Creative Music in Progress - Always Post Feedback, Read OP before posting! - General

Seriously man, anything is appreciated.

[QUOTE=overpain;45203236]Any criticism and feedback from me would hypocritical and bad advice, so I would rather not do it.[/QUOTE]Critisizing and analyzing other people's tracks will probably help you with your music too tbh

[QUOTE=Rich209;45201161] Speaking of mixing I have some questions. I'm probably not using FL Studios like your suppose to be, but what is the purpose of "pattern" and "song?" I've always written my entire pieces in a single "pattern." Would this help with mixing? Can you point me to some tutorials, etc? I've also always noticed that my pieces do sound like a college ensemble and not a huge studio ensemble. I'm not completely sure how to go about creating this effect. Is this something that can purely solved in mixing? Or is this something that has to deal with me having only the Gold version of my East West packs and not the higher versions that allow for surround/stage reverbs that create space. Anyone can answer if they know. [/QUOTE] The best thing about FL is that it is incredibly easy to fiddle around with the song structure by having individual patterns for each segment, so you can have the rhythm section in a few patterns and then lay out other unique patterns when there should be different melodies, the pattern/song is so that when you fiddle around on the song, you hear the whole playlist with all the patterns and automations included, whereas if you just use the pattern to listen to, you can't really use effects to full effect. I think the best way to achieve that studio ensemble is to really abuse effects such as delay and reverb to create that feel of many instrumentalists playing, even doubletracking with very minor changes in rhythm can create that human feel where it feels as if a LOT of people are playing. You can add reverb and that when you're mixing, I would love to take a stab at one of your compositions and mix and play around with it, see if I can find a way for you to get that specific feel you're after and then tell you how to really do it and if it is doable. :) [editline]25th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=overpain;45203012]Hey guys, do I got any better? I honestly can't tell, started doing shit again month or so ago. [media]https://soundcloud.com/overpain/orpen-35-wip[/media] Also, I bumped into problem, which is that whenever I chorus/melody/whatever, I can't seem to create any good intro. Any tips on this? Anyways, thanks for feedback mates.[/QUOTE] Listen to other peopls music and analyze how they do the stuff you're bad at, you can't really expect people to help you out if you can't take the time to even tell them how you think their music is. Give and take you know?

[QUOTE=overpain;45203236]Any criticism and feedback from me would hypocritical and bad advice, so I would rather not do it.[/QUOTE] No excuses. We all do it despite many of us not feeling qualified. Noone is going to give you feedback until you at least make an attempt. You are not allowed to be an exception to this rule

[QUOTE=Rich209;45201161]Thank you for the helpful feedback, I really really appreciate it! I'm definitely looking into the bass, because you've made me noticed that I haven't handed off the melody to the bass yet and that it was something I was overlooking. Some of the volume issues might be from me using cheapy $30 Walmart speakers that I got from my roommates for Christmas two years ago. My nice headphones fucked up and quit working. I took them apart and was able to solder the broken line, but it didn't get them back into full working order. Bass was screwed up and it only worked on one side. So when I've been working dynamics, I've been basing them off those speakers so I can hear it myself. Thankfully my birthday is Thursday and I've asked for some nice speakers. (I have had too much bad luck with headphones) Speaking of mixing I have some questions. I'm probably not using FL Studios like your suppose to be, but what is the purpose of "pattern" and "song?" I've always written my entire pieces in a single "pattern." Would this help with mixing? Can you point me to some tutorials, etc? I've also always noticed that my pieces do sound like a college ensemble and not a huge studio ensemble. I'm not completely sure how to go about creating this effect. Is this something that can purely solved in mixing? Or is this something that has to deal with me having only the Gold version of my East West packs and not the higher versions that allow for surround/stage reverbs that create space. Anyone can answer if they know. I feel like I'm a very capable composer, but still learning on the whole mixing and mastering game.[/QUOTE] For good speakers, I recommend getting 5 of these: [url]http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Rokit8G3[/url] No real difference between pattern or song. Don't worry about it. This has nothing to do with mixing. FL is actually really terrible in terms of mixing. I'd save up and get either Cubase or ProTools and do your work in there. Mixing in either of those is much better and the tools they give you work more fluently together. You're no doubt a great composer. I'm actually struggling with the same issues; making it sound more like a large ensemble than a small group. However hopefully I can help muster some of what I've picked up toward your direction. Instead of making one violin, viola, etc track make multiples. Make a Violin 1 (1) and a Violin 1 (2), etc. Make them the same exact parts, however blend them in a way where they sound different from one another. Slightly detune every 'solo' instrument so it's not perfect. Different micing techniques and sound control can go a long way as well. Don't just use the default settings. Play around with all the different knobs and other miscellaneous controls. Once your done with everything copy/paste the entire individual parts and merge them together into a single 'ensemble' track. I haven't actually tried this effect yet but I'd love to see how or if it works. Make sure the ensemble track is very quiet compared to the solo instrument patches and see if it helps create more of a 'large' sound. Good luck

[QUOTE=Hentie;45198886]i suck so much!!! [media]http://soundcloud.com/henrysucks/im-the-wolf[/media] i have money now what should i buy to help me learn how to create better musics? midi contollers - what brand/model? drum machine? software - logic/virtual dj/stick to fruity poops? No, but serious, what kind of stuff do you guys think I should get if I wanted to make stuff like nujabes or giraffage. (Heavy sampling, synths, etc.) Also, give me feedback on the thing I made.[/QUOTE] It's pretty good. I don't like that violin or whatever string instrument sample in the background, though. It kinda clashes with everything else. In terms of things to buy, books are always a good idea. You can buy samples, but other than drum samples, I'd just hunt around for songs to pick them out of. Some good synths are sometimes a good investment, as long as you use them well (Zebra2 is a good general synth, if you don't have one already). If you're going to use it, a midi piano is useful. Try to pick one with a bunch of knobs and buttons that you can map to other things; it comes in handy when designing synths. As for the DAW, just stick with whatever works for you. FL Studio is nice because it's easy to use, but it's also somewhat limiting. If you want to move, try the demo of whatever you're going to buy first, to see if you like it (but beware, most other DAWs are difficult to learn compared to FL Studio). Anyways, here's a track that I came up with. I like the combination of the piano and bass, but I don't think the synth works well and the track gets pretty repetitive. [media]http://soundcloud.com/c4av/surmise[/media]

Not a fan of the synth on beats two and four that comes in around :20. Sounds very off key and bad but it does ease out as the piece goes on. Very repetitive like you said. I like the sounds you used though. Some drums can help spice it up as well. Adding some glitter and spice here and there can help ease out the repetitive sounds. For example, some simple background harmonies. I can hear an arp working really well around 2:07. In fact an arp in my opinion can make a huge difference at 2:07 and 3:12. Even if it isn't an arp, the general idea applies. Use a basic lead or square wave and arpeggiate up and down and back up and down a little bit and back up and down a little bit and back up and down all the way. It makes a cool effect and helps ease off repetition. Keep working at it!

[media]http://soundcloud.com/monoghost/irisium-1[/media] Embed isn't working, might have to click the link. Edit: I'll edit tomorrow and post feedback. It's late and I didn't think to, my bad. :(

[QUOTE=Ghost_Zero;45216724][media]http://soundcloud.com/monoghost/irisium-1[/media] Embed isn't working, might have to click the link.[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=killerteacup;39741128]RULES: [B]1. GIVE FEEDBACK GIVE FEEDBACK GIVE FEEDBACK GIVE FEEDBACK. The only reason this thread could ever maintain quality is because people are meant to give criticism so other people can improve their piece. Do it even if you don't feel qualified to! You might have some ideas the other person hasn't thought of.[/B] 2. This thread is for work in progress pieces as well as completed pieces! Don't feel uncomfortable posting something you don't think is ready for other people to see. 3. Don't throw something shit together in 3 seconds just so you have something to post - this is like every other thread, we don't want to hear you talking about your day just so you can test your new microphone.[/QUOTE]

I propose we have something like a swear jar, but for feedback. You have to put in a quarter if you don't leave feedback with a song, and you have to put in five dollars if you make an excuse and/or say you'll do it later when asked to give feedback ;) <3 this thread

I think a mod should change the title

[QUOTE=redBadger;45219052]I think a mod should change the title[/QUOTE] Seriously think this'd make all the difference

[QUOTE=Hobo4President;45190819] A preview for some darker songs I've been working on, i'll probably make an EP [media]http://soundcloud.com/hobo4president/preview[/media][/QUOTE] I love these, especially the ambience/mood of all three. The third one is definitely my favorite, the synth towards the end is really catchy. If this were an EP, I'd get it.

[QUOTE=Biscuit-Boy;45217952]I propose we have something like a swear jar, but for feedback. You have to put in a quarter if you don't leave feedback with a song, and you have to put in five dollars if you make an excuse and/or say you'll do it later when asked to give feedback ;) <3 this thread[/QUOTE] I like how it works at the moment, we're hardasses to people who don't give feedback and also noone gives them feedback, which is good [editline]28th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Ghost_Zero;45216724][media]http://soundcloud.com/monoghost/irisium-1[/media] Embed isn't working, might have to click the link. Edit: I'll edit tomorrow and post feedback. It's late and I didn't think to, my bad. :([/QUOTE] Hey, this is good. That lead synth could do with a bit more character though, and the kick is pretty boxy but you've got a good track here

I agree, I'm content with the way things are going! Initially there was a bad trend of asking them to post feedback with their work, and someone else would come along and give them feedback anyway, basically invalidating the request because they get the feedback regardless. But, now, everyone is really helping out and I haven't seen feedback given to someone who hasn't done theirs in days, if not weeks. [editline]27th June 2014[/editline] Okay I mean, I spoke too soon because you've just done it, but the reality is that any feedback is good feedback, even if they haven't followed the rules. Just makes it a friendlier place. And here I go again making a big deal out of everything lol, sorry ;)

[QUOTE=Rediscover;45168645]when i played this my volume was accidentally super high so i was blasted in the face w/ this mean ass metal my face melted 7/10 also heres this thing i made last night at like 5am [media]http://soundcloud.com/azathoth/cowards-doubt[/media][/QUOTE] I love glitchy music when it's as well produced as this, I think if you want someone to put a mad rap over this I think slowing it down would do wonders, that drum sample though? Bloody wonderful :) It reminds me a bit of Gramatik, with the jazzy organ playing over a solid beat. You have any plans on making this longer? [editline]27th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=killa101;45178183]Dude this kinda stuff is wicked, reminds me of Vanilla. Great work. Here is a tune I started and finished overnight. The result of 3 months of extreme writers block. [media]http://soundcloud.com/wakethephantom/now-and-then-cut[/media][/QUOTE] Don't you love it when it all drops, the writers block? And how it is always something truly amazing? Because you know what? This is fucking beautiful, the piano is just... wow. Is it truepiano you're using? If so, I'd love to know how you tweaked it to sound so fresh! I usually don't say this, but I think a proper drop at 0:52 would be really fucking sweet! Drop that buildup to the drum beat at 1:12, those 20 seconds doesn't really add much, whereas if you had it kick in there at 0:52? It would be so damn sweet you'd get diabetes. I think you should let the piano drop by when the 1:32 break is, it would make a terrific drop even better, and then maybe let it drop back to just piano at that second drop? I'm not a huge fan of having drops all the time since it gets kinda stale and it loses its charm when you have too many of them, you know? Let it breathe, this track works so well with the different components that I think you should really milk each segment (which contradicts what I just said about the intro :v:), let there be fast parts, dynamic melodic parts and slower parts that lets you catch your breath. [editline]27th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Rich209;45179084]I mostly use Symphonic Orchestra, sometimes I'll use the other libraries that East West has, but not that much. Sick dude! Really liked the organ. The only thing that I have to say is that some of the sections felt like they dragged on. Some were a bit too repetitious. Even you don't want to change them, just adding a new instrument or sound can do wonders. Very chill. Did you come up with the melody, because that was really nice? That was a fun listen! I think one thing you might want to consider working on is keeping variety in your piece. As I was listening I found you stuck with the same progression the entire time. Perhaps try working on coming up with more sections with different chord progressions to keep the listener engaged. ______________________________________ Well I've been hard at work to finish the piece I posted almost a week ago. I've put tons of hours in it so far and plan on seeing where I can take it. Although I'm not done, I feel this piece is coming along quite nicely. I hope I can get it done in time for the Facepunch Collab album! Into The Gates "Preview 2" - [media]http://soundcloud.com/russiangodfather/into-the-gates-preview-2[/media][/QUOTE] Something I think would make that middle part really sweet, is if you let it stick at that same amount of volume as it is when it starts there at 0:56, and let it meld naturally into those violins going into 1:46ish. Would help the buildup come along more naturally, if it kept building up like it does now, without it being too strong. Right now, the track just keeps building up and then letting go too quickly, which is a shame because how it builds up until the major explosion at 0:50 is just beautiful, then it starts building up, cutting short again and then buildup once more. You could definietly let it stay quiet much longer after the 0:50 buildup. :) How long are you planning on making this? [editline]27th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Biscuit-Boy;45180790] --also I fucking love seeing these massive comment quote chains, you guys are seriously making this thread an incredible place to be-- And for my thing, I swear I did this all sober but I do believe I'm going more insane by the day. secret linked because, while fucking hilarious, my voice is still embarrassing to me even just as a joke [url]https://soundcloud.com/logan-mcdaniel/duchamk1sampleplus2/s-fnxy3[/url][/QUOTE] I like your voice, what's that you're singing? Like if you sang something proper you could make some really solid stuff I think! That guitar solo by the way? Fucking hell is it good! I would love to have you lay down some guitar solos on my tracks in the future if you would like to, maybe even sing? I haven't found any riffs that I can properly build on but if I do I would be honoured to have you lay down a solo and some vocals on :) [editline]27th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Speedhax;45184135]Your vocals have potential to be good. I actually enjoyed them on this track. I really dig the song and I wish you would release some full length stuff or record an entire album. Because the stuff you make is very good. I wouldn't be embarrassed about your voice, just try to improve it. Most rock singers aren't conventionally good anyway/ I'm sorry I'll try to give more feedback as more people post. This is a song that's unfinished but I'd rather know if its absolute shit now before continuing it. I decided to venture into more traditional songwriting this time. For this song I would want to find a vocalist to sing over it. Anything after 1:34 is basically nothing and will be taken out. I've never really used power chords in a song or even distortion based stuff outside of soloing. [URL]https://soundcloud.com/blazing234/unfinished[/URL] For some reason the media tags and everything isn't working, without the s of course.[/QUOTE] I like the instrumentation, that kick sounds odd though! Compress it and maybe try and work on finding the frequencies that work best for it so that it sounds nice and mellow. That's actually the only thing I don't really like, the kick. The guitar is brilliant, you plan on having a bass lay down some groove on it? I dig the synth you have too, I'd love to know what the name is of it and if you could share it :) [editline]27th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Hobo4President;45190819]Like milkbagz said it sounds like there is too much stuff panned to the left, but the composition sounds really nice and it sounds really natural, something I always find really hard to get with sampled strings. __________ A preview for some darker songs I've been working on, i'll probably make an EP [media]http://soundcloud.com/hobo4president/preview[/media][/QUOTE] They all sound like they're the same song, only at different parts :v:

Thanks for all of the feedback Skeeter! One thing I'd suggest is maybe snipping everything from the quotes except for the links to the songs to save a bit of space. As for my thing, it's a song I wrote while bored to shit the last weeks of work. [url="https://soundcloud.com/logan-mcdaniel/oh-dear/s-jv9D3"]I have this song here if you want to hear me singing more normally[/url], but I'm not sure I'm up to singing just yet as I'm pretty 'uuuugh insecure' about it all. If you send me something I could definitely give a shot at some guitar tracks for you, though.

Its hard though to do that if a person has made multiple posts on a page taking up space isn't so bad also biscuit boy you are a good singer

What would you like the title changed too?

Your Works In Progress - Feedback equals feedback (Read Forum Rules!)

[QUOTE=Skeeter;45232516]Your Works In Progress - Feedback equals feedback (Read Forum Rules!)[/QUOTE] Not your, creative sounds better Creative Music in Progress - Always Post Feedback, Read OP before posting! or something like that [editline]28th June 2014[/editline] even just a thing that says to read the op

Yeah that's good. Done. Any changes wanted just ask.

I think it's a bit weird sounding but I certainly can't think of anything better. Thanks AshMan :) (also thanks killerteacup <3)

No problem :)

Aight so here's some stuff for y'all to have a gander at: [media]http://soundcloud.com/skriket/lurifix-2014[/media] I'd love to hear what you guys think about the mixing on this one, it is a garage-grungerock type of song in swedish :) [editline]28th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Biscuit-Boy;45232132]Thanks for all of the feedback Skeeter! One thing I'd suggest is maybe snipping everything from the quotes except for the links to the songs to save a bit of space. As for my thing, it's a song I wrote while bored to shit the last weeks of work. [url="https://soundcloud.com/logan-mcdaniel/oh-dear/s-jv9D3"]I have this song here if you want to hear me singing more normally[/url], but I'm not sure I'm up to singing just yet as I'm pretty 'uuuugh insecure' about it all. If you send me something I could definitely give a shot at some guitar tracks for you, though.[/QUOTE] Personally I like it when the threads pages are fat and juicy :) And yes you are a good singer, like I'm envious of your voice, got a really nice timbre to it and it works really well with your tremendous guitarplaying! There's nothing to be insecure about in your vocal talent, I'll try and make something in the coming weeks for ya.

Finally got my student's copy of ableton, first time working with it, made this last night. [media]http://soundcloud.com/johnlmonkey/space-odd[/media] [editline]27th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Skeeter;45232698]Aight so here's some stuff for y'all to have a gander at: I'd love to hear what you guys think about the mixing on this one, it is a garage-grungerock type of song in swedish :) [editline]28th June 2014[/editline] Personally I like it when the threads pages are fat and juicy :) And yes you are a good singer, like I'm envious of your voice, got a really nice timbre to it and it works really well with your tremendous guitarplaying! There's nothing to be insecure about in your vocal talent, I'll try and make something in the coming weeks for ya.[/QUOTE] I'm digging the shit out of the bass in this, wish I could understand the vocalist though haha

You'll want to remove the s from https and use [media] tags to get the soundcloud link to work. [editline]28th June 2014[/editline] Also Skeeter, there's nothing wrong with a post that has...curves...but there's a lot of fluff that really doesn't need to be there. I mean, it's not really a bit issue, it's just another anal-retentive recommendation. But for example, Rich209's post that you quoted. [QUOTE=Rich209;45179084]I mostly use Symphonic Orchestra, sometimes I'll use the other libraries that East West has, but not that much. Sick dude! Really liked the organ. The only thing that I have to say is that some of the sections felt like they dragged on. Some were a bit too repetitious. Even you don't want to change them, just adding a new instrument or sound can do wonders. Very chill. Did you come up with the melody, because that was really nice? That was a fun listen! I think one thing you might want to consider working on is keeping variety in your piece. As I was listening I found you stuck with the same progression the entire time. Perhaps try working on coming up with more sections with different chord progressions to keep the listener engaged. ______________________________________ Well I've been hard at work to finish the piece I posted almost a week ago. I've put tons of hours in it so far and plan on seeing where I can take it. Although I'm not done, I feel this piece is coming along quite nicely. I hope I can get it done in time for the Facepunch Collab album! Into The Gates "Preview 2" - [media]http://soundcloud.com/russiangodfather/into-the-gates-preview-2[/media][/QUOTE] Could really just be [QUOTE=Rich209;45179084]Well I've been hard at work to finish the piece I posted almost a week ago. I've put tons of hours in it so far and plan on seeing where I can take it. Although I'm not done, I feel this piece is coming along quite nicely. I hope I can get it done in time for the Facepunch Collab album! Into The Gates "Preview 2" - [media]http://soundcloud.com/russiangodfather/into-the-gates-preview-2[/media][/QUOTE] Or even just [QUOTE=Rich209;45179084]Into The Gates "Preview 2" - [media]http://soundcloud.com/russiangodfather/into-the-gates-preview-2[/media][/QUOTE] Which really saves space when you're being an awesome dude and leaving feedback for like, eight people. I dunno, I just always do that anyway, I never thought it took that long/that much work to do.

Yeah probably, I usually just go to the post and press quote and comment as I listen. :) [editline]28th June 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=johnlmonkey;45232993] I'm digging the shit out of the bass in this, wish I could understand the vocalist though haha[/QUOTE] Cheers! Haha he's singing about a wizard called lurifix, which is/was a character in a swedish song from the 70's. The story is essentially that the singer wakes up the wizard, who then proceeds to burn down the whole forest, an act that the singer regrets bitterly.

[QUOTE=Biscuit-Boy;45233168]You'll want to remove the s from https and use [media] tags to get the soundcloud link to work. [/QUOTE] Ah thanks a ton, fixed it![media]http://soundcloud.com/johnlmonkey/space-odd[/media]

[QUOTE=Skeeter;45233341]Yeah probably, I usually just go to the post and press quote and comment as I listen. :) [editline]28th June 2014[/editline] Cheers! Haha he's singing about a wizard called lurifix, which is/was a character in a swedish song from the 70's. The story is essentially that the singer wakes up the wizard, who then proceeds to burn down the whole forest, an act that the singer regrets bitterly.[/QUOTE] Damn, Swedish lyrics are so deep and mythical, meanwhile in America we talk about our love for big booty hos.