what every producer can learn from wannacry (ninajirachi, porter robinson)

Summary (general ideas from the subtitles)

The video explores how Porter Robinson and Nina Las Vegas created their collab, “Wannabe Cry” (referred to as “Wanna Cry”), and what producers can learn from their process.

“Paint splatters / glitch mudpie” production technique

The narrator describes recording long, messy sound-design sessions—turning knobs, resampling, loading effects, and capturing randomness (“weird” sounds). The idea is to:

• Collect these fragments
• Later insert them into the gaps of a track
• Use them to create interesting moments and intentional musical choices

Using noise as an “anchor” and glue (especially in drops)

Instead of treating noise as decoration, they use it structurally to make the lead sound thicker (“fatter”). Noise is also used like a pseudo high-hat, with attention to:

• Noise length
• Filtering
• Transition placement

Practical workflow for adding noise rhythmically

The video offers a method:

• Take a noise sample
• Use a gate
• Enable sidechain so the noise triggers when a main lead plays
• Automate parameters (e.g., filter changes) to add “crunch”
• Preserve the original sound quality while making the rhythm clearer

Whisper / vocal layering

A similar concept appears in vocals: a whisper layer adds texture without relying on fancy plugins. The narrator emphasizes that it’s mostly about:

• Capturing
• Isolating
• Using the raw take as texture rather than depending on complex effects.

Melodic minimalism + variation through rhythm

The lead melody reportedly sticks to a small set of notes (A, C#, D, E). To avoid monotony, variation comes mainly from rhythm changes, such as:

• Changing note durations
• Shifting timing (e.g., earlier entries)
• Altering how phrases align with the beat

Variation in harmonic timing (pre-chorus vs chorus)

Even when chords are similar (or octave-related), the difference can be when chord changes happen relative to the beat, such as:

• Chorus switching exactly on the beat
• Pre-chorus shifting slightly before

Collaboration mindset

Collaborating with someone you trust helps reduce second-guessing by enabling:

• Quicker
• Clearer feedback on what works

Music visuals / Spotify strategy (sponsorship)

The video includes an ad about using Spotify “canvases” via DistroKid to add visuals to tracks and enhance professional presentation.

Song meaning and emotional interpretation

The narrator frames the lyrics as strangely haunting, interpreting the “virus” perspective as obsessive love—something with intention and “happy purpose,” yet still toxic. They argue Porter and Nina show thoughtfulness in electronic music by:

• Making meaning from experimentation
• Not merely chasing hype or “tech shortcuts”

Production philosophy

The overall message is to embrace chaos + technicality, while keeping production:

• Fun
• Intentionally directed
• Not a chore or a search for hacks

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Speakers found in the video

1. Ash (main narrator/creator)
2. Porter Robinson (referenced)
3. Nina Las Vegas (referenced)