Dubstepforum.com

Hey guys! My first post on this forum!

I'm an amateur electronic artist and I just make music for fun, as a stress reliever, and to just learn music production for my own benefit. One thing I like to think is my "style" is that I really pride myself, even in electronic music, on having a really kickass orchestra part (weird, right? It seems to work for my music). I have a soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/carveritup where I post all of my sounds for free download. I would be so humbled if you guys would listen to my music and tell me how I can improve my sound!

Specifically, the two things at least that I would like criticism on are my first attempt at dubstep, called "Rustled Jims":

Soundcloud

and my attempt at Trance-ish electronic, called Starcall:

Soundcloud

Thanks guys! I really look forward to hearing your thoughts! Bigups!

Shameless bump because this already got to the second page with 0 replies :\

I'd suggest focusing on one genre. That way you can spend more time on studying it's defining characteristics and get better fast. (For example, dubstep is all about punchy 2-step drums. Your snare is ok, but the kick is almost inaudible.) Try copying your favorite artists. When listening to commercial tracks, pay attention to every sound, think how you'd be able to recreate them. Use up to date samples, instruments and techniques, otherwise your music will sound old. (I have made that mistake once.) Take time and get familiar with a particular instrument. (I spent a month studying and experimenting with Massive and I don't regret it one bit.) Spend more time on mixing and mastering. Pause work regularly to regain objective ear.

I know I'm a total beginner myself, but you didn't specify who you'd like feedback from .

What I like about your dubstep track:
It's relatively well produced, especially compared to most of the stuff that gets posted to SoundCloud. The wobbles are well arranged.

What I don't like:
It's poorly mastered - most of the stuff sounds overcompressed. Drums aren't punchy enough. Music is repetitive and forgettable. And that piano-strings arpeggio, it never lets you rest.

I think you simply need to spend more time on mixing and mastering AND get a bit more creative with the arrangement. In dubstep, intros, buildups, hard hitting drops, pauses, rests and such are a must-have, IMHO.

Thanks for the help! Glad to hear some constructive thought

i like the sounds, but its a bit like two songs stuck together? the dubstep drops dont fit in the mix with the atmospheric background. maybe lowering their level and adding some reverb would help them fit. Possibly being less keen on the compression also.

work on your levels, otherwise your approach to music is pretty good