Hey Guys,

Here's an in progress track that samples the piano lick from Van Halen's "Right Now" and Duvall's vocals from Michael Woods's "The Last Day On Earth."I can't decide if it's Progressive or Electro--It's definitely somewhere in between, so I'm filing it under "proglectro." Let Me know what I could improve on with my mixing, as I've only been producing EDM for about 4 Months. Up to 0:59 is the Intro which still needs arrangement work, so I would say start your critiquing at 0:59 unless you have some tips for the intro as well. Thanks!


http://soundcloud.com/nicholas-deveau/now-duvall-vocal-edit/ s-QVbgb
Last edited by nicktheloafer on Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

Bump. Please guys any feedback? I'm really trying to improve my production

I'd say it's generally pretty nice, the track as a whole is really good, and for once someone has actually posted the sort of music I love to listen to

Mix & production-wise I would say the drums lack any kind of impact - the kick doesn't kick and the snare has no punch, they're just a little weak. The lead instrument in my opinion needs replacing, or at least significantly tweaking. It sounds too sharp at the start, almost percussive, so I would definitely soften that. Have you layered sounds to create this lead? If so, look at how they are balanced, because the lead sounds slightly heavier in the left channel to me.

Minor points, but I think the track is a good way there. And to be honest, if you're only been at this for four months you're doing brilliantly.

Thanks for that! That's interesting, I was afraid the Drums were too punchy--says a lot about my monitoring situation. The kick is a 909 with a subkick programmed in Sylenth. The snare is a 909 heavily equed layered with some sample from a boss module for the mid range thump I hear in more electro tracks. What exactly is missing, just too low in the mix, or are some
Frequencies missing? And I was playing around with a transient designer on the lead--it's three sounds layered together, but the abrasive sounding one is definitely the square pluck. I agree though, the lead needs some work--leads are definitely the weak point of my sound design and production. I can never find or make something unique enough sounding that doesn't sound
Toyish.

Listening again I think the drums need to be louder, but the snare itself needs to be brighter. When I said it lacks punch I think I meant snappiness The kick to me just sounds too hollow. If you've got it (or have got cash) Synapse Audio's kick making vst (can't remember its name right now) is built for this sort of track - at least get the demo and have a play with it.

Gave the EKS a try and then bought it--really powerful tool for only $39. Already bringing the track to life, as well as some transient and EQ work on the snares. Also, what bout this track made you say it's the type of music "you love to listen to." Because If I'm doing something right, I'd like to keep it up! Any feedback from other people?

It just gives me a very warm feeling when I listen to it, it would fit in with Eric Prydz etc - it would be very at home on the next release of Ministry of Sound's The Annual

The track really doesn't need that much doing to it, the last thing I would say (and I know you mentioned the intro still being a work in progress) is that the entry of the piano is a little abrupt. Maybe take the first piano note from the loop as a separate sample, play it with a nice long lush reverb, record that and reverse it, then play it before the piano enters so you get a swell before it which should lead in nicely.

Great track, I love it

Here's the updated mix:

http://soundcloud.com/nicholas-deveau/now-duvall-vocal-edit- 1


Used the reverse verb during the intro and replaced the kick with something way beefier. The snare's still causing me some problems, but I think It's a little more passable now. Let me know what you guys think!

It's loads better, great stuff And I don't know whether it's that I'm generally warming to it, or the fact the drums now have more of a punch, but I actually think the lead sound works well now, the sharp attack doesn't seem as harsh now.

Great track, thanks!

This sounds really professional. The mix is clear. The synths sound good and integrate well with the vocal and piano samples. Your drums and percussion are punchy. This would do well in clubs.

Good work