Why is all the music I make SHIT?

[knowsis]

Firstly I know this isn't the right place to put this thread as I've read the rules... but I can't seem to find where it's supposed to go. I've looked all over the forum and still nothing so if a mod comes across this, forgive me and please move it to it's appropriate place.

Anyways here are a few original and unfinished compositions I've made, which I think are decent enough to at least not be laughable...What is it that I'm lacking besides talent? I've got good work ethic. I'm 19 and I've been goin at this music thing every chance I get for over 2 years (i admit slacking off for a few months each year). I know that doesn't seem like long, but compared to others I know who have been doin it for the around the same amount of time as I have, I'm seriously lacking and behind the curve. Also does intelligence=better music? Because I might be pretty retarted from all the drugs I did throughout high school and maybe that's why I make shitty music.

I love music a f*ckton and want to make it the center of my life. I want to make pieces that move people and give em goosebumps... but I can't seem to produce anything that will communicate that. Can you help me out by listening and giving advice? I'd really appreciate it if you did. Thanks

Big ups,
Knowsis

Sirens Beckoning by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Call of the Angels (not finished) by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Different Planes in My Brain by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

[KT1]

Originally Posted by knowsis

Firstly I know this isn't the right place to put this thread as I've read the rules... but I can't seem to find where it's supposed to go. I've looked all over the forum and still nothing so if a mod comes across this, forgive me and please move it to it's appropriate place.

Anyways here are a few original and unfinished compositions I've made, which I think are decent enough to at least not be laughable...What is it that I'm lacking besides talent? I've got good work ethic. I'm 19 and I've been goin at this music thing every chance I get for over 2 years (i admit slacking off for a few months each year). I know that doesn't seem like long, but compared to others I know who have been doin it for the around the same amount of time as I have, I'm seriously lacking and behind the curve. Also does intelligence=better music? Because I might be pretty retarted from all the drugs I did throughout high school and maybe that's why I make shitty music.

I love music a f*ckton and want to make it the center of my life. I want to make pieces that move people and give em goosebumps... but I can't seem to produce anything that will communicate that. Can you help me out by listening and giving advice? I'd really appreciate it if you did. Thanks

Big ups,
Knowsis

Sirens Beckoning by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Call of the Angels (not finished) by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Different Planes in My Brain by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Easy - if you want people to listen and critique post in the check my mix thread. If you just want a rant and moan post in the Moan Zone.

[The Byre]

First find something to say, something that bugs you, something that needs to be changed in the World - THEN write music about that.

[Kaoz]

Sounds like you're trying too hard to me.

[nocoJack]

I wouldn't call it shit... just keep listening to different music, take some training, keep learning, and keep on working at it. Don't get discouraged!

[Johntron512]

Originally Posted by knowsis

Firstly I know this isn't the right place to put this thread as I've read the rules... but I can't seem to find where it's supposed to go. I've looked all over the forum and still nothing so if a mod comes across this, forgive me and please move it to it's appropriate place.

Anyways here are a few original and unfinished compositions I've made, which I think are decent enough to at least not be laughable...What is it that I'm lacking besides talent? I've got good work ethic. I'm 19 and I've been goin at this music thing every chance I get for over 2 years (i admit slacking off for a few months each year). I know that doesn't seem like long, but compared to others I know who have been doin it for the around the same amount of time as I have, I'm seriously lacking and behind the curve. Also does intelligence=better music? Because I might be pretty retarted from all the drugs I did throughout high school and maybe that's why I make shitty music.

I love music a f*ckton and want to make it the center of my life. I want to make pieces that move people and give em goosebumps... but I can't seem to produce anything that will communicate that. Can you help me out by listening and giving advice? I'd really appreciate it if you did. Thanks

Big ups,
Knowsis

Sirens Beckoning by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Call of the Angels (not finished) by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Different Planes in My Brain by knowsis on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Firstly, as was said above, take your critique requests to the stickied forum thread for it and you'll have better luck with responses (maybe).

But, my general feedback is that your songs are too ambient for hip hop. They sound a bit more like movie soundtrack music. Try focusing more on the percussion and lead instruments, and less on the pads and ambient whirly sounds.

Of course, maybe this is your style, and you just need the right vocalist to match it, but generally you need to feel the beat more for hip hop.

[KT1]

This thread really is in the wrong place. My 2 cents is this.

2 years is nothing! Music is subjective. The fact you have high expecations is a good thing.

Stop trying to replicate a sound or someone else. You will never be as good as them at it! Do what feels good and start enjoying it again.

Bless

[JoRillo]

I have had a question about the power cable needed for my new headphone amp posted for about 3-5 days now, without an answer (in a headphone amp thread, and after no responses, a new one I made for the "So much gear" forum). He posts something in the wrong forum, with a subjective question and gets 6 replies in 19 minutes.

This is what I get for using the forums correctly.

[drollz]

I listened to "Sirens Beckoning." I thought it was pretty good. It reminded me of a DJ Shadow track. What are you trying to achieve here? A straight-up instrumental? Something for someone to rap on?

Things that could have made it better:

1. You're using that same kick drum too much. Are you varying velocity? I couldn't tell. You should make multiple copies of the same kick, and tweak them a bit. Start out with your main kick, and from there, make copies that are quieter, with a slightly lower pitch, less attack, and more decay. This will give you the effect of hitting a real drum. You could do the same with the snare too.

2. Drop the drums out entirely at points within the song. Drop the snare for a measure. Drop the kick for a measure. Drop the drums for just the last beat once in a while -- do this at the point of introducing a new element, especially.

3. I think the song needed a crazy, drum-n-bass style drum sequence somewhere near the end. Like Rjd2 or Shadow might have in their tracks.

4. If this was trying to be an instrumental, I think some cool vocal samples, spoken word stuff, would have been good in the mix. With a touch of simple scratching.

I think if you did all of the above and told me it was a DJ Shadow track, and I was listening on my computer speakers (which I was), I would have believed it. But yeah, follow the rules here from now on.

[mikeg09]

Keep making music for another 8 years. You'll be good by then.

[knowsis]

@thebyre I'm not a rapper I'm trying to be a producer lol

@Kaoz I am trying pretty damn hard at this, I wish I knew how to make it easier and be like those producers who bang out 3-5 beats per day like it's nothin haha

@nocojack I'm trying not to get discouraged but when I've got shit to show for the effort I put in it's pretty frustrating.

@Johntron Yeah I'm purposely trying to bring an ambient sound to hip hop. You're right though I just don't know what type of sounds to use for the leads? In my production style I don't want the rapper to carry and outshine the beat, I'd rather it be the other way around. It seems as if I've got a looong way to go.

@kt1 I never said I was trying to copy another producers sound. Truly my highest aspiration is to be recognized as a unique producer with my own trademark sound. Thanks for your input.

@drollz Comparing it to dj shadow? Wow thanks brotha that means a lot. I'm trying to achieve a unique approach to hip hop instrumentals so that when people hear it they instantly know who it is.

1.What I did with my kick is use 2 layered acoustic kicks and then a long 808 over top of that. To switch it up in the drum pattern I replaced the long 808 with a short one. Your advice about how to change it up further was awesome. Thank you.

3. I'm not familiar with making anything dnb but I'll look into that.

4. I've been thinking about doing that but I've never done it because I wouldn't know what vocals to throw in there. I like to keep it in key and I'm not good enough to recognize what key a vocalist was singing/speaking in order to throw it in with the mix.

@mikeg09 Damn, I suck that hard? Hah yeah my passion for music will not fade so hopefully by then I am amazing and able to rock shows and whatnot.

[SFB]

Originally Posted by mikeg09

Keep making music for another 8 years. You'll be good by then.

This.

[KT1]

Originally Posted by knowsis

@thebyre I'm not a rapper I'm trying to be a producer lol

@Kaoz I am trying pretty damn hard at this, I wish I knew how to make it easier and be like those producers who bang out 3-5 beats per day like it's nothin haha

@nocojack I'm trying not to get discouraged but when I've got shit to show for the effort I put in it's pretty frustrating.

@Johntron Yeah I'm purposely trying to bring an ambient sound to hip hop. You're right though I just don't know what type of sounds to use for the leads? In my production style I don't want the rapper to carry and outshine the beat, I'd rather it be the other way around. It seems as if I've got a looong way to go.

@kt1 I never said I was trying to copy another producers sound. Truly my highest aspiration is to be recognized as a unique producer with my own trademark sound. Thanks for your input.

@drollz Comparing it to dj shadow? Wow thanks brotha that means a lot. I'm trying to achieve a unique approach to hip hop instrumentals so that when people hear it they instantly know who it is.

1.What I did with my kick is use 2 layered acoustic kicks and then a long 808 over top of that. To switch it up in the drum pattern I replaced the long 808 with a short one. Your advice about how to change it up further was awesome. Thank you.

3. I'm not familiar with making anything dnb but I'll look into that.

4. I've been thinking about doing that but I've never done it because I wouldn't know what vocals to throw in there. I like to keep it in key and I'm not good enough to recognize what key a vocalist was singing/speaking in order to throw it in with the mix.

@mikeg09 Damn, I suck that hard? Hah yeah my passion for music will not fade so hopefully by then I am amazing and able to rock shows and whatnot.

I didn't listen to thee music. Simply because it's in the wrong place and out of principle. If you beleive that this is all you then just continue at it. Not everyone works the same way. Jesus 3 beats in a day? Do you want ot make beats? I mean just quick throw ups? Or are you more interested in making something unique and special. Some people can do this quickly i supposed...thats called super talent! I for one need more time than that if i have a concept and want to bring it to light! For example someone said maybe add D&B. If you dont listen to D&B and have no need to incorporate it then why would you? That's my point. Do you not anyone else! That is not to say listening to more music and different genres isn't a great way to open eyes.

Just chill and enjoy your devlopment. Let every peice of music you compose be better than the last in your mind that is. If people like it ..wel thats a bonus!

Good Luck

[knowsis]

Originally Posted by SFB

This.

So does that mean I show potential...or is that the same amount of time that it usually takes for everyone...?

[JoRillo]

Originally Posted by knowsis

So does that mean I show potential...or is that the same amount of time that it usually takes for everyone...?

Everyone has potential, where there is a will there is a way. Go read a book and gain some knowledge.

[drollz]

Originally Posted by knowsis

4. I've been thinking about doing that but I've never done it because I wouldn't know what vocals to throw in there. I like to keep it in key and I'm not good enough to recognize what key a vocalist was singing/speaking in order to throw it in with the mix.

I meant more like spoken word stuff. Not singing. Stuff from instructional records, comedy, etc.

[knowsis]

Originally Posted by KT1

I didn't listen to thee music. Simply because it's in the wrong place and out of principle. If you beleive that this is all you then just continue at it. Not everyone works the same way. Jesus 3 beats in a day? Do you want ot make beats? I mean just quick throw ups? Or are you more interested in making something unique and special. Some people can do this quickly i supposed...thats called super talent! I for one need more time than that if i have a concept and want to bring it to light! For example someone said maybe add D&B. If you dont listen to D&B and have no need to incorporate it then why would you? That's my point. Do you not anyone else! That is not to say listening to more music and different genres isn't a great way to open eyes.

Just chill and enjoy your devlopment. Let every peice of music you compose be better than the last in your mind that is. If people like it ..wel thats a bonus!

Good Luck

I love hip hop and want to be unique and special but still work within the frameworks of the genre. You are right though I need to focus a little more inward, but then again if nobody likes my stuff then what's the point of even making it?

[knowsis]

Originally Posted by JoRillo

Everyone has potential, where there is a will there is a way. Go read a book and gain some knowledge.

Any you'd recommend?

[KT1]

Originally Posted by knowsis

I love hip hop and want to be unique and special but still work within the frameworks of the genre. You are right though I need to focus a little more inward, but then again if nobody likes my stuff then what's the point of even making it?

Im glad you asked buddy. Because you like it. Because it makes you feel good. The moment you trade in art for popularity your driver changes. It's your choice. Id rather make music i love and no one else does..then sell out. That's my opinion only. This is a very subjective thing dude. It depends on what the music means to you. Music like a lot of peeps on this forum is everything to me. Ill be damned if im gonna do anything i dont like for a buck.

[SFB]

Originally Posted by knowsis

So does that mean I show potential...or is that the same amount of time that it usually takes for everyone...?

It's scientifically proven that mastery of any craft requires about 10,000 hours of practice. Provided that you put in an average of 2.75 hours in the lab each day you will reach that level in 10 years.

Obviously, some people have a "gift" that allows them to master a craft much faster, but for the average human being without a serious mental or physical impediment, 10,000 hours is how long it takes to get "really good" at something.

[Sheldon Mack]

Hey I'm gonna give you my input hopefully it helps, I had the same feeling like a year ago.

Overall there is nothing wrong with your beats. I know your probably hearing other beatmakers make trap beats and other popular styles of beats and people respond to it more. You might think they progressed faster, but they copied other producers styles so its easier for them. I think you should keep doing what you do and don't be self conscious of your beats, your doing fine.

Now, theres somethings that you can improve on.
1. The mix, specifically make sure the drums are clear in the mix.

2. The sounds: You got to really dig and find the best sounds you can, or spend time and create the best sounds you can. Don't settle for less. Also layer a sound if you feel its too thin.

3. The structure: Add more surprises in your beats, breakdowns,bridges,variation etc.

The best advice I can give you is PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL. I read in this book the difference between a mediocre artist and a great artist is the attention to detail. So make sure you tweak everything in your beats, every velocity, every drum pattern... use automation, just spend more time tweaking the little stuff. Paying attention to detail will improve your work immensely. It can get tedious but if you love it, it should be worth it.

So, keep doing you and keep improving. Don't stress yourself either, two years is not that long.

[knowsis]

Originally Posted by KT1

Im glad you asked buddy. Because you like it. Because it makes you feel good. The moment you trade in art for popularity your driver changes. It's your choice. Id rather make music i love and no one else does..then sell out. That's my opinion only. This is a very subjective thing dude. It depends on what the music means to you. Music like a lot of peeps on this forum is everything to me. Ill be damned if im gonna do anything i dont like for a buck.

I understand where you're coming from bro. Trust me I prefer curren$y to wiz. Music means a lot to me. As a kid I used to be able to do some crazy ass things with my imagination and could easily get in touch with many parts of my psyche because of music. Now I just want to be able to create and share that with others. Not for the popularity, but simply for knowing that I could ease someones mind after a hard day at work, put a little swag in their step during the day, or just immerse them in an alternate dimension of sound to escape the every day realities of life. I don't want to do this strictly for the money. That is when an artist loses him/herself and fails at what he/she is supposed to be doing which is being creative. I do it for the love.

[KT1]

Originally Posted by knowsis

I understand where you're coming from bro. Trust me I prefer curren$y to wiz. Music means a lot to me. As a kid I used to be able to do some crazy ass things with my imagination and could easily get in touch with many parts of my psyche because of music. Now I just want to be able to create and share that with others. Not for the popularity, but simply for knowing that I could ease someones mind after a hard day at work, put a little swag in their step during the day, or just immerse them in an alternate dimension of sound to escape the every day realities of life. I don't want to do this strictly for the money. That is when an artist loses him/herself and fails at what he/she is supposed to be doing which is being creative. I do it for the love.

I actually beleive you. I think that's why you're a little sensitive (if you dont mind me saying) Me too. It's part of being emotionally attatched. Keep at it fam. Use the thread for learning etc. Post in the right place. put your mixes up and take critique. Filter it..then use it to your advantage. knowledge is power. Use it. This forum is a great source of information. That will save you some time on those 10k hrs

[knowsis]

@SFB Yeah I read that somewhere, I think it's a quote from some guy in the fortune 500.

@Sheldon Mac Thanks for the encouragement bro. Your advice is highly valued and you're right they do sound a little monotonous. Thanks for shining light on that. Also I know the mix is terrible lol I haven't gotten to that part of my development yet, I'm still trying to learn how to produce right now. Attention to detail and switch it up more. Got it.

[beat you down]

maybe it's just your style to be shit, you seem to be good at it.

take advantage of what you're good at.

make it real shitty.

i'm serious btw.

[Storyville]

I don't think this is shit. I think on the grand scale of things it's pretty good. You've got personality, and that goes for A LOT!

It seems to fall somewhere between beats for artists and "progressive" instrumental Hip-Hop.

So I think the reason you don't like it is because you don't have complete work to base an opinion on. Without a lead component there isn't enough action to make the music compelling. Once you had vocals in, you could flesh out the production around the vocals.

What you have: basic beats.

What you want: developed songs.

[knowsis]

Originally Posted by KT1

I actually beleive you. I think that's why you're a little sensitive (if you dont mind me saying) Me too. It's part of being emotionally attatched. Keep at it fam. Use the thread for learning etc. Post in the right place. put your mixes up and take critique. Filter it..then use it to your advantage. knowledge is power. Use it. This forum is a great source of information. That will save you some time on those 10k hrs

Nah I don't mind you calling me sensitive. I blame it on my recent ex of 2 years making me soft haha. Really tho I think emotions are an integral part of the music production process so I take that as a complement. I will most definitely use this forum as a helping resource and even though you didn't give a critique you've put some things in perspective. 'ppreciate it mayne

[knowsis]

@beat you down And you sir should become a comedian fitness enthusiast. Your post gave me a decent little ab workout from all the laughter produced. I'm serious btw.

@storyville Yes you're right about that, I do want developed songs and maybe that's why I'm a little dissatisfied but I do NOT want the vocalist to make the song. I want my beat to make the vocalist. Does it make sense to think along those lines?

[SFB]

Originally Posted by Sheldon Mack

Hey I'm gonna give you my input hopefully it helps, I had the same feeling like a year ago.

Overall there is nothing wrong with your beats. I know your probably hearing other beatmakers make trap beats and other popular styles of beats and people respond to it more. You might think they progressed faster, but they copied other producers styles so its easier for them. I think you should keep doing what you do and don't be self conscious of your beats, your doing fine.

Now, theres somethings that you can improve on.
1. The mix, specifically make sure the drums are clear in the mix.

2. The sounds: You got to really dig and find the best sounds you can, or spend time and create the best sounds you can. Don't settle for less. Also layer a sound if you feel its too thin.

3. The structure: Add more surprises in your beats, breakdowns,bridges,variation etc.

The best advice I can give you is PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL. I read in this book the difference between a mediocre artist and a great artist is the attention to detail. So make sure you tweak everything in your beats, every velocity, every drum pattern... use automation, just spend more time tweaking the little stuff. Paying attention to detail will improve your work immensely. It can get tedious but if you love it, it should be worth it.

So, keep doing you and keep improving. Don't stress yourself either, two years is not that long.

Good advice. Attention to detail is critical....

[beat you down]

Originally Posted by knowsis

@beat you down And you sir should become a comedian fitness enthusiast. Your post gave me a decent little ab workout from all the laughter produced. I'm serious btw...

i was actually trying to tell... there's strength in what you might perceive as one of your weak spots.

i wasn't trying to down on you.