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

didnt read so snippety

[QUOTE=Kentz;48315026]i never release stuff but I have been convinced by a friend to do so so might as well just post it here as well [media]https://soundcloud.com/morhange-1/clouds[/media] this was an improvisation[/QUOTE] [img]http://i.imgur.com/qlFuRED.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE=Kentz;48315026]i never release stuff but I have been convinced by a friend to do so so might as well just post it here as well [media]http://soundcloud.com/morhange-1/clouds[/media] this was an improvisation[/QUOTE] I'm gonna go ahead and give feedback anyway because I feel like it and I think I can give some constructive criticism :v: Technically and theoretically very well done, the voicings and the progressions all seem really solid ("textbook"). I'd personally use less arpeggios though, to me they have a certain touch of "corniness" and if you overuse them then it'll become a bit of a cliché. Also perhaps you could stir things up by playing more rhythmically (not all the time, just short fragments), now it felt like there was a lot of rubato. Rubato is nice, and it's also easier than playing in time. That's why lots of solo piano improvisations are rubato, you do what you want when you want and aren't constrained by time. This can be freeing but it can also become a bit boring after a while, because it's an entire dimension that is missing. Even more dynamics could be achieved by using the higher register more, think subtle left hand voicings and a simple melody in the upper range in the right hand, things like that. If you're into jazz I suggest listening to Keith Jarrett's solo stuff: [media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgyRoQPDwM8[/media] He really helped me finding more "daring" harmonies, i.e. things that aren't as easy on the ear. You can find these by just playing random shit and experimenting with chords and voicings that aren't immediately obvious from a theoretical perspective. [I]Also yeah next time post feedback first (just me trying not to encourage disobeying the #1 rule in this thread ) [/I]

[QUOTE=Number-41;48315675]I'm gonna go ahead and give feedback anyway because I feel like it and I think I can give some constructive criticism :v: Technically and theoretically very well done, the voicings and the progressions all seem really solid ("textbook"). I'd personally use less arpeggios though, to me they have a certain touch of "corniness" and if you overuse them then it'll become a bit of a cliché. Also perhaps you could stir things up by playing more rhythmically (not all the time, just short fragments), now it felt like there was a lot of rubato. Even more dynamics could be achieved by using the higher register more, think subtle left hand voicings and a simple melody in the upper range in the right hand, things like that. If you're into jazz I suggest listening to Keith Jarrett's solo stuff: He also really helped me finding more "daring" harmonies, i.e. things that aren't as easy on the ear. You can find these by just playing random shit and experimenting with chords and voicings that aren't immediately obvious from a theoretical perspective. [I]Also yeah post feedback next time first (just me trying not to encourage disobeying the #1 rule in this thread :v:) [/I][/QUOTE] I try to stick with it pretty hardcore because then it just complicates things- like above when Instant Mix didn't post criticism but then went out of his way and went above and beyond.

I'm not sure if someone's posted this here, but I think this is a great video for the introduction into 12-tone/atonal/crazy contemporary music. [video=youtube;4niz8TfY794]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4niz8TfY794[/video] It starts off parodying what most people think of when they hear the words 'contemporary music' but I think she does a very good job explaining how to listen to it; it's a completely different style in that you shouldn't grasp for what you've associated to be emotions tied to 'normal' music. I personally find expression in contemporary to be more of a contrast; I think that 'normal' music gives you limits to what you can express (I mean, you can't really play Beethoven's moonlight sonata's first or third movements and make it sound happy), but they can be really good at what they're trying to express (even if they're easy to read). In contrast, I think that contemporary music is just right out there: powerful, raw emotion directly from the performer, whereas the composer's work is to give the performer the tool to express their raw emotion. That's my opinion anyway. But there's a thing to keep in mind after that. That is still music. Seriously, don't be afraid at all to try a chord that you think doesn't sound good. Look at what Schoenberg has done; to a non-musician, it's just random notes. The same could be said of the Rite of Spring, though the Rite of Spring is definitely more rhythmical and has a much more different spirit to it; some of the beginning parts definitely could be compared to many songbirds singing at once, pretty symbolic of spring.

[QUOTE=Qwerty Bastard;48245857]I love the way it progresses, I can already see the music video in my head. Wish there was more of that little synth in the middle, but I think that's just me. Wish I had something more constructive to say, it just seems solid all around. **** Digged into an old project file yesterday and finished this thing. I think I could have handled the drum levels better. [media]https://soundcloud.com/drfacedoctor/i-dont-love-you[/media][/QUOTE] I think if the drums had a bit cleaner sound to them and not as distorted, maybe a more clicky bass drum and a snare with just a bit less of that 200hz sound and more in the 500/1khz range it would be pretty cool. Maybe even sidechain the bass to the bass drum? Something I think this track could benefit from is some variation, you could probably get away with the constant drumming and bass if you were to add some more melodies between the main passages. Maybe just changing the synth used for it could add a lot I think? :) [editline]29th July 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=MrJazzy;48260938] [url]https://soundcloud.com/messier-51/vitamin-c-and-jasmine-t-greeeen/s-x6oDS[/url] Here's something I'm currently working on, I haven't got the mix down yet, there are somethings that are way too loud such as that shake/cabasa thing.[/QUOTE] I think a more distorted sound to the bass and less of the lower frequencies (maybe highpass at 40hz?) could be pretty cool. I'm also a huge sucker for pianos so I ~think~ if you added a piano to copy what the piano plays to just add a little bit of brightness and bite to the current melodic instrument to make it cut through a bit could be really swell :)

Here's what I'm working on currently [url]https://soundcloud.com/skriket/erni-johnsten-dovor-cleffs-1[/url] It is incredibly sloppy and not yet anywhere near finished, with that in mind I'd still love to hear peoples thoughts on what I've currently got in the track :) I gave some feedback last page. The Facepunch collaborative will be posted on monday next week, so send me your best submissions, normalized to -0.1db as a .Wav and we'll get this show on the road.

[QUOTE=Skeeter;48325979]Here's what I'm working on currently [url]https://soundcloud.com/skriket/erni-johnsten-dovor-cleffs-1[/url] It is incredibly sloppy and not yet anywhere near finished, with that in mind I'd still love to hear peoples thoughts on what I've currently got in the track :) I gave some feedback last page. The Facepunch collaborative will be posted on monday next week, so send me your best submissions, normalized to -0.1db as a .Wav and we'll get this show on the road.[/QUOTE] dead link, also i might submit something for the collaborative if i have a burst of inspiration soon i know the instrument design thread is gone, but i really want to know how to get a similar sort of bass sound to these two tracks, but i dont really know where to start in terms of recreating them, any help would be much appreciated. They're both kinda bouncy, but simplistic as well [video]https://youtu.be/CXW9KqRVa7E?t=10s[/video] [video]https://youtu.be/-LqMPfwFEUk?t=5s[/video]

Opening for Eprom and Alix Perez tonight :D

Anybody else use renoise and wanna make something together? I've been stuck in a rut lately and would like to get some new ideas.

So I want to learn to play piano/keyboard, are there any nice/cheap keyboards to start with?

[QUOTE=Staneh;48344301]So I want to learn to play piano/keyboard, are there any nice/cheap keyboards to start with?[/QUOTE] Look around for casio and yamaha stage pianos around 450-650 euros and you can get a solid functional piano with good enough piano sampling and feel nice. You might wanna head to a music store and try out some in that price range to see if you like the feel and sound. Threw this together in like half an hour or so [url]https://soundcloud.com/messier-51/rainy-sundown/s-yPIEZ[/url]

I literally just learned about slicing loops, especially percussion, to new Midi tracks and drum racks. I don't know how I missed that. Anyways spent the last several hours sampling and extracting percussion from various loops, especially the loopmasters Digital Love and Nu Disco packs. Got to the point where I started extracting FX from day-to-day events as percussion hits. Box opening makes good stuff. help everything is percussion

[QUOTE=MrJazzy;48344597]Look around for casio and yamaha stage pianos around 450-650 euros and you can get a solid functional piano with good enough piano sampling and feel nice. You might wanna head to a music store and try out some in that price range to see if you like the feel and sound. Threw this together in like half an hour or so [url]https://soundcloud.com/messier-51/rainy-sundown/s-yPIEZ[/url][/QUOTE] I was more thinking about 100-200 euros since I am a poor college student!

[QUOTE=Staneh;48347918]I was more thinking about 100-200 euros since I am a poor college student![/QUOTE] Maybe the Yamaha NP-31 then or something, you're not gonna get a whole lot with that budget but atleast you can try to find one with fullsized keys and 6 octaves minimum.

Logistics apart, in the thrift shop (or second hand websites) in my town you often find playable upright pianos below €200. I do strongly suggest going with someone who plays piano and preferably also knows something about tuning to make sure you don't buy a €150 piano that will never ever play in tune again (this is a major issue with old neglected pianos). They won't be perfect but some could really do okay as a study instrument. It's a tough search, but you can really strike gold with some perseverance. You also need some room for it, and you have to mind your neighbours. If you live in a university dorm I guess an upright is pretty impossible though :v: [url]http://www.tweedehands.nl/muziek/muziekinstrumenten/piano-s/?sort=prijs[/url]

[QUOTE=Staneh;48344301]So I want to learn to play piano/keyboard, are there any nice/cheap keyboards to start with?[/QUOTE] pick up a cheap yamaha keyboard secondhand, after youre comfortable playing you might want to upgrade to something with more octaves, but honestly, for begginer stuff it doesnt matter that much, and youll save a lot of money if you decide its not your kinda thing or whatever

[QUOTE=MonkeyFun;48308317]i think that the synths have to much reverb on them, it makes the track kinda hazy. the melodies and stuff are awesome this definitely sounds like it should be in an old UT game, that synth and the amen break loop. dope stuff just dropped this last week. just hit 20k plays on it :) [URL="http://facepunch.com/"]Listen to Soundcloud recording[/URL] [URL]http://soundcloud.com/26carat/dont-remix[/URL] [/QUOTE] Dude I really love this track. It just flows so well. Was messing around today and decided to record a bit of noodling on my bass. Sound quality is poop so I apologize, lmk what you think. [video]https://soundcloud.com/ryan-eason/large-mouth-bass[/video]

[QUOTE=FacepunchZen;48349065]Dude I really love this track. It just flows so well. Was messing around today and decided to record a bit of noodling on my bass. Sound quality is poop so I apologize, lmk what you think. [video]https://soundcloud.com/ryan-eason/large-mouth-bass[/video][/QUOTE] I like the ideas you were playing around with. Invest in a DAW and an audio interface and start making those ideas into productions. I haven't posted here since the old sub-forum was around. Here's some stuff from a while ago: [video]https://soundcloud.com/jakecrizzle/together-rbpop-instrumental[/video] [video]https://soundcloud.com/jakecrizzle/vows-rbpop-instrumental[/video] [video]https://soundcloud.com/jakecrizzle/for-xmas-rb-instrumental[/video] [video]https://soundcloud.com/jakecrizzle/so-ill-rb-instrumental[/video] [video]https://soundcloud.com/jakecrizzle/more-soul-than-them[/video] Let me know how they are

So I just found out that Deadmau5 apparently records himself slapping his own ass and then layers the recordings to make his famous claps found in many of his tracks. Didn't believe it, so I tried it myself, and I gotta say, my ass makes some pretty good claps. [url]https://soundcloud.com/thehoyticus/underwhelmed[/url] would also like some critique if possible

[QUOTE=Hoyticus;48349580]So I just found out that Deadmau5 apparently records himself slapping his own ass and then layers the recordings to make his famous claps found in many of his tracks. Didn't believe it, so I tried it myself, and I gotta say, my ass makes some pretty good claps. [url]https://soundcloud.com/thehoyticus/underwhelmed[/url][/QUOTE] Joel does some hilarious shit, whenever people ask me where I'm at in music production I've started linking this: [video]https://soundcloud.com/fuckmylife/where-im-at[/video] He does make me want a huge modular synth system though, watching his livestream can be fun (skip to 28:30)- [video=youtube;MfRbo6yHioM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfRbo6yHioM&t=1737[/video] I made a little Nu Disco drum hits sample pack. I probably labeled these wrong and the decay is a bit sharp on some of them since I had to work around loops and other transients clashing, but the kick is nice and the snares are fun. Would work well in most house tracks, and maybe even synthwave [url]https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7x7Ml9OlXAdSnlROU1YMm94cWs/view[/url] [editline]1st August 2015[/editline] Oh and for the lad looking for a keyboard, consider an Ensonic ESQ-1 (digital with analog filters) they can generate rad sounds like in this video: [video=youtube;ncIoh2CP3Lc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncIoh2CP3Lc[/video] Usually run about 200USD used and can be found in lots of instrument shops, I know a synth shop near me has one for $170 and I'm so tempted to buy one. And you can also try to get a slightly nicer MIDI keyboard with weighted keys and learn music stuffs on your own, my Launchkey 49 has been nice for that but I sorta wish I had gotten a keyboard with nicer action and aftertouch (the action isn't bad, but after playing my friends Yamaha DX7 its tough coming back to this). Lastly, anyone have any experience with Roland JD-XI's or System-1's? Looking for a nice actual synth/sequencer to jam on and practice on and I love Roland's sounds. Partially considering a desktop synth like a Waldorf or something, also considered a modular. I already have a midi keyboard so I could save some dosh that way, but I could also trade this keyboard for a nicer MIDI KB or a sequencer or something idk I just want some real sounds VST's are boring and I want to be able to play with buttons knobs and sliders. [editline]1st August 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=FacepunchZen;48349065]Dude I really love this track. It just flows so well. Was messing around today and decided to record a bit of noodling on my bass. Sound quality is poop so I apologize, lmk what you think. [video]https://soundcloud.com/ryan-eason/large-mouth-bass[/video][/QUOTE] You could pick up one of the Scarlett 2i2 or similar recording interfaces, they're decent enough quality to start. A lot of people (myself included) would LOVE to have a bass player record things live, you just can't reproduce the sound [I]quite[/I] right in a DAW, especially when it comes to funky riffs in Nu Disco and French House. Starting from an actual instrument gives you a lot more power in making your own tracks, and I recommend you to leverage that and use your bass skills in anything you make. And let me know if you ever record some fun stuff, I could use some fun funky bass lines :D

I've been meaning to get back into making music on and off, but I know so little about ProTools that no matter how hard I try, my bounces or exports are always ~5dB quieter than a normal MP3 and I've gotten to the point where i just want to hurt my computer through a window i've tried follow tutorials step for step, still don't know what I'm doing, still can't make shit loud even when everything's clipping fuck that

[QUOTE=Biscuit-Boy;48353033]I've been meaning to get back into making music on and off, but I know so little about ProTools that no matter how hard I try, my bounces or exports are always ~5dB quieter than a normal MP3 and I've gotten to the point where i just want to hurt my computer through a window i've tried follow tutorials step for step, still don't know what I'm doing, still can't make shit loud even when everything's clipping fuck that[/QUOTE] Compression and make up gain helps. If you forget to compress properly you lose way too much dynamic range. Can also try LANDR

yo has anyone got any good links for learning about mixing? i p much exclusively wrote chipmusic so all i had to do was make sure everything was in diff octaves, and then occasionally move channels slightly left or right, so im not used to all of the technical shit on how to make the music i write not just sound like someone putting speakers face down into mud im getting better at using high/lowpass filters to make things not sound shite, but i still need to know what im actually doing bc at the moment im just winging it with no actual knowledge of how to mix, or any of the fundamentals or science behind it

[QUOTE=MrJazzy;48344597] Threw this together in like half an hour or so [url]https://soundcloud.com/messier-51/rainy-sundown/s-yPIEZ[/url][/QUOTE] You're work is brilliant! Spent last night checking all the tracks. It grooves, it chills...my type of music. I like the sounds and the balance. Would love to maybe hear you experiment with composition aspects, having more than one or two melodies (counterpoint, 2nd/3rd voices,etc) playing at times creates really cool layers and colors. Love your stuff! [QUOTE=FacepunchZen;48349065] Was messing around today and decided to record a bit of noodling on my bass. Sound quality is poop so I apologize, lmk what you think. [video]https://soundcloud.com/ryan-eason/large-mouth-bass[/video][/QUOTE] Musical, good ideas and fun to listen to. Got a lil bit tired of the tonality after a while, maybe have a progression written or planned to step in and out, modulate,etc. Get better gear ASAP, it'd be really cool to hear more from you with proper recordings...maybe even effects :) ---- Haven't made anything proper in a long while, this is actually a bit old but finally uploaded after some tweaking. Trying to blend live instrumentation (guitar), vst (vibraphone), and vinyl. Any thoughts on this? Might try to make more like it as well as from scratch if it is appealing. Really hooked with the thirdstreamish/cool jazz with strings. [video]http://soundcloud.com/chillback-resistance/prelude-to-a-cup[/video]

[QUOTE=despair3173;48354257]yo has anyone got any good links for learning about mixing? i p much exclusively wrote chipmusic so all i had to do was make sure everything was in diff octaves, and then occasionally move channels slightly left or right, so im not used to all of the technical shit on how to make the music i write not just sound like someone putting speakers face down into mud im getting better at using high/lowpass filters to make things not sound shite, but i still need to know what im actually doing bc at the moment im just winging it with no actual knowledge of how to mix, or any of the fundamentals or science behind it[/QUOTE] just search for videos on EQ and compression. Those are basically the two most important mixing tools, among some other stuff. [editline]2nd August 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=paindoc;48349900]Joel does some hilarious shit, whenever people ask me where I'm at in music production I've started linking this: [video]https://soundcloud.com/fuckmylife/where-im-at[/video] He does make me want a huge modular synth system though, watching his livestream can be fun (skip to 28:30)- [video=youtube;MfRbo6yHioM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfRbo6yHioM&t=1737[/video] I made a little Nu Disco drum hits sample pack. I probably labeled these wrong and the decay is a bit sharp on some of them since I had to work around loops and other transients clashing, but the kick is nice and the snares are fun. Would work well in most house tracks, and maybe even synthwave [url]https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7x7Ml9OlXAdSnlROU1YMm94cWs/view[/url] [/QUOTE] It's a pretty good kit, but most of it just sounds like the classic TR909 stuff, I have a folder full of 909 samples that I use for a lot of stuff. Mostly house stuff, of course. [url]https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B6-pacyXot0afjlIYUNfd05OZWJtMjVDWDJieGZmaEVlS2NQN3k0d DNsd1BESGdwZm4zbzA&usp=sharing[/url] [editline]2nd August 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=MrJazzy;47931123][media]https://soundcloud.com/giggleblizzard/playtime[/media] just playing around a little with some stuff [editline]11th June 2015[/editline] god that snare sounds so bad [editline]11th June 2015[/editline] im generally really bad at making drums[/QUOTE] It kind of reminds me of the hotline miami sound track. It's got that like classic 80's synth kind of feel to it. [url]https://soundcloud.com/devolverdigital/scattle-its-safe-now[/url]

[QUOTE=Hoyticus;48355405]just search for videos on EQ and compression. Those are basically the two most important mixing tools, among some other stuff. [/QUOTE] Yeah EQ is probably your most important tool starting out. I'd also say that getting a good recording is the absolutely most important thing. You shouldn't really need to do a lot of work in the mixing process if you've got a good recording or a good sample. Can't polish turds to gold and all that. [url]https://www.khanacademy.org/math/recreational-math/vi-hart/singing/v/what-is-up-with-noises-the-science-and-mathematics-of-sound-frequency-and-pitch[/url] This is a pretty nice video that explains a bit about frequencies and shit, I'd also say this particular thread : [url]http://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=29283[/url] Is a really good starting point [editline]2nd August 2015[/editline] [b]The facepunch collaborative album will be posted tomorrow, Monday. Send me your track as a .wav, normalized at -0,1dB.[/b]

[QUOTE=despair3173;48354257]yo has anyone got any good links for learning about mixing? i p much exclusively wrote chipmusic so all i had to do was make sure everything was in diff octaves, and then occasionally move channels slightly left or right, so im not used to all of the technical shit on how to make the music i write not just sound like someone putting speakers face down into mud im getting better at using high/lowpass filters to make things not sound shite, but i still need to know what im actually doing bc at the moment im just winging it with no actual knowledge of how to mix, or any of the fundamentals or science behind it[/QUOTE] Skeeters links are excellent, but the iZotope mixing guide is also my bible and is a free pdf available on the ~web~ so give it a look and read it thoroughly its got loads to offer

when you finish a new song :') [img]http://i.imgur.com/pwr6voP.png[/img]

[QUOTE=MonkeyFun;48357610]when you finish a new song :') [img]http://i.imgur.com/pwr6voP.png[/img][/QUOTE] oh god that automation ew why I mean its great you're doing all that and nice names for some of that shit but damn Ableton has a much nicer way of sorting automation