Dancing in the Shadows

[Bobby Summa]

144bpm Trance. DJ friendly approach
5 mins long so far.
Hoping you guys think my structure is improving. ( i think it is) ‘Yep, the bassline ends tooooo sooon ‘ ( forgot to lengthen it). If you like it so far, I can’t wait to finish this and extend the bassline snother 16 bars. …. , then do the next section . Apologies for putting many tracks on the forum that don’t get finished. Its about the flow. If the track gets complicated, too many versions, too much time spent on it etc. I loose inspiration. I still have much for this as its not got many DAW tracks in it. Spent 6 hours on it so far. For me, thats fast for 5 mins track.

My new philosophy. Have fun - don’t get obsessed- Simplify the process- finish the track. Its only my second day of working on it and it feels on its way.

Dancing In The Shadows {Radio Edit}

Hi, I’m Bobby Summa. I Love to make music. Genres made: All Electronic music. Hope you’re having a good day 🫶 My name is Rob, my artist name is Bobby Summa. Summa means ‘unlimited’ in Latin, Lati

on.soundcloud.com

 

[Progrez]

Sounds a bit sloppy in some areas especially just before the breakdown. I need it needs to be more rhythmic and less chaotic in some areas.

Something like this

 

[Bobby Summa]

Hi Progrez. Thanks for feedback. Im a little confused as the track youve linked is a very different tempo and style. Do you mean sloppy in sound or stucture or melody. Cheers

 

[Bobby Summa]

One of my friends from finland who i talk to online who produces great music and is always completely honest said this.
“I like it. One of your best ones so far. Good melodies, good structure. Mix maybe a tad muddy, but nothing serious”

Im glad he said that as was beginning to doubt.

 

[Archon]

Hey man, very well done! I like the style and the execution. Huge progress too when it comes to track structure and arrangement. Now comes the hard part - finishing it. To me it still sounds not completely arranged (but it's very close). Maybe I would make the breakdown a bit longer, lusher, with that melody which appears in the climax. That's just one suggestion; I think the overall track could be improved to make it sound more professional and release-ready.

 

[Bobby Summa]

Hey man, very well done! I like the style and the execution. Huge progress too when it comes to track structure and arrangement. Now comes the hard part - finishing it. To me it still sounds not completely arranged (but it's very close). Maybe I would make the breakdown a bit longer, lusher, with that melody which appears in the climax. That's just one suggestion; I think the overall track could be improved to make it sound more professional and release-ready.

Thank you so much mate. Might get a chance to work on it before i leave for Rhodes on Tuesday but we have a wedding/honeymoon to prepare for. But my fiancé realises, music is good for me!

 

[Archon]

Thank you so much mate. Might get a chance to work on it before i leave for Rhodes on Tuesday but we have a wedding/honeymoon to prepare for. But my fiancé realises, music is good for me!

You're getting married?

 

[Bobby Summa]

You're getting married?

Yeah. We’re leaving for Rhodes Tuesday. ( Parents n law are on same flight 🫣) Married in 11 days. Very excited! 🫶

 

[Bobby Summa]

Updated the track and changed certain sections.

https://on.soundcloud.com/EyNGea1KkVJnncd57

 

[Daysleeper]

the second part with the harmonies sound good/pleasant even if these brighter type of chords/notes/melodies isnt really my cup (not sure if the mleody itself is that interesting though, but it sounds good technically), the first part build leading up to it is generic and not consistent with the second part (too much of those noisier(?) swirly hectic stabbby what is it, a 303 or something ? though, sorry to say. save the second part and build something around that.

overall its a bit inconsistent to me with too many vibes in one package.

 

[Bobby Summa]

the second part with the harmonies sound good/pleasant even if these brighter type of chords/notes/melodies isnt really my cup (not sure if the mleody itself is that interesting though, but it sounds good technically), the first part build leading up to it is generic and not consistent with the second part (too much of those noisier(?) swirly hectic stabbby what is it, a 303 or something ? though, sorry to say. save the second part and build something around that.

overall its a bit inconsistent to me with too many vibes in one package.

That is valuable feedback. Cheers. I actually was wondering about the precise same things. I wonnt be able to finish it before i leave for my Weddings/honeymoon, but it’s good to know that if I understand you correctly. The track (perhaps accept the start) is heading in the correct direction. With the basic elements of the track. Do you think there is release potential ( with improvements as probably necessary).

The arp melody, I kept simple, but heard much more that coukd be done with it, but that would involve altering many notes and chords, which although woukd sound nice, the honest truth is, with the complexity of doing that, it would take a long time ( and i may not actually get it right). I made a decision to keep it simple and rely on the nice sound i created and hope it has enough substance to create a nice feeling.

In my view, il keep the arp/melody as is, compkete this version of the tune, then with hope, TF-R might sign it. Im basically on a mission to get a trance track released.

I can do a remix once this version is finished to possibly go along side ( unless it alters the feel and dynamic of the track too much, but once again, there are ways to change or add chords and still not overwhelm too much thus, keeping in the style of the original mix, (hopefully i coukd achieve that)

Actually mate, can you be more specific about the sound you mentioned you think is a 303. Its not a 303 or even acid as far as im aware but it may sound similar to some in certain aspects. Where does it appear in the track . Ie. 1.50 mins etc. Cheers dude!

 

[Bobby Summa]

Further Updated.

Dancing In The Shadows V6 6m 30

Darker Trance (currently un mastered)

on.soundcloud.com

its not bad, but i feel one or two improvements may be necessary. I changed one of the sounds around the end of the first kinda intro section. ( does that sound work or is the echo muddled ?)

When the intro section finishes and it goes less busy after the drop/build. Im wondering if the kick should come in earlier, waiting can work in some tracks but both me and my new music advisor ( Deb my Fiancé ) believe the kick needs to come in earier, she said she was just waiting for it to start again. My fiancé also really liked the track ( shes not that into trance ) We were just driving to the gymn andshe was driving and felt it is great driving music. I can’t do anymore on thrme tune for a few weeks. We go to get married in Greece (Rhodes,) tomorrow ( Wedded on 11 July) Priorities n all that i suppose . you fellas like the track ? @jetflag @Archon @Hensmon @Daysleeper Won’t annoy everyone with tags. I do have a little bit of dignity

 

[Daysleeper]

it starts right from the beginning @Bobby Summa is it the actual bassline maybe? anyway to me it doesnt fit and its overdone/too hectic to fit with how the tune evolves.

edit: to me the transition into the break comes in too unnaturally and too sudden. it just doesnt sound good to my ears, and the actual music and how you introduce the melody in the break is not that good tbh. it sounds mostly like a transportation section or more like a really slow/too slow intro section but placed in the middle of this tune, and does go on for too long with that two note pluck melody to fill out the lenght/space of the tune.

as i said i like the melody/harmonies in the latter half but the other sections leading to it I feel are too disconnected from it and not done properly. its almost that i would suggestion remove both the intro and break sections and try working with the "main" melody part of the track and try making up an arrangement around that, or try to expand on that melody you have there and moving/switching that section as a build or bridge part instead.

 

[Bobby Summa]

it starts right from the beginning @Bobby Summa is it the actual bassline maybe? anyway to me it doesnt fit and its overdone/too hectic to fit with how the tune evolves.

edit: to me the transition into the break comes in too unnaturally and too sudden. it just doesnt sound good to my ears, and the actual music and how you introduce the melody in the break is not that good tbh. it sounds mostly like a transportation section or more like a really slow/too slow intro section but placed in the middle of this tune, and does go on for too long with that two note pluck melody to fill out the lenght/space of the tune.

as i said i like the melody/harmonies in the latter half but the other sections leading to it I feel are too disconnected from it and not done properly. its almost that i would suggestion remove both the intro and break sections and try working with the "main" melody part of the track and try making up an arrangement around that, or try to expand on that melody you have there and moving/switching that section as a build or bridge part instead.

Cool man! Il have a tinker on it when im back and try a few variations like you mentioned. I completely get which sound you mean now, and yes i wandered if it gets too hissy/swirly with filters etc. I think thats what may make it sound overdone to you. Come to think of it, i had at one point set it with less echo / reverb and it sounded more raw. Maybe thats a better aprproach. Its incredible what just changing a few parameters can do to a sound. Changes the dynamic just the correct amount sometimes. Think il try that as for me that sound is a core oart of the track. Cheers

incidentally with your very specific knowing of what sounds you like. Have you ever done music production yourself? I know you would be good at it. You don’t even need to use a musical keyboard . My friend creates magical melodic house and techno with just positioning notes on the DAW editor by clicking the mouse on a grid. No piano keyboard playing at all. All you need is a little computer technical ability. You certainly have the ears. Go for it.

 

[LostLegend]

Liking the dark vibes in the build up. The choir stabs are a nice touch.

Serious Giorgio Moroder vibes with the melody. Reminds me a bit of the theme to Midnight Express initially.

Really like the layered synths

Feel like the drop could have more impact, it seems to come out of nowhere.

Wondering if a slightly heavier kick would work here?

Really like the overall sound, feel it could be mixed a little bit tighter, but it is a work in progress as you said.

Might be worth sending it over to Ben Lost at Lost Language Records when it’s finished and you have a decent mixdown down, he’s really pushing a lot of this faster paced, trance crossover stuff lately. Might be up his street!

 

[Bobby Summa]

Liking the dark vibes in the build up. The choir stabs are a nice touch.

Serious Giorgio Moroder vibes with the melody. Reminds me a bit of the theme to Midnight Express initially.

Really like the layered synths

Feel like the drop could have more impact, it seems to come out of nowhere.

Wondering if a slightly heavier kick would work here?

Really like the overall sound, feel it could be mixed a little bit tighter, but it is a work in progress as you said.

Might be worth sending it over to Ben Lost at Lost Language Records when it’s finished and you have a decent mixdown down, he’s really pushing a lot of this faster paced, trance crossover stuff lately. Might be up his street!

Thank you dude, really appreciate the feedback.
Yeah il get to eq it better etc when I return. Good to know a few people like the vibe of it. Il experiment with the kick and the drop.
When its done, my first port of call is TF-R. Gagi / Archon quite likes it but I haven’t heard from Hensmon about it. Il private message him soon i think as he may not have seen this post. If its not their thing then Id love to contact Lost Language
Cheers dude!

 

[Bobby Summa]

@LostLegend Hensmon listened and rates what ive made but feels its not t quite what he wants to release via TF-R currently. When I return i will tidy the track up and see what can be done with it. Ive been listening to some tracks on lost language label ( including your latest awesome track - into the sky)
I like the tracks on the label a lot. There are even some that lean to a more psychedelic style but made really interesting. Although ive just sent ‘Speed Dreamer’ an old track of mine to Platipus, i might send Dancing in the shadows and Speed Dreamer to Lost Language. ( might try improving Speed Dreamer as well as Dancing in the shadows i think). I see some really well known acts have released with Lost Language in the past . Artists such as Tilt, Probspot, Space Manoeuvres and others.

 

[Bobby Summa]

Re doing the track. Parts don’t gel on old version.
Its all gone Acid now! (Acid Trance) Acid in the shadows might be a new name?? Or Dancing Acid shadows etc. …. Kick changed too.
Click below

Dancing Acid Shadows

 

[Bobby Summa]

Just to update you on this track. I haven’t really worked on it since being back as have concentrated on learning new gear for my live electronica performances i do at a local pub. I will get back to it soon though possibly. Hensmon mentioned its not the kind of classic feel track hes looking to release currently but i will finish it at some point soon as feedback is not too shabby. Plus whenever i listen to it I really enjoy parts. Cheers

This i think is my latest version

Dancing in the Shadows (Acid mix) WIP

Hi, I’m Bobby Summa. I Love to make music. Genres made: All Electronic music. Hope you’re having a good day 🫶 My name is Rob, my artist name is Bobby Summa. Summa means ‘unlimited’ in Latin, Lati

on.soundcloud.com

 

[IXM]

144bpm Trance. DJ friendly approach
5 mins long so far.
Hoping you guys think my structure is improving. ( i think it is) ‘Yep, the bassline ends tooooo sooon ‘ ( forgot to lengthen it). If you like it so far, I can’t wait to finish this and extend the bassline snother 16 bars. …. , then do the next section . Apologies for putting many tracks on the forum that don’t get finished. Its about the flow. If the track gets complicated, too many versions, too much time spent on it etc. I loose inspiration. I still have much for this as its not got many DAW tracks in it. Spent 6 hours on it so far. For me, thats fast for 5 mins track.

My new philosophy. Have fun - don’t get obsessed- Simplify the process- finish the track. Its only my second day of working on it and it feels on its way.

Dancing In The Shadows {Radio Edit}

Hi, I’m Bobby Summa. I Love to make music. Genres made: All Electronic music. Hope you’re having a good day 🫶 My name is Rob, my artist name is Bobby Summa. Summa means ‘unlimited’ in Latin, Lati

on.soundcloud.com

I must admit, I'm really digging the vibe of this track. It's something that caught my interest right away. Those elements, there's something cool and thoughtful going on, you can see it. The whole composition has that certain something that makes me want to keep coming back to uncover those new details. Seriously, I feel like you've put in a lot of effort and enthusiasm into crafting this tune. Your style genuinely shows that you have a unique vision and creativity.