I would like to start dabbling with producing, but I have no idea where to even begin. I don't want to go out and buy a ton of software and instruments and then find out I really don't like it. So, my question is how should I begin. What software should I start with, preferably an easy to use program? Also, if you have any helpful hints on how you started your first songs I would love to hear that too. Thank you.

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Lost Souls

how old are you?

19

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Lost Souls

before you buy any hardware or software ask yourself one question. why am i doing this? if like most of us here you wanna do it because you love music and feel you could express yourself through creating your own music to give to others then it doesnt really matter what software program you start with because you'll be dedicated enough to stick with it.

if on the other hand your doing it for other reasons like financial gain then forget about it.

p.s. i started with reason and feel it was a wise choice.
best of luck hope this helps.

PC user-
Fruityloops
Reason 3
Cubase
Sonar
Mac user-
Logic 7
Reason 3
Ableton Live

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Cogito, ergo sum.
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Tahnk you for the help so far. I don't think it would be wise to get into producing EDM for money, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyways, thank you for the software suggestions. The thing is I feel a little overwhelmed when I open some of these up. I don't really know where to begin. I fthere is anybody with a lot of patience out there, I would be very gratefull.

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Lost Souls

Demos are the answer....

My advice would be to start out simple, i started with mtv generator in 99 and in 2000 moved onto Ejay, 2003 FL, 2004 Cubase...

That's exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you very much for the post.

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Lost Souls

just don't get hooked on software. Music production is more about to express feelings so others can feel it too, specially trance music which is like story-telling.
the first step is learn about how to structure a track, then an overview of the producction process from the very fist ideas to writting and so on to mastering, after that you can worry about what kind of software you need.

Where could I find said overview?

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Lost Souls

first, start here to get a general overview:
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...threadid=211241

Trance utilizes synths for leads, countermelodies, etc.
Go here: http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...threadid=233907

Pro 53 is used by a lot of people (not quite so much for me: I'm a Vanguard whore). Go here for a good Pro 53 tutorial http://www.angelfire.com/electronic...rial_index.html

...or maybe you want to use Superwave P8
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...=%22supersaw%22

That should get you started.

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research webpage: www.cfa.harvard.edu/~tcurrie

There's some good advice here for once!

1/ You'll probably need a proper soundcard which I dont think was mentioned. An Audigy is fine but I'd recommend an Audiophile 24/96...they're pretty cheap now and the drivers are rock solid. Good sounding card too.

2/ Then, download a demo or two of a music production software bundle like Project5 or FruityLoops or Reason.

3/ You can live without a midi controller (a piano keyboard that hooks into your soundcard to input the music that you play) but I don't recommend it. You can grab a decent cheap midi controller like the EMU Xboard 25 or an Edirol board for a good price. Check Ebay..sometimes theres a good deal on slightly used or new. (Look for some decent --not cheap-- monitor speakers too, as soon you'll notice that your stuff isnt stacking up to the competition without something practical in regards to speakers to mix your stuff in. But speakers can wait till later!)

4/ go here to download some synths (assuming you're not using REASON) --->http://www.kvraudio.com
Look in there for the freeware synths like SuperwaveP8, freealpha, Triangle, and others mentioned above.

5/ Read up on analog synthesis. GOOGLE that. It's pretty important to have some basic fundamentals under your belt. Also try to do some reading on sound, waveforms, harmonics, etc. Its all good stuff to know...but don't get worried about all of it...it'll come but it takes at least a year or so to even begin to get most of it.

That's really it. Just experiment with this set up and you'll soon find your way...you'll begin to grow and develop your own preferences and your studio will grow with you. "Hey..I need another screen or I need better speakers, etc"


G'luck! A word of caution... these guys in here will be ready to bust your balls, but stick around. There's some good advice and music to be had by these fellas!

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please review my latest AMBIENT track HERE.