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I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:09 am
by Inavon
I've been lurking this site for quite a few weeks now, so yeah i know what to expect :)
Hey guys, i'm inavon, I'm new to the world of producing.
I'm not going to, " OMG GUYS TEACH ME HOW TO MAKE WOBBLE AND VOWEL BASSES " even tho, i do like dubstep...

I want to start off from the basics and the roots of the genre, basing my production on swingy halftime drums and a massive sub bass, can any of you guys kind of introduce me to how i should be getting around all this?

TL:DR
It's not that long, read it! :O!

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:10 am
by wub
Before we begin;

Have you read the Production bible all the way through and used the search?

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:13 am
by wub
These might help for your questions re; halftime drums & sub bass

Sub Bass Tutorial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fFVCpumgX8

Swingy halftime drums tutorial - http://audio.tutsplus.com/tutorials/sou ... the-drums/

Swingy 2step drums tutorial - http://www.futuregarageforum.com/viewto ... =11&t=6428

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:15 am
by Inavon
wub wrote:Before we begin;

Have you read the Production bible all the way through and used the search?
I have used the search, i have a basic knowledge which i got using the search.
I've read part of the production bible, but since you think it's so important it's reading time :)

Thanks for the supplied links mate :)

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:01 am
by Inavon
Okay, i used the links you provided to add a drumline to the building blocks of my first track,
https://soundcloud.com/inavon-media/wha ... irst-track

After that point, i want to start the build-up and get a crescendo going, say i manage to do that, what more can i add to it?
Thanks guys.

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:19 pm
by mthrfnk
There was a thread recently where someone asked about track structures and how people dont get stuck:
http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.p ... &p=3327567

I posted this:
mthrfnk wrote:My basic tips:
1)Start with a 4 chord structure, then expand it to 8 - change up the last few chords on the second round. Think outsie the box with the chords, using a keyboard helps with this - honestly I just play what sounds good/right and flesh the chords out from there (adding upper and lower octave notes)
2)Give the chords some rhythm, even it's just basic 4x4 chops
3)Write a lead/melody over the top using the same notes from (or notes in key with) your chords, again give them rhythym and humanize them - no one wants to listen to a straight set of bar long notes.
4)Write your bassline, it could be as simple as the bottom notes from your chords - and then again give it rhythym/chop up the notes.
5)Now compile this into a decent structure, try not to have to much at once and aim to get everything complimenting everything - so don't just layer a shit ton of synths playing a shit ton of notes.

On structure, I still play it pretty safe - intro/build/main/break/build/main with variation/break/outro and I like to vary the synths and instruments throughout this e.g. intro the song with piano, build using an arp, have the main with some chunky synths/bass, breakdown to piano/choir/strings and build again etc...

Personally I like to work in piano or basic saw sounds before expanding out into different sounds - it helps me to focus on the actual musical aspect rather than thinking about how fucking uber filthy my bass is going to be :6:
That might help you idk? I tend to work out a lot of musical/structure bits bfore then adding in drums, sounds like you do the opposite though.

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:06 pm
by Inavon
Thanks, i tend to base the main melody and sub around my drums so i find it to be a better workflow :)
I checked that thread out, some useful advice too, thanks!

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 6:00 pm
by efence
but drums are some what monotonic, so your sub/bass will be to unless it interacts with your melody on some structural level

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 8:16 pm
by hutyluty
Just put some drums in then put some sub in then have some fun.

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:39 pm
by lloydy
hutyluty wrote:Just put some drums in then put some sub in then have some fun.
:z:

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 8:04 am
by Inavon
lloydy wrote:
hutyluty wrote:Just put some drums in then put some sub in then have some fun.
:z:
Yeah :P

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 1:26 pm
by ItsSofaKing
Honestly, the most direct route to learning how to produce EDM or any other music is to simply 1. Pick a DAW (the program you use when producing) 2. Ask your friend Google to find you some basic reading material on synthesis and anything else you have a question about.(compressors, EQing, busing, etc) 3. Get ahold of some proper samples or loops for your drums. 4. This is last and most important step: Put in the hours and practice/experiment.

I dont mean that in a sarcastic way at all. It takes a whole lot of time to get even half way decent at producing. And you mite as well start learning the basics from the start. Once you get the basic concept its all experimenting and trial nd error type shit. Try and answer your own questions, that will help you get a beeter understand of wtf is going on

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 1:47 pm
by lloydy
Another good thing i used to do when learning kick and sub patterns is to get a reference track you like import it into you daw and get it in time with the arrange then just lay your hits out where they connect with the reference material.
Takes some time to get use to it but is a good way of helping you learn.
There is so much good info online covering the basics and the not so basic,just a case of looking.

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 8:37 pm
by charles1
the way i see it, there are two main aspects to producing EDM - the music (ie music theory and all that stuff) and the technology.

this first method will help you learn about music and creativity. if you already know all about music, then this might not do much for you, and instead you should focus on the technical aspect of using your daw and learning about fx and all of that stuff. the best method that I like to use is to listen to a song that you like, and pick out sounds that you like in particular. then try to reproduce these sounds on your DAW. they can be drum loops, chords, melodies, what have you.

if you feel confident in your music skills but want to improve on your technical skills, my favorite way to improve is to simply watch tutorials on youtube and if there are things you still can't figure out, ask people on dsf or anyone else you know that does music.

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:58 pm
by ACAquino
Hey, fellow noob ha

Re: I'm a newbie, expecting trolls.

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 5:59 am
by Inavon
Hi :) Want to exchange tips and tricks?