Looking for some tuned trance/ progressive ears to give me feedback/criticism/pointers on these two tunes I've made

My first trance/ progressive songs so far. Must say I really enjoyed making these. I promise they're not complete horse shit!!

http://soundcloud.com/crotocol/motion-re-edit-one

http://soundcloud.com/crotocol/so-you-say-test-1

Appreciate those who take the time to listen and give rendering words.

Last edited by Crotocol on Mar-27-2012 at 19:37

so listened to both
first one sounds like a toolroom sample CD
2nd one like a vengeance sample CD with your own VSTi lead on top

Technically both tracks are a bit on the harsh bright side of life. And though you're bringing together some nice elements, as in you're able to create a groovy loop, for me there is no coherence in either of the tracks, it's just a copy / paste excersize to share the different variations of the loops.

so sounddesign/sample collection pretty ok. mix technically not quite yet, producing wise a lot of upside. But if this is your departure point, not bad at all.

___________________
Analogue Mastering
Esoteric sound for the discerning ear

quote:

Originally posted by Raphie so listened to both first one sounds like a toolroom sample CD 2nd one like a vengeance sample CD with your own VSTi lead on top Technically both tracks are a bit on the harsh bright side of life. And though you're bringing together some nice elements, as in you're able to create a groovy loop, for me there is no coherence in either of the tracks, it's just a copy / paste excersize to share the different variations of the loops. so sounddesign/sample collection pretty ok. mix technically not quite yet, producing wise a lot of upside. But if this is your departure point, not bad at all.

Thank-you Raphie and yes this is the departure point, and I completely agree with the "copy/paste" exercise part of that comment. Wasn't sure how to approach this style of music. That being said what could I do to improve this? Listening to more trance is a definite. And as far as mixing/ eq'ing, etc.. I'm having difficulties making my "drop" kicks stand out. Using FLS 10 if that can help you help me.

Respect!

My guess would be to approach things a bit more fluid, rather than a matrix of all 8 measure parts from left to right and all variations from top to bottom and just mute unmute
use more FX, improvise melodies so they survive longer than an eight measure bar, fx etc etc.

It depends what your after I guess, but great tracks progess subtle, nearly boring but with small fluid changes

___________________
Analogue Mastering
Esoteric sound for the discerning ear

quote:

Originally posted by Raphie My guess would be to approach things a bit more fluid, rather than a matrix of all 8 measure parts from left to right and all variations from top to bottom and just mute unmute use more FX, improvise melodies so they survive longer than an eight measure bar, fx etc etc. It depends what your after I guess, but great tracks progess subtle, nearly boring but with small fluid changes

Word. I just recently stopped doing 4 measures and moved on to 8's, I'll try 16's and 32's. Yeah I still have yet to add noize etc. Plus I just learned today how to do volume fades using FLS. So hopefully when I repost the track it will be more keen to your liking . But how about those kicks sir? Any advice?

quote:

Originally posted by Raphie My guess would be to approach things a bit more fluid, rather than a matrix of all 8 measure parts from left to right and all variations from top to bottom and just mute unmute use more FX, improvise melodies so they survive longer than an eight measure bar, fx etc etc. It depends what your after I guess, but great tracks progess subtle, nearly boring but with small fluid changes

I listened to a few things you said and made some adjustments,
http://soundcloud.com/crotocol/motion-edit-two

version two!, if you feel improvement could still be made please tell me!

I must say your EQ'ing and mixing is on the stink level my man. Don't fret though, as with everything in life, it will take to grow and move forward. I see that you use FL 10 ( I use the same). If I can give any advice it would be to do some research on music theory and EQ. If your aiming for "trance", then you should grasp a general emotion in your tracks. From this being a starter track, you should be proud. Always know your own music is good music, that can always be pushed further. My rate: 7/10 (rookie level)


Also the bass is sucking the life out of your other sounds. I usually max out the volume of my bass at -12db to -10db. Good luck!



Cheers

___________________
Mr. Le

quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Le I must say your EQ'ing and mixing is on the stink level my man. Don't fret though, as with everything in life, it will take to grow and move forward. I see that you use FL 10 ( I use the same). If I can give any advice it would be to do some research on music theory and EQ. If your aiming for "trance", then you should grasp a general emotion in your tracks. From this being a starter track, you should be proud. Always know your own music is good music, that can always be pushed further. My rate: 7/10 (rookie level) Also the bass is sucking the life out of your other sounds. I usually max out the volume of my bass at -12db to -10db. Good luck! Cheers

Hahaha Yeah I totally agree man. One thing for me which is acting as a handicap is the fact that I'm using a piece of shit 400$ HP laptop, (n ot disagreeing with the fact that I still need to learn) so it kinda takes away from my ability to EQ (mixing is just me being a rookie) I preferably like cubase 5 but seeing as my laptop is garbage its very difficult for my CPU to process Cubase, and even FLS now. But thank you for the honest and definitely worthy advice. I appreciate you taking the time! I will continue to learn and hopefully create something fantastic