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

[splenda]

[media]https://imgur.com/a/5n5hu[/media]

This is why I don't write chordal music/write stuff on my guitar first and then transfer it to synths. Since I never really had any music theory lessons I just play interesting sounds and the chord names turn out to be crazy shit. :v:

[editline]13th March 2016[/editline]

O shit the last picture is actually wrong and its just a A# Major chord. :v:

[Levakama]

[QUOTE=Lord Xenoyia;49925219]:snip:

I love it! The video is great and interesting to watch. The song is probably something I'd have on iTunes haha.[/QUOTE]

Whoa thanks, I am glad somebody enjoyed it.

[hobo4president]

[QUOTE=halofreak472;49890378]
I made some weird detroit techno/deep house thing [media]https://soundcloud.com/grandmamax/can-you-repeat-yourself[/media][/QUOTE]
I don't like the chords. I also think the clap/snare could be sharper, maybe a different sample or something. The acid synth is cool but I think it could use some small variations throughout. An easy way to do that with wavetable synthesisers is just put an LFO on the position or maybe just a small lfo on the filter envelope.

[QUOTE=halofreak472;49890378]
I made some weird detroit techno/deep house thing [media]https://soundcloud.com/grandmamax/can-you-repeat-yourself[/media][/QUOTE]
I don't like the chords. I also think the clap/snare could be sharper, maybe a different sample or something. The acid synth is cool but I think it could use some small variations throughout. An easy way to do that with wavetable synthesisers is just put an LFO on the position or maybe just a small lfo on the filter envelope.

[QUOTE=WoodenSpoon;49909227]Could somebody give me advice on how to remove the "punch" out of drums for musical effect? I have a foggy idea of what techniques are used, however I wish to solidify my understanding.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah as some others have said it's a high pass (cutting out the low frequencies). Though I wouldn't be surprised if they had also sampled a drum loop, high passed that and then used their own kick as the main low end. That's really common in a lot of sample based music.

[QUOTE=The Best;49909475]
On a side note, anyone mind listening to my first official remix? Feedback and critique welcomed.
[url]https://soundcloud.com/onnaut/say-my-name-oneironaut-remix[/url][/QUOTE]
Some really cool sounds in this man, especially the percussion during the break at around 1:50. The only thing I can think of is that I think there could more of a bassline during the 'drop', I mean the synth work in that part is really good it just lacks drive. Overall though good job man it sounds great.

[QUOTE=wauterboi;49921075][url]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/965202/WIP%20Music/doom-sign_of_evil-002.mp3[/url]
[url]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/965202/WIP%20Music/BitBlasted4%20WIP.mp3[/url]

Two songs near completion. Will respond with C&C for others after this post![/QUOTE]
The first one is not exactly my kind of music but the sound design in the first 1:10 is amazing. It sounds really dark. I love that reverb really distorted kind of shriek sound.
The second song starts of pretty bare but it definitely picks up when all the other stuff comes in. Whats that lead melody from? I swear I've heard it before, it works really well though. The really delayed arp sounds really nice too.

__________________________

Just some stuff I've been working on today

[media]https://soundcloud.com/philmaah/stuff[/media]

[ZephyrSly]

[QUOTE=Hobo4President;49935430]

Just some stuff I've been working on today

[media]https://soundcloud.com/philmaah/stuff[/media][/QUOTE]

(1st Section)
Oh this is nice - I get this kinda future dystopia kinda feel (I feel like it could be something outta Sattelite Rain).

It's got a real nice mix to it as well - everything sits properly and doesn't disturb you whilst listening; my favourite thing actually is how nice the drums sound!

(2nd Section)
Again sounds really nice; very juicy idea! Certainly something you should continue to work on in future

(3rd Section)
The only bad thing I'd say about this is the knocky synth in the background (and the pad) kinda drowns out the voice at points, but aside from that sounds like an awesome idea!

Here's a track I just (re-)finished a few hours ago:

[media]https://soundcloud.com/reaceblack/fall-with-me-heavy-version[/media]

[Papkee]

[QUOTE=Hobo4President;49935430]
Just some stuff I've been working on today

[media]https://soundcloud.com/philmaah/stuff[/media]

[/QUOTE]

I very much like the first and third pieces. The middle one doesn't really develop enough for me to comment on. I can imagine the first song being menu music for an indie retro game of some kind. The third one has a really, really nice chord pattern and I'd love to hear a full song.

[QUOTE=ZephyrSly;49942224]
Here's a track I just (re-)finished a few hours ago:

[media]https://soundcloud.com/reaceblack/fall-with-me-heavy-version[/media]

[/QUOTE]

I like the track as a whole and it sounds really good. However some of the individual parts, especially the main drop, seem to be a bit repetitive. (even though that's what electro is) Even though you do some switchups it still seems to drag on for a while. Very catchy though.

-------

Here's two songs I put out recently. One's a dance song and one's an orchestral composition. Figured I ask for some commentary on both.

[media]https://soundcloud.com/papkee/several-friends[/media]

[URL="http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/671335"]Here's the orchestral one. Can't embed it.[/URL]

[MrModez]

-snip- posted it in Music Chat Thread, i think it's a better place for it

[SentientToilet]

[QUOTE=papkee;49944564]I very much like the first and third pieces. The middle one doesn't really develop enough for me to comment on. I can imagine the first song being menu music for an indie retro game of some kind. The third one has a really, really nice chord pattern and I'd love to hear a full song.

I like the track as a whole and it sounds really good. However some of the individual parts, especially the main drop, seem to be a bit repetitive. (even though that's what electro is) Even though you do some switchups it still seems to drag on for a while. Very catchy though.

-------

Here's two songs I put out recently. One's a dance song and one's an orchestral composition. Figured I ask for some commentary on both.

[media]https://soundcloud.com/papkee/several-friends[/media]

[URL="http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/671335"]Here's the orchestral one. Can't embed it.[/URL][/QUOTE]

Really digging the first one, definitely something I'd listen to! I feel like the kick could have some veeeeery slight low end cut from it cause it sounds like it's colliding with the bass.
No complaints on the second track, it's nice and soothing. Keep it up!

Anywayssssss after working on a track for two weeks and not getting anywhere I decided to make a new track and ended up finishing it less than three days later. Looking for feedback on equalization and mixing mostly.

[media]https://soundcloud.com/venadore/outsider-venadore-remix[/media]

And the instrumental

[media]https://soundcloud.com/venadore/outsider-venadore-remix-instrumental[/media]

PS I'm producing on headphones so I'm not really in the best spot.

[editline]17th March 2016[/editline]

i just realized i cut off the volume from a chopped up sweep fml

[hentie]

[QUOTE=Ms. Gyroscope;49908332]gosh whenever i make a tune or collab with someone i just have this period of time where im musically dead and it succks[/QUOTE]

kinda late but I think I know what you mean. I was doing a collab with one of my friends who just does music performances but doesn't do music production as much. he was staring at my DAW over my shoulder while I was trying to figure out a good chord progression to go with his guitar.

like for a good 5 minutes I totally forgot how to play the piano and couldn't make any chord at all

[ZephyrSly]

[QUOTE=papkee;49944564]

Here's two songs I put out recently. One's a dance song and one's an orchestral composition. Figured I ask for some commentary on both.

[media]https://soundcloud.com/papkee/several-friends[/media]

[URL="http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/671335"]Here's the orchestral one. Can't embed it.[/URL][/QUOTE]

Oh damn, your Dance track is fire!! I love it :D the mix is solid and I'm in love with that arpy bouncy synth in the background (don't know why just in love with it :D). Man, the only thing I'd say (and this is more outta personal preference) is that the kick doesn't come through as much as I'd like, but tbh, that's only a personal thing. Awesome!!!

If I can, I'd like to return fire with this track:

[media]https://soundcloud.com/reaceblack/monsters-under-my-bed-preview[/media]

If you guys could give me tips into how to improve my producing and such that would be awesome (tbf, saying anything about it is awesome, I really appreciate feedback)!!!

[Ott]

[vid]https://my.mixtape.moe/ejwoyg.mp4[/vid]

man it's easy to be aphex twin

[BrainBoggler]

Aye, I was hoping to get some free tips and tricks from some bass players over here.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14cEJOU0EY0&feature=youtu.be[/media]

I've been teaching bass to myself for the past two months, so I'm pretty sure I've formed some bad habits. Anything to keep on the look out for? Thanks you

[Ms. Gyroscope]

I'm remastering a track from like a year ago since its still an amazing song and I was wondering if you guys think its a good mix or not. all I need is confirmation that it sounds substancially better than the original

remaster [url]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/stay-happy-girl-remastered-mix[/url]

Original [url]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/kit-katarine-stay-happy-girl[/url]

Im gonna go ahead an make the remastered one unprivate butt ill take it down if its bad

[Liam]

[QUOTE=Live2becool;49956368]Aye, I was hoping to get some free tips and tricks from some bass players over here.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14cEJOU0EY0&feature=youtu.be[/media]

I've been teaching bass to myself for the past two months, so I'm pretty sure I've formed some bad habits. Anything to keep on the look out for? Thanks you[/QUOTE]

i'm digging your tone dude, you might wanna curve your fingers on your fretting hand more though. if you want to ask questions to actual proper bassists (i am not a proper bassist) there are a couple that hang out in the guitar thread so maybe go there:

[url]https://facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1446284[/url]

[BrainBoggler]

[QUOTE=Little Donny;49958910]i'm digging your tone dude, you might wanna curve your fingers on your fretting hand more though. if you want to ask questions to actual proper bassists (i am not a proper bassist) there are a couple that hang out in the guitar thread so maybe go there:

[url]https://facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1446284[/url][/QUOTE]

Aye, thanks dude! Yeah, that's something I've been trying to tick my brain into doing... but it isn't working out to well haha. I'll stop by there as well

[MilkBagz]

[QUOTE=Ms. Gyroscope;49956444]I'm remastering a track from like a year ago since its still an amazing song and I was wondering if you guys think its a good mix or not. all I need is confirmation that it sounds substancially better than the original

remaster [url]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/stay-happy-girl-remastered-mix[/url]

Original [url]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/kit-katarine-stay-happy-girl[/url]

Im gonna go ahead an make the remastered one unprivate butt ill take it down if its bad[/QUOTE]

I like the original better, the drums sound a lot cleaner in it. Also, 0:34 - 1:25 is tight.

[Ms. Gyroscope]

[QUOTE=MilkBagz;49959855]I like the original better, the drums sound a lot cleaner in it. Also, 0:34 - 1:25 is tight.[/QUOTE]

well fuck it. no turnin back now

[RelaxedCreepr]

I just uploaded my first EP! It feels so good to finally have it out there because I haven't felt prouder of my music.

[General J]

hey, DAW and general music noob here. I have a question:

Let's say I generate a MIDI that I like. Then I convert that MIDI to a piano sound. Now it kind of sounds fine, but the piano sound is too harsh. Like it starts and stops on a dime and retains a singular unchanging "tone". I think I understand why this happens, because of the nature of MIDI's but what is the process called for tuning the notes so they hold and fade like a real instrument sound?

[Unkle Dada]

[QUOTE=General J;49969412]hey, DAW and general music noob here. I have a question:

Let's say I generate a MIDI that I like. Then I convert that MIDI to a piano sound. Now it kind of sounds fine, but the piano sound is too harsh. Like it starts and stops on a dime and retains a singular unchanging "tone". I think I understand why this happens, because of the nature of MIDI's but what is the process called for tuning the notes so they hold and fade like a real instrument sound?[/QUOTE]

If whatever sampler or synthesizer you're using for the piano sound has an envelope generator, use it. It's usually four knobs or sliders labeled A, D, S and R for Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release.

[img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/ADSR_parameter.svg/800px-ADSR_parameter.svg.png[/img]
The envelope generator controls the sound's amplitude (volume) over time with these 4 parameters. For a piano-like envelope, you want zero attack, long decay, zero sustain and a tiny little bit of release.

[elasticity]

also a bit of reverb can help, but keep it subtle, as for tone variance in dynamics, in relation to the ADSR above- link your velocity parameter to the attack volume (higher velocity=higher attack volume) and the attack duration (slightly longer attack for lower velocity, instant attack will give it a punch sound, but even just a few miliseconds of attack duration can make it sound softer while still sounding basically instantaneous, it's a subtle thing, over do it and it won't sound like a piano at all, but just a tiny bit can really help to 'round' the sound off a bit for those softer tones)

you could also link the velocity to other parameters in the ADSR if you want

then humanize your velocity values in the midi, lower for softer tones, higher for those louder, punchier sounds, even just a bit of random variance from one note to the next can help to give it a more dynamic sound, but you can get really creative with it and ramp your velocities from low to high for builds, bringing it right down for quiet sections, but always have a bit of /randomness/ between notes, subtly, to give it some dynamic,

also stretch your notes in the midi track so they're not all the same note length, have some notes hold longer than others etc

humanizing synthesized music is tricky but it's a good thing to get into especially if you're trying to make more natural piano sounds

as for how to go about doing that, as you're a noob to your daw still, it'd be better to go check out videos on youtube for your specific daw/synth, chances are if you're using a preset synth, it already has velocity parameters assigned, so you might be able to just go and hit up the velocity parameters in your midi track and you'll be able to add some dynamics/variance without messing with the synth

[chaz13]

[QUOTE=Ms. Gyroscope;49956444]I'm remastering a track from like a year ago since its still an amazing song and I was wondering if you guys think its a good mix or not. all I need is confirmation that it sounds substancially better than the original

remaster [url]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/stay-happy-girl-remastered-mix[/url]

Original [url]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/kit-katarine-stay-happy-girl[/url]

Im gonna go ahead an make the remastered one unprivate butt ill take it down if its bad[/QUOTE]

Good job on that remaster! It's obviously a lot louder, but there's decent clarity too and it's not fatiguing.

WIP of a remix of The Hills:

[media]https://soundcloud.com/prizymmusic/the-hills-remix[/media]

[SentientToilet]

[QUOTE=TheDrunkenOne;49947370]Really digging the first one, definitely something I'd listen to! I feel like the kick could have some veeeeery slight low end cut from it cause it sounds like it's colliding with the bass.
No complaints on the second track, it's nice and soothing. Keep it up!

Anywayssssss after working on a track for two weeks and not getting anywhere I decided to make a new track and ended up finishing it less than three days later. Looking for feedback on equalization and mixing mostly.

[media]https://soundcloud.com/venadore/outsider-venadore-remix[/media]

And the instrumental

[media]https://soundcloud.com/venadore/outsider-venadore-remix-instrumental[/media]

PS I'm producing on headphones so I'm not really in the best spot.

[editline]17th March 2016[/editline]

i just realized i cut off the volume from a chopped up sweep fml[/QUOTE]

retoastin

[SGT-Spartans]

[video]https://youtu.be/YPWG6af-cQA[/video]

If anyone wants to give this a listen and shoot me some feedback, feel free to drop it in my private messages or here!

[Ott]

Those 4 chords :v:

[editline]21st March 2016[/editline]

Your vocal performance in the video isn't very convincing (what even are those expressions you're making?). I wish the piano had more melody and range, play the right hand an octave up for some parts?

[mechanicalocean]

threw together a "demo reel"
[url]https://soundcloud.com/golfkiloalpha/sets/demo-reel[/url]

[chaz13]

Have we just stopped with feedback then, or?

[Hakita]

yeah you guys are really slipping with the rules, remember to post feedback when you post a song
otherwise this thread is just another song dumping ground

[hentie]

[QUOTE=ZephyrSly;49942224]
Here's a track I just (re-)finished a few hours ago:

[media]https://soundcloud.com/reaceblack/fall-with-me-heavy-version[/media][/QUOTE]

Not bad! At around 0:59, I felt like you got into the kick too early. At around 1:04 the higher synth sounds really drowned out, maybe you need to EQ the the hard-hitting bass with a low-pass filter there? Not too sure.

The bass throughout the song gets a bit monotonous so a little change might help as well! I felt like it stayed a bit too long in the drop and maybe could have benefited from going back to the trancey-vibe at the beginning so it gives the listener a rest.

The side-chain at the beginning was great!

[QUOTE=chaz13;49973156]Good job on that remaster! It's obviously a lot louder, but there's decent clarity too and it's not fatiguing.

WIP of a remix of The Hills:

[media]https://soundcloud.com/prizymmusic/the-hills-remix[/media][/QUOTE]

I really love the synth you use for the drops! It's probably your intention but it feels like the vocals are often drowned out. The vocals also feel kind of "naked", but I think it's because you EQ'd it so high frequencies are louder?

I don't know if its the synth or if its the vocals but there's something high pitch that feels like grinding on my ears. I think it's most likely the vocals.

[media]https://soundcloud.com/kid64/spend-the-week[/media]

make fun of my song

[ZephyrSly]

[QUOTE=Hentie;49988477]

[media]https://soundcloud.com/kid64/spend-the-week[/media]

make fun of my song[/QUOTE]

Make fun of your song? How can I make fun of how good it sounds?!? :p

I love it, especially the way the mix fills every little soundspace it can, whilst keeping everything at the right levels, not destroying my ears and such.

It's really relaxing actually, although I almost feel like the drums are shouting "rap section incoming", I really get that vibe for some reason! All in all, a really sweet track man!

So here's another original track from me, opinions and technical improvements are, as always, extremely welcome:

[media]https://soundcloud.com/reaceblack/thoughtless[/media]

p.s I know about the filter issues at the beginning and end, I'm working on fixing them in this track, but it's being difficult, as usual ^^

[Ms. Gyroscope]

Im currently making a 30 second 225 bpm breakcore song for each letter of the alphabet with all the same drums samples and broken sounding synth to practice my drum programming.

[url]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/sets/awful-alphabet[/url]

If youre curious lol