reference-matchlisted
Install: claude install-skill glincker/ableton-skills
# Reference Match
Translate a reference track or artist into concrete production choices. We do **not** download or analyze copyrighted audio. We use known sonic signatures and the user's own ears.
## Workflow
### 1. Identify the reference
Ask if not given: "Which track or artist? And which aspect — the arrangement, the mix, the sound design, or the overall vibe?"
### 2. Pull the sonic signature from common knowledge
Map the reference to its known characteristics. Examples:
| Reference | Signature |
| --- | --- |
| **Ólafur Arnalds** | Felt piano, string ensemble (often Spitfire), tape saturation, slow tempo (60-80), minor key, sparse arrangement, long reverb tails, microphone proximity sound |
| **Tame Impala (Currents-era)** | LinnDrum patterns, OP-1 synths, heavy chorus on guitar, vocoded vocals, sidechained bass, 60-90 BPM, vintage drum saturation |
| **Bonobo** | Live percussion + electronic drums, jazz harmony, vinyl crackle textures, mid-tempo (90-110), wide stereo, heavy use of sample chops |
| **Burial** | Vinyl/cassette texture, rain/atmosphere, pitched-up vocal samples, sub bass, garage-2step rhythm, lo-fi hihats, minor 7 chords |
| **Kendrick (DAMN era)** | 808 sub, trap hi-hats, jazz samples, vocal layering, heavy compression, mid-side EQ for vocal width |
| **Billie Eilish (early)** | Whisper vocal up close, sparse 808, finger snaps, sub-heavy mix, heavy automation, breath sounds intentionally left in |
| **Skrillex** | Heavy modulation on bass (vocal-for