Beginner producer - I'm stuck

[jam92189]

the dude above me has some pretty good ideas i would say check em out

[Puusti]

Consider call-and-response techniques. Where one instrument plays a segment for like 4 counts, then you lay off, and replace it with another instrument do something that goes with it.

Also consider stretching your chord progression out longer instead of changing chords every 2 beats.

Also consider using the 3/16th timing a little less often. It's catchy, but extremely common nowadays. EXTREMELY common. Try using it as a non-repetitive tool, to create occasional syncopation in un-syncopated sections.

Automate everything. As soon as the texture of something is basically established and understood, it's possible to cram in a lot of textural variation.

Similarly, once a hook or theme has been established, you can sometimes interrupt that series of notes and cords and still get away with it.

Augment into a different key during different phases of the song.

The energy dynamics do not need to be constrained to Build/Breakdown patterns. Entire sections are allowed to be more mellow without being a breakdown section. Sticking with build/breakdown patterns is like a pendulum swinging back and forth between extremities, when there's a perfectly good, big and useful middle-ground to be used. Meanwhile, when the audience is led to anticipates an extremity, it will be more difficult for them to be satisfied with the middle ground. So traverse the energy spectrum with a little more conservative care and foresight, so that you have more options throughout the song. In other words, don't blow your load so quick.

Try working with audio instead of MIDI for some parts. Different methods yield different sounds.

Try out using resolution more strategically. Notice when some notes and chords BEG to be resolved by returning to the root of the scale, and try to get away with NOT doing that.


Study the musical patterns of some music you like that sounds nothing like Aviici, to understand why it sounds the way it sounds. The contrast between it and Aviici/you will become useful knowledge. I did this recently by studying Quincy Jones(the crazy rad musician behind Michael Jackson's Thriller), and it taught me a lot about my habits by seeing Quincy Jones' habits.

Amazing post. Thanks a billion, this was extremely helpful!


I made this track today: http://soundcloud.com/puusti/puusti-lmud

It's not my usual kind of sound so it was a bit difficult to make, but i'd appreciate amy kind of feedback.
I think it sounds pretty muddy. I always tend to forget that sometimes less is more.

[tranel]

Okay, so I have been producing for less than 3 months, and even though my productions are becoming a little better it feels like I am stuck somehow. All my melodies sound the same, and the overall tracks too.
I try to 'copy' other producers arrangements and make something different, but in the end it sounds like the previous song.

Take a look at my Soundcloud, and listen to a couple of songs:

http://soundcloud.com/puusti

I also made this melody quick. No mixing, but it is just for demonstration purposes:

http://www4.zippyshare.com/v/97451897/file.html

I know my mixing and mastering sucks (the EQ is not my best friend so to say ), but that is not what I need help with.
My songs are boring. I want to advance, do something refreshing. Give me some guidance, tips, constructive criticism, whatever. It's highly appreciated.

I'm at work (working hard as you can see, not at all spending time on KVR) so I can't listen to your tracks now. But a hot tip anyway: Try to compose in your mind instead of in front of the PC.

By that I mean that when you have a spare moment - or when you cook, take a shower etc.. - you hum/whistle to yourself and try to come up with melodies that "stick". You'll know when you hit something that sounds and feels great and inspires you.

when you have it, boot up your DAW and try to record this melody using just any old synth, you can adjust sounds and stuff later - what you'll want to do is get the idea down before you lose it. If you can't boot up your DAW at that particular moment, maybe record your own humming with your iPhone or something.

When you have the melody pinned down, it is easier to determine what kind of track it should be - mood, pace, style etc - and you can start laying the other elements around it.

[VitaminD]

You are very, very good for 3 months experience and no other history in music (outside of listening).