Chapter 1: The Challenge

I set out on a musical adventure: could I create tracks that capture the delightful cheesiness of Stock Aitken Waterman’s (SAW) iconic dance-pop from the 80s and 90s?

Stock Aitken Waterman was a renowned British songwriting and production trio responsible for a plethora of hits during the late 20th century. Their signature upbeat sound is perhaps best exemplified by Rick Astley’s 1987 classic, "Never Gonna Give You Up."

On a side note, I can actually mimic Rick Astley’s dance moves. If anyone's interested, I’m open for a dance lesson… for a fee, of course!

Another notable hit from SAW is "Respectable" performed by Mel & Kim. Unfortunately, I can't replicate their dance style—it's a bit too challenging for me. But back to the music!

Having dabbled in music creation for years, I once challenged myself to replicate the SAW sound. This effort culminated in a track titled "Knock Me Off My Feet." While it lacks vocals and isn't an exact copy of their style, it evokes a similar vibe after you get through the choir intro.

Although it’s not an exact match, I was quite satisfied with the outcome, particularly the staccato bass and snappy snare drum sounds. The choir segment at the start was a personal favorite of mine, so I included it just for fun.

After finishing that piece, I was curious to explore further. Using the same sounds, I crafted "The Endless Quest," which features a more consistent tempo and occasionally resembles the work of Tangerine Dream.

I believe the latter half is its strongest section, particularly the last two minutes that possess a haunting dreaminess.

I utilized the music software Reason for these creations, a platform I’ve been experimenting with for years. It serves as a comprehensive electronic music studio in software format. Below is a screenshot showcasing it in action:

If you’re in the mood for something more upbeat with a trance vibe, check out "Chasing the Rainbow."

For a more eccentric experience, listen to "David Squigglemouth." I sampled audio from one of David Mitchell’s videos, sliced it into individual syllables, and sequenced them randomly. This eventually transitions into a more melodic segment infused with reggae elements, concluding with a rather wild ending.

Alternatively, if you prefer a funky yet melodic tune, here’s "Dance of the Dream Cave."

Chapter 2: Insights from Industry Experts

To delve deeper into the world of SAW and their production techniques, here’s an insightful interview featuring Phil Harding and Ian Curnow, where they discuss their experiences and creative processes.

Additionally, if you’re interested in understanding how SAW would often recycle drum patterns, this video explains their method in an engaging way.