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does anyone else do this? does it make me a tnuc?

IF you want to be unoriginal, then sure. Go for it. I think if you're just starting to produce, copying or mimicking a structure isn't a bad idea as a learning experience, but I think eventually you just have to learn to write on your own and just let it flow.

I do it all the time, although once I'm getting into the flow of a tune I tend to drift off in my own direction. I find it's a great way to start a tune though.

Imitate then innovate!

There's definately something to be said for knowing how to follow arrangement conventions. Without sticking to classic formula makes listening to music difficult. :S

I hate being at a d'n'b rave, hearing a fresh track build up, only to go into an extended drop. I completely lose the flow of the track and this lessens my enjoyment of the track...

Whilst completely ripping someone elses track structure isn't that original, at least you can gain insight into their production style..

Computer music magazine always has a section on arrangment techniques which can be a useful learning tool.

fuagofire wrote:does anyone else do this? does it make me a tnuc?

people do it in all types of music...(examples if you need them but i won't list em)

i'd go as far to say that trying not to replicate an existing structure is tantamount to suggesting that you won't use any instruments that other musicians choose to use.

why worry, i reckon people don't care

The second you make something 'dj friendly' or mixable you're basically using an existing structure. Same goes for most books, films, photos, painting etc.

The trick isn't to recreate the structure, it's to make a tune so good the structure isn't noticed. One of the reasons I like making minimal is that the structure is so defined, the challenge is in making it interesting with sounds.

On the other hand, go nuts and do whatever you feel like - you could create something brilliant!

Yeah I will snip a drum loop or two here and there, and then layer sounds on top run through effects, chop mix it up just have fun with sound , I need to build up my own drum banks for Battery and Ultra beat .
Then USe my MY Little Phatty for bass and synth sounds thats were I feel really creative and original.

Ive got something early done when I do I will post in here for y'all to hear

Cheers

fuagofire wrote:does anyone else do this? does it make me a tnuc?

only if you hail yourself an innovator

see 99% of all dance music ever...

your a tnuc.

When I was first starting out, copying the structure of tunes that I liked taught me a lot about laying things out for myself. Snare placement, bar lengths, drop points, all that stuff I picked up from listening and replicating.


But as has already been said above, it's all about taking what you've learnt/borrowed then stamping your own individuality on it

fuagofire wrote:does anyone else do this? does it make me a tnuc?

Musicians have done it for centuries, what makes Dubstep any different?

Nah it don't make you a tnuc. The big boys have been doing it since before dubstep was actually pidgeonholed dubstep back in the dubplate.net forum days.

I agree with amisane, hear an idea, try mimck it to learn.. sit there and think "wow thats how they do that", open another stella, spark a doob and change it to your own style.

i think there's a massive debate between being original in your arrangement and then making things easier for DJs

for instance if you had a 14 bar intro it'd be a right fucking sod to drop...

and are most dance music productions not a bit of a formula now? 16/32 intro 1st drop breakdown 2nd drop mixout etc...

i try and keep my stuff fresh with changing numerous things every couple of bars but in reality if it doesn't fit into the 4 times table is gona sound a little odd, but it can be done

I bet if you did try and copy an arrangement you'd get about 75% there and you'd be inspired to do your own variant. I've done it and i'm not a tnuc (not in that way anyway)