I stopped writing music for several years, and just started again. Uploaded some tunes on SoundCloud. Here is my latest:

https://soundcloud.com/inside-synthesis/blown-mind

Is it a bit dated? How does it sound to the modern ear?

The most dated sounding thing is your samples. The low bit drum rolls really date things for me. It's a fun song though!

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Originally posted by passionPunch The most dated sounding thing is your samples. The low bit drum rolls really date things for me. It's a fun song though!

Thanks! I used granular FX for the drum rolls (placed on static samples), and it seems to make them sound 8 bit. That was unintentional – I might have to redo them, as it does sound dated.

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Originally posted by clay its nothing worse than other stuff today. just keep on doing it if you enjoy it.

I definitely enjoy it. I hope to make stuff better than the stuff out now. But I hate making stuff that's immediately dismissed as dated, as it can prevent a good song from being heard properly.

Just work really hard on programming modern sounding synths. Make them your own of course, but thats going to be a huge flaw. Also kicks are so important.

MONO YOUR BASS. Sounds pretty wide in my headphones. Or I'm an idiot..

What music do you listen to? I mean retro is totally cool. To each his own. If all you're listening to is older tracks it's going to be tough for you to get out of writing them.

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Originally posted by passionPunch MONO YOUR BASS. Sounds pretty wide in my headphones. Or I'm an idiot.. What music do you listen to? I mean retro is totally cool. To each his own. If all you're listening to is older tracks it's going to be tough for you to get out of writing them.

The bass is pretty wide. I made it on Korg Gadget which has very limited mixing options, but I plan to multitrack it and part it out to different synths. That should tighten it up. Thanks for the tip.

Is the kick alright?

I'm afraid I listen mostly to old stuff, from 1998-2005 trance, with Ferry Corsten, The Quest, Rank 1, etc. I also listen to Depeche Mode and New Order. So super old.

I've tried to listen to new stuff, but so much of it is devoid of melody. I found one relatively new track that has kick ass melodies, but I haven't found too much else like it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqOUBXDcdlw

Anything you could recommend with modern sounds, but strong themes and melodies without the constant CD skipping stuff on dubstep?

It sounds a bit flat, it's not too bad. What sample packs are you using?

Shame where Ferry's gone eh? I love his early stuff, and would have to say Twice In A Blue Moon is my absolute favourite dance album to date. I have way to many listens on the Symsonic album.

Music suggestions is tough. I really like the 140 scene right now. Many many subculture (label) artists are doing fantastic stuff, even in the 130 range.

My top three tracks right now are as follows:
JOC - One Special Particle http://youtu.be/1-1HwcdLJJM

Adam Ellis - Mandarine http://youtu.be/El4T2YRQ4J4

Sied van Riel - 8 Decades https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noGPvnvEeJM

Anything by The Blizzard is very melodic, they have a very unique sound. I love artists such as Activa, The Thrillseekers, Sebastian Brandt (https://soundcloud.com/sebastianbrandt/overture) etc etc etc.

Most of these original mix songs won't be very melodic in the begnining (Mix intros) so just give them some time or skip a bit in. Hopefully you like some of these. The great thing about a lot of 140 is that it has an old school trance feel just with new production standards and elements.

If you ever need a few kicks let me know.

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Originally posted by passionPunch It sounds a bit flat, it's not too bad. What sample packs are you using?

Just the built-in stuff in Korg Gadget. Everything you hear is just from its synths and drum machines.

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Music suggestions is tough. I really like the 140 scene right now. Many many subculture (label) artists are doing fantastic stuff, even in the 130 range.

I like listening to stuff above 130, but I have a mental block making it. It always seems to fast when I make it. Something to work on.

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Anything by The Blizzard is very melodic, they have a very unique sound. I love artists such as Activa, The Thrillseekers, Sebastian Brandt

I checked it out. I think you and I have similar tastes. Affinity by Hydra / Thrillseekers is probably one of my all-time favorites.

I quite like the retro influence. Could have a really cool style here if you perfect your synths

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soundcloud.com/losthawkmusic

Here's another one that I just reworked:

http://soundcloud.com/inside-synthesis/revolution