My first track attempt.. any general tips?

[DJ Asand]

I'm having trouble getting my kicks to sound pronounced.
I find it difficult to stick to typical song structure/arrangements..

any constructive criticism appreciated!!

[vpech013]

It's not that difficult to stick to arrangements lol just make changes every 16,32,64 bars! haha

It's not too too bad. It gets super repetitive. Thats cuz you don't stick to proper arrangement.

I bet your kick is not pronounces because this rumbling bass is killing it. EQ/sidechain compress the bassline. Maybe make it sit lower so the top end of the kick comes through.

[DJ Asand]

thanks for the input! I'll definitely try out what you've mentioned. I've been restructuring it, sounds better.

I used Maschine entirely for this track so far, but I have Logic Pro also and just haven't gotten the hang of it yet.

Edit: just realized I posted this in the wrong section. sorry!!!!!!!

[vpech013]

thanks for the input! I'll definitely try out what you've mentioned. I've been restructuring it, sounds better.

I used Maschine entirely for this track so far, but I have Logic Pro also and just haven't gotten the hang of it yet.

Edit: just realized I posted this in the wrong section. sorry!!!!!!!

And regarding arrangement - pick a song you like - just copy it in one channel and arrange your song the same way. None would ever.

[balakoth]

It's not that difficult to stick to arrangements lol just make changes every 16,32,64 bars! haha

It's not too too bad. It gets super repetitive. Thats cuz you don't stick to proper arrangement.

I bet your kick is not pronounces because this rumbling bass is killing it. EQ/sidechain compress the bassline. Maybe make it sit lower so the top end of the kick comes through.

What is "proper" arrangement? LOL... If he puts it in "proper" arrangement its going to sound even more reptitive. Just because the internet say techno should be made of strict loops on a 16 32 64 pattern :P Classical musical comp says the rules are always breakable :P

[SwedeDreams]

Have you tried a thing called sidechain compression before?
Most compressors should have it, but what you do is route the sidechain to the bass from the kick! So whenever the kick hits, it "compresses" the sound from the kick! You can select how much compression there is coming to the bass as well!

May I ask, what DAW are you using?

[DJ Asand]

Have you tried a thing called sidechain compression before?
Most compressors should have it, but what you do is route the sidechain to the bass from the kick! So whenever the kick hits, it "compresses" the sound from the kick! You can select how much compression there is coming to the bass as well!

May I ask, what DAW are you using?

Yeah, I'm generally familiar with it in theory but never in practice. The audio from the soundcloud link was all done in Maschine but I have Logic Pro, which I'm still wrapping my head around.

the reason I don't mind repetition is because I was going for a "Gesaffelstein- Viol" feel.. one day my ability will match my taste in music.

[vpech013]

totally agree with you there From my perspective you need to know a topic inside-out before you can break rules, otherwise you will just come across as amateur. So what im trying to say is learn the basics so you know when you can and when you shouldn't break rules.

[SwedeDreams]

totally agree with you there From my perspective you need to know a topic inside-out before you can break rules, otherwise you will just come across as amateur. So what im trying to say is learn the basics so you know when you can and when you shouldn't break rules.

+1 on this!
never personally used logic pro (as im a pc user) , but it looks like a fantastic DAW! I've been with Ableton for 3 years and am considering switching to Logic when I get a Mac! Not sure how it'll suit me, but I can always come back to Ableton if I fail

[josephy]

The beat is pretty funky, and I like how you vary the velocity of the drum hits. Definitely on the repetitive side. You don't have to copy any sort of pop songwriting structure, but knowing when to add and subtract elements to engage the listening viscerally and emotionally is really important.

Learning sidechain compression is a must, as well as EQ. Look at a spectrograph of your bass and kick. You can get a good visual of how much they are competing.

Also, everything is really dry. Try adding a little bit of reverb and delay to taste. Good luck!