Standardguytayo’s Signature Touch Powers On Morien’s “Plenty Money”: A Production Review

By Emmanuel Daraloye

From the initial seconds of “Plenty Money,” it is readily apparent that Standardguytayo is not a background artist – rather, he is entwined in the very architecture of the track. It is, in fact, a product of his approach as a record producer – one that is clear, grooved, and engineered for commercial efficacy. While the artist performs on the track in the name of Morien, the very identity of the track can be understood as a function of the broader approach provided by Standardguytayo to create a contemporary take on Afrobeats.

The overall sound design, however, is consistent with the theme of clarity that we find in Standardguytayo’s work. The overall mix is spacious, so that every sound has its place. The low end, of course, is rich and impressive, which is consistent with the Standardguytayo sound. It’s not just that the low end is loud; it’s that it’s crafted, warm, and clever. It integrates absolutely with the percussion to create a foundation that propels the music forward while not overwhelming it. One of the strongest signs of the Standardguytayo sound is that the beat is strong, but there’s room to breathe.

A notable characteristic of the sonic arrangement was the presence of synthetic string layers and melodic pads. Within the music of Standardguytayo, the decision was made to include digital string-like layers. These layers were used in such a way as to create atmosphere but not imitation. These layers are placed in the midrange of the sound field, filling the music with emotional content and the desired look and feel of a contemporary Afropop arrangement. The strings are not prominent but are used effectively as a harmonic bridge between the rhythmic elements and the vocal performance.

Instrumentation is an ordered and intentional process. Standardguytayo uses a strong rhythm section that relies on well-structured and tightly programmed beats. There is an infusion of Afrocentric rhythms and controllable beats of a drum machine. The hi-hat hits are sharp and defined, the kicks are sharp and defined, and the percussive hits give the tune the bounce that it needs. It’s got a sense of motion that never gets out of control but was rather constructed and produced with dance floors in mind. Finally, the way that the bass engages melodically with the drums gives it a conversation that keeps the tune fresh.

Morien’s vocals are the direct beneficiary of Standardguytayo’s mixing philosophy. The vocal sits upfront, center of the soundstage, clear and articulate. Carefully carved EQs ensure the voice cuts through without fighting with the instrumental. Reverb and delay are judiciously used to add dimensions sans washing out the performance. Background ad-libs and vocal textures are layered into the beat almost like additional percussion, reinforcing the song’s celebratory energy. This shows a producer who knows very well that vocals are not just placed on top of a beat; they’re woven into it.

Also, this mixing and mastering primarily emphasizes the technical prowess involved in making this. Notably, the levels are balanced between low, midrange, and high sound. There are no imbalances or rough sounds that can distract from the smoothness. The mixing has used compression that maintains homogeneity while maintaining sonic dynamism. Also, the level is high enough to be competitive but remains powerful. Consequently, this means that regardless of whether you are listening to this through speakers or headphones, or even inside a car or nightclub, the quality of sound is still excellent.

From a structural standpoint, the song’s sequencing follows the pacing that Standardguytayo understands. There’s also a lot of gradual progression, building on the different aspects of the song in a way that keeps the listener interested. The transitions between the different parts of the song, be it the hooks or the verses, flow seamlessly. There’s a sense of drop and re-entry that’s perfectly timed. Nothing feels gratuitous, which is good since there’s no sense of the production overshadowing the song, while everything helps to lift it up.

Ultimately, the result of it all is that the song “Plenty Money” serves as a testament to the production style of Standardguytayo. As a result of his production work, the song itself has a balance of both the technical and the musical. This ensures that the song has a certain sound that can be attributed to the production of the track. The overall performance of the song by Morien can be attributed to the production created; there is a seamless balance of music and rhythm that can be found within the track itself.