Magdelayna - Lifecycles (Original 4x4 Trance - progress thread)

Magdelayna

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Jul 13, 2020
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Yes,youre not reading that wrong - more 4x4 Trance from me! Its entitled 'Lifecycles' and i hope to complete it next year.

This is one ive just started - il have this thread as a 'progress' thing - this first video is showing you how the main melody is sounding - i appreciate any comments on it! Please excuse the sound quality as i recorded on my phone and then uploaded onto Youtube. :LOL:

 

Hensmon

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Jun 27, 2020
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Melody i'm liking, very nice and very Mag.

The current percussion feels bit cheesy to me, with no drive or momentum taking it forward. The rhythm feels almost plodding, like I want to nod side to side in a silly manner. Want some edge
 
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Magdelayna

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Melody i'm liking, very nice and very Mag.

The current percussion feels bit cheesy to me, with no drive or momentum taking it forward. The rhythm feels almost plodding, like I want to nod side to side in a silly manner. Want some edge

Yeah,this little clip was just to show the melody - i think im going to change that kick and percs. Hoping to continue on this soon!
 

Magdelayna

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The Cover Art! Ive sent the full version out to a few producer/DJ friends for some feedback...i think i will Premiere the full version next week on my YT channel. Ive also sent to Solarstone to listen to - but who knows if he will download it.

309898302_10166426186820521_5936693175022168132_n.jpg
 

Magdelayna

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Have a listen,and let me know what you think. I sent it Solarstone,he listened to it,didnt download it and no feedback at all.

A little back story to the track and why its called 'Lifecycles' - it is supposed to represent life through Trance form - so first part is growing up as a kid with buidling excitement...2nd part as a teen and discovering life (the melody)....breakdown and main part....20s and 30s,prime of your life.....2nd breakdown...growing old with wisdom....and the final part...the twilight of your life. Something like that haha!
 
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LostLegend

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Dec 5, 2020
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Always good to hear new 4x4 Magdelayna!

As I said earlier, really like the Ferry-esque bassline (Adagio For Strings vibes)
Great melody, lead synth sounds huge without being overbearing.
Overall has that 2000's feel with a modern sheen.

Good work!
 
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Magdelayna

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Jul 13, 2020
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Always good to hear new 4x4 Magdelayna!

As I said earlier, really like the Ferry-esque bassline (Adagio For Strings vibes)
Great melody, lead synth sounds huge without being overbearing.
Overall has that 2000's feel with a modern sheen.

Good work!

Thanks a lot mate! Its always the same pattern with my 4x4 Trance..my hardcore following love them,but they never get any support from djs! I guess its just too much of an old skool sound.
 

Hensmon

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Listened a few times now. Really liked it straight away. The baseline, kick and synths sound very nice, and the track has that signature Mag feel. I wouldn't call it oldschool feeling personally, mainly relating to the sound design, but actually the arrangement of the main synth-spacey hook does have that oldschool feel in there tbf. Some Ferry vibes for sure. I love Trance with space vibes like this.

Personally I was hoping that it would do more, and take a directional turn at some point. Counter melodies, different moods, different rhythms, phases etc. It progresses exactly the same all the way through, mainly just quieter parts vs louder parts. At 2:40 I have heard the whole track play out already, theres nothing different from that point. Like with your ambient stuff I always want something a bit bolder, as the idea feels too safe.

Still rate it though, please continue doing more 4x4 stuff (and let me sign it)
 
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thefica

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Sep 24, 2020
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Really nice track, definitely classic trance feel with more modern sounding synths. I would agree with Hensmon, a bit more variation would have been nice, especially in a 9 minute track but nevertheless this is something I would definitely listen to.
 
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Magdelayna

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Listened a few times now. Really liked it straight away. The baseline, kick and synths sound very nice, and the track has that signature Mag feel. I wouldn't call it oldschool feeling personally, mainly relating to the sound design, but actually the arrangement of the main synth-spacey hook does have that oldschool feel in there tbf. Some Ferry vibes for sure. I love Trance with space vibes like this.

Personally I was hoping that it would do more, and take a directional turn at some point. Counter melodies, different moods, different rhythms, phases etc. It progresses exactly the same all the way through, mainly just quieter parts vs louder parts. At 2:40 I have heard the whole track play out already, theres nothing different from that point. Like with your ambient stuff I always want something a bit bolder, as the idea feels too safe.

Still rate it though, please continue doing more 4x4 stuff (and let me sign it)

Cheers for the feedback mate,i see what youre saying about the intro. I think when youve got a main melody sorted,theres a few things you can do for an intro - you can play it through pads to start with,which it what i did here. You could also make a short hook from a couple of bars of the main melody,which can work well and ive done it before. I didnt actually try that for this track hehe.

I think if i was really trying to hit big labels,id be trying to create some killer hook to appeal to what they want...but i dont think like that anymore. I just make tracks purely for fun - im not going to labels anymore,i think im past all that,and id rather just self-release. Theres reasons behind that,the fact they come and ask you to change things you dont want to change - and also the fact they rip you off and youre robbed of all royalites.
 

Daysleeper

Lost in Trancelation
Jul 13, 2020
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Melodically it feels a bit off for me. Like someone who isn't that great with building melodies,sorry.The melodic segment is too short and never takes any real shape or form. I like the sound of the track but thats about it really . It's just isn't interesting enough for me.

Also second what Henson wrote.
 
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