How It Was Made: Volkoder – Cama Cama (Metamorfosi Records + Tech House)

Volkoder stepped into this edition of How It Was Made with a clear focus on character, rhythm, and movement. The Cama Cama EP leans into tight low-end work, detailed percussion, and a mix of analog and digital textures that shape each track’s identity. The tools and workflow behind the EP show how he balances straightforward setups with small choices that shift the feel of the record in meaningful ways.

Each element serves a functional purpose across the three tracks. The bassline drives the momentum, the percussion layers push the groove forward, and the vocals and synth elements create space and atmosphere without overcrowding the mix. Volkoder’s process stays grounded in practical execution, using tools that deliver the tone and movement he wants while keeping the mix controlled.

This breakdown highlights the exact chain he relied on inside Ableton Live, covering the instruments, effects, and small decisions that helped shape the final sound. It reflects the same hands-on approach fans hear across the EP, a combination of analog-weighted tones, digital precision, and rhythm-first production choices.

Everything from here on out was submitted by the artist to talk about how he made the record.

DAW: Ableton Live
Main Plugins: u-he Diva, Arturia Prophet V, FabFilter Saturn 2, Soundtoys Decapitator, Valhalla Room.

Bassline
I used the u-he Diva in Moog mode with a bit of internal drive. The secret was the sidechain with the kick and a slightly automated filter to create that groove that breathes with the beat.

Percussion
I recorded layers of shakers and claps using samples I edited in Ableton’s Drum Rack. FabFilter Saturn 2 added the final touch of saturation. I wanted a sound that evoked batucada while keeping strong dancefloor punch.

Vocal and Main Synth
The vocal was chopped and repitched in Ableton Simpler, processed with Decapitator and Valhalla Room to add spatial texture. The main synth came from the Arturia Prophet V, with light cutoff modulation to create constant movement.

3 Tips for Producers:

Less is more — don’t use 50 channels if 15 well-balanced ones do the job.
Work the groove — the hi-hat swing and the kick/bass relationship are everything.
Leave space — the silence between elements lets the music breathe.