First "Remix" Feedback

[DyCastMusic]

Hey guys! Been producing for about 10 months, and in the 12 or so projects I've made I had yet to actually finish any. I set myself the challenge of tackling a little remake/rework/cover of Ben Hemsley's "Golden Buddha". The main goal was to knock this thing out and actually finish it within a week, with a focus on not getting sidetracked with tutorials and with endless tweaking. I'm overall fairly happy with having finished it within my constraints.

I'd love to hear your guys thoughts/critiques! Does anything jump out at you as being problematic? Anything obviously too loud? Too quiet? (Also, my "mastering chain" was simple and done using some chatgpt suggestions since I know very little outside of basic compression attempts, basic limiting, etc. not sure of the results were successful )

Subjectively I'm feeling like the sub might be a smidge too loud, the leads too quiet (maybe other stabs/counter melodies need to be brought down a DB or two to help with this) and certain sounds themselves I'm not totally happy with. The breakdown is also extremely basic

Anyway, I appreciate anyone listening and reading this!

Listen to Buda De Oro (Rework) by DyCast on #SoundCloud

Buda De Oro (Rework)

Trance/Tech/Prog

on.soundcloud.com

 

[LostLegend]

This sounds really good considering you've only been producing for under a year. Did you have any musical experience before getting into production?

Nothing really to critique on the production, but what I will say is that the particular style of uplifting trance you've gone for is probably the most popular sub-genre of trance at the moment. Go listen to the Beatport top 100 Main Floor charts. A good chunk of it is uplifting trance with those 16th note arpeggiated supersaw leads.

Nothing wrong with that, but it's a tough genre to break into given all the competition. Must be close to 9 out of 10 new producers I hear are making this exact sound as well and if you want to get noticed by DJ's and potentially signed or have your tracks supported you need to stand out from the dozens of demos & promos the better known DJ's and labels get sent every day.
Either you're a known quantity (IE they recognise your name or are familiar with you work) which accounts for most of the tracks on there or you have developed your own sound and are making tunes that stand out somewhat from the rest.

Your productions already sound decent from a technical perspective, so my advice is, spend some time developing your own sound.
People will gravitate towards great music even if it's a little rough around the edges before music that is technically perfect but lacks any real 'hook'
Go back and listen to your favorite trance tracks in this style. Ask yourself what makes them stand out from the rest?

Apologies for the wall of text, but I've been thinking about putting together some content in some form dealing with some of the hurdles that newer producers can encounter recently, so I've had all this stuff regarding originality, inspiration and technical vs. musical ability etc. on my mind

But yeah, stick with it, you're on the right track!

 

[DyCastMusic]

This sounds really good considering you've only been producing for under a year. Did you have any musical experience before getting into production?

Nothing really to critique on the production, but what I will say is that the particular style of uplifting trance you've gone for is probably the most popular sub-genre of trance at the moment. Go listen to the Beatport top 100 Main Floor charts. A good chunk of it is uplifting trance with those 16th note arpeggiated supersaw leads.

Nothing wrong with that, but it's a tough genre to break into given all the competition. Must be close to 9 out of 10 new producers I hear are making this exact sound as well and if you want to get noticed by DJ's and potentially signed or have your tracks supported you need to stand out from the dozens of demos & promos the better known DJ's and labels get sent every day.
Either you're a known quantity (IE they recognise your name or are familiar with you work) which accounts for most of the tracks on there or you have developed your own sound and are making tunes that stand out somewhat from the rest.

Your productions already sound decent from a technical perspective, so my advice is, spend some time developing your own sound.
People will gravitate towards great music even if it's a little rough around the edges before music that is technically perfect but lacks any real 'hook'
Go back and listen to your favorite trance tracks in this style. Ask yourself what makes them stand out from the rest?

Apologies for the wall of text, but I've been thinking about putting together some content in some form dealing with some of the hurdles that newer producers can encounter recently, so I've had all this stuff regarding originality, inspiration and technical vs. musical ability etc. on my mind

But yeah, stick with it, you're on the right track!

Hey man, first of all I'm familiar with your work and very much appreciate you taking to time to listen and comment! Means a lot to get encouragement from you!

I have some musical background, but not exactly formal. I played piano (not very well) for a few years as a kid, and guitar as a teenager, but that's about it. Music was a always important in my household growing up though.

Don't apologize for the wall of text haha. I completely understand what you're recommending, and fully agree.

Being very new still, for me it was important to prioritize getting proficient (relatively speaking) with some of the technical stuff, the daw, arrangement, etc. and all the basics of getting an "okay" sounding track down as a stepping stone to then being able to actually progress and find my footing as an artist. Any hobby o dip my toes into requires me to get proficient before I know for sure if it's even something I wanna stick, am passionate about, etc.

100% this is a very generic track in most ways , though I do hope some of my arrangement choices, melody progressions/ideas etc. show at least some level of uniqueness/musicality (especially comparing it to the original track). I feel it's just going to take time to find a "voice" as an artist, but again, the way I approach my interests I needed a fundamental level of technical understanding to develop my interest further. The lack of originality will of course also be somewhat unavoidable on some level since I'm only using presets (with tweaks here and there of course). Sound design isn't my primary interest, but will come with time, practice and necessity.

 

[Hensmon]

Nothing wrong with that, but it's a tough genre to break into given all the competition. Must be close to 9 out of 10 new producers I hear are making this exact sound as well and if you want to get noticed by DJ's and potentially signed or have your tracks supported you need to stand out from the dozens of demos & promos the better known DJ's and labels get sent every day.
Either you're a known quantity (IE they recognise your name or are familiar with you work) which accounts for most of the tracks on there or you have developed your own sound and are making tunes that stand out somewhat from the rest.

Good advice.

Kick to me is too intense/steroid, but that's just my taste. I'd say try bring some class, finesse and atmosphere if you are going for the uplifting modern sound. That type of trance is in desperate need of it, it might help you stand out. Don't forget about groove, not just bang bang bang

 

[DyCastMusic]

Good advice.

Kick to me is too intense/steroid, but that's just my taste. I'd say try bring some class, finesse and atmosphere if you are going for the uplifting modern sound. That type of trance is in desperate need of it, it might help you stand out. Don't forget about groove, not just bang bang bang

I'll be honest, I kind of struggle to choose a kick! I'll often pick one to start with that, on its own, I think sounds nice, but halfway through making the track I realize is terrible in context and have to pick a new one. That happened in this case, and while I have no issue with "steroidy" kicks in general, I understand the aversion. It's something I have to work on for sure!

As for bringing finesse, class and atmosphere to the genre, are there examples of uplifting tracks you yourself feel have these qualities? I understand what you mean, but I'm curious if you have examples in mind!

 

[Trance4Ever]

Loving the overall vibes. Reminded me of Function C and what his modern stuff would sound like if has still producing trance. I think this has huge potential.

And also reminded me little bit of F6 - Black / Genre ep.

Peak time 08 vibes.