Learn how to make a dark Afro & Melodic House track inspired by Samm and Ajna in this complete Ableton Live production tutorial.
Samm and Ajna are known for hypnotic grooves, emotional melodies and minimal but powerful productions. In this breakdown, we focus on a strong percussion groove, a layered low end and one simple piano note that gives the entire track its identity.
What you will learn
Build a hypnotic percussion groove
We begin with a punchy kick whose high-end attack helps it cut through the mix. Toms establish the groove, two percussion loops create most of the movement, and three simple hat layers add energy. A cowbell loop introduces one final rhythmic voice without overcrowding the drums.
Create a powerful three-layer bass
The low end uses three bass layers. B S Vortex supplies a sustained sub foundation, while B S Grit and B S Murk add texture, movement and character above it. Together they create weight while leaving room for the kick.
Give the track identity with one piano note
The most important melodic element is literally one carefully chosen piano note. It drives the track, builds tension and proves that a memorable idea does not need to be complicated.
Layer leads, plucks, atmosphere and FX
L D Spiral and L D Fever form the core melodic idea, supported by a piano loop and additional sounds including L D Hypnotic, P L Ripple, P L Tiny Bell and L D Vertigo. Atmosphere layers create depth and movement, while impacts, uplifters, risers and a snare roll connect the arrangement.
Get the sounds and complete project
Every sound, loop and Serum 2 preset used in this tutorial comes from MAGNIFIED 2. The exact Samm and Ajna-inspired track is included as a full project file and construction kit for Ableton Live, FL Studio and Logic Pro.
Explore MAGNIFIED 2:
Inside MAGNIFIED 2
• 4 complete project templates for Ableton Live, FL Studio and Logic Pro
• 4 construction kits with stems, MIDI and Serum 2 presets
• Drum and percussion loops plus one-shots
• Bass and synth loops with MIDI
• Atmosphere and ambience loops
• FX, fills and transitions
• Professionally studio-recorded vocal kits
The lesson is simple: you do not need hundreds of channels. You need the right sounds working together. In this track, the percussion creates the groove, the bass layers create power, and one piano note gives the production its identity.