Applying music production techniques for narrative expression

Pablo Garayoa

About this exposition

This thesis explores how production techniques shape narrative structure and emotional depth in recorded music and film soundtracks. By examining the intersection of composition, sound design, and mixing techniques, the research investigates how producers, composers, and sound engineers craft compelling storytelling through sound. Drawing from academic literature, case studies, and interviews with industry professionals, it combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights. The study first establishes a theoretical foundation, exploring key concepts such as the producer’s role, semiotic approaches to musical meaning, and the definition and evolution of conceptual music. It then outlines the methodology, incorporating insights from interviews with professionals that shed light on topics like the conscious and subconscious decision-making processes behind these techniques. Following this, the research examines various compositional and mixing techniques, analyzing how these methods contribute to narrative expression. Finally, the study applies these findings to original case studies, demonstrating the practical implementation of these production techniques in a concept album and a film soundtrack composed by the author. The findings highlight shared methodologies across disciplines, revealing how music producers and film composers employ similar strategies to shape audience perception and emotional engagement. By bridging theory and practice, this thesis provides a framework relevant to both academic research and industry professionals, demonstrating how sonic storytelling can be intentionally crafted to enhance emotional depth, coherence, and narrative structure in music and film soundtracks.

type	research exposition
keywords	music production, narrative, concept albums, soundtrack, Sound Design, Mixing Techniques, Storytelling, sonic perception
date	04/03/2025
published	14/07/2025
last modified	14/07/2025
status	limited publication
copyright	Pablo Garayoa
license	CC BY-NC-ND
language	American English
url	https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/3484675/3484674
published in	KC Research Portal
portal issue	3. Internal publication

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Applying music production techniques for narrative expression (2025)