East Coast Mainline (ElectroProg - Seismic Locomotive)
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
13 hours to record in August 2010, the May 2013 edit/remix/master took 10 hours, a large percentage of which was spent tweaking the percussion. I hit -8dB pre-master on here.
Updated 20210821: mp3 link removed
on SoundCloud at 320Kbps:-
http://soundcloud.com/whatsisname/east-coast-mainline
Recorded in EnergyXT2.5.3/Remixed in EnergyXT2.7beta/EnergyXT2.7/Mastered in T-Racks3
Microtrance
EnergyXT Drum Sampler
ZebraCM
Dragon II
Amphetamine
Cubix
Or2v
SxMJune
ODSay
IK CSR
FerricTDS
T-Racks Linear Phase EQ
T-Racks Opto Compressor
T-Racks Vintage Equalizer
T-Racks Brickwall Limiter
DR - 12
This is fairly relentless.
EDIT:20210807 - Remixed in 2021 - I thought this would be a cosmetic update of the 2013 remix, but things worked out differently. I was never very happy with the syncing of the Microtrance "acid" synthline in the original, so I took the opportunity to replace it with Z3ta+2 and Dune instances, giving the track a "Trance" vibe. I also replaced the ZebraCM patch used during the intro and the Or2v bass with Dune.
The update from EnergyXT2.7beta to EnergyXT2.7 revealed that some of the internal parameters had been "shuffled around", although they were retrievable. I salvaged the project parameters, I adjusted the reverb, panning, leveling and EQ, replaced FerricTDS with Satin on the master bus. The track was then re-mastered in T-Racks5. This might be released on an album sometime in 2022.
https://soundcloud.com/whatsisname/east ... mainline-1
Recorded in EnergyXT2.5.3/Remixed in EnergyXT2.7/Mastered in T-Racks 5
EnergyXT Drum Sampler
Dragon II
Amphetamine
Cubix
SxMJune
ODSay
Z3ta+2
Dune
IK CSR
Satin
T-Racks Linear Phase EQ
T-Racks Opto Compressor
T-Racks Vintage Equalizer
T-Racks Brickwall Limiter
DR - 12
Updated 20210821: mp3 link removed
on SoundCloud at 320Kbps:-
http://soundcloud.com/whatsisname/east-coast-mainline
Recorded in EnergyXT2.5.3/Remixed in EnergyXT2.7beta/EnergyXT2.7/Mastered in T-Racks3
Microtrance
EnergyXT Drum Sampler
ZebraCM
Dragon II
Amphetamine
Cubix
Or2v
SxMJune
ODSay
IK CSR
FerricTDS
T-Racks Linear Phase EQ
T-Racks Opto Compressor
T-Racks Vintage Equalizer
T-Racks Brickwall Limiter
DR - 12
This is fairly relentless.
EDIT:20210807 - Remixed in 2021 - I thought this would be a cosmetic update of the 2013 remix, but things worked out differently. I was never very happy with the syncing of the Microtrance "acid" synthline in the original, so I took the opportunity to replace it with Z3ta+2 and Dune instances, giving the track a "Trance" vibe. I also replaced the ZebraCM patch used during the intro and the Or2v bass with Dune.
The update from EnergyXT2.7beta to EnergyXT2.7 revealed that some of the internal parameters had been "shuffled around", although they were retrievable. I salvaged the project parameters, I adjusted the reverb, panning, leveling and EQ, replaced FerricTDS with Satin on the master bus. The track was then re-mastered in T-Racks5. This might be released on an album sometime in 2022.
https://soundcloud.com/whatsisname/east ... mainline-1
Recorded in EnergyXT2.5.3/Remixed in EnergyXT2.7/Mastered in T-Racks 5
EnergyXT Drum Sampler
Dragon II
Amphetamine
Cubix
SxMJune
ODSay
Z3ta+2
Dune
IK CSR
Satin
T-Racks Linear Phase EQ
T-Racks Opto Compressor
T-Racks Vintage Equalizer
T-Racks Brickwall Limiter
DR - 12
Last edited by seismic1 on Sat Aug 21, 2021 8:27 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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- KVRian
- 736 posts since 30 Apr, 2008
i feel like there are like three or four different tracks hidden in this song, that could be explored on their own. together it's almost overwhelming, but i'm sure it's one of those tracks that will grow on me.
the mix is excellent, too, but i'm starting to repeat myself.
the mix is excellent, too, but i'm starting to repeat myself.
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- KVRAF
- 8072 posts since 12 Dec, 2003 from Canada
Epic track Tim, something you can really sink your teeth into. Prog feeling at times, almost jazzy at others, even got a taste of Wendy Carlos' Clockwork Orange off the top. Lovely contrasts with the atmospheric vocal parts against the main groove. Love the enveloped feeling bass, puts me in mind of Gabriel. The burbling synth somehow puts me in mind of Big Audio Dynamite... I know that makes no sense? Really a nice surprise when you cut the beat loose at 7:23.
Great stuff!
Great stuff!
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
I think that I put this together from 2 basic blocks. I had the arpeggiated bass/lead synth combo, and the pad intro section (which I used later for the breakdown before returning to the original arps). When putting them together I realised that I would have to change things around a little to accomodate the "vocal" chords and the end sequence, so I suppose there are 3 main sections present.astrochimp wrote:i feel like there are like three or four different tracks hidden in this song, that could be explored on their own. together it's almost overwhelming, but i'm sure it's one of those tracks that will grow on me.
the mix is excellent, too, but i'm starting to repeat myself.
The next track is structured quite differently. A cyclic soundscape with riddim.
Thanks very much for listening and commenting, astrochimp. I hope the acclimatisation will be swift and painless
- KVRAF
- 6325 posts since 18 Jul, 2008 from New York
All of the synth sounds were excellent especially the bass and vocal sounds. There were some great melodic bits here and there. The final section was very strong.
Given the bassline, I kept expecting four on the floor drums but that never happened. For my tastes, the piece stayed on medium boil for a little too long. I wanted it to get grooving but it kept chugging along at its own leisurely pace. I may have to wait for the 12" remix to really get into it.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. The mix was perfect. All frequencies were under control.
Given the bassline, I kept expecting four on the floor drums but that never happened. For my tastes, the piece stayed on medium boil for a little too long. I wanted it to get grooving but it kept chugging along at its own leisurely pace. I may have to wait for the 12" remix to really get into it.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. The mix was perfect. All frequencies were under control.
- KVRAF
- 2645 posts since 21 Jul, 2004
truly epic stuff Tim. nice bubbly synths and a great mix. i might have preferred it if the beat came in a little sooner (or the hats later) but a mighty good tune nonetheless
neil.
neil.
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
Thanks very much for the listen and the wonderful comments, Matt. Glad you enjoyed itpolyslax wrote:Epic track Tim, something you can really sink your teeth into. Prog feeling at times, almost jazzy at others, even got a taste of Wendy Carlos' Clockwork Orange off the top. Lovely contrasts with the atmospheric vocal parts against the main groove. Love the enveloped feeling bass, puts me in mind of Gabriel. The burbling synth somehow puts me in mind of Big Audio Dynamite... I know that makes no sense? Really a nice surprise when you cut the beat loose at 7:23.
Great stuff!
That Clockwork Orange thing hadn't occurred to me, but now you mention it, I'm starting to wonder. Many times I listen to tracks in the Cafe, I can make a comparison. Other times I think, that sounds like something I know, but I can't put my finger on it. I wonder how much of the music we hear can influence our compositions. Sometimes it's obvious, at other times, more subtle.
PG was one of my idols in the '70s-'90s. I really loved the Genesis stuff and the solo albums he made in the '80s. I think you also mentioned Big Audio Dynamite in connection with one of my earlier tracks.
I stretched out a little on this one (9 minutes). When I go into remix mode, I normally abbreviate things, but I only managed to shave off around 25 seconds here. I felt like I just had to let things run their course
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
Those SoundCloud Pro Unlimited accounts might have been an influence too
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- D.H. MOD
- 16419 posts since 21 Jun, 2008
I especially like the intro and the last part, but the trip from one to the other is enjoyable too. Thanks.
No longer a moderator.
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
Thanks very much for checking this out Frantz. Glad you enjoyed itFrantz wrote:All of the synth sounds were excellent especially the bass and vocal sounds. There were some great melodic bits here and there. The final section was very strong.
Given the bassline, I kept expecting four on the floor drums but that never happened. For my tastes, the piece stayed on medium boil for a little too long. I wanted it to get grooving but it kept chugging along at its own leisurely pace. I may have to wait for the 12" remix to really get into it.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. The mix was perfect. All frequencies were under control.
I spent most of the remix time playing with the percussion, knowing that I should really hold back on the full kit until towards the end. I kept trying different combinations and permutations, but kept coming back to the approximate layout that is on here. After all, this is essentially chillout for trainspotters.
Funny that you should mention the frequencies. I forgot to run this through spek until you mentioned it
- KVRAF
- 6325 posts since 18 Jul, 2008 from New York
Sometimes a track wants to be what it wants to be and it's better not to fight it.seismic1 wrote: I kept trying different combinations and permutations, but kept coming back to the approximate layout that is on here.
You're living dangerously but you got away with it.seismic1 wrote: Funny that you should mention the frequencies. I forgot to run this through spek until you mentioned it
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
Thanks very much for listening and commenting, Neil. Glad you liked itmacmurphy wrote:truly epic stuff Tim. nice bubbly synths and a great mix. i might have preferred it if the beat came in a little sooner (or the hats later) but a mighty good tune nonetheless
neil.
I did consider starting the hats later, but I thought the track needed that percussive backing to kick the locomotive into motion.
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
Thanks very much for listening and commenting DHM. Glad you enjoyed itD.H. Miltz wrote:I especially like the intro and the last part, but the trip from one to the other is enjoyable too. Thanks.
- KVRAF
- 3198 posts since 28 Aug, 2012 from Melbourne, Australia
Great dramatic start. The first faster section is interesting. I like the beat on the hihat. Keeps the pace going but with great changes to keep it interesting. The use of the long pads sounds really good. This includes the choir. Drama builds well at about 5:00. End section finishes it off expertly, as usual!
Bandcamp
Music with progressive intent.
Music with progressive intent.
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 11506 posts since 13 Mar, 2009 from UK
After almost 60 tracks, I seem to rediscover this truth all too frequentlyFrantz wrote: Sometimes a track wants to be what it wants to be and it's better not to fight it.