The Musician's Gig Room Chat V1 - Songwriting and Sound Design for all! - Creationism Corner

First things first, unless you only want to record stuff from an external source I doubt audacity will be much of help to you. I also would send in a song, if I actually had the energy to finish something instead of leaving it unfinished.

skeeter gets the final word in if he's the one making it happen but i'll answer from previous experiences [QUOTE=ti;52727150]Do samples have to be authorized for this sort of thing?[/QUOTE] yup, you have to have the rights to use whatever you sample so we don't get in trouble [QUOTE=ti;52727150]What should the peak amplitude of submissions be?[/QUOTE] -0,1dB is what streeker previously said [QUOTE=ti;52727150]Can I submit anything?[/QUOTE] has to be something you're proud of, one song, no limits on length or style, preferrably (or sometimes has to be) new and original, but you can release it anywhere yourself afterwards [QUOTE=ti;52727150]How much can I submit?[/QUOTE] just one song [QUOTE=ti;52727150]Who do I send it to?[/QUOTE] skeeter if he says he's doing it

I'd be down to rap and make animations

[B]Collab album part... ???[/B] Alright, so, let's give this a try, again! [B]Send in a track that you are PROUD of![/B] So the most important thing is, that you have to dig your own track. This isn't done for getting recognition (or well, I mean technically) and bumping your ego, this is your ego bumping us with a pretty damn good track of yours! [B]The track has to be normalized at -0,1 dB[/B] Don't know how to do this? Set a limiter on your master track, and put it at -0,1 dB. [B]Using samples or anything that you personally haven't created? Get rights for them, or don't have them in your track![/B] This isn't really something that's going to make it big and get us $$$ of cash, but unlawfully using samples or anything else that you personally don't have copyright on can still get us in trouble. Look into Creative Commons and what rights YOU, the artist, have before submitting! IF you're unsure, ask in the thread! [B]No limit![/B] NO no, no no no no, no no no no, no no there's no limit To how much fun this is going to be, oh and also no limit [B]NO LIMIT[/B] on the length of the track. One track per artist. [B]Submitting a track? Be ready to give feedback![/B] We're all into this for fun, but it is also awesome to hear views from others on your own masterfully ~special~ track. So, be prepared to have to spend at least one actual listen to the whole album, and spend a few minutes afterwards on giving your thoughts. Don't think you can give your thoughts? What are you, a turkey? You have ears, you have a brain (hopefully), combine those two and listen. Listen, and tell us what you like, dislike, think could be changed, shouldn't be changed, or just how much the track makes you want to break your neck from headbanging! It's not rocket surgery :) [B]Deadline is the 28th of october![/B] That makes it a MONTH until we get this show started, all you have to do is to send me a .wav of your track and whatever information you want on it. I think this is it, oh yeah we need a cover as well. I can MSpaint something stupid if nobody can make a proper one. Oh, and who remembers the login credentials? :v [editline]29th September 2017[/editline] [B]Think of this as a challenge to make a new track! Or don't, I mean we do it for fun and I'm not your real DAD OK?![/B]

[QUOTE=Plaster;52727212]First things first, unless you only want to record stuff from an external source I doubt audacity will be much of help to you. [/QUOTE] i got the power of aniem, lisp, and fourier analysis on my side buddy itll be no sweat Really though I've been reading the documentation and messing around with the program, and it seems pretty powerful? What is missing in Audacity that I might find helpful elsewhere? [QUOTE=Hakita;52727250]skeeter gets the final word in if he's the one making it happen but i'll answer from previous experiences yup, you have to have the rights to use whatever you sample so we don't get in trouble -0,1dB is what streeker previously said has to be something you're proud of, one song, no limits on length or style, preferrably (or sometimes has to be) new and original, but you can release it anywhere yourself afterwards just one song skeeter if he says he's doing it[/QUOTE] Very cool, thanks. [editline]28th September 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Skeeter;52727872]official real details[/QUOTE] thanks, too

[QUOTE=ti;52727878]i got the power of aniem, lisp, and fourier analysis on my side buddy itll be no sweat Really though I've been reading the documentation and messing around with the program, and it seems pretty powerful? What is missing in Audacity that I might find helpful elsewhere? Very cool, thanks.[/QUOTE] Audacity works for recording, but that's literally about it. The Equalizer is incredibly primitive and, as someone who actually used it for making music earlier in my career, it really doesn't let you do a lot of mixing. If you're looking for a purely recording program, try reaper (which I use). It is cheap AF, $60 gets you a program that I honestly think is just as good as any of the other DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation) that is on the market. Hell, you can use it for free, legally, with all options included if you're ok with waiting a couple of seconds every time you start it up. Don't be fooled though, it has a really nice midi setup as well and all native stuff in it (compression, eq, delay, etc) is really solid as soon as you learn how to use it. Granted, the distortion and amp simulators take a lot of time to get to sound decent but the EQ is probably one of the best ones out there. It has a really, really, powerful autotune that honestly is better than most autotunes that you have to actually buy separately!

[QUOTE=Skeeter;52727893]Audacity works for recording, but that's literally about it. The Equalizer is incredibly primitive and, as someone who actually used it for making music earlier in my career, it really doesn't let you do a lot of mixing. If you're looking for a purely recording program, try reaper (which I use). It is cheap AF, $60 gets you a program that I honestly think is just as good as any of the other DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation) that is on the market. Hell, you can use it for free, legally, with all options included if you're ok with waiting a couple of seconds every time you start it up. Don't be fooled though, it has a really nice midi setup as well and all native stuff in it (compression, eq, delay, etc) is really solid as soon as you learn how to use it. Granted, the distortion and amp simulators take a lot of time to get to sound decent but the EQ is probably one of the best ones out there. It has a really, really, powerful autotune that honestly is better than most autotunes that you have to actually buy separately![/QUOTE] Ah, ok, thanks for clearing that up. I'll be sure to check reaper out. Now, I'm sorry for being a little stubborn about this, but what makes the Equalizer primitive? It seems to have parametric/graphical settings so I guess I'm just having trouble imagining what else an equalizer does?

[QUOTE=ti;52727985]Ah, ok, thanks for clearing that up. I'll be sure to check reaper out. Now, I'm sorry for being a little stubborn about this, but what makes the Equalizer primitive? It seems to have parametric/graphical settings so I guess I'm just having trouble imagining what else an equalizer does?[/QUOTE] (This is all based on when I last used Audacity, 6 years ago) but the EQ doesn't have proper settings for shaping how narrow it is, so it doesn't really help you surgically shaping the frequencies in a way that better EQs do.

[QUOTE=Ott;52691586] Very nice buildup (a little too long though), if you want to make it more atmospheric you can add more noisy elements to it. You should add some more melodic elements (piano, etc) to get that trance feel. [/QUOTE] Thanks! I'll try that out. I started working on another track last night, not sure what to make of it tho... [media]https://soundcloud.com/bok306/living-in-a-bubble[/media] [editline]29th September 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Cpt.Hubba;52712649]Hey guys so there haven't been any new posts here, but I wanted to share that I was finally able to get my Entering The Void track i posted here before onto Spotify and Google Store along with itunes, etc. You can find me by searching Chronic Synths. It's been a good day considering I was doubting continuing with music. <3 [video]https://soundcloud.com/chronicsynths/stay-vibin-official-release[/video] Mastered up my track and I'm pretty happy with it. DROP YO CONTENT PEOPLE.[/QUOTE] Do NOT give up music bro! Your stuff is great!

[QUOTE=bok306;52728968]Thanks! I'll try that out. I started working on another track last night, not sure what to make of it tho... [media]https://soundcloud.com/bok306/living-in-a-bubble[/media] [editline]29th September 2017[/editline] Do NOT give up music bro! Your stuff is great![/QUOTE] Thank you man! Also that link you posted is great. Would you be interested in collabing? I feel like our styles match very well. I'm already hearing stuff I could add! [editline]29th September 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Skeeter;52727872][B]Collab album part... ???[/B] Alright, so, let's give this a try, again! [B]Send in a track that you are PROUD of![/B] So the most important thing is, that you have to dig your own track. This isn't done for getting recognition (or well, I mean technically) and bumping your ego, this is your ego bumping us with a pretty damn good track of yours! [B]The track has to be normalized at -0,1 dB[/B] Don't know how to do this? Set a limiter on your master track, and put it at -0,1 dB. [B]Using samples or anything that you personally haven't created? Get rights for them, or don't have them in your track![/B] This isn't really something that's going to make it big and get us $$$ of cash, but unlawfully using samples or anything else that you personally don't have copyright on can still get us in trouble. Look into Creative Commons and what rights YOU, the artist, have before submitting! IF you're unsure, ask in the thread! [B]No limit![/B] NO no, no no no no, no no no no, no no there's no limit To how much fun this is going to be, oh and also no limit [B]NO LIMIT[/B] on the length of the track. One track per artist. [B]Submitting a track? Be ready to give feedback![/B] We're all into this for fun, but it is also awesome to hear views from others on your own masterfully ~special~ track. So, be prepared to have to spend at least one actual listen to the whole album, and spend a few minutes afterwards on giving your thoughts. Don't think you can give your thoughts? What are you, a turkey? You have ears, you have a brain (hopefully), combine those two and listen. Listen, and tell us what you like, dislike, think could be changed, shouldn't be changed, or just how much the track makes you want to break your neck from headbanging! It's not rocket surgery :) [B]Deadline is the 28th of october![/B] That makes it a MONTH until we get this show started, all you have to do is to send me a .wav of your track and whatever information you want on it. I think this is it, oh yeah we need a cover as well. I can MSpaint something stupid if nobody can make a proper one. Oh, and who remembers the login credentials? :v [editline]29th September 2017[/editline] [B]Think of this as a challenge to make a new track! Or don't, I mean we do it for fun and I'm not your real DAD OK?![/B][/QUOTE] Yesssssssssss.

[QUOTE=Cpt.Hubba;52729020]Thank you man! Also that link you posted is great. Would you be interested in collabing? I feel like our styles match very well. I'm already hearing stuff I could add! [/QUOTE] Thanks, that would be great!

[QUOTE=Skeeter;52727872][B]Collab album part... ???[/B] Alright, so, let's give this a try, again! [/QUOTE] hey buddy do you still have the link I sent you? just use the song I already sent

[QUOTE=FFStudios;52730497]hey buddy do you still have the link I sent you? just use the song I already sent[/QUOTE] Aye aye captain!

Hey fam, so ive been wanting to be more active in the thread but ive been so caught up with finishing this album that i haven't had much chance! Anyways, i wanna offer/pledge myself to give some thorough feedback for the next twelve or songs both to contribute more and to build up some karma so i deserve an album listen from any of ya. All aside, hit me with your new, old, released or unreleased tracks in this thread and ill provide some substantive feedback =)

[QUOTE=luverofJ!93;52731454]Hey fam, so ive been wanting to be more active in the thread but ive been so caught up with finishing this album that i haven't had much chance! Anyways, i wanna offer/pledge myself to give some thorough feedback for the next twelve or songs both to contribute more and to build up some karma so i deserve an album listen from any of ya. All aside, hit me with your new, old, released or unreleased tracks in this thread and ill provide some substantive feedback =)[/QUOTE] It's already been posted in this thread but I would like some CC on this one [video]https://soundcloud.com/ottworks/homecoming-wip[/video]

[QUOTE=Ott;52732354]It's already been posted in this thread but I would like some CC on this one [video]https://soundcloud.com/ottworks/homecoming-wip[/video][/QUOTE] It feels like I should hear this song as I peacefully die. Also I've said it before I think but your avatar just fits this song so well. Interesting how with headphones the drums sound like they are behind me. Cool effect. Maybe add a little more variation in the melody pertaining to the harmonica synth? Also I think the chords towards the end bit are being hit too hard. Softer chords maybe. You're music is in a different league its hard to criticize something that's a lot better than what I make lol. How do you guys get through your creative ruts? I've been stuck in one for a few weeks now and just can't seem to pull myself to make a song. I'll get the intro started and it's like progressing the whole song feels impossible... Any advice?

[QUOTE=Ott;52732354]It's already been posted in this thread but I would like some CC on this one [video]https://soundcloud.com/ottworks/homecoming-wip[/video][/QUOTE] I love the build-up, the pacing keeps the soothing feeling going but also changes enough to keep it fresh. I have a composition suggestion: when the harmonica comes in at ~1:26 it might sound more impactful if you have a hard pause after the piano note and before harmonica comes in. Also try having only the harmonica in the space between 1:26-1:36. We know the piano will be there the whole song, so give the harmonica some room to shine in that space. That way you'll have: piano -> harmonica -> harmonica+piano -> harmonica+piano+bass then drums come in That one two three additive style would be really pleasing and give each addition more weight. Bass: From 2:30 you could diversify the bass line and add to the groove by switching up to the same bassline but instead of holding each note into each other, punch each note then let it go rather than sustaining it. Otherwise, explore what you can get out the bass tonally, it sounds like its supposed to be an upright bass style, and idk what vst instrument you're using but it could do with sounding more crisp, but idk what vsts you have access too. Anyways, great work! [editline]30th September 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Cpt.Hubba;52732644]. How do you guys get through your creative ruts? I've been stuck in one for a few weeks now and just can't seem to pull myself to make a song. I'll get the intro started and it's like progressing the whole song feels impossible... Any advice?[/QUOTE] I find it super energizing to: 1) find amazing new artists that blow me away and inspire me to push myself 2) reach a breakthrough in a certain skill set related to my instrument playing that I am then dying to put into action 3) collaborate with someone who I musically vibe with to a high degree, and we psych each other up while working on pieces that we cant help but feel incredibly excited for. I've been in those ruts mostly when I was spending most of my musical time alone but in the last three years I've had so much collaborative music experience that I've found those ruts only pop in rarely if ever. I feel like I'm experiencing a nonstop high feeling. Try those three directions if you're feeling stuck. Also I'm in the Seattle area so if there are enough people are nearby maybe we could do a meet-up or something?

[QUOTE=luverofJ!93;52732736]I love the build-up, the pacing keeps the soothing feeling going but also changes enough to keep it fresh. I have a composition suggestion: when the harmonica comes in at ~1:26 it might sound more impactful if you have a hard pause after the piano note and before harmonica comes in. Also try having only the harmonica in the space between 1:26-1:36. We know the piano will be there the whole song, so give the harmonica some room to shine in that space. That way you'll have: piano -> harmonica -> harmonica+piano -> harmonica+piano+bass then drums come in That one two three additive style would be really pleasing and give each addition more weight. Bass: From 2:30 you could diversify the bass line and add to the groove by switching up to the same bassline but instead of holding each note into each other, punch each note then let it go rather than sustaining it. Otherwise, explore what you can get out the bass tonally, it sounds like its supposed to be an upright bass style, and idk what vst instrument you're using but it could do with sounding more crisp, but idk what vsts you have access too. Anyways, great work! [editline]30th September 2017[/editline] I find it super energizing to: 1) find amazing new artists that blow me away and inspire me to push myself 2) reach a breakthrough in a certain skill set related to my instrument playing that I am then dying to put into action 3) collaborate with someone who I musically vibe with to a high degree, and we psych each other up while working on pieces that we cant help but feel incredibly excited for. I've been in those ruts mostly when I was spending most of my musical time alone but in the last three years I've had so much collaborative music experience that I've found those ruts only pop in rarely if ever. I feel like I'm experiencing a nonstop high feeling. Try those three directions if you're feeling stuck. Also I'm in the Seattle area so if there are enough people are nearby maybe we could do a meet-up or something?[/QUOTE] Good advice. I've not been listening to much new music recently or music at all tbh. I listened to Flume for so long and now I just haven't found anyone else to listen to much.

[QUOTE=luverofJ!93;52732736]Also I'm in the Seattle area so if there are enough people are nearby maybe we could do a meet-up or something?[/QUOTE] Hey! I live in Redmond.

[QUOTE=Cpt.Hubba;52732810]Good advice. I've not been listening to much new music recently or music at all tbh. I listened to Flume for so long and now I just haven't found anyone else to listen to much.[/QUOTE] What genres/sounds interest you most these days? I can send you something that have been most inspiring to me lately. [editline]1st October 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Ott;52732900]Hey! I live in Redmond.[/QUOTE] I'm in kirkland! PM me we can figure something out

[QUOTE=Ott;52732354]It's already been posted in this thread but I would like some CC on this one [video]https://soundcloud.com/ottworks/homecoming-wip[/video][/QUOTE] I really like the break near the end with the synthy compressed bass coming in, I dig the warm feel of the whole thing. I'm definitely no expert, so these are just my thoughts. Speaking of me not being an expert, this is the first "song" I've not instantly hated and deleted, so I'd love any and all feedback. I'm super new to this, also how do you do those thing where like you have the beat go into the background as it were and sound really far away and then jumps back in in fl studio? Like it's some kind of effect but as I said I'm new to this and have no clue how to do that. Anyways, any feedback appreciated. [video]https://soundcloud.com/andrew-hilton-997280885/caesar[/video]

[QUOTE=blind.lizard;52733882]I really like the break near the end with the synthy compressed bass coming in, I dig the warm feel of the whole thing. I'm definitely no expert, so these are just my thoughts. Speaking of me not being an expert, this is the first "song" I've not instantly hated and deleted, so I'd love any and all feedback. I'm super new to this, also how do you do those thing where like you have the beat go into the background as it were and sound really far away and then jumps back in in fl studio? Like it's some kind of effect but as I said I'm new to this and have no clue how to do that. Anyways, any feedback appreciated. [video]https://soundcloud.com/andrew-hilton-997280885/caesar[/video][/QUOTE] I like the feel of the trumpets, it makes it sound like an entrance scene in a 90s rpg where you're entering the royal court. I would say that the "flute" track from 0:15 to 0:30 is definitely lost in the mix and clashy with the horns. Also as far as how it harmonizes with the rest, I'd suggest trying out a few different flute melodies because it get's dissonant in some parts like at 0:26. What are you using for your drums? I think it'd sound a lot fresher with some sample kits so it sounds less like an old drum machine (unless thats the vibe you're going for. Drums rhythms are essential in shorter songs like this so I'd try experimenting with some more 'lively' patterns. Sometimes less is more in these cases. Overall its got a cool vibe and I could see it being a cool soundtrack to a retro video game. That said, since you don't have any other songs I wanna ask, what direction do you wanna take your music? I ask because this is the only song you've put up and I'm curious what genre/style you're shooting for. It doesn't have to be a lifetime decision, maybe you could set out to make a series of 5 songs in a specific theme or style that are rooted in the same essence. It can help drive your creative process because you then have a mission of sorts, and it will help solve that self-hatred feeling because you'll have a strong sense of purpose for what you're creating.

[QUOTE=luverofJ!93;52734281]I like the feel of the trumpets, it makes it sound like an entrance scene in a 90s rpg where you're entering the royal court. I would say that the "flute" track from 0:15 to 0:30 is definitely lost in the mix and clashy with the horns. Also as far as how it harmonizes with the rest, I'd suggest trying out a few different flute melodies because it get's dissonant in some parts like at 0:26. What are you using for your drums? I think it'd sound a lot fresher with some sample kits so it sounds less like an old drum machine (unless thats the vibe you're going for. Drums rhythms are essential in shorter songs like this so I'd try experimenting with some more 'lively' patterns. Sometimes less is more in these cases. Overall its got a cool vibe and I could see it being a cool soundtrack to a retro video game. That said, since you don't have any other songs I wanna ask, what direction do you wanna take your music? I ask because this is the only song you've put up and I'm curious what genre/style you're shooting for. It doesn't have to be a lifetime decision, maybe you could set out to make a series of 5 songs in a specific theme or style that are rooted in the same essence. It can help drive your creative process because you then have a mission of sorts, and it will help solve that self-hatred feeling because you'll have a strong sense of purpose for what you're creating.[/QUOTE] Thank you so much for all this advice/feedback. Firstly the kind of style I'm going for is more trappy/fusion with like trap drums but something big and grand for the melodies. How would I go about making a really lively and varied drum rhythm? And I think that idea to make several similarly styled songs is a great one, I'm gonna make more palace trap songs and try to learn by exploring that style.

I agree with what he said and additionally i'd say get some better soundfonts, that brass ensemble sounds terribly default windows midi styled, i suggest getting the [URL="http://www.mediafire.com/file/zo8l3dgf2989266/SGM-V2.01.7z"]SGM[/URL] soundfont, it's good quality in general and would help you with the big orchestra style you want. and for soundkits, i suggest [URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_jZLO0depM"]Savage Beats[/URL] drumkit, it has the most necessary trap drums and sfx, zaytoven kit is also good. more additional shit: seems like you used cymbals instead of hihats for the hihat pattern, idk if you did this on purpose but it sounds odd. also using the camel crusher vst effect on kicks can make them way better and slightly punchier if done correctly, the kicks in your beat sounds kinda weak, try camel crusher, it can also make 808 bass nicely distorted. speaking off 808 bass, your beat seems to lack it, add some 808 bass patterns. [media]https://soundcloud.com/dayum-nonhuman-2/corruption[/media] Here is a beat I made recently, it uses the piano from super mario world's soundfont.

[QUOTE=nonhuman;52735171]also using the camel crusher vst effect on kicks can make them way better and slightly punchier if done correctly, the kicks in your beat sounds kinda weak, try camel crusher, it can also make 808 bass nicely distorted. speaking off 808 bass, your beat seems to lack it, add some 808 bass patterns. [/QUOTE] I agree the kick is kinda weak but I'm not sure a more distorted kick would work better. might be worth playing with other kicks with more thud to them. [QUOTE=nonhuman;52735171] [media]https://soundcloud.com/dayum-nonhuman-2/corruption[/media] Here is a beat I made recently, it uses the piano from super mario world's soundfont.[/QUOTE] i dig it, my minor comment would be that i think i it could use more variation on the high-end towards the end of the song. What are peoples mastering tips for getting their tracks louder without compromising on dynamic range? I feel like my track could've been a little louder but any more compression or limiting made it sound flat and lifeless. General feedback also welcome, this is my first real track in like a year. [media]https://soundcloud.com/yousef-alam/lone-wanderer[/media]

[QUOTE=FlamingSpaz;52735513]I agree the kick is kinda weak but I'm not sure a more distorted kick would work better. might be worth playing with other kicks with more thud to them.[/QUOTE] It's possible to set camel crusher in a way that it makes the kick just more thud and punchy instead of just distorted.

[QUOTE=FlamingSpaz;52735513]I agree the kick is kinda weak but I'm not sure a more distorted kick would work better. might be worth playing with other kicks with more thud to them. i dig it, my minor comment would be that i think i it could use more variation on the high-end towards the end of the song. What are peoples mastering tips for getting their tracks louder without compromising on dynamic range? I feel like my track could've been a little louder but any more compression or limiting made it sound flat and lifeless. General feedback also welcome, this is my first real track in like a year. [media]https://soundcloud.com/yousef-alam/lone-wanderer[/media][/QUOTE] Most of the loudness without fiddling on the dynamic range comes from making sure each and every element of the song has its place. Careful, delicate carving in the EQ to make the elements have their own room that it dominates without unnecessary overlapping in frequencies makes the elements pop out more since you don't have two things trying to occupy the same slot.

[QUOTE=FlamingSpaz;52735513]I agree the kick is kinda weak but I'm not sure a more distorted kick would work better. might be worth playing with other kicks with more thud to them. i dig it, my minor comment would be that i think i it could use more variation on the high-end towards the end of the song. What are peoples mastering tips for getting their tracks louder without compromising on dynamic range? I feel like my track could've been a little louder but any more compression or limiting made it sound flat and lifeless. General feedback also welcome, this is my first real track in like a year. [media]https://soundcloud.com/yousef-alam/lone-wanderer[/media][/QUOTE] Pretty impressive gotta say. Really clear song elements, good ebb and flow in the song's energy and it captured a significantly 'cinematic' feel in the composition. I appreciate the combination of the downtuned, electro feel of the keys at the beginning and end, and I'm wondering if there's a way to either bring that into the middle portion as well, maybe something reminiscent of them, like an electro-tinged flute with some ascending arpeggiated scales. As far as volume I didn't see too much issue on my end through headphones but maybe there's more to be done in the mixing since you'll have a clearer idea of how much vertical room you want for the track. Appreciated the whole thing and I could definitely see this being the soundtrack of an ironman competition recap video. [editline]1st October 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=nonhuman;52735171]I agree with what he said and additionally i'd say get some better soundfonts, that brass ensemble sounds terribly default windows midi styled, i suggest getting the [URL="http://www.mediafire.com/file/zo8l3dgf2989266/SGM-V2.01.7z"]SGM[/URL] soundfont, it's good quality in general and would help you with the big orchestra style you want. and for soundkits, i suggest [URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_jZLO0depM"]Savage Beats[/URL] drumkit, it has the most necessary trap drums and sfx, zaytoven kit is also good. more additional shit: seems like you used cymbals instead of hihats for the hihat pattern, idk if you did this on purpose but it sounds odd. also using the camel crusher vst effect on kicks can make them way better and slightly punchier if done correctly, the kicks in your beat sounds kinda weak, try camel crusher, it can also make 808 bass nicely distorted. speaking off 808 bass, your beat seems to lack it, add some 808 bass patterns. [media]https://soundcloud.com/dayum-nonhuman-2/corruption[/media] Here is a beat I made recently, it uses the piano from super mario world's soundfont.[/QUOTE] Love the grimey-ness of the track as a whole. I agree with FlamingSpaz's comment about more high end variation. The bassiness (especially bass that bleeds a lot like what you're using) could be more impactful if you have a section where you do a series of hardcut pauses maybe 4 or 8 depending on how it fits in, will give more variety and make the track hit even harder.

[QUOTE=FlamingSpaz;52735513]I agree the kick is kinda weak but I'm not sure a more distorted kick would work better. might be worth playing with other kicks with more thud to them. i dig it, my minor comment would be that i think i it could use more variation on the high-end towards the end of the song. What are peoples mastering tips for getting their tracks louder without compromising on dynamic range? I feel like my track could've been a little louder but any more compression or limiting made it sound flat and lifeless. General feedback also welcome, this is my first real track in like a year. [media]https://soundcloud.com/yousef-alam/lone-wanderer[/media][/QUOTE] In addition to what Skeeter said, panning your instruments to the left or right also helps. I tried slightly moving my kicks to the left and snares to the right and it makes both of them sound louder and actually clearer IMO. [media]https://soundcloud.com/tvoctopod/frozen-coffee[/media] General feedback is always appreciated, but if anyone can tell me, I'm trying to learn more about the lo-fi aesthetic and I've been trying to find out how other people make lo-fi tracks that sound "old". I think it has to do with how I'm EQ'ing my songs but all I've been doing was screwing around with the curve.

[QUOTE=Octopod;52741225]In addition to what Skeeter said, panning your instruments to the left or right also helps. I tried slightly moving my kicks to the left and snares to the right and it makes both of them sound louder and actually clearer IMO. [media]https://soundcloud.com/tvoctopod/frozen-coffee[/media] General feedback is always appreciated, but if anyone can tell me, I'm trying to learn more about the lo-fi aesthetic and I've been trying to find out how other people make lo-fi tracks that sound "old". I think it has to do with how I'm EQ'ing my songs but all I've been doing was screwing around with the curve.[/QUOTE] Adding a bit of brown noise and lowering the high and lower frequencies generally helps makes that sound from what I understand, like so: [url]https://clyp.it/xqpxy3hl[/url] i.e. emphasize your mid balance so it sounds like it's coming through a shitty speaker