#musicmaking

[kaijusdream]

Pigeon Scratch Music Update, Late 2023 Edition!

Wasn't intending on not posting a single update on how things are going for over half a year, but that is just how the turn tables I suppose. A little bit of laziness and procrastination, a little bit of art block, stressing myself to near breaking point on multiple occasions, both in music making and overall life stuff. Summertime this year was pretty damn rough, the lowest my mental health had been for a while, and the next couple of months were just trying to bounce back from that. During that time at least I've been able to have a healthier relationship with music. Both in how I feel about my own work, but also in how I enjoy music by others. I've been able to get back into the swing of things. Now it's just procrastination. Let's start with some of the tracks for Northern Minnesota, Part II.

The most recent song I've been working on is with the working title "Fargo Breakdown." About five minutes long, the general gist for this song is to be a slow build with more guitars and drums added onto itself with every repeat. A really big shoegaze-y, post-rock, wall of sound style crescendo that just abruptly ends and sharply transitions into the next song. Current plans is to have this be the first song on the album, with "Pretty Pink Eyes," what I used to affectionately call "The Long Song" going right after it. Can't call it that anymore because now we got at least two songs that are over ten minutes long.

As I've grown more comfortable working on Ableton, and understanding how to more properly produce on it, I've grown accustomed to a more wall of sound approach for this album. It fits perfectly with the genres of music I am making here. Working on this song, as well as The First Snowfall (more about that track and Pretty Pink Eyes later), has actually been helping me determine the kind of style and tone I want, something I'm more comfortable settling on than I was with what I had for Pretty Pink Eyes and The First Snowfall a year ago. One thing I've realized while working on this album is genuinely how well Post-Rock goes with the concept of suffering with OCD, escapism, gender dysphoria, stuff along those lines. And I'm really excited about the idea of mixing my style in more with that genre. Post-Rock has always been such a massive inspiration for me, so I hope I can do it justice with my own little spin on it.

"Muni" is one I can't exactly remember if I did ever post about it here on Tumblr. I did scroll through my entire blog and checked my tags just to make sure, but I didn't see anything. Started working on this track earlier in the year, I believe after my Vancouver trip. About seven minutes long, this is definitely more of a two-parter of a song, in vain to Pretty Pink Eyes and The First Snowfall being multiple parts in a track. Starts off as a slow somber piece with a ton of reverb and cymbals crashing, and the second half being another breakdown. Plans is to have this track on the latter half on the album, almost right before the final couple of tracks. Honestly not much more to say about this, it's just a damn solid track that really came out of nowhere. I think a good thing about Northern Minnesota, Part II is that it's more focused on longer songs than amount of tracks. Focusing on a couple of songs at a time instead of a bunch of one to two minute long tracks really lets me work on the smaller details of these songs to sound exactly how I want them too. I'd also have to assume it's easier for some listeners to listen to a ten track long album than a twenty-five track long album, even if they are about the same length. I just think it's cool I can actually make longer songs.

"Actually Leaving" Is the only song that has been released in full, albeit as an old demo version on EFMC Vol. 2. It also has been shown in full on my Tumblr page as well, over a year ago. Track used to only be two guitar tracks and a drum track, but I decided for the breakdown bit at the end to double the tracks just to get that wall of sound I desire. Still planning to have this be the last song of the album, since it's such a great end piece. Especially now, since Fargo Breakdown and Actually Leaving both have the same vibe, and I like the idea of all the tracks being similar enough to each other to really feel like a concept album. These tracks have different chord progressions and arrangements, different pacings, but very similar ideas for the base. My main concern with Northern Minnesota, Part II is just making sure nothing is filler, and nothing sounds too samey, while also sounding like it all belongs on the same album. All the main songs I've been working on as of late, the ones that have and will be shown here, are very much based on some sort of build up and breakdown, crescendo type of song. Personally though, I think each breakdown I've done in these songs are different from one another. Each showcase a different style of crescendo. At the end of the day, its okay for some of these songs to sound similar to each other because this is a concept album in heart. And it's especially okay since I'm planning on these songs to be related to each other's concepts. Lyrics, arrangements, even song titles. I want to go crazy with the song titles especially, because I'm a fan of complexity in titles. There is gonna be a lot of part II's in parenthesis and reprisals in brackets, vice versa. Just makes me stupid giddy over the idea of it.

The First Snowfall is one of my absolute favorites on this album. The arpeggio melody in the beginning, the first breakdown with the noisy leads similar to Godspeed You! Black Emperor, the jam session in the middle, and the wall of sound, noise, and reverb at the end as it just gets faster and faster in each second. This song was an absolute blast to make, as well as incredibly difficult and painful. Specifically at the end with the increasing tempo. Playing that on guitar and drums and trying my damn best to keep up was really hard, but I think the sloppiness at the end works really well in its favor. Planning this to be the second to last track of the album, right before Actually Leaving. About ten minutes long. I'm a little concerned that going from the wall of sound to another breakdown might screw up the pacing a little bit, but the times I have listened to the transition, It works pretty well. If I do need to put a trick in between, I'm sure I can figure something out, but we'll see later on when I got more songs to work on.

I remember talking about "Pretty Pink Eyes" on my Tumblr literally a year ago, at the time I'm writing this. That image of Ableton didn't have this many tracks, that's for certain. For the past year I've been struggling with how this song sounded in comparison to everything else. That struggle only got worse as time went on, when I started songs like The First Snowfall, Muni, and especially Fargo Breakdown. This was the first song I started working on alongside Actually Leaving, back in late June of 2022. That was during the time I was still learning how to use Ableton, and how to use it exclusively, no Audacity. Because of that, it just sounded completely different no matter what I tried, and my confidence in music making severely plummeted. There came a point where this song no longer sounded like a song to me, and it sounded worse each time I tried.

At the end of last month I finally realized what my big problem was. It was how I was trying to fix it. Working on old varnish doesn't make things better. They don't mix well. I was working on set ups for tracks that I did a year ago, give or take. It didn't matter if I added another guitar track, or if I changed the distortion or the amount of reverb, or even if I included audio recordings of the song through my speakers into the mix, it wasn't gonna sound like how I wanted it to. I had to start from scratch. I kinda knew this for a while, but I was so afraid to do so due to how hard of a task I thought that would be, and I was afraid I wasn't gonna get exactly what I wanted. There were parts I thought that fit the album well already, and there was the thought it'd be pointless to just restart in that department. But again, there came a point where I just said screw it, and just do it. Wouldn't hurt to try. So I created a copy of the project, got rid of all the audio effects, and reset all the volumes and channels, and started from scratch. And holy hell, the entire song sounds so much better, and more accurate to what I wanted for the album. The amount of relief I felt after finishing the base of the mixing in just a week was literally indescribable, and it felt really good to have been able to do it without that much hassle. Three part song, with three breakdown parts. About eleven minutes long. It's finally the wall of sound I've always wanted it to be. And that makes me incredibly happy. Plans for it to go right after Fargo Breakdown. Whenever this album release, remind me to never work on the same song for over a year and a half ever again. That shit was fucking brutal.

Here is the current tracklist. For clarification, this is nowhere near a finished tracklist, both in order and amount. I want to fill in the middle part of this album more. I just tend to focus on the beginning and end the most. I got plans for a song that will also be ten minutes long that would go right before The First Snowfall. A more slower piece, similar to Snow Globes right before Basketball Shoes by Black Country, New Road. All of these songs shown here, except Actually Leaving, will include lyrics or at least vocals of some kind. I will probably release an instrumental version of this album in the future, whenever the album comes out. I really thought I was gonna release this album this year. That's kinda funny. Soon, I'll probably release some snippets of these tracks onto here, just for fun. Don't expect anything much, probably just thirty second pieces of my favorite parts of these tracks. I might as well tease a little bit more than I have been, eh? Thanks for reading this painfully long post. I appreciate it.

[matcross]

Saturday night #sonicdoodle in #flstudiomobile while Mrs C was in a #CAKECOMA 🍰💤💤💤 - really liking the new FL Studio Mobile filters.

[aikonato]

Music making struggles

girl must music making be so goddamn difficult

[zontaurmusic]

#newsingle now on #spotify https://spoti.fi/3Ylg9BC distributed by #distrokid #music #musica #musiclovers #musicislife #musicmaker #wearemusic #makingmusic #musicmaking #musiccreation #newmusic #newmusicalert #newrelease #playlist #originalmusic #newsong #musician #listen #nowplaying #streaming #followers #supportlocalmusic #socialmedia #worldwide https://www.instagram.com/p/CoK1YJYpjUP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[davidesonten]

Ready for 5.1 mixing... 🎚🎵🎶 #avid #aviditalia #avidS1 #audioengineer #studiolife #soundrecordingsoftware #audioproduction #postproduzioneaudio #producer #music #musicmakers #musicproducer #musicstudio #musicmaking #audiopost #postproduction #sounddesign #5.1mixing #soundforfilm #mixer #dolbyatmos #mixingstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn4h4Zqs5MI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[learnhowtocreatemusic]

Choosing the Right DAW for Music Production

Music production is a craft that demands dedication, creativity, and, of course, the right tools. When diving into the world of music production, one of the fundamental choices you'll face is selecting the right Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to bring your musical visions to life. With an overwhelming array of options available, from industry standards to beginner-friendly software, it's crucial in choosing the right DAW that it not only meets your needs but also nurtures your growth as an aspiring music producer.

Understanding DAWs: The Building Blocks of Your Musical Journey

Digital Audio Workstations serve as the backbone of your music production process, offering a platform where you can create, edit, arrange, and mix sound recordings with precision and efficiency. Each DAW comes with its unique features, interface, and workflow, catering to different levels of expertise and musical genres. For beginners, the challenge lies in finding a DAW that strikes a balance between user-friendliness and powerful capabilities.

The Top Contenders: Exploring DAWs for Beginners

1. GarageBand (Mac)

As an entry-level DAW exclusive to Mac users, GarageBand offers a seamless introduction to music production. With its intuitive interface, pre-installed loops, and virtual instruments, GarageBand allows beginners to start creating music without a steep learning curve. While limited in advanced features compared to other software, GarageBand provides a solid foundation for honing your production skills.

2. FL Studio

FL Studio, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, is a popular choice among beginners and professionals alike. Offering a wide range of built-in plugins, virtual instruments, and a step sequencer, FL Studio empowers users to compose, mix, and master tracks with ease. Its pattern-based workflow simplifies the music creation process, making it an attractive option for those new to music production.

3. Ableton Live

Ableton Live stands out for its versatility in both studio production and live performances, making it a favorite among electronic music producers. With its innovative Session View and flexible arrangement options, Ableton Live encourages experimentation and improvisation in music creation. While its interface may seem daunting at first, the wealth of tutorials and online resources available can aid beginners in mastering this powerful DAW.

Choosing the Right DAW: A Personalized Decision

When selecting a DAW as a beginner, it's essential to consider your musical goals, preferred genre, and workflow preferences. While each DAW has its strengths and limitations, the ideal software for you is one that aligns with your creative vision and enhances your productivity. Take the time to explore different options, experiment with their features, and choose a DAW that resonates with your artistic aspirations.

Conclusion

In the realm of music production, the choice of DAW can significantly impact your creative journey. As a beginner, investing time and effort in selecting the right software can set the stage for your growth and development as a music producer. Whether you opt for the simplicity of GarageBand, the versatility of FL Studio, or the innovation of Ableton Live, remember that your DAW is not just a tool but a companion in your musical endeavors. Embrace the learning process, unleash your creativity, and let your chosen DAW be the canvas on which your musical masterpieces unfold.

Unveil the perfect DAW that resonates with your passion for music and watch as your creative aspirations take flight. Let your music speak volumes, guided by the harmony between your talent and the ideal music production software.

Unveiling the Perfect DAW: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Ideal Music Production Software serves as your gateway to the world of music production, offering insights, recommendations, and inspiration to fuel your creative pursuits. Explore the possibilities, harness your creativity, and embark on a musical journey like no other with the perfect DAW by your side.

[thetunesclub]

Sheet music is one of the most important elements of music production. Find out how to read sheet music and implement the learning in music-making efficiently.

[ianmccloud]

This short recording was made while warming up. I had just tuned the guitar and was warming up my voice.

[extraplugins02]

Download Sample Tools by Cr2 Dirty House

Unleash the full potential of your music productions with the "Download Sample Tools by Cr2 Dirty House" sample pack. Designed for producers and DJs who crave authentic, gritty, and punchy sounds, this collection delivers high-quality audio files that will elevate your dirty house tracks to new heights.

What’s Inside the Sample Pack?

The "Download Sample Tools by Cr2 Dirty House" sample pack features a comprehensive selection of sounds that are essential for crafting infectious dirty house tracks. Each sound is meticulously designed to ensure that you get the most out of your creative process. Whether you're working on house, techno, or any subgenre that thrives on raw energy, this pack has you covered.

1. Drum Loops and Hits: Dive into an extensive range of drum loops and one-shot hits that deliver the perfect blend of rhythm and texture. From tight, punchy kicks to crisp, snappy snares, each drum sound is crafted to help you build the foundation of your track with ease.

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1. Versatility: The sounds in this pack are designed to be versatile, allowing you to use them in a variety of styles within the dirty house genre. Whether you're aiming for a raw and gritty sound or something more polished, these samples can adapt to your needs.

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To get started with the "Download Sample Tools by Cr2 Dirty House," simply download the pack from this link. Once downloaded, you can easily drag and drop the samples into your DAW, ready to be used in your next project. Experiment with layering, effects, and arrangement to create your unique dirty house tracks.

Ideal for:

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DJs needing high-quality samples for live performances and remixing.

Sound Designers wanting to explore new textures and tones in their productions.

Embrace the essence of dirty house music with the "Download Sample Tools by Cr2 Dirty House" sample pack. Elevate your productions, impress your audience, and make your mark in the world of electronic music with these essential sounds.

[shesgabrielle]

If you were in my heart I'd surely not break you

If you were beside me

And my love would take you

I'll keep you in safety

Forever protect you

I'll hide you away from the world you rejected

I'll hide you

Take my hand...

Yes, these are the lyrics to Kosheen - Hide U, hit of the early 2000s when I was a child, and recently remixed here and heard via Hypem earlier today. And of course as a child, while enjoying the track I didn't notice how thoughtful and sweet the lyrics were (Take me, Sian) anyway it aligns with something I've been thinking about. I think for female artists, and people bumbling around at home like myself, there are two paths: either you're a relatable singer-songwriter with a guitar, no makeup, simple clothing, and poetic and or rebellious songs, or you're a dance/pop variety with more artful presentation. I personally don't feel drawn to any pop music, male or female, but I do like dance music, electropop, and dance-influenced indie, and always have. So I realised with the appearance I have, already calling myself Space Princess, and also being more comfortable with virtual and irl keys (synths and piano) and recently throwing some dancey effects on audio and ending up really liking it - yeah it seems like maybe that is the direction I should go, if any. I have an assortment of irl instruments attained in my musical research and experiments over the years, but nothing ever felt intuitive other than things with virtual or irl keys. Anyway, this is to say, hearing this song as an adult, it's pretty in line with what I might potentially be able to/want to make, though I think I'd go slower and more eerie. But the thoughtful, sweet lyrics combined with digital music, rather than traditional instruments, the slight, distant, otherworldly element. I've also seen some singer-songwriter female artists grow up and older over the last about 18 years, and the way they present themselves, live their lives, and communicate doesn't align with how I do - I prefer a more distant, otherworldly approach to music which I think synths, electropop and dance fit better with.

[pluginsforest05]

Download Phil Speiser – THE SAMPLER

Experience the ultimate in music production with Phil Speiser – THE SAMPLER, a cutting-edge software designed to revolutionize your creative process. This powerful tool is crafted for Windows users seeking unmatched versatility and quality in sound sampling.

Features:

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Extensive Sound Library: Access a vast collection of pre-recorded samples covering genres from electronic to orchestral, curated to inspire and enhance your productions.

Customizable Effects: Shape your sound with customizable effects and filters. From EQ adjustments to modulation effects, personalize every aspect of your audio to suit your creative vision.

Real-Time Editing: Make on-the-fly adjustments with real-time editing capabilities. Experiment with loops, samples, and sequences effortlessly to find the perfect sound.

Compatibility: Enjoy compatibility with a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs), ensuring integration into your existing setup without hassle.

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[themusicpilgrim]

3-1/4" Sacral Chakra Brass Singing Bowl with Striker

Available for purchase at Tibet Tree of Life

@tibettreeoflife

https://tibettreeoflife.com

#singingbowl #singingbowls #standingbell #brass #metalalloy #copperandzinc #cuzn #chakra #sacralchakra #meditation #yoga #soundtherapy #musicmaking #mindfulness #percussion #tunedpercussion #idiophone

[matcross]

#WIP - some rough and ready basic midi from song number 7’s post chorus trumpet solo 🎺 - which now includes tuba + french horn + strings + piano + bass. I’ve quite enjoyed figuring this bit out, though I’ll probably strip back the instruments when I get to the recording stage. Just a few more bars to go and I can move onto the next tune. 🎺🎶🎻

[klarkinelis]

[learnhowtocreatemusic]

Beginner’s Guide to Making EDM Music: Essential First Steps for New Producers

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has become one of the most popular genres worldwide, captivating audiences with its energetic beats and pulsating rhythms. If you’re new to music production and eager to begin making your own EDM tracks, this guide will take you through the essential first steps to get started.

1. **Set Up Your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)**

A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is the software you’ll use to create, arrange, and mix your music. Some of the most popular DAWs for EDM production include **Ableton Live**, **FL Studio**, and **Logic Pro**.

- **How to Choose**: If you’re just starting out, consider using a DAW with a user-friendly interface, such as FL Studio, which is known for its simplicity. Ableton Live is highly favored for live performance capabilities and its ease of use for EDM.

- **Pro Tip**: Take the time to explore tutorials and guides for your DAW. Understanding its core features will save you time later on when you’re diving deep into production.

2. **Learn Basic Music Theory**

While EDM music relies heavily on beats and production techniques, a basic understanding of music theory can elevate your tracks. Learning about scales, chord progressions, and melodies will help you craft catchy hooks and compelling harmonies.

- **Start Simple**: Begin with the basics of major and minor scales, and try to construct simple chord progressions.

- **Pro Tip**: If you’re not familiar with music theory, use tools like **Scaler** or MIDI chord packs, which help generate chords and progressions for your tracks.

3. **Understand Sound Design and Synths**

Sound design is a fundamental aspect of EDM music. You’ll need to experiment with synthesizers to create the unique sounds that define your tracks, such as basslines, leads, pads, and effects.

- **VST Plugins to Explore**: Start with popular synths like **Serum**, **Massive**, or **Sylenth1**, which offer a wide range of sound possibilities.

- **Pro Tip**: Explore presets to get started, and gradually learn how to tweak parameters such as oscillators, filters, and envelopes to craft your own unique sounds.

4. **Master Drum Programming**

Drums are the backbone of any EDM track. You’ll need to create a solid foundation with kick drums, snares, hi-hats, and percussion. Drum programming sets the rhythm and energy of your track, so focus on creating tight, punchy beats.

- **Use Drum Samples**: Most DAWs come with built-in drum samples, but you can also invest in premium sample packs for a wider variety of high-quality sounds.

- **Pro Tip**: Layer your kick drum with a sub-bass to add more punch, and use sidechain compression to make your drums cut through the mix.

5. **Start With Simple Song Structures**

EDM tracks follow certain song structures that build tension and release energy in key moments. As a beginner, start with simple structures like intro-verse-chorus or build-drop-build-drop patterns.

- **Build Energy**: Pay attention to how other EDM songs build energy leading into the drop. This often involves adding risers, sweeps, and transitions.

- **Pro Tip**: Break down your favorite EDM tracks and reverse-engineer their structure to better understand the genre’s dynamics.

6. **Focus on Mixing and Sound Quality**

The final mix is crucial for making your track sound professional. You’ll need to balance levels, EQ different elements, and apply compression to control dynamics.

- **Balance the Elements**: Make sure your kick drum, bass, and synths are not fighting for the same space in the mix. Use EQ to carve out space for each element.

- **Pro Tip**: Don’t overcomplicate your mix. Focus on keeping the sounds clean, and use reference tracks to guide your mixing decisions.

7. **Start Small and Keep Practicing**

Creating a full EDM track can be overwhelming, so don’t rush the process. Start small by focusing on short loops, beat ideas, and sound design exercises. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

- **Pro Tip**: Set aside time each week to work on music, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Even if an idea doesn’t work out, you’ll learn something valuable in the process.

Conclusion

Becoming an EDM producer takes time, dedication, and a lot of experimentation. By mastering the basics of DAW usage, drum programming, sound design, and mixing, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own dancefloor-ready tracks. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and most importantly—have fun with the creative process!