Musicians Off-topic Discussion Thread v3 - Now with less dubstep and more trap - General

TruePiano is a truly amazing piano vst, [url]http://www.soundcloud.com/skriket[/url] and check out "after all this time" (should be the top track) and you can listen to how it sounds.

[url=http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?id=1100]PianoOne[/url] isn't too bad. Main problem with it though is there's some bug where it wont play the same two notes if they are immediately after one another, i.e. touching in the piano roll.

Hey guys, I am completely new to digital music and I am very confused. I want to make some tracks as a hobby. I want to make something in the vein of Simon Vilkund's music: [url]http://simonviklund.com/index.php?page=music[/url] So I am trying to make a track using reaper, but I am really confused. I need a very basic tutorial to everything. I downloaded some sound samples, some beats and snares and stuff. But where can I get more? What is a VST plugin? I played around with some, but I want to understand what I am doing. The main part: song structure. How do I create a good main repeating background loop for example? Digital music has got to be one of the most unfriendly fields to newcomers. If I google a music making basic tutorial I get something along the lines of "And now we download that VST and put some beat and loops here, set fade to x and curve to y, now watch the tempo and BPM, and set HMSF to z, pitch to this and don't forget to adjust the channel and pan accordingly" (just trying to talk musical gibberish because that's all I hear from everywhere as an outsider). Can you guys please help me?

[QUOTE=MuffinZerg;46174592]Hey guys, I am completely new to digital music and I am very confused. I want to make some tracks as a hobby. I want to make something in the vein of Simon Vilkund's music: [url]http://simonviklund.com/index.php?page=music[/url] [/quote] I listened to the first track that he made and to make that kind of music I would highly recommend learning music theory, classical music relies a lot on knowing how to build chords, how to progress them and knowing what chords go well with other chords. That is not necessary however, but it would help a lot, there's musictheory.net that has some nice practices that you can do. If you can you should check out classes for it, since it can be a real boon to have someone who knows it explain it to you so you really understand it. In terms of production, you would need some pretty high quality VST (virtual instruments, more on this later) to produce the sounds he uses. Strings and other orchestral instruments are tricky things to sample and tweak so that they sound organic and real, but it shouldn't stop you from trying. I just want you to know that making orchestral music can be pretty tough, since it has a lot of layers to make it sound organic So I am trying to make a track using reaper, but I am really confused. I need a very basic tutorial to everything. I downloaded some sound samples, some beats and snares and stuff. But where can I get more? [/quote] What I think would be a good start is to check out how to write music first, there's probably plenty of tutorials for it on youtube :) There's probably a lot of different genres but one thing that always rings true is that each and every genre has song structure, backing rhythms, melodic instruments and some sort of percussion to keep a steady groove. [QUOTE=MuffinZerg;46174592] What is a VST plugin? I played around with some, but I want to understand what I am doing. The main part: song structure. How do I create a good main repeating background loop for example? [/quote] A VST plugin is a virtual instrument that creates sounds depending on what information you put into it, most programs have piano rolls that are essentially a virtual piano, where you place notes. The VST then plays those notes, depending on what sort of VST it is. Some vsts can't play several notes at once, while some do it perfectly. If you want to create a good repeating background then the first thing you should think about is what sort of mood you want to create. [QUOTE=MuffinZerg;46174592] Digital music has got to be one of the most unfriendly fields to newcomers. If I google a music making basic tutorial I get something along the lines of "And now we download that VST and put some beat and loops here, set fade to x and curve to y, now watch the tempo and BPM, and set HMSF to z, pitch to this and don't forget to adjust the channel and pan accordingly" (just trying to talk musical gibberish because that's all I hear from everywhere as an outsider).[/quote] I would disagree with you on that, and lay the blame on those who make the tutorials. The most important thing right now for you I think is to learn what makes music. Think about your favourite band and the song you like the most, what is that you like? Is it the melody of the vocals, the lead instrument, the groovy rhythm section? I'm certain that whichever you answer, it is the whole package that seals the deal for you. What in particular is it that you find to be the hardest right now about making music? Actually, if it isn't too much of a hassle you could check out my soundcloud ; [url]https://soundcloud.com/skriket[/url] And pick out a track you like, some songs that I think could be good tracks to help you understand the process that is making music is the following: [B]After All This Time? [/B]Piano instrumental track with a steady chord progression with a melody that continues to evolve through the whole song [B]Prettosexuell - Lurifix[/B] A simple rock song I wrote that is essentially built on one chord, that revolves around changing the way that chord is played. [B]Dungeons[/B] Another simple song, revolves around two riffs with a melody that leads you through the track, with two parts that are the same in the riff but that sounds as if it changes because of a break in the middle. [B]Skriket - Black Magic & Vodoo Women[/B] Another track that is built on one chord, but with a lot of dynamic changes and simple melodies played here and there to create a track that keeps on going for almost 12 minutes (!) without getting too boring.

[QUOTE=MuffinZerg;46174592] Digital music has got to be one of the most unfriendly fields to newcomers.[/QUOTE] Well no one said it's gonna be easy :v: But I sort of agree, I seldom check out tutorials because first of all I hate video tutorials, oh and Ableton takes over the sound device so I can't do Ableton + Youtube. And often, as you said, they are just a set of instructions without revealing the rationale behind it.

[QUOTE=Skeeter;46176809]I listened to the first track that he made and to make that kind of music I would highly recommend learning music theory, classical music relies a lot on knowing how to build chords, how to progress them and knowing what chords go well with other chords. That is not necessary however, but it would help a lot, there's musictheory.net that has some nice practices that you can do. If you can you should check out classes for it, since it can be a real boon to have someone who knows it explain it to you so you really understand it. In terms of production, you would need some pretty high quality VST (virtual instruments, more on this later) to produce the sounds he uses. Strings and other orchestral instruments are tricky things to sample and tweak so that they sound organic and real, but it shouldn't stop you from trying. I just want you to know that making orchestral music can be pretty tough, since it has a lot of layers to make it sound organic So I am trying to make a track using reaper, but I am really confused. I need a very basic tutorial to everything. I downloaded some sound samples, some beats and snares and stuff. But where can I get more? What I think would be a good start is to check out how to write music first, there's probably plenty of tutorials for it on youtube :) There's probably a lot of different genres but one thing that always rings true is that each and every genre has song structure, backing rhythms, melodic instruments and some sort of percussion to keep a steady groove. A VST plugin is a virtual instrument that creates sounds depending on what information you put into it, most programs have piano rolls that are essentially a virtual piano, where you place notes. The VST then plays those notes, depending on what sort of VST it is. Some vsts can't play several notes at once, while some do it perfectly. If you want to create a good repeating background then the first thing you should think about is what sort of mood you want to create. I would disagree with you on that, and lay the blame on those who make the tutorials. The most important thing right now for you I think is to learn what makes music. Think about your favourite band and the song you like the most, what is that you like? Is it the melody of the vocals, the lead instrument, the groovy rhythm section? I'm certain that whichever you answer, it is the whole package that seals the deal for you. What in particular is it that you find to be the hardest right now about making music? Actually, if it isn't too much of a hassle you could check out my soundcloud ; [url]https://soundcloud.com/skriket[/url] And pick out a track you like, some songs that I think could be good tracks to help you understand the process that is making music is the following: [B]After All This Time? [/B]Piano instrumental track with a steady chord progression with a melody that continues to evolve through the whole song [B]Prettosexuell - Lurifix[/B] A simple rock song I wrote that is essentially built on one chord, that revolves around changing the way that chord is played. [B]Dungeons[/B] Another simple song, revolves around two riffs with a melody that leads you through the track, with two parts that are the same in the riff but that sounds as if it changes because of a break in the middle. [B]Skriket - Black Magic & Vodoo Women[/B] Another track that is built on one chord, but with a lot of dynamic changes and simple melodies played here and there to create a track that keeps on going for almost 12 minutes (!) without getting too boring.[/QUOTE] Thanks for the answer, but my confusion is still great. Like, how do I make my VST play some notes and then insert it in my track? I am so dumb I need it narrowed down to "what buttons should I push". Is there a video of someone creating a simple song or even one background loop in any program? I think seeing someone's workflow would help me big time. [editline]8th October 2014[/editline] Okay, I figured I need Kontakt player. I am still not sure what the hell is this, how I am going to need it and all that, but seems like the right path. Why hasn't anyone made a tutorial "how to make the simpliest track, step by step guide"? Guess that would make it too easy. [editline]8th October 2014[/editline] Yeah, now I can play vitrual instruments! I can't figure out how to record something and put it in the track, but it's a start I guess.

In reaper you're going to have to create a midi track, you do this by clicking Insert, then select New MIDI item. Doubleclick it and you can start adding notes to it. :)

Reaper probably has basic tutorials and guidelines how the program itself works, I suggest looking around the help portion of reaper and its website. VST implementation, sampling and creating midi all depends on the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) you're using

Thanks guys, I created a shitty midi item and it worked. Now I can set off to make music for my own fun.

So sick: [url]http://www.factmag.com/2014/10/07/against-the-clock-fracture/[/url] I love these against the clock things FACT does. This one's got Fracture spending 10 mins digging for records and then 10 mins making a tune from them.

[quote]Congratulations! Your release, Black Magic & Voodoo Women has been approved for distribution by RouteNote. Distribution to all selected retail partners normally takes between 4 and 6 weeks.[/quote] I don't care if I only get 85% of any profits I made out of the song, this track [media]http://soundcloud.com/skriket/black-magic-vodoo-women[/media] Is not only something I'm incredibly proud of, it is a showcase of what I am capable of in ways of playing both bass, guitar and drums (and various other percussive instruments) and is also a huge part of a journey I started where I learned to truly love myself and be proud of who I am and what I am capable of. Anyone else had their stuff uploaded through routenote? I've read both good and bad stuff about them.

[url]https://open.spotify.com/album/0KoBAwtHorDpsgiusE4pUo/1RmQi2OvZEJPmwHm4oj14r[/url] I now have it on Spotify

Tip to any of you who are trying to take your music semi-seriously: Get. On. Twitter. In the past couple month I have connected with the majority of my biggest inspirations, including sending them tunes and getting prerelease tunes from them to play out and it's all been through there.

I'm doing a research project as part of a music degree and I need some more questionnaire answers, if anyone has the time to fill out my form it would be much appreciated! [url]https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LygTB-xUygd_V25hLM3r0vPpzJF70ZgWOHxxgmpTfQc/viewform[/url]

[QUOTE=KmartSqrl;46355104]Tip to any of you who are trying to take your music semi-seriously: Get. On. Twitter. In the past couple month I have connected with the majority of my biggest inspirations, including sending them tunes and getting prerelease tunes from them to play out and it's all been through there.[/QUOTE] 100% agree i have already argued with 3 of my idols

The Doors have really gotten me into keyboard organ music [video=youtube;pKtvvI0g2uo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKtvvI0g2uo[/video] [video=youtube;LY1l8T2Lcl0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY1l8T2Lcl0[/video] I wish more people were into psychedelia and the 60's. Most people are way too fucking modern.

What are some good synth plugins for FL Studio? I mainly used Harmless when I was just fucking around with the program, it seemed to get the job done just nicely.

[QUOTE=KmartSqrl;46355104]Tip to any of you who are trying to take your music semi-seriously: Get. On. Twitter. In the past couple month I have connected with the majority of my biggest inspirations, including sending them tunes and getting prerelease tunes from them to play out and it's all been through there.[/QUOTE] I just want to reinforce this again because it's continuing to be key for me. In the past couple weeks I've gotten one of my favorite MCs across the pond interested in doing a track with me AND one of my all time favorite producers played one of my tracks at a massive soundclash between two of the biggest labels in the dnb scene (Exit vs Headz). Of course the day I get both of those pieces of news my audio interface died so my studio was out of comission for a few days while my inspiration levels were maxed :( So fucking gassed now that I'm back up and running though!

I have trouble knowing where to start with that, because I rarely make more than 1-2 tracks of the same genre before I go on and do something completely different [editline]6th December 2014[/editline] I'm super stoked about your progress however, because you deserve it :)

Thanks man, that means a lot :) I wouldn't let the genre thing stop you. I produce pretty varied stuff too, I just make sure to only send people tracks that I think fit their vibe (which you should do anyways, IMO, since a lot of the bigger guys get sent mountains and mountains of stuff) That's another important thing to note too. Don't be discouraged by silence when you send stuff out as tough as that might be. Just keep 'em rolling and you'll hear back eventually if you're chill about it.

So guys, I was needing a midi file for London Grammar's "Hey now", But I can't find it anywhere. I tried to get it from sheet music but I am an uneducated fool who can't read basic sheet. Any help?

[thumb]https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t31.0-8/10749970_883020518389022_1437381630598473491_o.jpg[/thumb] This thing sounds exactly how you would expect a Soviet synthesizer to sound

So can I ask a question regarding what bass to buy? - Or is there a better thread for that?

[QUOTE=-z-e-m-i-;46674436]So can I ask a question regarding what bass to buy? - Or is there a better thread for that?[/QUOTE] Have you played bass before, or will this be your first ever bass? I would really recommend that if this is your first bass is going to a music store, ask them for help finding basses within your price range (and remember, you can always talk about changing the price or getting some extra stuff from them such as picks etc) and test them all. Make note of those who feels good to play on. Bass Guitars all have a wide spectrum of how they sound, some got a booming, warm tone to them whereas others will sound much harsher, like a dog growling. What sort of music are you into? The beginner bass kits you can find are usually very affordable and gives you a small practice amp to get you started. Obviously those amps and instruments won't work in the long run, but they work perfectly for a beginner :)

I have played bass for almost 1/3 of my life(about 6 years). This is my 3rd bass. Right now i got a Esp Ltd b-50, and it is okay. It has taken a lot of beatings though, and since its Christmas soon i think ill save up for a new one. My thoughts where; either im gonna save up for one hell of a bass (an expensive yamaha for example), or buy a 5 string, about same quality as my current one. Or buy a cheap one, just to have more basses. Now, i have looked for a lot of different ones, and found some sweet ones. Im definitely gonna try them all out before buying them. I found the Ibanez sr500/300 very tempting, i also looked at the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special, but the most tempting one i have looked at was the Epiphone Thunderbird IV. I love grunge(Nirvana, Pearl jam, Mud honey and Alice in chains), and lately i have been jamming with a drummer, who is a very close friend of mine. Id love your opinions!

Fuck. Yes. We just recently got confirmation on a new location to throw our monthly club night that's got over 3x the capacity our old spot had (367 now vs 100 previously), and now today the club offered us a weekly spot! They're even down to help with promo costs for flyer printing and all that which will be awesome. More opened dates and more room for people means more chances to bring bigger artists which I'm super amped about. Keep grinding. It pays off!

Good work mate. Venues round my city seem to be closing left and right so it's nice to hear about events actually increasing in size!

Venues have been disappearing a lot around here too actually. Especially ones that cater to electronic music, so this feels like an even bigger win :) They're remodeling and upgrading the sound right now too!

Definitely, especially for electronic music. I was thinking of doing a live act with analog hardware and it was surprising how far I'd need to drive to gig at a decent club.

[QUOTE=-z-e-m-i-;46683010]I have played bass for almost 1/3 of my life(about 6 years). This is my 3rd bass. Right now i got a Esp Ltd b-50, and it is okay. It has taken a lot of beatings though, and since its Christmas soon i think ill save up for a new one. My thoughts where; either im gonna save up for one hell of a bass (an expensive yamaha for example), or buy a 5 string, about same quality as my current one. Or buy a cheap one, just to have more basses. Now, i have looked for a lot of different ones, and found some sweet ones. Im definitely gonna try them all out before buying them. I found the Ibanez sr500/300 very tempting, i also looked at the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special, but the most tempting one i have looked at was the Epiphone Thunderbird IV. I love grunge(Nirvana, Pearl jam, Mud honey and Alice in chains), and lately i have been jamming with a drummer, who is a very close friend of mine. Id love your opinions![/QUOTE] I would highly recommend a Fender Jazz Bass then, they sound really sweet and plays extremely well! It can growl like a tiger if I want to, but also talk smoothly and mellow should the need arise. :) I actually had an epiphone thunderbird before, it sounds good but I didn't like the neck one bit and it is a very demanding instrument to play standing, because of how off-balance the weight is.