges to avoid muddiness.

2️⃣Volume and Panning
✅Adjust Levels: Start by getting the volumes of your layers to blend well. Use faders to balance them according to your vision.
✅Pan Strategically: Spread layers across the stereo field to create a wider sound. This helps in maintaining clarity and separation.

3️⃣Dynamic Control
✅Use Compression: Apply compression to control the dynamic range of each layer. Adjust the attack and release settings to shape the transients effectively.
✅Layer Dynamics: Consider using different dynamic levels for each layer. For instance, keep some layers more subdued while others are more prominent.

4️⃣EQ and Frequency Management
✅Cut Unnecessary Frequencies: Use EQ to remove frequencies that are not needed in each layer, allowing the essential elements to shine through.
✅Boost Wisely: Enhance specific frequencies that complement the overall mix without overwhelming it.

5️⃣Automation
✅Dynamic Changes: Automate volume, panning, or effects to create movement and maintain interest throughout the track.
✅Layer Introduction: Gradually introduce layers at different points in the song to build intensity without losing dynamics.

🎯Bonus Tip:
Layer sounds of different frequencies,e.g piano + high synth + conga to occupy low mid

That's it for this tip, remember to follow TJ Tunez ZA for more like this 💕

01/10/2025

https://www.jango.com/music/TJ+Tunez/Belly+Dance+Bass+Mix+

Now part of Radio Airplay
Enjoy great music ❤️❤️❤️

Listen to TJ Tunez on Jango Radio. Jango is personalized internet radio that helps you find new music based on what you already like. Unlimited listening, no commercial interruptions!

01/10/2025

BEYOND ORDINARY, BEYOND NORMAL ❤️

Praise To The Moon: A Celestial Dance Between Worlds by Emily Hurst & TJ Tunez ZA

Prepare to be swept away on a journey that transcends earthly bounds. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the soulful vocals of Emily Hurst intertwine with the visionary production of TJ Tunez ZA, resulting in "Praise To The Moon," an exquisite track set to illuminate your senses. This is an excerpt from the highly anticipated "King Thole Theory" EP, a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation.

"Praise To The Moon" is more than a song; it's a hymn, an ode to the celestial queen that has guided humanity for millennia. The moon, an infinite source of light, serves as the muse, the inspiration for a track that promises to be both emotionally resonant and rhythmically captivating.

The selection of Emily Hurst as the vocalist was no coincidence. Her soulful voice, celebrated across platforms like Wikipedia, was the perfect instrument to convey the song's profound message. Originally conceived as a heartfelt praise, the song found new life in this reimagined version, becoming a bridge between two realms that were never thought to collide. It's a meeting of souls, a celestial dance that will move your spirit.

True to TJ Tunez ZA's artistic philosophy, "Praise To The Moon" is an authentic creation. The emphasis is on capturing the raw, unadulterated essence of the music, ensuring that the listener experiences the purity of the sound. This is not a song that has been over-processed; it is a living, breathing entity, ready to embrace you with its warmth and energy.

This collaboration is a testament to the power of music to connect, to heal, and to inspire. It’s an invitation to look up, to feel the moon's light, and to celebrate the beauty of connection. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the magic of "Praise To The Moon"?

Of course you are 😁
This weekend we're on❤️🫶
For collaboration too, inbox TJ Tunez ZA too
Hope this reaches Emily Hurst on time

01/10/2025

Praise To The Moon: A Celestial Dance Between Worlds by Emily Hurst & TJ Tunez ZA

Prepare to be swept away on a journey that transcends earthly bounds. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the soulful vocals of Emily Hurst intertwine with the visionary production of TJ Tunez ZA, resulting in "Praise To The Moon," an exquisite track set to illuminate your senses. This is an excerpt from the highly anticipated "King Thole Theory" EP, a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation.

"Praise To The Moon" is more than a song; it's a hymn, an ode to the celestial queen that has guided humanity for millennia. The moon, an infinite source of light, serves as the muse, the inspiration for a track that promises to be both emotionally resonant and rhythmically captivating.

The selection of Emily Hurst as the vocalist was no coincidence. Her soulful voice, celebrated across platforms like Wikipedia, was the perfect instrument to convey the song's profound message. Originally conceived as a heartfelt praise, the song found new life in this reimagined version, becoming a bridge between two realms that were never thought to collide. It's a meeting of souls, a celestial dance that will move your spirit.

True to TJ Tunez ZA's artistic philosophy, "Praise To The Moon" is an authentic creation. The emphasis is on capturing the raw, unadulterated essence of the music, ensuring that the listener experiences the purity of the sound. This is not a song that has been over-processed; it is a living, breathing entity, ready to embrace you with its warmth and energy.

This collaboration is a testament to the power of music to connect, to heal, and to inspire. It’s an invitation to look up, to feel the moon's light, and to celebrate the beauty of connection. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the magic of "Praise To The Moon"?

Of course you are 😁
This weekend we're on❤️🫶
For collaboration too, inbox TJ Tunez ZA too
Hope this reaches Emily Hurst on time

01/10/2025

Let's dive into the world of music production, follow TJ Tunez ZA to learn more

🎛️Bit rate and depth
Common terms we encounter as we export our music from the DAWs we use to produce them, but what do they mean,well let's dive into it

Understanding bit rate and bit depth is important for achieving high-quality audio in your productions.
Let’s break it down:

1️⃣Bit Rate
Bit rate refers to the amount of data processed in a given amount of time, typically measured in kilobits per second (kbps).
Here’s how it impacts audio quality:

✅Lower Bit Rates (e.g., 32 kbps): Generally acceptable for speech but can sound "lossy" and lack detail.
✅Mid-Range Bit Rates (e.g., 128-160 kbps): Suitable for music streaming, providing a balance between quality and file size.
✅Higher Bit Rates (e.g., 256 kbps and above): Offer better sound fidelity, capturing more nuances in the audio.

2️⃣Bit Depth
Bit depth determines the number of bits used to represent each audio sample, affecting the dynamic range and overall sound quality:

✅16-bit: Commonly used in CDs, providing a dynamic range of about 96 dB. This is generally adequate for most applications.
✅24-bit: Offers a greater dynamic range (around 144 dB), allowing for more detailed sound reproduction, especially in professional recordings.

🟢How They Work Together
✅Bit rate affects the overall quality and size of the audio file, while bit depth influences the precision of the sound's amplitude (how your music sounds).
✅Higher bit rates and depths lead to larger file sizes but significantly enhance audio quality, making them ideal for your dance/electronic productions.

🎚️In summary
Both bit rate and bit depth are essential for ensuring that your music captures the emotional and energetic essence you aim for in your projects
They are culprits behind high storage music files you download on some websites 😉

🎯Bonus Tip:
Quality mix and master ➕ Higher bit rate and depth 🟰 Clean high quality song

That's it for this tip, remember to follow TJ Tunez ZA for more information and content like this 💕💕

01/10/2025

🎛️Bit rate and depth
Common terms we encounter as we export our music from the DAWs we use to produce them, but what do they mean,well let's dive into it

Understanding bit rate and bit depth is important for achieving high-quality audio in your productions.
Let’s break it down:

1️⃣Bit Rate
Bit rate refers to the amount of data processed in a given amount of time, typically measured in kilobits per second (kbps).
Here’s how it impacts audio quality:

✅Lower Bit Rates (e.g., 32 kbps): Generally acceptable for speech but can sound "lossy" and lack detail.
✅Mid-Range Bit Rates (e.g., 128-160 kbps): Suitable for music streaming, providing a balance between quality and file size.
✅Higher Bit Rates (e.g., 256 kbps and above): Offer better sound fidelity, capturing more nuances in the audio.

2️⃣Bit Depth
Bit depth determines the number of bits used to represent each audio sample, affecting the dynamic range and overall sound quality:

✅16-bit: Commonly used in CDs, providing a dynamic range of about 96 dB. This is generally adequate for most applications.
✅24-bit: Offers a greater dynamic range (around 144 dB), allowing for more detailed sound reproduction, especially in professional recordings.

🟢How They Work Together
✅Bit rate affects the overall quality and size of the audio file, while bit depth influences the precision of the sound's amplitude (how your music sounds).
✅Higher bit rates and depths lead to larger file sizes but significantly enhance audio quality, making them ideal for your dance/electronic productions.

🎚️In summary
Both bit rate and bit depth are essential for ensuring that your music captures the emotional and energetic essence you aim for in your projects
They are culprits behind high storage music files you download on some websites 😉

🎯Bonus Tip:
Quality mix and master ➕ Higher bit rate and depth 🟰 Clean high quality song

That's it for this tip, remember to follow TJ Tunez ZA for more information and content like this 💕💕

01/10/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Qncho Qane, Uukunkra Uumfanu Sqondanee, ZRJOSE , Retselisitsoe Raithule

30/09/2025

The KING Is back 💕💕

Unveiling "King Thole Theory (Azakel The 1st)": A Multiversal Symphony by TJ Tunez ZA

Prepare to be transported to a realm where ancient echoes meet futuristic soundscapes.
South African Dance/Electronic producer, TJ Tunez ZA, also known as Tlotlo Thole, invites us on an auditory odyssey with his upcoming album, "King Thole Theory (Azakel The 1st)." This is not merely an album; it's a sonic tapestry woven with threads of tradition, innovation, and raw emotion.

At the heart of this project lies a bold declaration: authenticity.
The title itself is a compass, guiding us toward a sound that is pure, unadulterated, and brimming with the essence of TJ Tunez ZA's artistic vision.

Let's decode the layers of this captivating title:

King: A leader, a visionary—one who commands a kingdom. In this context, TJ Tunez ZA reigns over a sonic universe.

Thole: His surname, a nod to his roots, and an ancient Nguni word meaning "calf," representing innocence and purity. It's a gentle reminder of the album's core values.

Theory: A proven statement, a belief brought to life. It asserts that ancient sounds can be seamlessly fused with modern elements to create something uniquely captivating.

Azakel The 1st: Azakel, an ancient Nguni name meaning "connector," signifies TJ Tunez ZA's ability to blend diverse sounds and elements into a cohesive and innovative whole.

"King Thole Theory (Azakel The 1st)" promises to be more than just music; it's an experience. It's a journey through the heart of South African heritage, reimagined for the modern world. It's a testament to the power of music to connect, to heal, and to transcend boundaries. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where every beat tells a story, and every melody resonates with the soul.

We would've dived into the tracklist but that's a story for another day, stay tuned to TJ Tunez ZA

30/09/2025

TJ Tunez ZA is here for you, follow now to learn more 🎶🎶

Let's talk about the sine wave, that up and down repeating circle that you see when you open a sample editor/frequency analyzers in your DAW

❗What are Sine Waves?

A sine wave is a smooth, repeating oscillation. It's the simplest form of a wave, representing a single, pure frequency. Think of it as the purest tone you can hear. It's defined by its amplitude (loudness) and frequency (pitch).

〰️Sine Waves and the Sound Spectrum

➡️The sound spectrum is a visual representation of all the frequencies present in a sound. Sine waves are the foundation of this. A complex sound, like a musical note, is actually a combination of many sine waves at different frequencies and amplitudes. By analyzing the sound spectrum, we can see the individual sine waves that make up the sound, revealing its tonal characteristics (as you zoom in to the sound analyzer).

🟢Key Aspects of the Sound Spectrum
✅Frequency Range:
The audible frequency range for humans typically spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz).

✅This range can be divided into several bands:
Sub-bass: 20-60 Hz
Bass: 60-250 Hz
Low Mids: 250-500 Hz
Midrange: 500 Hz - 2 kHz
Upper Mids: 2 kHz - 6 kHz
Brilliance: 6 kHz - 20 kHz

🎯Importance in Music Production:
Understanding the sound spectrum is essential for mixing and mastering, as it allows producers to:
✅Identify frequency clashes between instruments.
✅Make informed EQ adjustments to enhance clarity and balance.
✅Ensure that each element of a track occupies its own space in the mix

🎯Bonus Info:
As frequencies increase, the sine wave become wider and bigger, that's why "kick" drum sample has wider waves while vocal is tighter and small and cymbal is very thin and cramped

That's it for this tip, remember to follow TJ Tunez ZA for more content like this