Ableton Forum

I haven't posted to any forums here for a while, but I've continued to refine / define what I'm doing with Ableton + add ons + instruments + peripherals and I'd love to hear any feedback, pro or con (I can take it

I have not figured what genre(s) my stuff fits into except for the real 'out there'stuff.

But have a listen, and I promise to start listening to more of your work.

the url:

musecruise.org


Harry

Hey Harry,

I tried out your stuff, and sadly I just couldn't get through it... On its own it doesn't stand very well, there's no real direction to it. I realize that you said you don't know the genre, which is fine, I just can't seem to get into it. Perhaps you could add a breakdown, some sort of change in the beat that catches the listener's attention.

I do like the soundscapes, I think that there are some cool sounds and textures you're making, but in terms of being able to hold me through a whole 5 to 10 minute song, it still needs something. Perhaps you could go back through your mixes and really try to cut out stuff that doesn't necessarily need to be there. I think of using ableton much like a sculpter trying to chisel a piece of art from a block of marble. Unless you take parts away, you'll never see the beauty underneath. If that means bringing the length down, so be it.

Wish you luck,

Mark

Thanks Mark,

I like the sculptor analogy, and will apply it going forward. I realize that I let some pieces, like the first one roll on in one rhythmic pattern and key. I also just started playing around with more structure, like Organ and Bass Plus and Like a Song. Those were first attempts in that direction, and these pieces sound a bit contrived to me now.

If you get a chance, I'd like to hear more about "the genre." I might be an earlier generation than many on this forum (I'm 60) and feel somewhat out of the loop re: what's really happening currently. I grew up with rock and r and b and later jazz and jazz fusion.

If I check out electronic / electronica / techno (and the various sub-categories) on something like Pandora, I hear lot's of stuff that I enjoy listening to but nothing that really grabs me. I'll spend more time listing via links here on the forum

Harry

Hi Harry,

To tell you the truth, I have no idea what's happening in 'the genre'. I think that there are so many sub-genres splitting off of other sub-genres, I have no idea what anything's called. I actually just got into Ableton myself (I'm 25) so I'm still learning what most of this stuff is all about (theory and everything). I actually grew up listening to quite a bit of the genres you listed (except R and B).

Finding good electronic music is tough to do. I've never had luck with internet radio, usually just seeking out music directly on Bandcamp or Grooveshark. I'd reccommend checking out Kiln http://kilnaudio.com/, and even the soundtrack to Machinarium http://bandcampsbest.com/2011/03/13/tom ... oundtrack/. Based on your style, I think you'd dig this music. You'll probably get a few ideas in the process.

Ableton's an absolutely awesome program. It really doesn't pigeonhole you into a certain genre, with all the different sounds it offers. It's just a matter of how accessible you want your music to sound, how far you're willing to go into one direction or another. I'm still learning myself, as are many in this forum. If you're looking for more technical info about electronic music, I'd highly reccommend reading Tarekith's guides http://tarekith.com/tutorials-and-reviews/.

Good luck and have fun!

Mark

Thanks Mark! I just enjoyed both music sites and now I'm checking out Tarekith.com

-Harry