ORBITAL - Halcyon and On and On - How Was It Made? Ep 6

In this video I try to uncover the secrets of the stellar 'Halcyon and On and On' by the mighty Orbital and featuring the vocals of Kirsty Hawkshaw from Opus III.
Join my Patreon to support me and get access to all the samples I make for this series - / gyubeats

[@GyuBeats]

Consider supporting me by joining my Patreon where you can get access to the samples I create for this series, an exclusive discord channel and more exclusive content - patreon.com/gyubeats

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

Please do 'Out There Somewhere? (part two)'.

[@su8z3r03]

I can't believe there is a video on how this track was made!!

[@berndamlauern]

years ago I bought a three day festival ticket in Berlin just to hear that one song live and it was worth every cent. I'm still so in love with that tune.

[@RoadtoMecca]

I'd be tempted to do that. Hard to find on vinyl too but hoping it'll be repressed soln

[@k1DBLITZ]

I wake up to it every morning as my alarm. It's perfect! It's starts off slow and dreamy.... and if you're still not awake - you will be when the main track hits. It's a great way to start your day!

[@jodywisternoff2414]

The intro pad is definitely a Wavestation - Try this :) * Load RAM1 performance 'DebussyOnWheels' (#49) * In the Wave Sequence editor change 'Unison' for 'DreamSq' (RAM1, #12) * Hold down B and F#

[@Kongio101]

This

[@damienwebb3689]

What would you know about producing classic tracks? 😉

[@GyuBeats]

Wow thanks!! Amazing to get help from a big name like you. Respect!

[@GyuBeats]

😂😂😂

[@luigisambuy]

Daaamn Jody amazing 😍

[@tobypearce7496]

I once had a conversation with a guy who thought that taking stuff apart ruined their majesty. It reminded me of Keat's accusation of Newton that he was ruining the rainbow by trying to explain how its colours were formed. It led me to Dawkins' Unweaving the Rainbow, which argues how much more beauty can be appreciated once you understand what's going on. Great work here on one of the majestic tracks of all time.

[@GyuBeats]

Ah thanks 🙂 yes, I agree 👍

[@djkrptdnb]

It’s like Professor Frink not allowing the kids to play with the toy as they wouldn’t appreciate it on as many levels as he does 😂

[@oraz.]

Udaman

[@RivetHead999]

Whenever I get writers block, I pick a song I like and dissect it, try to recreate it as best as I can, and figure out what is done to achieve a sound, and learn new tips and tricks. That’s how I’ve learned as much as I have about layering, sequencing, shaping, modulating, etc. I started listening much closer to individual instruments (especially layers and pads) to figure out and really appreciate all the intricacies in every sound.

[@johnoudin2705]

The live version where the guy yells "Play some fucking Bon Jovi" is everything.

[@KingofCrusher]

dude how do I search that on youtube? I tried and got nothing and want to see it so bad!!

[@steveholderness1450]

I absolutely love these 'how it was made' videos. I've got not technical understanding at all but they are absolutely fascinating. Your choice of songs so far is just perfect too. If you are interested in 'requests' then Papua New Guinea or something from Underworld would be avidly appreciated!

[@GyuBeats]

Thanks. They're on the list

[@WIPEYOURLENZ]

I am on board 👍🏻 Future Sound of London.

[@unklesounds2]

Up for a challenge? Belfast next ☝

[@ravenboyreturns]

Read my mind regarding Underworld. That would have been my first suggestion. I hope Gyu will forgive us making any suggestions at all. He's already made some of the most compelling production video's on here. I'm very grateful indeed.

[@jnny7182]

Second papa New Guinea 🙏

[@gingataff]

The preceding albums are good, but In Sides is Orbital’s crowning glory. Some of the greatest electronic music ever recorded.

[@mcdarbyj]

fact!

[@skiptabor]

Agreed, although I do like Insides as well.

[@jonathanchater6105]

Untitled 2 (The Brown album) was by far their best in my opinion

[@plebjames]

@@jonathanchater6105 agreed

[@Dezzasheep]

Ive been a massive orbital fan since early-mid 90s (Impact USA: Diversion was my first CD). However, i feel they lost their mojo from 'The Altogether' onwards. They never quite recaptured the magic of those earlier albums.

[@AboveTheTrees00]

it is my favorite track EVER made. I don’t know how many thousand of times i listened to it. Thank you for doing this, fascinating.

[@DikDastardly]

same here

[@eliotbudd8140]

Me and my brother played this at a HIFI show where they were showing off a load of incredibly expensive systems. Blew everyone’s socks off

[@mvv1408]

Did the same thing once with "The Drug" by Royksopp. Just wanted to test if the woofers would hold.

[@johnlloyd8109]

One of the most magical pieces of music ever created - in three hundred years, people will talk about Orbital like we talk about Mozart. Great job replicating it 👍

[@niceguy235uk1]

Kirsty Hawkshaw starred in the original video for this track. This track was also written and dedicated to Pauls mother who was addicted to Halcion, a tranquilliser.

[@activelow9297]

Halcion is FANTASTIC stuff.. I don't blame anyone for getting strung out on it.

[@anthonybarton5640]

This is the track of my life

[@nickdavison9771]

It's a fine day by Opus III is one of my favourite tracks of the 90's, absolute classic.

[@aidanfoy8054]

Why Have I only just discovered this channel now 😮

[@chrisronan]

Man - this is my favorite band. Isn’t it amazing that even with today’s tools it is so hard to recreate the detail and nuance? To think Paul / Orbital created works like this before they ever existed just blows my mind.

[@agenericaccount3935]

In 1995 I was eleven years old. This track is seared into my brain and my goosebumps because of a very specific film opening sequence. I still remember every bit of that sequence and every bar of On and On. Thanks for this. Long overdue.

[@davidmontymoore7257]

Hackers, right? Me too.

[@mwarky]

Hack the planet!

[@Made_In_Heaven88]

The ending of Mortal Kombat for me lol

[@MusicGearNuts]

@@Made_In_Heaven88 MOOOORTAL KOMBAAAAT

[@nickwallette6201]

I don't even care if I lose all my cred for saying so. I love that movie, and the Hackers soundtrack is absolute gold.

[@RachaelSA]

This was my all time favourite song for many many years and I spent hundreds of hours in Fast Tracker II trying to remake it with the acapella from the Opus III CD, and I also came to the conclusion that some of the vocals were from somewhere else and listened to everything Kristy sang to try find them. When I discovered Spleeter it was the first track I split the vocals from to see if I could figure it out. Thank you for this.

[@GyuBeats]

❤️

[@rich_rich90]

Play this to anyone who isn't into electronic music. They will appreciate its perfection.

[@princealbertz]

Three things that come to my mind when I hear Halcyon - Orbital On and On 1. Mortal Kombat 2. Hackers 3. 1990s

[@leighbyrne1]

I can’t wait for your new videos this is an absolute classic and one of my favourite tracks of all time. Keep it up and thanks for your efforts.

[@GyuBeats]

Ah thanks so much!

[@3DJapan]

My mind is blown. I had no idea this was It's A Fine day. I love both this song and the Miss Jane song.

[@letskillmusic1]

Man i just cannot get enough of your videos! I love seeing you go to work on these seminal tracks, it gives me a renewed appreciation for the music and you are really great company with your calm and measured delivery. Love it😊

[@ChosenOne6666]

Its a Masterpiece.

[@IrrationalRecreation]

Another absolutely sterling effort with a little assist from the venerable Paul H. no less. Very well timed for the Orbital *"30 Something"* release today (Friday 29th).

[@GyuBeats]

I'm so grateful to you for mentioning that when we spoke!

[@anthonymcgrath]

this track is an absolute work of art - it builds so nicely.. and that point at 24 mins when the extra vocal sample kicks in amidst all the bass and drums and harmonics.... brings tears nearly every time. I've skydived to this tune... had it in my earpods on the way to altitude... one of the most sublime moments i've experienced... until the lads on board opened the door and pushed me out lol oh btw... just a song suggestion - not particularly dance music.. but Brian Eno's "an ending" is incredible - would love to hear you talk about a track like that. oh and you did the top 20 chill tunes... how about... top 20 manic tunes.. eg higher state... top 20 tunes that didn't quite hit the spot? oh and one more - have a listen to Speedy J live - Fusion - that is a 90s banger (the whole album is amazing!) ah man i could go on forever sorry!

[@jeremey2072]

This song gives me so many emotions, one of the best tracks ever made and I love how it takes me back to that time, and I miss it.

[@_--__--___.3]

i remember back in the day hearing that ATB - 9pm (til i come) and thinking the pitch shift guitar sounded like the same patch but a bit more saturated. love the vids!

[@hinkhall5291]

It went from being a kooky techno song (the original EP) to perhaps being, arguably, the most spiritual electronic song ever made (The Brown album) by rearranging the same sounds and adding some incredible string arrangements and new vocals. If not the most, then at least second with _Unfinished Sympathy_ being #1

[@kellyroberts7268]

Heaven for the soul.

[@jtvj8423]

I highly recommend the original mix called Halcyon, on the self-titled EP and also on another little EP called Radiccio. Sorta gives more space to hear the samples than Halycon On & On allows. Either way, some of the best and most iconic vocal sampling ever put together imo.

[@ThomasWhatever]

Absolutely!

[@YershJRSZ]

It also has a little less uplifting, I'd even say quite sad sounding pads, that aren't that prominent in On and On remix

[@MrBelm]

Please consider trying to recreate FSOL’s “Papua New Guinea” w/ the Liz Fraser vocals

[@GyuBeats]

Are there Liz Fraser vocals on that track?

[@chinnyreckon775]

The (sampled) vocals on PNG are by Lisa Gerrard, not Elizabeth Fraser.

[@hymen0callis]

@@chinnyreckon775 Dead Can Dance - _Dawn of the Iconoclast_ to be precise ;-)

[@Sonikbytes]

I just asked the for the same lol!

[@Chainsaw-ASMR]

Oh please please PLZ do this

[@ripamoramee14]

I’ll always remember the wonder i felt as a kid watching Mortal Kombat and hearing this amazing song as Liu Kang says “Let’s go home”

[@kimmerrild3487]

You my friend, have an absolute fantastic taste of music. I was looking at your vids, and the list you have made so far is exactly the music I like. Keep up the good work, thumbs up from here :D

[@cuetwister1]

One of the most beautiful songs from my techno times in the 80ies. In switzerland.

[@ftollan]

80s?

[@MattJoyce01]

94,95 I think

[@random007nadir]

Orbital are the absolute masters of progressively layering sounds.

[@JonMichaelDeShazer]

The drums in this track are sampled breaks and layered on each other. One sample is from Hot Pants by Bobby Byrd and the other is We Dub to Scratch (Be Bop Scratch Mix) by the Imperial Brothers. I spent a day or so doing this very song about a month ago. One of my all time favorites from my all-time favorite band. Great work!

[@GyuBeats]

Are you sure that's not the original mix of Halcyon? I don't think there are sampled breaks in this version

[@JonMichaelDeShazer]

@@GyuBeats You're absolutely right about that, good catch.

[@orpheuscreativeco9236]

Granular would have worked well for that lost vocal clip. Great work around though! That's SO COOL the Paul chimed in and helped out! I love those guys and watching their behind the scenes stuff here on KZbin. What a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for sharing this recreation, very impressive! 🙏✨ Ths is one of my favorite songs of all time 🤩

[@davee4508]

I was an Indie Kid early 90s and someone at work gave me a mixed tape of electronic music and told me to have an open mind. It was just after the infamous Glasto gig in 94 and Orbitals Live set opened up the genre for me. The intro for Halcyon on and on feels like the track is breathing. Not many electronic acts back then made me look twice and think that their work is way ahead of it's time! Underworld were another that were ahead of their game.

[@zwerker]

Oh man! If I remember correctly I picked up the Radiccio ep totally on a whim. Had never heard of Orbital, let alone heard them. (Maybe Chime on some compilation, not sure) Once I got home and popped the cd in the player, I fell in love. Still am.

[@GyuBeats]

Amazing to find them like that!

[@maulrat588]

Orbital is the Mozart of electronic music. No question.

[@tommymclaughlin-artist]

I can't get enough of these! One thing that might be interesting to supplement these how it's made videos would be if you were able to do short companion videos interviewing any of the original artists who are willing, just to hear their thoughts on the original arrangements and whatnot. A tall order tho! Anyway keep putting out these banger how it's made clips.

[@GyuBeats]

I'd absolutely love that! Hopefully in the future

[@nothingman24]

Absolute bliss is what this track is. 😎❤️

[@GyuBeats]

Yep :)

[@JurassicTrance]

One of the greatest electronic tracks of all time. Awesome commentary / exploration of this fine track!

[@WilfredGoncalves]

Another 90s favourite of mine! Brings back memories of saturdaynights, coming home wasted from the pub and then watching MTV’s Chillout zone at 3am. The video was amazing (could be the booze/drugs) Anyway: love your video, keep them coming

[@MrBugs183]

Always takes me back to watching the sun come up in a field somewhere in the Midlands after a rather 'busy' evening, what a time to be young :)

[@3DJapan]

The joystick on the Wavestation reminds me of Korg's Kaosilator, which I love in the Android app form.

[@Holonomics]

I can't believe anyone would imagine you are showing off or being disrespectful - I am learning to appreciate new elements of long-loved songs.

[@ElectronicWitchcraft]

I was just watching your new one, thinking, damn… I hope he does Halcyon and On and On next lol.

[@RussellSpencerOfficial]

One of my favourite pieces of music. What a treat to see and hear a break down of how it was made.

[@JP-dv7rf]

I couldn't produce a track if my life depended on it but I absolutely love these videos! I can't wait to see your future uploads, I appreciate all of the work you put into these videos.

[@lucid484]

Been waiting for this one!

[@calvinchong2772]

This track I had heard from the MORTAL KOMBAT & HACKERS Motion Picture Soundtrack in 1995, in that time I'm starting to listening Orbital music and collecting their albums...My first favorite UK Electronica band

[@mikebailey783]

You've made my day; this is one of my favourite pieces of music and I really appreciate the attention you've given it, particularly Kirsty's iconic vox. - And the bonus of getting insight from the genius Mr H himself! Wow!

[@GyuBeats]

❤️

[@conorosullivan3795]

Good shows my friend, liking very much / TREPANIC :)

[@soundinsurgent712]

Truly 1 of my favorite tracks EVER!!

[@LorenzoVDH1996]

I couldn't be happier with this video

[@GyuBeats]

I couldn't be happier with this comment! :D

[@Mephistopholies]

This track is the deeeeeeepest cannon when it comes to mainstream "tekno"! Feels so good 3very time I hear it!

[@Azradok]

Yeah this is a great series. Anything 90s-00s electronic/club/house/ambient/trance/etc. will definitely be nostalgia and completely awesome. Halcyon, Song of Life, Little Fluffy Clouds.... yeah you're on the right track. Keep this up.

[@Iredidv]

Great selection of 80s to 2000 electronic classics. All favorites of my time. Would love to see a song from ´i care because you do´ from aphex twin. Alberto Balsalm is my favorite. But i wouldn´t know where to start with those songs. A lot of intricate drum rhythms, weird time signatures, micro scales built around a sample, heavy fx processing of samples etc... a big challenge,but seeing what you´ve done so far i think you could do it. 😉

[@marcpec11]

Recreating anything Aphex Twins has produced has got to be a massive undertaking. I absolutely love Alberto Balsalm too!

[@proaudiorestore8926]

Great video! I love how these older iconic tracks are actually incredibly simple. I think a lot of it just stems from the sheer cost of synths back then so artists really dig deep to get something original. I did a similar excercise to you a few years back on a Global Communications track called 1431. Luckily there was an article where Tom Middleton explains exactly how the tracks were created and I ended up on a 2 year journey actually buying some of the old (now very hard to source) equipment. And yeah, they just eeeked as much as they could out of it and a lot of the time, using the kit in ways it was never intended to be used. Keep on the videos, I love this kind of stuff 😊

[@matthoskins7988]

Every one of your likes on this video has "felt" your fudge moments!! You're such an inspiration... So you get the original Then you get your version Then you get us aspirators Love it

[@darkerarts]

I don't know why KZbin recommended this to me, but I really enjoyed this video. Such a great song, takes me back. I've subscribed 😎

[@DJEdSaunders]

Absolutely love what you did with the pitch bend. Nailed it. Interesting fact. Kirsty Hawkshaw came from a musical family, her dad Alan was a big part of KPM, who have been massively sampled over the years, but in my opinion his best work was the theme to Grandstand

[@AutPen38]

I was quite sad when he died fairly recently. Kirsty put up a lovely tribute on Twitter. As much as I loved the Grandstand theme, it's the fact that he did 'Grange Hill' and 'Countdown' (both so iconic, yet totally different) that blows my mind.

[@TheErrorerrorerrorer]

Top work

[@nanothrill7171]

this is hands down my favorite 90s track. One thing that I'm interested in is the actual composition process that these went through, like it blows my mind how the layering and stuff works.

[@shikhanshu]

Holy mother of whatever! Orbital is out of this world. But you are just amazing as well. And I feel so close to you seeing you appreciate these subtle and sublime properties of this song. Just amazing video to watch. Thank you!!

[@untitled746]

You’re doing all my favorites. Thank you.

[@DeyanMatunovic]

Thank you for making this video, I always wanted to see it. It's amazing how you replace the bass. First time I heard Halcyon is when I was a kid in Mortal Kombat on original vhs, and it was beautiful. I was replaying that part just to listen the song.

[@maksymcherniavskyi]

You helping me to progress in making music more than any online masterclass, because in your videos I can see the whole process in real life, and vid montage is superb. Thank you so much for your work, so glad I've found your channel!

[@mquininfrnl3362]

Funny story is that i dreamed avout listening this song a few years before I actually listened to it for the first time, kinda Deja Vu. For a long time I thought this song didn't existed

[@coldice24]

Absolute masterpiece of music. Always knew it was great but never realized how complex it is.

[@lesvegas5]

Thank you

[@IONYVDFC]

'Illuminate' is likely another deceivingly simple masterpiece from Orbital that really became an ear worm since it was on my playlist during my evening joggings ;-)

[@wolfgangdarkly]

Bravo, man. The discovering of the puzzle pieces while you're making these awesome vids makes them more beautiful. Love this song. Cheers from LA! Gracias.

[@philphilphil]

One of my fave songs, ever!

[@hrrld]

Epic. I learned so much. The choir puts a huge smile on my face. Keep it up. Stay rad.

[@LucasSousaS205]

One of the best music of all time

[@mr2gti]

How have I only just found your videos!? These are amazing.

[@trickydickydoudlebug]

Amazing AGAIN. Great selection of tunes I love too throughout your vids. Thankyou!

[@shortattentionspa.....]

These videos are just so amazing. I hope Paul sees this. Thanks for sharing!

[@GyuBeats]

Ah thanks! I'd love to interview him at some point. Look out for another Orbital vid in the next few weeks :)

[@ClubWisdom8]

This is so cool 😍

[@arzhon24]

It's very cool that you could manage making sounds similar to the original track... I love this song too much and you are the one who tries to remaster this amazing track after 30 years. +RESPECT

[@GyuBeats]

Ah thanks!

[@MadelnMachines]

I've loved this track for years too - you choose such great tracks! Good effort. Recreating songs is next to impossible - in some ways it takes a lot more talent than creating original tracks

[@krzysztofsojka1988]

Woooow❤❤ incredible! ❤❤😊

[@andrewhontz3327]

Earned a sub from me! Just recently played this for my 8yo son and he said ‘this song makes me happy’…and a few days later I get to see how it’s put together. Love your work, thank you

[@GyuBeats]

❤️❤️❤️

[@d05music17]

Love this record… timeless so glad you did it thanks 😊

[@daymja]

Absolutely love the intro to this song

[@totalabundance2160]

So grateful to see this video, as Orbital are one of my fave electronic music producers, and have seen them several times. Can I just request a future video? Maybe something by Ratpack or urban shakedown or anything of that era

[@darr303]

Brilliant video 👍🏻. Have loved Orbital since the 90s, so many great tracks over the years with so much emotion and feeling in them. Great to see a breakdown of this track 🙏.

[@belverticale]

Terrific job as always...you have a great ear. Many suggestions from people here from this era - FSOL, Underworld, 808 State, Plastikman, early Autechre, Aphex...although the latter will be difficult given all the customized steam-punk circuitry that Richard James was using at the time.

[@benbold]

Marvellous, Gyu. Thank you again. Your channel has that brilliant quality of ‘why has no one else done this, it’s kinda such an obviously good idea?’ Like the best ideas. But you pull it off with such skill and charm too. Old fart reminisces time: This track takes me back to Club UK in the 90s, the first high profile London club to be shut down over people pill popping. Orbital are brilliant live. Glasto in 94. Brixton god knows when. Them hilariously and brilliantly splicing a sample of Shot Through the Heart into a track. Really digging your work. How about something by Fluke at some point? Underrated champions of dark electronica eclipsed by other names like Chemicals and Underworld. A track perhaps from Risotto?

[@GyuBeats]

Ah cheers, yeah I'll try to do something by Fluke at some point 👍🙂

[@sndr_rcvr]

Thanks!

[@braddeeley]

Ah theres my Orbital breakdown! Excellent

[@iratepirate3896]

I could listen to this amazing song a million times more

[@iantrigue6159]

These videos are absolutely cracking, loads of my favourite tunes from the 90's and the stories around how they are made are so cool!

[@GyuBeats]

Glad you like them!

[@SeansYTEntertainment]

Halcyon and On and On contains "It's a Fine Day" - mind blown! I was today years old when I learned that. Great breakdown!

[@w1zard0f0h]

Great job by the way

[@jfroines]

Underworld? Everything they do thrills and bewilders me.

[@stuartleighton]

You listened to my request. Brilliant, thanks. I'll check this out today. I love you.

[@GyuBeats]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mattbutler5095]

Thankyou so much for doing my request, truly grateful mate , best of luck to you and the future, thanks so much dude 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@GyuBeats]

😀😀😀

[@19801980tim]

I think you did an amazing job! It’s a fantastic song, far ahead of its time. You are a modest guy who puts the credits where they belong. Wish I had your skills when it comes to producing and reverse engineering. Keep them coming! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@watkins7086]

Your channel is awesome