Multi faceted American artist Cody Chase takes us behind the scenes of his lates release ‘We Don’t Welch’.
In this exclusive behind-the-scenes interview, we dive deep into the creative process behind Cody Chase‘s recent track, ‘We Don’t Welch.’ Known for his distinctive blend of Tech House and Techno, Cody Chase has once again pushed boundaries with this latest release. So, join us as we explore the inspiration, production techniques, and personal insights that shaped ‘We Don’t Welch.’ From the initial concept to the final mix, get an insider’s look at how Cody Chase maintains his creative evolution, incorporating fresh ideas and inspirations to ensure he keeps delivering unique productions to his listeners around the globe.
Hi Cody Chase, congratulations on the release of ‘We Don’t Welch’! How does it feel to share this track with the world?
Thank you so much! Releasing ‘We Don’t Welch’ has been an incredible experience. I’m thrilled to finally share it with the world. This track has been a labour of love, and it’s amazing to see how people are connecting with it. It’s got that driving energy I love, with a blend of Tech House and some bass-heavy vibes that really get the crowd moving. I’ve poured a lot of passion and creativity into this one. Seeing it resonate with fans and getting feedback from listeners has been the most rewarding part. I’m excited to see how it impacts my live shows and how fans will respond when they hear it on a massive sound system. Thanks again for the support—can’t wait for you to hear what’s coming next!
The title ‘We Don’t Welch’ is intriguing. Can you share the story behind it?
The title ‘We Don’t Welch’ has a special meaning -“welching” on a bet means not following through or delivering on a promise. With this track, I wanted to send a clear message that here at Chasin Records, we’re all about commitment and delivering quality music every single time. I’ve always believed in going all out for my fans, whether it’s with new music or live performances. The title is a nod to that dedication and a promise that we won’t cut corners or hold back. The track embodies the energy and excitement we aim to deliver with hard-hitting beats and a vibe that gets people moving. Choosing this title also reflects my journey in the music industry—where keeping promises and being true to your word can set you apart. It’s a reminder to myself and everyone involved in the label that we’re here to bring the heat and never back down from a challenge. Thanks for noticing that—it means a lot that the title resonates!
Did you have any specific influences or moments that sparked the creation of this track?
The creation of ‘We Don’t Welch’ was definitely influenced by some unforgettable moments from summer night raves. There’s something magical about those nights—the energy, the connection with the crowd, and the freedom of just letting loose on the dance floor. I wanted to capture the euphoria and elation of those moments when the music just takes over, and everyone is moving in sync. There’s nothing like the feeling when the beat drops and you’re surrounded by people all experiencing the same bliss. I’ve been lucky to play at some amazing festivals and witness firsthand how a track can lift people up and create a communal experience. I aimed to bottle up that festival energy and put it into ‘We Don’t Welch’ to make sure it could recreate those epic moments whenever it’s played. Watching how the crowd responds during a live set—those moments when you drop a track and see everyone light up—that’s what inspired me. I wanted this track to be one of those that DJs can drop at just the right moment to elevate the whole vibe of a set. The track’s sound was also inspired by the sonic elements that remind me of summer—bright synths, driving basslines, and a rhythm that feels like it never wants to stop. It’s all about bringing that summer rave energy to any dance floor. Creating this track was about channelling those memories and feelings into something that could stand on its own as a reminder of those incredible nights. I hope it brings a bit of that magic to everyone who hears it!
Can you take us through a step-by-step breakdown of your production process for ‘We Don’t Welch’? What was the first element you laid down?
Like most of my tracks, I started with the kick and bass. I believe that a strong foundation is crucial for any dance track, and the kick and bass provide that essential groove. I spent a lot of time dialling in the perfect kick that had the right punch and complemented it with a bassline that was both deep and driving. I wanted to create a low-end that would be felt on the dance floor—something that would instantly grab attention.
Once I had a solid foundation, I began layering percussion elements. I added some hi-hats, claps, and snare hits to give the track a sense of rhythm and movement. This stage is all about building the groove and ensuring that each element complements the other. I experimented with various percussion sounds to find the perfect balance, creating a rhythm that was infectious and kept the energy flowing.
With the groove in place, I shifted my focus to the melodic elements. I wanted to capture the vibe of those unforgettable summer nights, so I used bright synths to craft a catchy melody that would stick in people’s heads. I layered different synth sounds to create a rich, textured atmosphere that feels uplifting and energetic. The melody had to be memorable—something that would elevate the track and resonate with the listeners.
Next, I worked on adding effects and atmospheric elements to enhance the track’s overall vibe. I included subtle sweeps, risers, and vocal chops to create tension and release throughout the song. These elements add depth and help build anticipation leading up to the drop, making the listening experience more dynamic and engaging.
After I had all the core elements, I moved onto arranging the track. I focused on creating a structure that would keep listeners engaged from start to finish. This involved carefully placing breakdowns, build-ups, and drops to maintain energy and excitement. I made sure that the track had a natural flow, with each section transitioning smoothly into the next.
The final stage was mixing and fine-tuning the track to ensure everything sounded crisp and balanced. I spent time adjusting levels, EQing, and adding compression to make sure each element sat well in the mix. The goal was to create a polished sound that would translate well on various sound systems, from club speakers to headphones. Overall, the production process for ‘We Don’t Welch’ was about capturing the essence of those electric summer nights and translating that energy into a track that people could feel and connect with. It was a journey of creativity and experimentation, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out!
While this track is a solo production, have there been any influences or feedback from other artists that shaped its final form?
While ‘We Don’t Welch’ is a solo production, it was definitely influenced by some key moments and feedback from other artists. One of the most impactful influences was CamelPhat’s set at Ultra Miami. I remember being completely captivated by their ability to blend deep, driving basslines with euphoric melodies that had the crowd in a trance. The way they crafted their set to build energy and keep everyone engaged was something that really inspired me. After experiencing their set, I wanted to incorporate that same sense of progression and intensity into ‘We Don’t Welch.’ CamelPhat’s skill in creating tracks that are both hypnotic and energising encouraged me to push my own boundaries and experiment with different elements to create a similar impact. I aimed to capture that feeling of being lost in the music with layers of synths and a bassline that pulls you in deeper.
I also shared some early versions of the track with a few fellow producers I trust, and their feedback was invaluable. They helped me refine certain aspects, like the arrangement and some of the melodic elements, to ensure the track flowed smoothly and maintained its energy throughout. Hearing their perspectives helped me see the track from different angles and make adjustments that improved its overall vibe.
Ultimately, ‘We Don’t Welch’ is a reflection of those influences, and the support and inspiration from the music community around me. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and how experiences and feedback from others can shape a track into something truly special.
What unique sound design techniques did you employ in ‘We Don’t Welch’ to highlight your signature techno sound?
For ‘We Don’t Welch,’ I really wanted to highlight my signature Techno sound, so I used a few unique sound design techniques to make it stand out. One of the key techniques I employed was sidechain compression, also known as ducking against the kick. By applying sidechain compression to various elements like bass and synths, I was able to create that classic pumping effect that gives the track its driving rhythm and dynamic feel. This technique helps the kick punch through the mix, adding energy and ensuring that the track hits hard on the dance floor.
Another technique I leaned heavily into was using LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) modulation on the synths. I used LFOs to modulate parameters like filter cutoff and resonance, which added movement and a sense of evolution to the sounds. This approach allowed me to create complex, evolving synth textures that keep the listener engaged. By automating these parameters, I was able to introduce subtle variations and build tension throughout the track, adding depth and making the soundscape more immersive.
I also experimented with layering different synth sounds to create a rich, textured atmosphere. By combining various synth patches and processing them with effects like reverb and delay, I was able to craft a sound that feels both expansive and intimate. This layering technique helps to fill out the frequency spectrum, giving the track a full, lush quality that complements the driving bass and kick.
Incorporating distortion and saturation also played a big role in shaping the track’s sound. By adding a touch of grit and warmth to certain elements, I was able to enhance the overall vibe and give the track that raw edge that defines my Techno style.
These techniques, combined with careful attention to detail in the mixing process, allowed me to create a track that embodies my signature sound while capturing the energy and excitement I aimed for. Overall, these sound design techniques helped ‘We Don’t Welch’ achieve its distinctive Techno vibe, making it a track that’s both powerful and captivating.
The track features relentless energy and layered sounds. How did you achieve this intensity and complexity in your production?
Achieving the intensity and complexity in ‘We Don’t Welch’ was all about combining relentless energy with layered sounds to create a dynamic and immersive listening experience.
The track’s energy starts with the foundation: a strong kick and bassline. I spent a lot of time crafting a bassline that would drive the track forward with unwavering momentum. I made sure the kick was punchy and complemented it with a bassline that was deep and propulsive, giving the track a solid groove that underpins everything else. To enhance the rhythm, I added multiple layers of percussion. Hi-hats, claps, and snares are carefully arranged to create a sense of movement and build anticipation. By varying the patterns and using syncopation, I was able to maintain the track’s intensity and keep the listener engaged.
Creating moments of tension and release was crucial for maintaining energy. I used build-ups with rising synths, snare rolls, and risers to heighten anticipation, leading to impactful drops that deliver a satisfying payoff. These transitions are essential for keeping the energy levels high and the audience on their toes.
I focused on layering different synth sounds to add depth and complexity to the track. By combining various synth patches, each with its own unique character, I was able to create a rich tapestry of sound. I used modulation and automation to introduce subtle variations, ensuring that the synths remained engaging and dynamic. LFOs played a significant role in adding complexity to the synth sounds. By modulating parameters like filter cutoff and resonance, I created evolving textures that keep the track interesting. This technique allows the synths to breathe and change over time, adding movement and a sense of progression to the soundscape.
I incorporated effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion to enhance the track’s atmosphere. Reverb adds space and depth, while delay creates echoes that contribute to the sense of complexity. Distortion adds a touch of grit, giving the track an edge that complements its relentless energy.
Mixing was a critical part of achieving the track’s intensity and complexity. I paid careful attention to EQ, compression, and stereo imaging to ensure that each element had its own space in the mix. This meticulous approach allows all the layers to shine through without cluttering the sound, resulting in a track that feels full and balanced.
By combining these techniques, I was able to create a track that embodies relentless energy and layered complexity. The result is a sound that’s both captivating and powerful, designed to take listeners on a journey and make a lasting impact on the dance floor.
How would you say ‘We Don’t Welch’ reflects your growth and evolution as an artist since your earlier releases like ‘Ellipsis’ and ‘By My Side’?
‘We Don’t Welch’ definitely reflects my growth and evolution as an artist since my earlier releases like ‘Ellipsis’ and ‘By My Side.’ One of the biggest ways it showcases this evolution is through its exploration of Melodic Techno, which is a bit of a departure from my usual sound. While I’m typically known for my driving Techno style, with ‘We Don’t Welch’ I wanted to push my boundaries and experiment with new sounds and techniques. This track leans more into melodic elements, allowing me to explore richer synth textures and more intricate harmonies. I’ve always enjoyed the emotional depth that Melodic Techno can bring to a track, and this was a great opportunity to incorporate some of those elements while still maintaining the energy and intensity that define my style. It’s about striking a balance between the hypnotic and the energetic, creating a sound that is both powerful and emotive. Even though I’m a driving Techno guy at heart, I love mixing things up with Tech House, speed groove, and even some melodic or House influences. ‘We Don’t Welch’ allowed me to blend these elements, creating a track that’s versatile and showcases my willingness to evolve as an artist. It’s important for me to test new ideas and keep my sound fresh, so this track represents a step forward in my artistic journey.
Overall, ‘We Don’t Welch’ is a reflection of my growth and willingness to explore different facets of Electronic Music. It’s about finding new ways to connect with my audience and delivering something that’s uniquely me while continuing to evolve and innovate. This track represents my commitment to pushing the boundaries of my sound and exploring new creative possibilities.
The track builds with hypnotising leads and pulsating details. How did you approach layering different elements to keep the track engaging whilst ensuring the mix remained clear? Can you tell us about your mixing process?
When creating ‘We Don’t Welch,’ my approach to layering different elements was crucial to maintaining an engaging track with a clear and powerful mix. The key was to ensure each layer had its own space in the mix while contributing to the track’s hypnotising leads and pulsating details. I started with a solid foundation by focusing on the kick and bass. The kick needed to be punchy and sit well with the bassline, which I wanted to be deep and driving. I used sidechain compression to ensure the kick cut through the mix and created that pumping effect that gives the track energy. This also allowed the bass to maintain its presence without muddying the mix.
For the melodic elements, I layered multiple synths to create a rich, textured sound. I carefully chose each synth patch to complement the others, using EQ to carve out space for each one. I paid attention to the frequency spectrum, making sure that no two elements clashed in the same range. By using EQ to boost or cut specific frequencies, I ensured that each element had its own place, preventing the mix from becoming overcrowded.
I also utilised panning and stereo imaging to spread the elements across the stereo field. By placing certain elements slightly left or right, I created a sense of width and space, making the mix feel more expansive. This technique helps to prevent elements from stacking on top of each other and allows each sound to be more distinct.
To keep the track engaging, I introduced variations in the lead synths and other melodic elements. I used LFO modulation and automation to add movement and evolution, ensuring the leads were dynamic and captivating. These subtle changes keep the listener engaged and add complexity to the track without overwhelming the mix. Reverb and delay played a significant role in adding depth and atmosphere. I used these effects to create a sense of space, making certain elements feel more expansive. However, I was careful not to overdo it, as too much reverb can muddy the mix. I applied reverb selectively and used high-pass filters to remove unnecessary low-end frequencies from the reverb tail, keeping the mix clean.
During the mixing process, I frequently referenced the track on different sound systems, from studio monitors to headphones, to ensure it translated well across various playback devices. I made small adjustments to levels, EQ, and compression to ensure clarity and balance.
Ultimately, my goal was to create a track that felt full and dynamic while maintaining clarity and focus. By paying careful attention to each element and how it interacted with others, I was able to craft a mix that was both engaging and clear, allowing the track’s hypnotising leads and pulsating details to shine.
Can you share what’s next for Cody Chase?
Absolutely! There’s a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon for me right now. I have a ton of new music that I’m really pumped to share. I’ve been working hard in the studio, and it’s all coming together with some releases lined up on No Definition, which is a sublabel of Enormous Tunes, as well as Gain Records. Both labels have been putting out some incredible tracks, and I’m thrilled to be a part of their upcoming releases.
One of the projects I’m particularly excited about is a track I just finished with the super talented rapper Dashius Clay. Collaborating with Dashius was an amazing experience, and I think people are going to love how our styles blend. His lyrical prowess and unique delivery added a whole new dimension to the track, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
On top of that, I’m continuing to release music on my own label, Chasin Records, which we recently rebranded with a stronger focus on Techno. I’m dedicated to pushing the boundaries and exploring new sounds while staying true to that driving energy and intensity that my fans love. This rebrand allows us to zero in on delivering top-quality Techno tracks and helps us carve out a niche where we can really shine.
Overall, it’s an exciting time with a lot of creative projects in the works. I’m eager to see how these releases resonate with my audience and to continue evolving as an artist. There’s always something new to explore in music, and I’m ready to take it all to the next level. Keep an eye on my social media for updates and release dates because there’s a lot more coming soon! 🚀🎶🔥
As we conclude our behind-the-scenes look at his track ‘We Don’t Welch,’ we appreciate the insight Cody Chase has shared about his creative process and the making of the production. His dedication to crafting a distinctive sound and his attention to detail are evident throughout the release, so we eagerly look forward to hearing what he offers next, no doubt sure to keep raising his bar with his upcoming projects. So, a talent to keep watching within Electronic Music today, be sure to continue following Cody Chase’s journey via social media, staying up-to-date with his latest news, releases and performances.
Listen and Buy ‘We Don’t Welch’ Now Here.
