Rachel Pac

S. Langol
ME-152-R001
Section A

Song: Them Changes - Thundercat

Song Map:

Intro Drum Kit, Synth Bass Loop, Bass

(0:00-0:30)

Verse 1 Lead Vocals, Synth Bass Loop, Bass,

(0:30-1:17) Keys, Drum Kit

Bridge Synth, Lead Vocals, Vocal Harmonies,

(1:18-1:40) Bass

Verse 2 Drum Kit, Bass, Synth, Lead Vocals,

(1:40-2:28) Vocal Harmonies

Outro Drum Kit, Lead Vocals, Vocal Harmonies,

(2:28-3:09) Keys, Saxophone
 Rachel Pac
S. Langol
ME-152-R001
Section B

Elements of ‘Them Changes’

● Key: D# minor
● Meter / Tempo: 4/4, 160 BPM
● Style: Jazz-Funk Fusion
● Harmony – VI-bIV7-iv7-VII6-i7 (B-Gmaj7-g#min7-C#/E#-d#min7)
○ This chord structure is repetitive but changes once at ‘needed you the
most’ after repeating twice to i7-I-I6-VI-bIV-iv7-VII
○ Played by synth and bass
● Melody – The harmony is created using predominantly thirds and eight notes
with layering of keys to the continuous synth and bass movement along with the
lead vocals.
○ Verses are sang, Bridge is simplified to vocal harmonies and
bass/continuous synth
● Loops – Synth, Bass Riff, Syncopated rhythms, Drums
● Dynamics – Verses are continuous with little dynamic change, bridge of vocal
harmonies because more pianissimo and returns to beginning volume at second
verse.

● THREE UNIQUE TOPICS

○ Building Loops – Thundercat relies heavily on loops such as the bass
and synth loops heard repeatedly throughout them changes. With
inspiration we can create 2-4 measure loops to be repeated throughout
the students' songs.
○ Fading Loops IN/OUT – Loops are fairly consistent throughout ‘Them
Changes’. Fads in and out throughout bridge and verse, this can be
imitated through automation choosing to mix audio at top bar and
selecting mix automation. As well as panning different instruments.
○ Choosing/Editing Preset Instruments – Thundercat uses a six string
bass and a digitech whammy pedal with detune settings to create his
unique funky sound- students can take inspiration from this to play around
with different synth options and changing pitch with autotune.
 Rachel Pac
S. Langol
ME-152-R001

Section C.

Steps to Sequencing “Them Changes”

1. Set the tempo, key, and time signature for the song by using the top bar of
Garageband. Students are allowed to have liberty with tempo choice, speeding
up or slowing down their piece.
2. Choose instruments to create loops, Thundercat has heavy use of synth and
bass for inspiration.
3. Choose record bass line and drum kit then add melody.
4. To create drums, bass line, and synth, use a 2-4 measure loop that works
throughout verse of songs
5. Double check to quantize notes where needed and loops align.
6. Create a contrasting bridge to add diversity to the song.
7. Using EQ, panning, and reverb, mix automation to add layers to the song
between verse, bridge, etc.
8. Pay attention to volume levels of instruments - listen to Them Changes multiple
times for inspiration - to see how loops and instruments are layered and which
instruments are the forefront.
9. Once satisfied with song, click ‘share to disk’ at top bar and choose MP3 to
download

Other Requirements:

● Must include verse and bridge

● Minimum of 5 tracks (Melody, Bass, Drums, Synth, Harmonies, 1 loop/choice)
● Volume and Pan Automation
● Contrasting bridge