26/08/2021
THE STORY BEHIND
DON'T HOLD BACK
- KALIUM
"Discover how an unexpected dive into Future Bounce led to the creation of 'Don't Hold Back'—a track that captures the energy and freedom of this genre."
Genre - Future Bounce
Inspiration and Concept
The inspiration for "Don't Hold Back" came during a time when I discovered the genre Future Bounce. Artists like Brooks, Jay Eskar, and Mesto heavily influenced me. As I was still learning about the myriad subgenres within EDM, I decided to dive into this style. I watched numerous breakdown videos from Jay Eskar and Jonas Aden, joined various Discord communities, and listened to countless demos. This immersive experience provided me with the necessary insights and motivation to create my own Future Bounce track.
Lyrics
The lyrics for "Don't Hold Back" revolve around the themes of love, freedom, and energy. They capture the exhilarating feeling of being in the moment and letting go of all restraints
Production Details
The production process for "Don't Hold Back" was both challenging and rewarding. I meticulously crafted the Future Bounce elements, ensuring that the track had the characteristic energy and bouncy beats. Creating an extended mix for the first time was a new and exciting experience. The extended version had more swing, which made the drop feel different and added a unique touch to the song.
Visuals
Cover Art: For the cover art, I opted for a minimalist approach. Since I didn't have a concrete design concept in mind, I used a stock image of a man wearing a hoodie, facing away from the camera. I added my logo to the back of the hoodie, inspired by Alan Walker's iconic style.
Reception and Impact
"Don't Hold Back" received positive feedback as a self-released, high-energy track. It became a favorite among local DJs and was played in several clubs. The energetic vibe and catchy beats resonated well with the audience, making it a memorable addition to my discography.
Songwriting Process
I often use vocals from sample packs because hiring a vocalist isn't feasible for me at this stage. The vocals I found for "Don't Hold Back" already had a structured melody, which made it easier to compose the rest of the song. This album marks my first attempt at creating an extended mix, featuring both the normal and extended versions of the track.
Personal Reflections
Creating "Don't Hold Back" was a significant learning experience. It was my first time making an extended mix, and I enjoyed the process. The slight differences in swing between the normal and extended versions added an interesting layer to the track. Despite a small mistake in the mix, the overall response was positive, and the track holds a special place in my heart.