Paul van Dyk remix contest - TranceAddict Forums

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-- Paul van Dyk remix contest

Posted by thesilversurfer on Jun-03-2008 20:00:

Paul van Dyk remix contest

Hi I just remixed Paul van Dyk's Far Away, it's posted on http://www.beatportal.com/remix/det...bergs-dream-rmx go check it out and vote for it if you like it, you need to be registered on beatport.com (it's free) and logged in to vote.

Thanks,

David van der Berg

Posted by nycionx on Jun-03-2008 20:11:

ya i liked it! quite good
but i still need to hear the original

Posted by thesilversurfer on Jun-03-2008 20:21:

Thanks for the comment. Yeah check the original then vote for mine if you want.

David

Posted by Jer on Jun-03-2008 20:42:

Half decent!

Not too bad at all, it's a lot more coherent than most of the submissions! Given the fact that Vandit didn't really give much in terms of parts / MIDI to work with, you've done a pretty good job of integrating your own elements in.

The only gripe I really have is the arrangement: Although you took your own bits and moulded them in, I would have really liked to hear the chord change in the original come in during the break; personally I feel that's one of the best bits of the original! That way it wouldn't feel so jagged when you add that synth in the climax break.

For me, I find the best formula for writing 136BPM + Club Trance is..

1. Statement of the theme
2. Variance on the theme
3. Restatement / Summary of themes

The track itself for me really kept my attention until the break - When there's nothing but the synths running, the focal point drifts after you've heard the same riff too many times without any variance, so consider adding the chord change during the break and playing with some filter effects to really grab the listener by the balls (or vagoo, is such is the case). That way, by the time your climax hits you can fiddle and toy with the other elements you've introduced and still create a real sense of urgency and power with the mix without having to do much at all.

Summary: Clean mix, great sounding. Personally I'd tweak the arrangement a wee bit.

If you weren't looking for critique, feel free to ignore. hahaha

~jx.

Posted by Dave Akermanis on Jun-03-2008 20:44:

quote:
Originally posted by Jer

1. Statement of the theme
2. Variance on the theme
3. Restatement / Summary of themes

Very well put.

Posted by Jer on Jun-03-2008 20:44:

Fucking Double Post.

Posted by Jer on Jun-03-2008 20:48:

quote:
Originally posted by Dave Akermanis
Very well put.

Thanks!

I sift through a lot of music on a daily basis (some good, lots absolutely wretched) and you'll find that formula to be pretty much common throughout any kinds of pop music (or anything for a tune, for that matter). Just my two cents!

Posted by thesilversurfer on Jun-03-2008 20:54:

Thanks for the comment Jer, yes I really need some critique, it's ok it was my first track ever from the beginning till the end. I still have a lot to learn about music theory, I think I'm gonna take a course.

Posted by thesilversurfer on Jun-03-2008 20:55:

Can you try to explain that more, I really wanna learn.

Posted by Jer on Jun-03-2008 22:23:

quote:
Originally posted by thesilversurfer
Can you try to explain that more, I really wanna learn.

Well, in all fairness short of chopping up and re-editing the track myself I've been as clear as I can. Now that you've explained that it's your first time out it makes a little more sense, but you've done a great job considering you're a rookie!

Read up a bit on musical arrangement, and if anything take a few hours / minutes / beers to study certain tracks that REALLY get your blood flowing. Don't just study the 'doo-doo-dee-doo-doos' of the tune, really REALLY get into the nitty gritty of what does it for you! You like that bass? WICKED, find out what type of instrument(s) are doing it, how much compression they're putting onto it, whether or not they're gating it, etc etc. More importantly though, look at the track from front to back - How are the sounds being introduced? Are the coming in full force? Are they filtering them? Are there fills? How does the theme in the intro leader differ from the one in the breakdown and from the re-statement (climax)? Really pick it apart down to its most basic level and repeat as many times as necessary to get a core understanding of what YOU really like about dance music. From there you can develop a style truly your own and begin to arrange and develop music that is truly your style!

Lesser artists borrow; Greater artists steal.
- Igor Stravinsky

Don't read TOO much into it, but don't be afraid to really dive in and learn for yourself what makes you move to get a broader sense of what you want to do artistically.