DAW and VSTi

[CoMPMStR]

Hey all, I decided to try something new. Anyone else into digital music creation or use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) such as FL Studio, Cubase, Albeton, etc.?

I recently chose to use FL Studio to produce some game music for one that I'm working on, but then I realized I had no idea where to begin. Well, I started messing around with the software and shortly after learned just how much power is in a VSTi (Virtual Studio Technology Instrument). I don't have an external MIDI hardware device so these plugins are the next best thing.

Long story short, I produced 5 techno songs (approx. 25 minutes) by getting familiar with the software and would like some third party opinions. If you're interested visit http://www.mediafire.com/compmstr to download them.

The only thing I ask in return is that if you download them just let me know what you think, and please be honest. This excludes anyone who doesn't like techno music.

[SpeedWing]

got some comments, but anyways nice work ^^.

transynthetik energy(2): I thought the base a bit too heavy ( idk how to say it right in English).

the Asian invasion (3): I like the strings or whatever it is in the background. thought it might sound pretty cool

hip hop trance(5): I think the "claps" are a bit overused, I like the transition @ 1:12 though it should take 1 second longer to really switch.

[L. Spiro]

Techno is not my bag of diamonds, so I will not critique.

But I would recommend taking some inspiration from Ronald Jenkees.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O2aH4XLbto
(Full Song) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BIH1IBEnI0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoFurLevE28
(Full Song) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWutAX3CQcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9yVp4b2hts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5_UrgSbF2o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzVPzl0kdwQ


Both of your musics are digital and modern etc.
But listen to the atmosphere in his songs. There is so much happening there. Instruments trading off for the melody, background elements that do more than just fill space (even the background elements contribute to the melodies). His songs often have few chords, but listen to how many ways he runs over the same chords without it getting old. This is my main gripe about all techno. It traditionally just layers one part over another and builds up, then down, then up. But the parts that are layered are usually just a copy/paste. Listen to Neptune again to see how those few chords, repeated throughout most of the song, never get old, and are more than copy/paste.



As for me, my DAW’ling is Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 and Cubase AI 4 (free with my keyboard, which is the same as the bottom keyboard in the videos of Ronald Jenkees).
Cubase AI 4 includes a VSTi I never use.
Ronald Jenkees is also using Fruit Loops Studio.


L. Spiro

[CoMPMStR]

Thanks guys for the replies. [it rhymes ]

@SpeedWing:
I tried lowering the bass some in #2 but the problem is that I don't have a subwoofer, I'm actually using headphones when I listen to them.
As for #5, I removed some of the claps and inserted some high hats to balance it out. I also added the 1 sec delay which to me does sound better.

@L. Spiro:
You're not the first person to mention the repetitiveness, I notice it as well but since I made it; I love it. I'm not at all music-savvy, never was in band class or even played an instrument; so yeah I have some things to learn. I really appreciate the links, I haven't even heard of Ronald Jenkees before and must say it's something I've definitely been missing out on. I don't think I'll ever play the keyboard like he does, but I can use his music as inspiration.

Shouldn't you have only one DAW'ling in your life? What's up with that? You cheater!

[WhiteHat]

My opinion for them is quite similar: They sound a little too repetitive, and things could become worse since you will likely need to loop them over and over for they are meant to be game BGMs.

I play some casual games which music scores are fantastic. I enjoy those composed by Machinae Supremacy (Jet n Gunz), Maniacs of Noise (BreakQuest), and SoundTemp (some MMORPGs). By no means to suggest you making some musics of their level, just want to point some which may become inspirations. My best friend did make some loop trance music which some parts of them were taken (inspired) from other games, and they sounds great.

Keep up good work.

PS: There is one member i know that play with FL quite much: minorutono. Too bad that he seems to be inactive for a while...