are u using a sequeser cubase logic protools?
or hard ware ?

Why not just take a break from production all together? Take a few weeks/months off...indulge your listening in a variety of other musical genres (not just electronica). When you listen, make that time worth it...pay attention to the layout of the song, how instruments are layered and respond to eachother. Even write things down for future reference. When I hit compositional walls, I just stop writing. I'll either retreat to just programming sounds and sampling them for future use, or will just not go into the studio for weeks and put more concentration on my "true" career (bioengineering).

If this is something you won't consider, try and finish tracks a lot sooner...3 months is way to long to keep a vibe that originally started the track going. I've found that my best cuts come from 1-2- days worth of studio time. A lot of artists will admit to this brevity of time. Get the main body done when you're feeling the groove, then work the finalities out later.

And lastly, if you're not musically trained, consider taking some simple theory lessons and intro instrument instruction if you have the time to swing. It may not be a direct help, but having a variety of tools to use from the shed can always help out at one point or another.

Don't sweat it...you'll find your seam.

Thanks Syprik,

Well, I have had A LOT of music theory classes and I've played in two rock bands and wrote tons of "techno" songs in the mid 90's. So as far as music education, I don't think that is it. I have a very good understanding of chord progressions and melodies, I just can't fit parts together well for a trance song. As in, I have a great sounding intro and build, and a great sounding breakdown, but they just sound like they don't connect well, almost like they could make two different songs. I keep the bass/drums the same, it's only the leads/arps that change...

Anyway, I think I will just finish up this track, send it out and see what responses I get. Maybe take a break before I start another track.

As for my studio, here is what I use:


Sonar 2
Acid Pro 3
Reason 2
Fruity Loops Pro 3.5
FM7
Pro-53
Sound Forge 6
Tons of FX plugs

Roland XP-30
Alesis QSR
Yamaha TX81Z
Korg 01 r/w
Ensoniq Mirage
(I rarely use my synths anymore due to softsynths sounding so good)

Mackie 1202
M-Audio Audiophile 24/96
Event PS-6 Monitors
Technics SL1200 M3D (x2)
Vestax DJ mixer

I'd like to hear you stuff

Maybe you have too much stuff going on in your tracks? Try to keep it simple.. and try to make all your parts like a theme. What if you listen to a track you like very much and try to recreate it? Use the same kind of sounds at the same places as the original song.. does that help?

Don't take a break.. at least for me that's the worst thing I can do. Try to make some different music.. something totally different just to get your mind on something else. That works for me.. I usually make one trance track and when I've finished it I start on a track which can be anything

And yes.. buy some new records and listen to them That always helps. I think going to the movies too help.. especially if it's a theatre with a good sound system and there's a cool movie soundtrack. Clubbing is also a good inspiration I think. Maybe you're not inspired?


I dunno.. just my 2norwegiankroner

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Check out my latest track:
enLounge - Secret Beach