Deconstruction: Bronski Beat - 'Smalltown Boy' in Ableton Live

Ski Oakenfull deconstructs the seminal dance music hit, "Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat. The track features a mesmerising hook which has been sampled numerous times, including Supermode (Steve Angello & Axwell of Swedish House Mafia fame) in their house classic, "Tell me why".
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#bronskibeat #supermode #pointblank

[@wakeupcall2665]

1984, I was 17, and a group of friends totally obsessed with the New Wave movement went often to this club in Dortmund. Dance floor was elevated with neon lights underneath, like cubes put together. Small Town Boy came on, club and dance floor packed, fog machine on full power and strobe lights flickering, and when that mid part synth came on, it was like out of this world. What a fantastic and surreal experience. This was before recreational drugs - they came in a few years later, you all know what I mean. What a time to be alive that was! Thanx for this. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Subbed

[@wakeupcall2665]

@Nim Chimpsky LOL - you know, there are Germans that do speak English. In my case, it all started with Meat Loaf‘s Bat out of Hell, which ultimately had me living in the U.K. for 9 wonderful years. Even so, my friends there can’t get their head around my thick German accent, which has crawled back in over the last 17 years back in Germany! But that’s ok, don’t you think? I love the language, and sometimes I find it easier to express myself in English. But I am 100% German born and raised!

[@wakeupcall2665]

@Nim Chimpsky Thank you! That’s very kind of you to say. I lived in London and then later down in Brighton - well Hove, actually. I loved it! And I love going back. Britain’s so different, and yet so similar to Germany 😉

[@tonyde6423]

Same in the clubs down here in Melbourne was a great time stay safe cheers

[@kwietkarma]

Welcher Club war das in Dortmund?

[@wakeupcall2665]

@@kwietkarma Nagel mich nicht fest, ist immerhin 36/37 Jahre her. Aber ich glaube es war das ‚Memphis‘ in der Bornstrasse.

[@1chipchap]

This song has always given me massive goosebumps. Not only relate to the subject of the song but musically it is such an amazing written track, hits all the sweet spots of what makes a soulful and impactful song . Incredible

[@mrfashionguy1]

Watching this is like watching Bob Ross paint.

[@gchance]

Or watching Bob Ross with sections of a painting that he glues together rather than actually painting it.

[@bassboomboing]

@@gchance or sniffs glue

[@fabiopepe7463]

That is true, really!

[@SpeccyMan]

​@@gchance What an astonishingly ignorant, crass and rude comment!

[@gchance]

@@SpeccyMan Thanks buddy! Will you be uploading performance videos of your own soon, or...?

[@gixxer750r3]

I love this! I discovered the tune while traveling in Europe in 1984. When i got back to the States, i found the album in a local avant guarde record shop. Played it at my house party that Saturday night and all my friends were hooked on the tune! Not long after that, a group of us invited Jimmy to our annual fundraiser in Houston where he performed with his two backups. I was his driver for the weekend. One of my great memories. He is not only an outstanding artist with an amazing voice but also a genuinely nice person. Miss ya, Jimmy! RM

[@rkidlat]

Awesome. I was 18 in NY in 84 discovering New Wave

[@marvomusic]

The tutorial we didn't know we needed!

[@kris_lx]

I would love to see a deconstruction of Crockett's Theme by Jan Hammer.

[@primitivo4604]

Great choice.

[@shanecolreavy3575]

Totally agree 👍

[@LightBlazeMC]

definitely !!!

[@grahamwilliams1569]

YES ! Excellent choice. Would make a lovely Xmas present ! ;-)

[@trancemadmaz]

100%

[@kraftwerk974]

This song is so melancholic. 36 years later still one of my favourites.

[@couchcamperTM]

when this came out I could sing along. since than my voice broke and I learned English ;- )

[@jasonlaakeofficial144]

10:41 : Shazam says it's Bronski Beat - "Smalltown Boy". Good work!

[@BlackDuke235]

Had to try it myself, nice. I wonder how many of his videos get copyright strikes.

[@salvatoreprova9635]

@@BlackDuke235 è vero! 👍

[@mannytheshift]

Such a classic track. Doesn’t get the credit it deserves... this was a great cover. Spot on mate

[@johnpineapple3329]

"Doesn't get the credit it deserves?" Are you serious?

[@johnbull1568]

@@johnpineapple3329 I doubt that many people under 40 could actually name the song, and it didn't hit No 1 in the UK at the time. Of course it doesn't get the credit it deserves.

[@swanseawales1979]

@@johnbull1568 completely agree

[@swanseawales1979]

Completely agree

[@PasandulS15903]

I’m 15 and this is the beat of my life

[@campari4467]

Your a genius mate. One of my favourite songs of all time. This song was the reason I left home and I didn't look back

[@HamnaTabuu]

Brilliant deconstruction. The un-produced sound reminds me of the first studio recording they made at London Records. I wish I still had my copy. RiP Steve & Larry.

[@mloclam6917]

I was 15 when this came out, loved it then, now I'm 52 and still love it, great video

[@CH-gb7hf]

This is absolute class! As someone that is fascinated by good music but was never blessed with any kind of musical talent I really appreciate these types of videos.

[@FredStam]

clever done my friend. This song and all of Bronski Beat will be the classics of the future like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert are for us now.

[@joeaverage3444]

I was ten years old when this track came out, already with a keen taste for synth music. I taped this song off the radio and just listened to it over and over. Good times.

[@javierzubizarreta2933]

Gear of that era: Sequential Pro-One, Yamaha DX7, Memorymoog, Linn. The Bass is actually a Roland MC-202.

[@josephlihou]

So glad you are still doing these deconstructions!

[@GFProductionsNZ]

Utterly brilliant

[@PointBlankMusicSchool]

Thanks for watching.

[@Adam-Y-Trancer]

This was just soooo brilliant!!! Man, this song just never gets old, so timeless!!!

[@larrydavid2728]

I really enjoyed that. Such an amazing song and Ski did such amazing job. Well done

[@v8nagrom]

Another deconstruction, finally. I love these shows. Keep up the good work, Ski!

[@lameduck9]

The sign of genius is when they make the complex look simple. A brilliant deconstruction and really educational too

[@popualitymusic3786]

Wow - thank you so much . So very interesting . This song was iconic to our youth . Your a genius for showing us how it was made . Thank you 🙏🏼

[@PointBlankMusicSchool]

Thanks for watching!

[@maikrobin]

Very glad to have you back Ski !! Your deconstruction videos are always outstanding and make me smile, even on bad days..! I never miss any!

[@johnalecritchie8646]

Thank you this is one of my favorite songs, lyrically and harmonically, ever. Love how you broke it down.

[@gab9099]

Fantastic! Welcome back Ski, as always, brilliantly deconstructed and very insightful.

[@damo5791]

Always been one of my favourite tunes. Another great deconstruction Ski! I wish you would do them more frequently.

[@michellew.3691]

I am so glad to see you with your great talent & enthusiasm! Loving it! ❤️

[@philrob1978]

Awesome stuff. Treated with the respect it deserves. Thanks Ski!

[@ddineenmate]

You wonderful human, this is such a lovely way to boost someones creativity. Means a lot!

[@Squidy666]

This is simply amazing, very well done. One of the greatest pop songs ever written.

[@tonybalm1513]

I love to see these classic tracks teared down. You really make Ableton sing. Fantastic so glad I grew up in the 80's!!!!!

[@andrewrutter5753]

Best video in ages. I totally love this, the breakdown of the song was excellent. At 53 years old I remember this song like it was released yesterday. A fantastic job !! Really really outstanding !! More please !!

[@gregbrookman]

This is an awesome deconstruction. I love the level of detail you go into.

[@tomtom-tsz]

I love this song. Excellent deconstruction! Fantastic job, thank you.

[@everpuremusic]

Ski awesome as always! And it is so fantastic to see how he enjoys himself with this true 80s synth pop classic.

[@TomGorsich]

What a video! This is an example of a raw, basic, music composing/re-creating. So simple yet so powerful! 👏😎

[@coolben1310]

What a amazing idea to do those kind of tutorial when the synthwave movement is banging, I hope more is coming, well done guys and thank you very much ;)

[@MadazzaMusik]

Brilliant I love this song. Reminds me of the school disco days

[@ovidiodemorizi]

Thank you. I always get so inspired by looking at the videos.

[@jamesrbrindle]

Love these

[@gabrielmenezes1361]

This was simply amazing. I have no words to describe what I’m feeling

[@paulleather182]

Absolutely loved watching this just brilliant.

[@diyhell8712]

That was amazing. One of my favourite shows is Classic Albums, mainly for the deconstruction. Thanks for all of your hard work!

[@scoutfinch47]

One of the songs I loved as a 15 yr old in 1984. Great video, thank you so much.

[@johnghadimi]

Another gem! So fun to watch this track come to life.

[@steevski]

Got a keyboard for the first time this summer to keep myself occupied during this COVID crap. Never had a lesson nor have I played another instrument before. Thanks to this vid I now can play the main riff from great song from my teenage years. I still have no idea what I’m doing but at least being to play along even a little bit brings a smile to my face. One day I’ll get some real lessons. Thanks for this!!!!

[@johndaarteest]

Amazing to unpack each segment, show it on its own then reassemble it. Fantastic!

[@jeromenelson5280]

Love it! That was excellent! Thanks for sharing!

[@robalbalos]

Your workflow is outstanding! I was amazed at how fast you were able to put everything together and it sounded absolutely fabulous I just subscribed hope to see more from you!

[@modularoutput]

PERFECT! That brass is the signature sound for me!

[@TK-76054]

You truly are an artist. You hit it spot on!

[@NathanReevesnate808]

Cheers! love that melody and those chords are deep house gold

[@stevewandless8999]

Loved this thanks Ski!

[@JohanndeBoer]

Absolutely incredible! Feel so inspired to have a go now! Amazing!

[@bobamarmstrong]

Amazing what you did here. This song is wonderful. I can't stop listening to it

[@Northern362]

Brilliant deconstruction, an absolutely timeless classic from the 80s

[@ateliergallez7594]

this is so much fun to watch !!! thank you !

[@RingoM]

Flash back to the awesome 80's love it. Thanks for doing this one.

[@des9655]

Thanks for the video.. I always loved the keys in this song.. love the way you break it all down..

[@pakozdiattila]

This is also my favorite hits from this time... thanks Man!

[@netrunner1987]

Awesome!!! one of my favorite songs.

[@Stevie_B_0828]

Wow, thank you for sharing this video, this is one song that hits home for me and hearing the different parts/pieces being built up and on top 1 another gives me a whole new level of respect for the art behind the groove. I dig the true passion you have for music, it really comes thru ur video. Excellent work, my friend. 🤘😉👍

[@JulianMakes]

Just awesome!

[@dj-fattman]

Brilliant video man! Really well done, absolute classic of a tune.

[@AlfonxB]

Thank you very much for this deconstruction. I love how easy you are doing this.

[@ondrejrohon5696]

Thanks so much for this I love this tune!

[@hank10111111]

Insane how good this track is and how simple it is! Shows less is sometimes more

[@brianh.000]

Amazing!! So cool to see how these old favorites were constructed.

[@FukumanDJ]

Classic! Huge deconstruction!

[@lycakito1814]

Love this ... love seeing you deconstruction a song. Thanks

[@jorgecds]

This guy is the king of deconstructions. I have ni doubt. Ive spent hundreds of hours on KZbin looking for this type of content and everytime I come back to this channel I just feel like I learned something new.

[@sapsfm]

Absolutely fantastic! Just getting back in to music and just starting Ableton production and I found this video full of inspiration. Thank you 👍🏻

[@twoscoops2]

I love these and I love this song. thanks!

[@ssdelko]

Nice! I was 22 when this came out. Somehow it reminds me of walking down Halsted St in the bitter cold. Thanks for good memories on a lousy day!

[@campari4467]

What a great time

[@rozada1]

Brutal. Bravooo

[@turnipkimchee]

Beautiful. I love it. You're brilliant. Thanks!

[@djgilevans]

Absolutely amazing.

[@smelllikewee]

I love these videos, so insightful

[@Connectronix]

Wow!! I just loved that Great job! I’ve always been a huge fan of this song. I can’t say exactly what it is but it just has that grove that hits you in just the right spot! I’ve spent so many times driving and jamming to this song. And then I found watching you work your magic on it and I spent most of it bobbing my head with a smile on my face! This here, is what music is all about! 🎶 👏

[@Fam2014Ch]

Flipping BRILLIANT !!!! Love it !!! woow...

[@geertromain]

Totally in awe... again ! 😲

[@leeevio]

love this

[@djmumma]

Really enjoyed seeing this being broken down and it sounds pretty spot on too. What a tune, that never gets boring. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@bravobravus]

I really love this! thanks for sharing!!!

[@PachankaDunk]

very cool !, I love this format!, keep it up!

[@Erasuretribute]

Really enjoy these breakdowns. Thanks for sharing

[@michaelschmitt3739]

very nicely done. I really liked this song when I first heard it and made it very popular at the club I was spinning at in the 80's. Such a simplistic example of a great powerful hit. Thank you again for this decon.

[@beil3537]

One of my fave bands of the 80's... brings back memories! First visit - awesome vid... subscribed!

[@thegeenius]

thorough ,, thanks for taking the time sir,, well done

[@carlhitchcock7556]

Thanks for these!

[@johandevilliers8582]

Well done! Love this song!

[@btimec5290]

Amazing!!! Thank you

[@drakestar13]

my endless childhood favourite track back in the day!!!! awesome work and thx for the journey

[@rajnamajnadunav]

Bravo Ski!

[@PointBlankMusicSchool]

Woop woop!

[@cd2949]

what a cool video - thanks for bringing me back to my college days...I miss that dance scene. You are a master...thanks for sharing

[@AVCM]

Really love these deconstruction videos 👍

[@bhoydavid1]

Brilliant loved this

[@alexdelargesupertramp]

I love these deconstruction videos.

[@Nick-vu9yu]

Amazing, thanks for making this video.