How We Made Latch

How we wrote Latch ft. Sam Smith
Meeting Sam & Backstory - 0:00
Drum Hits - 1:06
Drum Progression - 1:51
Snares & Claps - 2:19
Reverb - 2:33
Noise Build Ups - 2:52
Noise Layer - 3:12
Burial Esq Atmosphere - 3:29
Drum Bus - 3:48
Intro Beeps - 4:10
The Chords - 4:22
Synth Layers - 4:59
The Beeps - 5:42
How Did You Make The Chords? - 6:49
What Key is Latch? - 7:24
Bass & Sub Bass - 7:49
Noise Crashes & FX - 8:56
The Vocal Sample - 9:36
Vocal Automation - 10:06
Sam's Vocal Chain - 10:27
Vocal Tape Delay - 11:22
Vocal Whispers & Double Tracking - 11:49
Chorus Vocals - 12:49
Six Sam Smith Layers - 13:16
Low Vocal Layer - 13:52
Vocal FX - 14:19
Vocal Ad Libs & Extra Layers - 15:11
Follow us on Twitch for more breakdowns : Disclosure.lnk.to/twitchID​​​
Never Enough EP is out now: disclosure.lnk.to/neverenough...
‘ENERGY’ LP: disclosure.lnk.to/ENERGY_AlbumID
Video edit by ‪@SolStateMusic‬ who also have a load of great breakdown videos!
Follow Disclosure: Disclosure.lnk.to/FollowID
#latch #disclosure #musicproduction #samsmith #logicx #producer #songwriting #twitch

[@PadChennington]

this song feels like it came out forever ago and yesterday at the same time. amazing track

[@ganibattlebeard]

A timeless classic; the highest of praise. Thx Disclo for being my inspo

[@pearsemacintyre1728]

It will always be a new song to me

[@SolStateMusic]

Worth listening to Sam's raw vocals (toward end). If you start with great ingredients, you don't need $10k of plugins.

[@khobys]

So cool you got this edit!! Making moves man!

[@gnuwaves743]

@@zennyboi6432 I didn't get a Neve OR the telefunken I asked for during xmas. No one loves me I guess lol

[@DJKuroh]

@@zennyboi6432 For sure, maybe not 10k on plugins but a few thousand in great mics, preamp... maybe hardware compressors... A great voice still needs a great vocal chain.

[@WLLMUSIC]

Facts!!

[@mattwhit02]

Gratz on making this edit!!!

[@ClementBaudoin]

I literally grow up with this song, passing all my adolescent days with this masterpiece in my ears. Ah, Times really flies

[@christianterrill3503]

That's awesome disclosure are two talented lads

[@DaxSports1]

Same!

[@deaholz6943]

@Disclosetup same bro same

[@HC100_]

Same, Disclosure tunes (especially anything off of Settle) gives me massive nostalgia of my last couple years in secondary school. Specifically when I hear those chords in Latch I get flashbacks of summer evenings spent drinking cider with my mates lol.

[@lucamess6191]

Oh man, if only i knew it years ago! back those days (when the song came out) me and my friends were tryng do deciper the secret of your sound. Wondering what kid of expensive gear or tapes or compressor or whatever you guys were using and try to emulate it. This puts a smile on my face. This song and this sounds means a lot to me and i have great memories about those moments. Love you guys

[@festy111]

seriosly man when i saw the sylenth1 sxf whoosh i was like dang all this time thinking they used only fancy gear

[@amu3711]

i will never forget hearing this song for the first time in 2012. I've loved it ever since.

[@shanemag-ash6315]

After 9 years of being wondering, now I know it's "Another" not "Never" and I thought it was"Nah-Nah"😂 I never regret that they picked Sam Smith to be a vocal to this masterpiece because he fits with this song so much!!! Even without an auto tune.

[@IanLongo]

i always thought it was 'knock downnn' haha! great video!

[@etobaba]

I thought it was "your love"

[@harshilpatel684]

Thought it was yeah yeah

[@MyLifeAsBrandon]

I always thought it was nah-nah or no-no as well. What a bop! 🔥

[@brockbah2048]

LOL +1 for nah-nah 😂

[@WLLMUSIC]

You guys changed everything for me with this song. The next day After I heard latch the first time, I was trying to learn everything I could about electronic music. Thank you!

[@TheElectroclassic]

It goes to show that Electronic music is so young and that you can make a banger with little budget and a ton of knowledge. So, no, we don't have to worry about FM synthesis or "melodyning" things, when you have your shit together, magical things can happen. Thank you for this, this was part of my adolescent years too.

[@billypilgrim1]

Those beeps sound glorious. Crazy how simple synth patches can carry so much emotion.

[@mikemuponda1781]

Wow I love how refreshingly honest he is, sometimes he just threw something there and that’s exactly what he tells us. I have always thought of disclosure as like music production “scientists” but glad to see that while they are incredibly talented they’re also very humble & normal haha

[@marksimmons7906]

I like how Howard is proud of his chord progression. He should be; it's very complex and elicits quite the emotional response. Glad he finally explained it too, because it's so hard to discern.

[@brandonnang_]

Genuine question, for someone who wants to get started in music production, how do you not get overwhelmed looking at all stuff he's doing on this project? Insane. Just goes to show their talent. Nevertheless, a timeless song.

[@mkmcnll314]

For any creative software you have to remember that all these tools are just building blocks, and you're free to use as many or a few pieces as you need to. I've always found the best way to learn is to go in with a specific goal or project in mind. Constantly ask yourself "What if....?" and "How can I...?", then search out those solutions. Even professionals spend time just playing around.

[@HamiltonE]

Think of it as many small things to learn that you over time try combine. Example do something with piano, then something with piano and synths, then piano, synths and drums etc.

[@thedopest767]

I think that once you start creating your own projects that are quite big in size, you might start to understand how much stuff like automation and effects are needed.

[@StrangeAttractor]

I break it down into 10 areas: EQ, Compression, Transient Shaping, Saturation, Reverb, Stereo Field & Phasing, Harmonic Excitement, Layering, Routing & Bussing, Limiting. Disclosure’s excellent tutorials can all be broken down this way.

[@afonsocastro5288]

think of them as pieces of clothes. you could have tons of them including accessories or just simple shirt, trousers, shoes and underwear and you re also good to go!

[@nixndrea]

I was 12 years old when this song was released; now after almost 10 years each time i heard it, it always feels like the very first time. Thank you Guy & Howard for making one of my favorite songs of all times

[@lusid_music_uk]

Those raw vocals give me chills. Such attention to detail with every phrase, vibrato, stepping up and down perfectly in key. Such an incredible singer

[@asilajeiram3039]

Bought my first car at 21 and this song cam on when I was driving off the lot..forever love this song

[@sinepilot]

Thank you so much. I suffer such inertia, such intimidation writing my own electronic music, and to have one of my biggest influences demystify one of their greatest tracks (yet) really helps me bust through my own lack of confidence and believe I can do this. I'm twice your age but learning so much from you.

[@user-wp4ep8vo1x]

Same we should just be recording always its hard for me to commit to it though lmao

[@laravelisbullschitt3281]

Give it up...it clearly isn't for you...

[@sinepilot]

@@laravelisbullschitt3281 Tell everyone here you're a miserable person without telling us you're a miserable person

[@Daemonis22]

@@sinepilot right? what is up with that guy?? You do you man! Your comment meant a lot to me too.

[@sinepilot]

@@Daemonis22 Right on, thx buddy, I happen to be crafting a banger right now, F that guy 😀

[@nickhigginsonmusic]

Ah mine and the wife’s tune. We met when it was big , on a rather heavy weekend 😬😆 had it as our tune when she walked down the isle (well a slightly more chilled version). I’ve got into producing my own stuff in the time since using similar setup so this is very interesting all round. Great vid ! 😃🙌🙌🔈🔈

[@paulfeher6775]

Disclosure to me is a renaissance in sound, beat making, layering and one of the few acts with a truly distinct, recognizable signature. Tremendous track that elevated dance standards to a new level.

[@rohaxfx001]

Shed some tears of joy watching this, you guys are so clever. We love you guys. Thanks so much!

[@mydoods]

Gosh, the track is from 2012 it's been 9 years already and still enjoying Latch!

[@malouni95]

Man this is a gem. The song is such a masterpiece and it's one of the best feelings to actually be able to see a breakdown! Crazy how you made it all with logic instruments. Cheers man!

[@philipspralling1837]

This was amazing. Would love to see you guys show Omen next!

[@cmntr_]

+

[@WideAwakeAsleep]

Absolutely incredible guys! This song just never gets old - thanks for sharing this with us.

[@giupinkfairy]

This is so hypnotizing. This whole process always interested me. And Sam is just pure talent. I heard their raw Acapella version of their own songs during quarantine. Just *chefs kiss*

[@darbomusic]

Incredible track. Still a banger now. Sounds incredible in the car on the subwoofer 🔥❤️

[@ivierose5659]

I LOVED this breakdown, this song will never get old this joint was made almost 10 years ago and still every time I hear it it's like listening to it for the first time

[@thebrowneyedbrunette5275]

One of my favourite songs of the 21st century. Thank you for all the memories I’ve associated to this track ❤️❤️

[@artifact1921]

Dude, thanks for all the time spent on these breakdowns. You have raised my production to different levels. X

[@crb-llz7707]

Those chord sounds gave me pure chills man. Hearing that sound once more but more defined is an incredible experience that brings back great memories. Thank you Disclosure, I am currently 21 y/o btw time flies

[@smithlo4092]

This is the first song that I heard about Disclosure but not only that Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes. This behind the scene is so great. Thank you very much for making this such amazing video.

[@F4evrsoon]

First time I heard “Latch” was on the auditions for So You Think You Can Dance, and immediately I was like, “What is THAT???😲🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰” I was absolutely obsessed. It’s so dreamy, and with Sam’s voice it’s just 🔥🔥🔥. 😄💗

[@DontTrip-lu5hm]

The video we didn’t know we needed. Love the song still after the years, it never gets old! Thanks for sharing more in depth how the song came to be. 👍🏽

[@corvoswsattano]

This was probably the coolest thing I've experienced on KZbin in quite some time. Thank you for this

[@AnastasiaYGamble]

I love this series, it's very nice to see the breakdown/how many layers make up each song, and to hear the backstory of how each song was created. Now I gotta go listen to the album again💕🔥!

[@TylerTyy]

Thank you so much for the breakdown! It’s just perfection: the energy, the magical chords and Sam’s vocal… Ughhh. This will be forever a classic!!!

[@AlonzoStainbank]

One of my favourite songs of all time

[@sergioprieto4438]

I just close my eyes and this song can take me back in time to that special moment. Thanks for this masterpiece

[@TylerJaysonMadeit]

Very inspirational. I was in love with this song and remember the feeling of you guys throwing it live at decadence in Denver. You guys are mad talented

[@LuminorBeats]

when i was getting started in music production i would always do an exercise that consisted in recreate a song that i love from scratch, like, listening to the original and trying to nail all the right sounds, drums, synths and everything. i could never figure out the chords and the bridge melody. i used to think this song was haunted, now i know why...

[@lordaathras]

Man, I’ve always wanted a breakdown of this song and it’s amazing that we finally have one! I was totally blown how you guys mostly use Logic stock plugins (shows you don’t need thousands of dollars worth of plugins to make a hit) and very few other plugins to create Latch. Sam’s vocals are mesmerizing, he’s such a legend and it fits sooooo well with the whole song. It’s just…perfect chemistry really. Thanks a lot for breaking this song down for us, Guy and Howard! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@RWL2012]

I don't think Sam is a "he", even if they were at the time.

[@itisLELAND]

This song remains as one of my favorite songs of all-time. Thank you so much for kindly sharing how this was made. Very happy that Latch blew up.

[@aarongracheck943]

A modern classic. Honestly I’ve always appreciated how clean your guys production is. The reverb and delay is always on point too

[@YDeepMusic]

So great hearing you guys keeping it real. No bullshit approach, brilliant breakdown and logic exposure

[@nvisionbeats]

Wow! Incredibly humbling to watch, one of my favorite tracks of that time and to see it was made using mostly logic’s stock plugins and vsts plus experimenting with the different elements really shows no boundaries 🙌🏼

[@whattheflipman]

I've loved this song ever since I first heard it in my bus going to high school. It immediately resonated with me cause I had a crush on a girl in my class and I was confused by it because hormones/questioning my sexuality but also wanting to be around her all the time. This song just takes me back!!! Almost 10 years later, I am a totally different person, an adult in a long term relationship and this song still takes me to that time in my life. I still love and cherish this song and will always do 💗 thank you so much to you and Sam Smith

[@UnknownMelodies95]

Thanks again for taking time, really does give me ideas to try and things i don't usually do its great to watch thank u ❤

[@PlugInGuruVideo]

One of my favorite tracks ever dudes. So creative on every level. Mad respect for sharing these incredible tips.

[@aarnage2189]

Incredible, I appreciate you showing this for us future producers and artists this is legendary history now in the books 📖

[@heyiplaybassguitar]

Holy smokes that was amazing. Great job breaking down your workflow and process. The groove and vibe of the chords is timeless... also everyone needs to write in the key of Banger from now on

[@Meekismwisdom]

I'm so impressed w all of the stock plugins !

[@C3Stacy]

Love these videos! Keep them coming boys ♥

[@kodymonroe2613]

these breakdowns are the best in the game. love it. Unreal vocals perfectly match the vibe of the track

[@Mozzarella-and-Tomato]

I love this, thank you!! This song was my childhood/teen years and now that I'm starting out with music production myself, this is just the perfect inspiration.

[@vegaazer0]

one of my favorite tunes till this day! loved the break down!

[@randymoya31]

this song is literally a masterpiece i grew up with during my adolescent days and every time i listen to this song it just melt my heart and my entire body feels like an electric pinch, will forever be my favorite song at all time🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@daftafter]

This song makes me gussebumps, seriously guys this is a masterpiece. ♪♪♪ Thank you disclosure for all you have made along this time. Regards from Mexico :D

[@AutumnAfox]

Thank you so much! I have always wondered how you got the sounds for this song and this has fulfilled my dreams :)

[@theninolife]

One of the best songs I’ve ever heard musically and vocally…ty for this timeless gem 💎

[@ACoupleStoners]

I can't even begin to convey what this song means to me. The time, the nostalgia, such a great feeling to hear it again. Thank you so much for giving us this piece of history.

[@zmln6968]

It's like the best New Year gift to view making of for this masterpiece. Thanks!

[@simonbarquera6414]

Hi-fi production, so in love with the way you guys spread the frequencie range of the song

[@AndreaErricoart]

Thank you for sharing this video. I was always amazed by your tracks!

[@PogaYlants]

This is awesome!!! I have loved this song for years.

[@the_kingdom]

DISCLOSURE, thank you for making this song initially and showing us how you did it. I have always loved it! Perfection guys!!!

[@ubermenschproject5287]

I used to be depressed in high school this song was my jam, i was so happy listening to it in the bus

[@chuckmoment]

i cant believe ive listened to this song for years and loved it so much, then all of a sudden you guys release a video on how it was made just a few days ago and i catch it this early haha

[@TedTrembinski]

Jeeeeez. This is nice. Thanks so much for the breakdown - so much talent on this track. Sam's vocals are NUTS!

[@themslilhairshow]

Man I remember when this came out! I loved this song my freshman year of high school and I still blast it to this day 🥰

[@miggy4mayor]

this song still feels as fresh as the first time I heard it. This was so so fascinating to watch, thanks so much

[@prod.swango]

so many memories to this song, has a soft spot in my heart and i never really get tired of it, so cool to see some more details, it really made me love the song even more

[@zarajay6604]

This is awesome, one of my favourite songs and this breakdown is so honest and cool 😍 The video was sick too 😁💛

[@StueyTheWiz]

Great production and my god Sam's vocal chops are insane

[@eastoaklanderica]

Awesome! I still love this song! Thanks for the breakdown! 🔥

[@felixwiselives]

The pluck synth beeps literally made the song in my opinion. That, the unique drum pattern and of course Sam's stunning voice. This was such a special song at such a special moment of time in music. Thank you guys!

[@SoDrumatic]

Just WOW. Simple but creative at the same time. Sam's vocals are amazing. @Sol State great work as always. Cheers.

[@roxannedunlop1044]

This song was so important to me a few years ago....still love it

[@ragazzopigro97]

One of my favourites! This song is just so good, can't believe they made this video 😭

[@xtaylorxg]

This song came out my freshman year of college and was definitely on my playlist rotation all of those years. Forever one of my faves (this one and the acoustic)!

[@WYNCIA]

Amazing! Thank you for making a song sound so alive!

[@APimpNamedBigBack]

This whole time I thought it was “never” and now my mind is blown. I loved this whole video. Sam’s voice was the best part because of the versatility. Even down to the whisper and the ad libs. Forever on my playlist. ❤️

[@nazfizzle1924]

This was really inspiring, lots of great tips - thank you for the break down!!

[@TravisBeckMusic]

Insanely dope! Thank you for this wonderful breakdown.

[@QUDASCIENTISTTV]

Amazing. Just simply amazing. Dope! I love this song and to see the whole process, was just simply amazing.

[@oscaryuan_]

A masterpiece for real! 💯

[@blok31092]

One of the best videos on KZbin. Brilliant production all around. I gotta say though that this is a reminder to me of the core of a great song and that’s a killer vocal melody from an amazing singer. You take the vocals out and this is still a killer electronic track, but it’s really Sam Smith that made this song as brilliant and memorable as it is!

[@HypeHouseTV_]

How was “white noise” record made? My favorite song ever.

[@cmntr_]

Imagine white noise being nothing but white noise

[@BiggusNickus]

SeamlessR has a video where he recreated the main synth. It's pretty good.

[@markjhorsley]

Timeless, genius track! loved the insight

[@reaktormannen]

It's so nice to see that such a masterpiece can be achieved with just stock Logic plugins :) Good work, this is a classic!

[@SagesOfSound]

Love the track, the little nugget about the "Never" sample you used and the changing FX modulation, is ace!. Its actually my favorite sample in the tune. ".....Nev - veR!....." Also, "the BEEPS!" as you refer to them, are amazing........absolutely love the arps... fan dabby dozy!!!! Thanks guys, for sharing the process, it really gives an insight into your craft. Would you consider doing something similar with "White Noise" please???

[@johnnywoodz3494]

The beat with those vocals...a vibe you can't re produce thank u guys for this breakdown.

[@lukearray]

You guys are incredibly awesome.

[@josebr0]

This song was a absolute banger in the clubs at night. Really light up the place on fire.

[@podlesnytwins]

Thank you for the best new year gift

[@itsrichwoods]

This song is timeless. Thanks for showing the process

[@therosspalmer]

One of the best songs and most ground-breaking albums. Still listen to it regularly, much respect!

[@yannkaa]

I love this video! So interesting! Thank you for your music guys!!!

[@sagawahx3]

So awesome! Thank you for this.

[@Dawidopatowski]

This is gem! Still going back to this song. I was going into "adult" when this song came out and wasn't even producing music back then. Thank You for this :)

[@felimosmusic]

Thank you so much for doing this

[@Grooveboxonthebeattho]

Incredible vocals. Intriguing chords. Unique drums. What an awesome song.

[@rmxmslowverb]

Such an awesome and educational breakdown