Lack of knowlege

Started by Xince

Xince

hello everybody.

I'm pretty new in music producing and I'm still learning. I've been trying to make some progressive house songs but i can't have the same synthpattern all the way because it feels to repeated after a while. Also I can't change it too much because it will sound really weird.
Any tips or links for tutorials? (free hopefully)

Divercity

I would say,

Learn a bit of music theory and just play around for awhile. There are plenty of tutorials found on youtube, google, musical forums and many other platforms. Just hunt around and keep at it.

You will get the hang of it eventually. :)

steve_xfer

I think ears are mostly the answer.
Most people didn't learn from YouTube videos and tutorials (though there is plenty of information to be had).
Listening critically to your favorite tracks, or trying to re-create them, will sharpen your skills immensely.

You can solve the specific problem you pose by seeing how other people get away with it. Typically everything can change all at once, the listener will accept it if the timing is right (typically after 8/16/32/64 bars) and the change has something interesting to listen to. Of course you want it to sound like it is still the same song, so carrying over rhythmic patterns / sound elements / key will help with that.

Divercity

Hey by the way Steve,

In relation to your experience and opinion in the industry what is the age limit for someone starting to produce and have the ability to gain success in what they do? Alot of artist's and composers start out at an early age gain opportunities, success and are viewed as talent.

Just out of curiosity.

Thanks.

steve_xfer

I don't think there is an age limit whatsoever, if the right personality is involved I firmly believe even an 80-year old could rock the crowds. The music is above all.

Younger artists of course have some distinct advantages..

  • image / a closer peer-connection to the majority of the audience
  • agencies managers etc. may see more 'career potential'

and more importantly some tendencies/abilities that tend to go with being young

  • a closer understanding of current trends (albeit with less historical context, but that isn't really important in a way)
  • willingness to travel
  • willingness to do things for free/cheap to get ahead
  • work insane hours on music
  • be away from home for long periods of time
  • naivety / believing in dreams / ignorance of obstacles

and maybe most important

  • utter disregard for perfectionism / hearing things for what is good, not what could be better

Lastly I'll add that the younger a person is, the more creative they tend to be in ways, think of imagination and daydreaming as a child. Older artists tend to be less creative (original) and more tasteful/refined, in my opinion. being tasteful and refined can make for quality music absolutely, but it doesn't tend to be very unique or memorable.

Lenners

there is a group on Facebook called the Ableton Live Producer … its cool, the group use's FB documents to categorize web vid tutorial covering all kinds of production technique using ableton.. here is the link if anyone is interested .. http://www.facebook.com/groups/AbletonLiveResourceGroup/
cool for feedback too you knw, drop a tune in & ask for comment or whatever … you may also recognize some familiar plugs in the photo's ;)