The Sonic Alchemy of "All I Got": A Deep Dive into Massh, Ninae, Adam Port, Keinemusik, and the Art of Des Grey Mastering
In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, certain tracks emerge not just as songs, but as cultural touchstones, embodying the spirit of a moment while pushing the boundaries of sound. “All I Got” by Massh & Adam Port featuring Ninae, released under the esteemed Mordainthehouse collective, is one such masterpiece. More than just a sum of its parts, this track is a testament to collaborative genius, the power of a distinct sonic identity, and the meticulous craft of audio mastering.
From its highly anticipated release on September 27th, 2024, on Madorasindahouse Records, “All I Got” quickly became a celebrated staple in sets around the globe, making memorable appearances, notably in Adam Port’s set at The Lot Radio in NYC. It is a track that effortlessly fuses the cathartic emotionality that Adam Port is known for with authentic South African soul, a testament to the powerful collaboration at its core.
The Architects of Sound
Massh, a name that resonates deeply within the Afro House scene, brings the raw, soulful energy that anchors “All I Got.” Ninae: The Voice of Emotion and Connection. The ethereal and captivating vocals of Ninae are undeniably one of the standout features of “All I Got.” Ninae’s vocal performance is not about overt technical prowess but rather about raw emotion and impeccable phrasing. Adam Polaszek, known professionally as Adam Port, is a German DJ and record producer who needs little introduction to anyone familiar with the melodic and Afro house genres. As a founding member of the highly influential Keinemusik collective. Keinemusik, which translates to “no music” in German, is arguably one of the most influential and innovative collectives in electronic music today. Founded in 2009 by Adam Port, Rampa, &ME, Reznik, and artist Monja Gentschow, Keinemusik is more than just a record label or a DJ crew; it’s a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a distinct artistic movement. Their name itself is a playful nod to a mother’s critique that their early sounds were “no music,” which they ironically adopted as their trademark.
The Mastering
The “less is more” approach featured heavily during this mastering session. The chain was kept as simple as possible, and most of the processing was used to negate the effects of the limiter for the digital release. Maximum loudness was not a concern; as always, we used the Manley Massive Passive to help the vocals sit better in the mix while ensuring the vocal tone remained unaffected.
With no clipping or aggressive EQ in sight, a touch of tube saturation and EQ ensured the vibe and intent of the music were respected. For the vinyl version, we removed the limiter completely, with the goal being to maximize dynamics and transient information.
The more I work with analog, the more I trust in “letting the gear do the work.” These boxes have a tone and presence unique to themselves, and at times, simply choosing the right combination is all that is needed to make an artist’s work shine.
With over two decades in the music industry, Des Grey is a seasoned mastering engineer specialising in precision audio enhancement for artists, labels, and producers. Known for a meticulous ear and a passion for sonic excellence, Des offers multi genre mastering—from hip-hop and electronic to rock and jazz.
Credits: Worked with independent artists & major-label projects. View Credits Specialties: Dynamic range optimisation, loudness balancing, and streaming-ready formats. Philosophy: “Music Should Feel Good—enhancing the tone, respecting the artist intent.”
Based in South Africa, Des Grey Mastering is committed to helping artists achieve professional, competitive sound for digital platforms, vinyl, and beyond.
Recent Clients: Massh, Keinemusik, Black Motion, Mi Casa, Thando Zide, FiNE Music, Busiswa, Money Badoo, Solo, Charles Webster
Contact details below.
