House Music lovers step right up.

[JohnNy C]

Just wanted to see who else on these boards are deep into the sub culture of House and Club music? If so, which producers are you into? Right now I would have to say that Victor Calderone, Danny Teneglia, and Jonathan Peters are the three greatest deep and progressive house producers and spinners out. Calderone has one of the sickest production styles I have heard in years. House headz, show some love here.

[vixapphire]

count me among the acolytes.

before getting into the favorites list (i'm deep into something else for work at the moment), a question:

I love Calderone's stuff, too but I'll admit being partial to the collaborations he's done with Mac Quayle on synths. If I had to guess, listening to the stuff they've done separately too, I'd say that Calderone's contribution is mainly in the drums and percussion end of things, whereas Quayle contributes the synth candy and more tonal material. Anyone know if there's any truth to this? I figure until I hear otherwise, I'll assume my impression is a load of baseless horseshit.

[JohnNy C]

vix, I think your exactly right. If you listen, you can tell that thier colabs have mostly Calderone style drums and Quayle synth candy.


Do you know by any chance, what Claderones, Peters, or Teneglia's studios look like? These guys molest the speakers so damn well.

[Reptil]

I have to think who's music I like best, mostly go by album covers, I'm terrible with names

[JohnNy C]

Originally Posted by Reptil

I have to think who's music I like best, mostly go by album covers, I'm terrible with names

LoL, no more Xtc for you. Haha.

[Mr Generic]

I love it in the club, but producing it bores the crap out of me.

[vixapphire]

Originally Posted by Mr Generic

I love it in the club, but producing it bores the crap out of me.

depends on what you're smoking in the studio, i guess...

[vixapphire]

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

vix, I think your exactly right. If you listen, you can tell that thier colabs have mostly Calderone style drums and Quayle synth candy.


Do you know by any chance, what Claderones, Peters, or Teneglia's studios look like? These guys molest the speakers so damn well.

I don't know, but Calderone's web site used to have a picture of a d8b on it somewhere. Either that or (more likely) a HUI.

I'm excited for September 15; Calderone returns to LA, this time on a Friday rather than Wednesday, and at the great-sounding Avalon rather than the marginal-sounding Mayan. Good times...

[squelch]

Big, big fan here too. Don't follow the producers as much as what tracks really do it for me. I'm loving Beatport for new stuff.

I'm producing house and trance stuff but always struggling to get it hitting as hard and full as the pros. I'm really hoping that Jules is kind enough to give us the Electronic music forum so we can share ideas without disturbing the Rock folks!

Peace
Dave

[Cojo]

I like house... not so much deep house but prog/tech -house. For the record I also love rock, pop, acid, electro and trance.

Best house right now? Well I'm totally sold at D-nox and Beckers!

/Cojo

[JohnNy C]

Originally Posted by Mr Generic

I love it in the club, but producing it bores the crap out of me.

I've been at it for 7 years now. I find p[roducing house to be so much fun. It takes awhile to learn how to get things right, sounding good, thick and exciting. I just in the past year have been producing pro sounding House and Trance. BTW, the stuff on MySpace is older material. I have some new singles coming out with some greatr singers and all orginal vocals.

I'm producing house and trance stuff but always struggling to get it hitting as hard and full as the pros. I'm really hoping that Jules is kind enough to give us the Electronic music forum so we can share ideas without disturbing the Rock folks!

squelch, I was hoping the same exact thing. If you need help with anything, just hit me up. I will give you some pointers.

[Forenheimer]

Originally Posted by squelch

I'm producing house and trance stuff but always struggling to get it hitting as hard and full as the pros. I'm really hoping that Jules is kind enough to give us the Electronic music forum so we can share ideas without disturbing the Rock folks!

A great idea this is!!!

I think that especially the definition of a "good sound" can (at least partially) be totally different in electronic based music than in rock. And this affects to the gear and also how to use and abuse the gear.

[octatonic]

I've had a few house releases over the years, mainly in Europe, but I worked for DJ Sasha for a bit also.

I've moved away from the more progressive side of things (Sasha, Lee Burridge etc) and onto electro.
I like the minimalism and deconstructionist elements to it- there is something more primal in it.
I've seen some good breaks n house combo at Mass, Brixton recently.
That was fun, but can't remember who.

James

[JohnNy C]

Originally Posted by Forenheimer

I think that especially the definition of a "good sound" can (at least partially) be totally different in electronic based music than in rock. And this affects to the gear and also how to use and abuse the gear.

That's for sure. BUT, a good mixed and sounding track can be very distinguishable compared to a song with no sonic character or "room" in the mix. Alot of people think, oh yeah, your just doing House or Trance, so that Behringer mixer will do just fine. NO! No it won't. I believe a House and Trance mix needs just as much "room" and character as a rock song. MY trick is to mix as I compose. When I am laying down, i.e. a hi-hat, I will lay down a small 4 or 8 bar loop then filter, effect, pan, and level exactly where I want it to be in the mix, THEN finish things up. I find if I do things this way, instead of have the "compose now, mix later" atitude, my trax come out SO much more "pro" sounding.

[Forenheimer]

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

That's for sure. BUT,....

I never disagreed

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

... a good mixed and sounding track can be very distinguishable compared to a song with no sonic character or "room" in the mix. Alot of people think, oh yeah, your just doing House or Trance, so that Behringer mixer will do just fine. NO! No it won't. I believe a House and Trance mix needs just as much "room" and character as a rock song. MY trick is to mix as I compose. When I am laying down, i.e. a hi-hat, I will lay down a small 4 or 8 bar loop then filter, effect, pan, and level exactly where I want it to be in the mix, THEN finish things up. I find if I do things this way, instead of have the "compose now, mix later" atitude, my trax come out SO much more "pro" sounding.

And that's (among other things) why we would appreciate a electronic music forum

[Reptil]

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

That's for sure. BUT, a good mixed and sounding track can be very distinguishable compared to a song with no sonic character or "room" in the mix. Alot of people think, oh yeah, your just doing House or Trance, so that Behringer mixer will do just fine. NO! No it won't. I believe a House and Trance mix needs just as much "room" and character as a rock song. .......

exactly NO it WON'T!
even more so, IMO, because of the different format (12" for club, live for club, CD for club) quality is a must. lack thereof will clear the dancefloor. (or if you're playing in a squat, and distortion is demanded, than it's less an issue obviously, but I don't do that anymore) opposed to the squashed to death popular music. man I pity those guys, slavin' to get a good mix and some bombo just scewing it up. ahum anyhow
that said there are some idiots at labels who are a bit confused and send the stuff squashed to the cutter because squashed sounds better on their crappy speakers in their crappy office

New thread in the music electronics forum: FOH in clubs, which ones suck, which ones don't, and why, post your findings here (?)

Jules we really really really really really really need this. please.

[Reptil]

Originally Posted by richmondjames

I've had a few house releases over the years, mainly in Europe, but I worked for DJ Sasha for a bit also.

I've moved away from the more progressive side of things (Sasha, Lee Burridge etc) and onto electro.
I like the minimalism and deconstructionist elements to it- there is something more primal in it.
I've seen some good breaks n house combo at Mass, Brixton recently.
That was fun, but can't remember who.

James

I'm not really into progressive (as a couple of my friends are) but did I love that "scorcio" release a couple of years back, Sacha and Digweed I believe (have to look it up), you had anything to do with that?
plong plongplongplong plong plong plong...

also there were a couple of interesting breakbeat kind Sacha releases last year, didn't buy any vinyl , because of equalisers and compressors and monitors, and snakes, and some modules and more eq. etc. etc.

[JohnNy C]

Yes Jules, an Electronic Music section of these forums would really help us out, and also help you out by keeping things organized. Pleaseeeeee! For goodness sakes, we have a whole section dedicated to Hip-Hop production, us electronic musicians deserve some type of section deditcated to electronic music production and mixing. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

I've had a few house releases over the years, mainly in Europe, but I worked for DJ Sasha for a bit also.

Any places I can listen or track names you can post, I would love to take a listen to some of your work. Also, what gear were you running?

[firby]

Really. We need an electronic music forum. This is the place. There are alot of talented people here. Electronic music studios are tools for the artist. This alone makes it a somewhat different thing than a production studio which still believes that you need to document an event, or something of that nature. It's a different type of thinking. Also, Many many of these tracks that are making a splash and making bank come from essentially project studios. That alone makes it a very cool game. You are competing against other project studios. Also, the mixing on the good stuff is insane. It's just nuts. Add to that the complexity and quality of a super club or whatever and that music is getting mixed live on a really really nice sound system with a nice board eqed in real time blah blah blah. It's really something. I really do believe that some of the best mixing right now is being done by electronic music guys. The good mixes now are really good.

If you want to hit somebody with emotion and all of the evils of music. Then hit them with a beat where they _have_ to move. Hook em and wreck them.

[squelch]

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

squelch, I was hoping the same exact thing. If you need help with anything, just hit me up. I will give you some pointers.

Hi Johny C, I think I'm gonna have to take you up on the offer, thanks man

I'm getting better at keeping my mixes a little clearer now but I still find that I have a lot of mud in the low mids, I always seem to struggle to get a really nice relationship between the bass and kick. I've been doing this a long time now but I don't feel I'm anywhere near where I want to be.

It can get very frustrating at times. My mixes don't seem to gel well together, and when the odd one does I'm not really sure why or how it happened.

To make it a bit easier for you, I'll ask a few specific questions:
How much (generally) of the sound is in the mastering, if I'm comparing a mix I'm working on to a commercial track (WAV) download from beatport, how close should I be aiming for?
I mix in Logic with a multiband or regular compressor on the 2-Bus from the start and I cant decide if I prefer it or not? What sort of chain would you normaly work with for 2bus?

I have quite a bit of hardware (I blame Gearslutz) and generally nice equipment, my studio is better than I am at this point in time.

I'm constantly listening to and analysing commercial tracks to try and improve mine but Its an uphill struggle! I love the music though so its all worth it...

I dream of the Gearslutz Electronic forum........!

Peace
Dave

[JohnNy C]

Originally Posted by squelch

Hi Johny C, I think I'm gonna have to take you up on the offer, thanks man

I'm getting better at keeping my mixes a little clearer now but I still find that I have a lot of mud in the low mids, I always seem to struggle to get a really nice relationship between the bass and kick. I've been doing this a long time now but I don't feel I'm anywhere near where I want to be.

It can get very frustrating at times. My mixes don't seem to gel well together, and when the odd one does I'm not really sure why or how it happened.

To make it a bit easier for you, I'll ask a few specific questions:
How much (generally) of the sound is in the mastering, if I'm comparing a mix I'm working on to a commercial track (WAV) download from beatport, how close should I be aiming for?
I mix in Logic with a multiband or regular compressor on the 2-Bus from the start and I cant decide if I prefer it or not? What sort of chain would you normaly work with for 2bus?

I have quite a bit of hardware (I blame Gearslutz) and generally nice equipment, my studio is better than I am at this point in time.

I'm constantly listening to and analysing commercial tracks to try and improve mine but Its an uphill struggle! I love the music though so its all worth it...

I dream of the Gearslutz Electronic forum........!

Peace
Dave

Ok Dave,
first thing's first. Take the compressor off of your master fader. Only use compression if it adds a tonal quality you like. Let's remember that electronic music is sequenced and compression is used to raise and lower levels at a rapid pace. So think of it, why would you need a compressor on something that has good levels to begin with, IF you sequenced it that way? Next, USE YOUR FILTERS! I think of filters as the electronic musicians equivalent of an engineers EQ. Which they ARE EQs, to the extreme if you catch me. Anyway, use your filters to place that particular sound where you want it in the mix. Cut WHATEVER you don't need especially if you are making thicker music. Because whatever you cut out of one sound will most definitely be filled by another. Secondly, use your paning and levels wisely. Paning something can clear things up tramendously and it really gives the mix balance and definition. Next, use your reverb wisely. Of course us electronic musicians go ape shit for reverb. I don't like to go overboard with it though. Enough to make my mix sound full and set certain elements in the rear of the speakers. Finally, automation is key to what makes a good electronic music song come to life... give it character. When things are moving, filtering, panning, that's what mkaes the commmon listeners brain trigger and sub conciously say, hmm, I don't know how they did that, but things are changing, moving. I find using filter, panning, level, and even effect send automation to define you and your style. But use it tastefully, just like anyhting else.
It also all depends on how you like to work. Some people like to compose then mix like the standard way in a pro studio. I however mix while composing as I explained above. I find this way I spend the time up front and get my mix right from the get go. That was I find at mix-down, I don't need much effects, EQing or compression. I may add some things here and there to fill things out. Anyway, that is all subjective. I fount that as I became more and mroe experienced, making mixes sound good and pwerful became easier and easier. I knew how to get what I wanted with a certain sound and what to add where. I think that all comes with time and experience. Dave, if you would like I can take a listen to come mixes of yours and tell you where your going wrong or where to improve.

[fr0st]

Another producer here, mostly tech house, electro, breaks... What i've been doing lately is DI'ing my synths then recording them through DBX 160a's just a bit to keep the dynamics in line.


So my chain looks like this

Avalon U5---->DBX 160A----> Motu 828mk2(I want to replace with a apogee ensemble)

This allows me to have a really hot signal in my computer which i can further manipulate.

[Shabo]

I’m horrible with names of producers in house music…maybe bit of topic ..but I vacationed in Goa, India bout 6 months ago. The music was absolutely mind blowing! Sober or not..it will get you off your ass and into a different world..I wish I knew what I was listening to at the time. There’s a lot of talk about Goa trance but to actually be there to experience it..WOW! Will never forget that place and music..cant wait to go back!!

[Sirocco]

I'm more into progressive house (or prog).

Acts like gabriel and dresden, thomas penton, way out west, and markus schulz are what i enjoy most..

I came close to putting out a vinyl single; but that never panned out..

[squelch]

Hey Johnny C,
Thanks for the tips, really helpful.
So can I assume that you are not using much EQ or compression in your mixes?
I found your comments on the filters really interesting, something I'm going to have a look at. I normally mix as I go along as you do. I have an up to date sample collection and Virus C, Proteus 2000 with dance cards, A-Station, JP8000 and a Prophecy, but I always seem to end up unhappy with my bass and Kick drum, I tweak and track sounds through an Amek CIB (nice EQ) and Distressor & Rosetta 200 so I know its not the gear.
My mixing environment isn't ideal but I always check bass on HD600s which seem to go down pretty low. I'm going to upload a couple of tracks and send you a link.

Thanks again.

Peace
Dave.

[JohnNy C]

Originally Posted by squelch

Hey Johnny C,
Thanks for the tips, really helpful.
So can I assume that you are not using much EQ or compression in your mixes?
I found your comments on the filters really interesting, something I'm going to have a look at. I normally mix as I go along as you do. I have an up to date sample collection and Virus C, Proteus 2000 with dance cards, A-Station, JP8000 and a Prophecy, but I always seem to end up unhappy with my bass and Kick drum, I tweak and track sounds through an Amek CIB (nice EQ) and Distressor & Rosetta 200 so I know its not the gear.
My mixing environment isn't ideal but I always check bass on HD600s which seem to go down pretty low. I'm going to upload a couple of tracks and send you a link.

Thanks again.

Peace
Dave.

Yeah Dave, let me get some samples of your work and I may possibly be able to guide you in the right direction. Nice set-up by the way! It surely isn't your gear that's the problem. LoL.

[SamSpacey]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster

It would be really nice to have a part of the forum for electronic artists. I myself am a UK based Dance producer/composer and would love to converse with the most sensible of forums that is "Gearsluts2

Funnily enough though, after being screwed over by so many distribution companies going bust just when it comes time to pay you....funny that I've decided to kindof give up the rat race of writing dance music and go more with where my heart is.....more sortoff Goldfrapp meets Electro meets Depeche Mode

I also design sound libraries, doing a major one at mo for the Kontakt 2 player engine, should be done in September.

As for being a gearslut, I am a total ***** when it comes to analog synths....hope I qualify.


Nice to meet you all (names Sam by the way)

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by adamatic

To me thats like getting a blank stare from a rocker kid in the mid 70's when you mention Clapton or the Stones.

[squelch]

Hey Johnny C, check your PM.

Cheers
Dave

[gsilbers]

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

Ok Dave,
first thing's first. Take the compressor off of your master fader. Only use compression if it adds a tonal quality you like. Let's remember that electronic music is sequenced and compression is used to raise and lower levels at a rapid pace. So think of it, why would you need a compressor on something that has good levels to begin with, IF you sequenced it that way? Next, USE YOUR FILTERS! I think of filters as the electronic musicians equivalent of an engineers EQ. Which they ARE EQs, to the extreme if you catch me. Anyway, use your filters to place that particular sound where you want it in the mix. Cut WHATEVER you don't need especially if you are making thicker music. Because whatever you cut out of one sound will most definitely be filled by another. Secondly, use your paning and levels wisely. Paning something can clear things up tramendously and it really gives the mix balance and definition. Next, use your reverb wisely. Of course us electronic musicians go ape shit for reverb. I don't like to go overboard with it though. Enough to make my mix sound full and set certain elements in the rear of the speakers. Finally, automation is key to what makes a good electronic music song come to life... give it character. When things are moving, filtering, panning, that's what mkaes the commmon listeners brain trigger and sub conciously say, hmm, I don't know how they did that, but things are changing, moving. I find using filter, panning, level, and even effect send automation to define you and your style. But use it tastefully, just like anyhting else.
It also all depends on how you like to work. Some people like to compose then mix like the standard way in a pro studio. I however mix while composing as I explained above. I find this way I spend the time up front and get my mix right from the get go. That was I find at mix-down, I don't need much effects, EQing or compression. I may add some things here and there to fill things out. Anyway, that is all subjective. I fount that as I became more and mroe experienced, making mixes sound good and pwerful became easier and easier. I knew how to get what I wanted with a certain sound and what to add where. I think that all comes with time and experience. Dave, if you would like I can take a listen to come mixes of yours and tell you where your going wrong or where to improve.

great tips. !!


i might add side chain compresion tricks. u can hear it a lot in electro house and trance and well electronic music en general .
i sidechain almost everything to the kick!. the basses (of course more than one bass) and pads. i have in my template a kik track muted so i can easily assign it when i am working the basses pads etc.

it works wonders if you have a insert reverb or delay efx and then a compresion side chained to the kick and mess with the atack and realses settings.

another way is to send everything except the kik to a aux track and on that track add a L2 type limiter plug and over compress it until it distorts and then have the side chain compressor to the kik. bounce a few bars and normalize everything and comp the bounced file to taste.

this type of trick find fasinating and opens a lot to creativity. thats why i'm for the electronic music forum in GS. besides


GS can get some $$ for adds realted to electronic music like softsynths, synths etc. (wink wink jules)



i like to listen to paul van dyk, mauro picotto, deep dish and well i'm getting into electro house and trying to weed out crap and good so if you guys know some great electro house producers or DJ please tell