I'm not a beginner anymore, (although I'm certainly not an expert), but I've been having trouble with this since the very beginning.

I create a song, enjoy the way it sounds, and take a break. The next day (or a few days later), I listen to my song again, and it sounds not so good. Things seems "off" for some reason. This has happened with nearly all of my songs, even the ones that other people say sounds good.

I don't know if it's just me, or if it's some natural occurrence in the music production world, but it really bothers me. Is there a time you should wait before listening to your song for the final time, if you're going to sell it? Is there some kind of "ear adjustment period" you should wait after every time you finish editing it?

if i put something together ill listen to it the next day and ill know pretty much straight away whether its worth keeping or deleting
I find that if im having to ask myself if the track is good or not, then its usually not......

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quote:

Originally posted by evo8 if i put something together ill listen to it the next day and ill know pretty much straight away whether its worth keeping or deleting I find that if im having to ask myself if the track is good or not, then its usually not......

This.

When you think it sounds bad it sounds bad.

What i do is listen to it again with fresh ears the next days with a blank sheet in front of me and i write what i don't like

Example:

Overall, kick is too loud, not punchy enough.
1:34 this fx is too loud.
2:05 Here needs a snare roll
4:15 Sound design here is crap, try something else.

quote:

Originally posted by TeaGreen This has happened with nearly all of my songs, even the ones that other people say sounds good.

Who says it? Your girlfriend, your best mate? It really depends of a perspective..

quote:

Originally posted by TeaGreen I don't know if it's just me, or if it's some natural occurrence in the music production world, but it really bothers me. Is there a time you should wait before listening to your song for the final time, if you're going to sell it? Is there some kind of "ear adjustment period" you should wait after every time you finish editing it?

IMO there is time to let your ears rest a bit and then come back to the track. But it doesnt change the sound. Can you upload some of your tracks so we can review them?

quote:

Originally posted by TeaGreen I create a song, enjoy the way it sounds

This is most important thing, if you are not after an official release.

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Valid question. Do you listen to music of the same genre you produce? While producing, it is easy to become immersed in what you are doing. This is a good thing, but needs to be managed. If you are so immersed in what you are doing that your sound design seems lacking once you have had a more objective listen, that just means that you have to keep practicing to get what you want. That, I think, is a skill. To be able to produce in a more objective way while you create the music to create a product that sounds exactly the way you want it so sound. If you have a sound in your head, you will never be able to actually hear it unless your process to coalesce this idea or thought into your DAW and out of your speakers is refined and developed.

You need to try to identify, what is "sounding off".

If it is melody, hook, main idea off the track, then forget about that track.

But if things i mentioned are ok, then you need to do as Rodri Santos said

quote:

Originally posted by Rodri Santos What i do is listen to it again with fresh ears the next days with a blank sheet in front of me and i write what i don't like Example: Overall, kick is too loud, not punchy enough. 1:34 this fx is too loud. 2:05 Here needs a snare roll 4:15 Sound design here is crap, try something else.

This is very good advice, thats exactly how i do.

And fix it, or try to fix it!

I hope this helps

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Keep finishing tunes, you will develop the "right" sound over time....hopefully

I've been trying to use different soundsets to mix things up, don't go back to the same presets everytime and try something new each track as far as FX and arrangement goes.

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If you're comfortable listening to it when other people are in the room

Try different projects at a time. If you stick to one, it will never sound great because thats all you listen to, which is obvious.

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Juan Paulino - Quantum Break (Original Mix) [Progressive Breaks]

for me it comes much later on down the line before i find shit that's wrong i think most producers go through the same problem.

I wouldnt really worry about it. Let others judge that. Most important thing is express yourself and your work has a piece of you; that you're happy with it.

After I've installed a new cam-in-block camshaft with flat-bottomed lifters, it's customary to run the engine at around 2000 RPM for an hour or two. This helps the cam break in the lifters, provided they've been properly lubricated with assembly lubricant on the bottom and oil around the sides. If this hasn't been done properly, there is a risk of mushrooming the lifters and damaging the cam lobes. Make sure not to put oil inside the lifter as there is a risk they won't bleed down properly when the engine is started and you could wind up bending or throwing a rod or two.

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my old stuff, not quite up to snuff - but I still dig it - UPDATED 9/23/2012