Any advice on doing "minimal" productions?

[Nephew]

And when I say minimal, I'm not talking about minimal techno, I'm talking about productions that have a minimal number of tracks but are still some how interesting and dynamic enough to keep you locked in.

Been trying to focus on this more and more, but I usually end up filling any space I hear with a new track. The tracks are still turning out good in my opinion, but I'm really trying to focus on this minimalistic approach.

Any advice or even techniques on how to approach this would be appreciated.

[MacGuffin]

Lots of automation on your tracks. One trick I like is having rack macros for each sound, to have at least 4 things I can tweak for each part.

Also, compression can help making few parts sound bigger and fuller.

[Short Scope Boy]

And when I say minimal, I'm not talking about minimal techno, I'm talking about productions that have a minimal number of tracks but are still some how interesting and dynamic enough to keep you locked in.

Been trying to focus on this more and more, but I usually end up filling any space I hear with a new track. The tracks are still turning out good in my opinion, but I'm really trying to focus on this minimalistic approach.

Any advice or even techniques on how to approach this would be appreciated.

Hi

Load your favourite track from the genre you are trying to create, make sure you know the tempo, arrangement etc, and approach your track in the same way; A/B comparison from start to finish, whilst resisting the urge to add "ear candy" ...
Then use your newly created track as a bench mark for future tracks...

[crofter]

Some of my tracks are so minimal they don't exist at all, my best work

[hacktheplanet]

Sometimes I like to write stuff with no effects... Only modulating the synth parameters. It can be challenging, but also very rewarding in that the sounds you create are very "pure."

[The Northern Contingent]

This is a style I've become very interested in. One of the most beautiful examples of this the music of Danny Norbury. All his work is composed of instruments he had 'lying around' his flat, and is often little more than a cello and piano. Highly recommend taking a listen - i've found it really inspirational.

[Nephew]

Sometimes I like to write stuff with no effects... Only modulating the synth parameters. It can be challenging, but also very rewarding in that the sounds you create are very "pure."

Might have to give this a try, just work with the raw synths and take it from there. Thanks for the advice guys really appreciate it.

And while I have been thinking about this for a while, I heard a track recently by DJ T called Burning and it was the Club mix, but it seems to be anything but a club mix, more like a 5am and you're starting to come down mix = p

Youtube link for those interested

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_OE_5iUE30

The only thing that actually makes this track not sound monotone is the VOX as that's providing the variations you need need to keep the listeners attention.

And once again, I'm not trying to aim this at any specific genre, just an approach to producing.

[luddy]

It's all in the arrangement. A few really well-conceived parts that fit together perfectly and develop over time is the best way to get this. Maybe sounds corny, but if you listen to some good classical arrangements or works from "traditional" arrangers like Henry Mancini you might get some ideas. Some of the early Massive Attack recordings, like Angel and Protection, have very sparing arrangements that are beautiful. The sounds should be very high-quality too, to pull this off.

hth,

-Luddy