How do you start?

BIG CRABS · Post by **BIG CRABS** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:09 pm

When you are creating a song, how and where do you start? Also what instruments do you start with and do you make up the song as you go or do you have a general idea of how its gonna go?

Da hand · Post by **Da hand** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:17 pm

Wow, I think you might win "the most vague question" award.

It depends on the song, the style, the project, your mood that day, what inspires you overall, etc....

For example, if it is groove oriented music, then you may most often start with the groove. Then again, sometimes it may be a vocal, or sound byte that inspires the song.

Be more specific in your question.

BIG CRABS · Post by **BIG CRABS** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:23 pm

I meant it more as an instruction for me since I'm somewhat of a noob. I was wondering what you do first. For example: I start out by making a beat either with the drums or bass, but I can never get the timing right and all my tracks get messed up. I just cant figure out how to sync up all the instruments so all the loops start and end at the same time.

aisling · Post by **aisling** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:25 pm

while totally subjective, I find that I tend to start with a bass line, kick and hi-hat......

Da hand · Post by **Da hand** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:32 pm

BIG CRABS wrote:I meant it more as an instruction for me since I'm somewhat of a noob. I was wondering what you do first. For example: I start out by making a beat either with the drums or bass, but I can never get the timing right and all my tracks get messed up. I just cant figure out how to sync up all the instruments so all the loops start and end at the same time.

If you are starting to play the loops at the same time, but they play out of sync, then you need to make sure your loops / clips are warped correctly with the correct tempos and correct starting points. Read up on working with clips in the manual and how to warp your clips properly.

hacktheplanet · Post by **hacktheplanet** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:05 pm

It always starts with a melody in my head.
Then I write a synth patch.
Then I program some drums.
Then I spend weeks tweaking.

Homebelly · Post by **Homebelly** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:19 pm

the_planet wrote: Then I spend weeks tweaking.

The other three are lot easier with out the methamphetamine.
Just my opinion.

beats me · Post by **beats me** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:48 pm

I usually start by sleeping with a woman of questionable morals. I then convince myself she is an angel sent from heaven and treat her as such for the next 6 months until she leaves me for somebody that shares her same drug habit. At that point I start Live and the songs just happen.

hacktheplanet · Post by **hacktheplanet** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:52 pm

Homebelly wrote: The other three are lot easier with out the methamphetamine.
Just my opinion.

Cute.

The Phat Conductor · Post by **The Phat Conductor** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:18 pm

watch this rusko masterclass...

dude puts out really dope tunes using the most caveman approach ever. i love it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4rDC1kuHtc

this will give you a nice simple workflow.

and remember: create CHANGE first and foremost... don't focus on what stays the same (beats, basslines, etc...) get a bed going, then make an arrangement and focus on CHANGE.

cmreal04 · Post by **cmreal04** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:30 pm

beats me wrote:I usually start by sleeping with a woman of questionable morals. I then convince myself she is an angel sent from heaven and treat her as such for the next 6 months until she leaves me for somebody that shares her same drug habit. At that point I start Live and the songs just happen.

I'll have to try this method a few times over the summer.

CM

Homebelly · Post by **Homebelly** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:33 pm

The Phat Conductor wrote:watch this rusko masterclass...

and remember: create CHANGE first and foremost... don't focus on what stays the same (beats, basslines, etc...) get a bed going, then make an arrangement and focus on CHANGE.

Other wise known as the "Barak Obama method"

3dot... · Post by **3dot...** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:44 pm

starve a bit..that's a good start...

the_antagonist · Post by **the_antagonist** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:45 pm

i like to start with a dance move then work backwards

evon · Post by **evon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:27 pm

If there is no great rush of inspiration towards a melody or such, I usually start with the drum tracks. Of course I express my feelings best through one specific genre, so getting the beat down first is easy. By the time I am through that I usually get inspired towards some other part in the music...melody, lyrics, rythm enhancements, FX or whatever. I keep adding tracks till either I feel satisfied or till my cpu tells me its time to back off.

Therefore for me most of the time is that I write as I go along. Based on your syncing problem you could try this method, it might help. Also, I tend to just make short clips/loops and then do a lot of arrangemnent using the follow on features in session view.

How do you start?

How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?

Re: How do you start?