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Track Structure

The track structure is the hardest part in the producing process for me. It is a a huge frustration each time.

Basically, very often I arrive to a point where I'm totally stuck and unable to develope the track further.
Don't know where should come the break, how to set the build-up, how to create tension, anticipation, when to add or revome elements, for how long the main melody should stay...
Whenever I try for the most it sounds unnatural and wrong...

Please heeeeeelp. I am desperate.

Yes, I listened to many tracks I like trying to analyse their structure, but it doesn't apply to my projects cause the number of elements is different.

i cant really give any advice but to listen to other tracks and try to have a vision of what you want before starting. i find this the must fun aspect of producing, making transitions and keep the groove, changing parts and elements. once i have all my parts/loops made the fun can finally start. ive stopped using automation drawing btw, its not really needed, you dont hear that in great music usually.

You should go the search bar and search Track Structure because I know we have discussed this in depth many times here in the production forum, that should help you. I have the same problem, and what has worked for me is to switch production methods. When I started out, I would produce in a linear method, starting with the drums, then I'd slowly bring in some proggy basslines and melodies, but then I would lose direction. Lately I've been creating the main melody of my tracks first, then adding other elements into it as it servers for the main part of the track, or the chorus. I then go back and begin to create an intro and some proggy chords building up into the main part of my track that I have already created, usually putting in a huge drop before it comes into the chorus. Switching up production methods like that has worked for me, maybe it will for you. Try searching the forums though for track structure threads as there has been a few discussed in depth here.

Well for one thing, if you start writing a track before you know what you want it to sound like, you're doing something wrong. You should never get to a point where you don't know what to do with your own song.

I have the same problem. What helps for me is to draw out a song map on paper, or to load up a ghost track into my DAW that is a similar style of what I want to accomplish. Also, try starting out with the main part of the song that is about ^n amount of bars and branch off from there.

quote:

Originally posted by Kysora Well for one thing, if you start writing a track before you know what you want it to sound like, you're doing something wrong. You should never get to a point where you don't know what to do with your own song.

this is no rule.

quote:

Originally posted by Kysora Well for one thing, if you start writing a track before you know what you want it to sound like, you're doing something wrong. You should never get to a point where you don't know what to do with your own song.

That works for you and BT, who I've read likes to map out his songs. I tend to favor working myself into a corner I don't know what to do with and then figuring out how to work my way out of it.

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Originally posted by EddieZilker That works for you and BT, who I've read likes to map out his songs. I tend to favor working myself into a corner I don't know what to do with and then figuring out how to work my way out of it.

Then you're not really the sort of person who has to listen to that advice then, are you? If you get to the point OP gets to, though, you need to have at least a basic map of ideas from beginning to finish just so you can complete a damned song. Once you can do that you can start venturing into unknown territory and improvise from there.

quote:

Originally posted by Kysora Then you're not really the sort of person who has to listen to that advice then, are you? If you get to the point OP gets to, though, you need to have at least a basic map of ideas from beginning to finish just so you can complete a damned song. Once you can do that you can start venturing into unknown territory and improvise from there.

Woah, killer. I just said what works for me and why, completely acknowledging that your method works for you; not to ignore your advice for mine. And a comparison to BT, however unqualified as it's coming from Yours Truly, is nothing to sneeze at.

Where is this coming from?

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Originally posted by Kysora If you get to the point OP gets to, though, you need to have at least a basic map of ideas from beginning to finish just so you can complete a damned song.

not necessarily. alot of great music is made by accident.

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Originally posted by clay not necessarily. alot of great music is made by accident.

I doubt that...

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Originally posted by clay not necessarily. alot of great music is made by accident.

I agree, when you hear a tune with a unique bass or lead sound, a bet that sound was accidently made while trying other things..

I remember fatboyslim saying a while back his best tunes were not planned out, they just came together very quickly while messing about. The tracks he does plan and spend alot of time on are not his better ones.

its usually the case with all original music. and also the reason why most big producers make cooler (but bader sounding) tracks early in their career. and also again usually the reason why they got popular in the first place. the human brain is limited so to add randomness usually helps.

Emulate the arrangements of tunes you like - seriously, it will help you big time!

Copy and paste the whole 8 or 16 bar loop over the length of tune you want. The subtract bits to create an arrangement. once that is done, go through and create fills and little complimentary elements.

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