Skylander (feat. Senseii) - Separation (Version 2)

Skylander

Member
Jan 11, 2022
122 Posts
83 Thanked
Age
21
Kazan, Russia
I have come up with another oldschool track. Tried to make sth like Above & Beyond or Super8 style of 2001-2004, but ended up making more Daniel Kandi 2007 style😅. Anyway, waiting for some feedback.

Edit: Much improvement has been made to mix, but we need to know your opinion on the track (especially if it perfectly tackles oldschool sounding or not), as we have plans on releasing it to vinyl. Please feel free to give any comments on the track. Thx in advance!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DbWmWwAefXEDRfgCfo3XjsB7llOXsNTy/view?usp=sharing
 
Last edited:

Archon

Gagi
TranceFix Crew
Jun 27, 2020
3,913 Posts
2,809 Thanked
I like how this sounds, however I'm not sure if I think it's finished. The break/climax sound like they are missing something, however I can't quite pinpoint what it is.
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Skylander

Skylander

Member
Jan 11, 2022
122 Posts
83 Thanked
Age
21
Kazan, Russia
I like how this sounds, however I'm not sure if I think it's finished. The break/climax sound like they are missing something, however I can't quite pinpoint what it is.
Of course it's not finished) There are lots of work with effects, cleaning the mix and making final arrangement. About break, is that somewhere at 3:00 that worries you?
 

Daysleeper

Lost in Trancelation
Jul 13, 2020
2,495 Posts
1,713 Thanked
Sweden
Mmm, I think the piano melody is slightly too cheesy/orchestral sounding combined with too one-dimensional/simple/melodramatic. Both the actual chords and the execution. The production is very balanced-sounding and lacking in dynamics thorughout, its almost borderline sounding flat. Need a little more beefed-up sound/contrast. Up until the first break it sounds fine (1.38.) but the stringpad melody there just takes the melody to a completey different cheesy direction for me into this more "orchestral" sound that producers from the 2010- are more known for. It also doesnt line up well with you had before that so it starts sounding like a completely different track for me.

I think where you need practice is the actual melodies and how to execute them in a more "classy" way. I think you nail the basics/foundation of the track pretty well with choosing the right kicks, basslines, hats,fx etc for this sound though.

Overall summed up:

Too cheesy
A bit too simple/repetitv melody (the piano almost sounds like a really cheap digital keyboard default sound)
More dynamics
Outro it way too basic/simple
Lacks a strong consistent progression
 
Last edited:
  • Thanks
Reactions: Skylander

Jetflag

Elite Member
Jul 17, 2020
2,699 Posts
2,167 Thanked
^i'll have you know that comments like those from @Daysleeper can be considered a massive compliment.

I deviate from it a bit in the sense that I actually love the piano, but only as a lead sound. reminds me of the ol'balearic days. I recommend recyling the midi of the main melody that comes in the break, but using a different synth sound/ pluck for it. Agreed on the notion that you have most elements in place all it needs is building out.

Strings/pad, especially in the break need work aswell as transitions in the arrangement as a final pointer.
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Skylander

Skylander

Member
Jan 11, 2022
122 Posts
83 Thanked
Age
21
Kazan, Russia
^i'll have you know that comments like those from @Daysleeper can be considered a massive compliment.

I deviate from it a bit in the sense that I actually love the piano, but only as a lead sound. reminds me of the ol'balearic days. I recommend recyling the midi of the main melody that comes in the break, but using a different synth sound/ pluck for it. Agreed on the notion that you have most elements in place all it needs is building out.

Strings/pad, especially in the break need work aswell as transitions in the arrangement as a final pointer.
Did I get it correct that I need to change 8-bit lead to another instrument?
 

Jetflag

Elite Member
Jul 17, 2020
2,699 Posts
2,167 Thanked
Did I get it correct that I need to change 8-bit lead to another instrument?
I don't know how many bit your sound its m8 nor is it relevant ;) so to clarify:


The piano lead that comes it at 0:54 can stay, I think its great

The strings that come in at 1:37 needs work/change right... now it sounds like a casio keyboard preset to me Hollow/flat/ basic not very lush. etc. It needs work.

The pianosound that comes in at 2:11 I would replace with something else whilst keeping the melody. Maybe a sublte thrillseeker/hydra esq sawtooth pluck with a lot of automation or so.
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Skylander

Skylander

Member
Jan 11, 2022
122 Posts
83 Thanked
Age
21
Kazan, Russia
I don't know how many bit your sound its m8 nor is it relevant ;) so to clarify:


The piano lead that comes it at 0:54 can stay, I think its great

The strings that come in at 1:37 needs work/change right... now it sounds like a casio keyboard preset to me Hollow/flat/ basic not very lush. etc. It needs work.

The pianosound that comes in at 2:11 I would replace with something else whilst keeping the melody. Maybe a sublte thrillseeker/hydra esq sawtooth pluck with a lot of automation or so.
I got it. About pads at 1:40 - absolutely agree, they need some work. Piano synth from 2:11 - I'd like to keep it. I feel that this would differ my track from all others with classical pluck synths in breakdown.
I'd also like to know your opinion on progressive pluck starting at 2:40 in breakdown and at 4:00)
Anyway, thank you for your feedback
 

IXM

Senior Member
Oct 18, 2021
397 Posts
218 Thanked
POLAND
hey, i keep coming back to your track. when can i expect something new?
you have unique melodies though simple
overall very positive vibes
 

Skylander

Member
Jan 11, 2022
122 Posts
83 Thanked
Age
21
Kazan, Russia
hey, i keep coming back to your track. when can i expect something new?
you have unique melodies though simple
overall very positive vibes
Hi, man! Thank you for your message! Me and my friend are still working on this and other projects. Maybe I'll publish sth within a month, but no promises, 'cuz we both have our own issues that we need to sort out. However, what I can promise is that the track Ayame-Hime is gonna be released soon, but with different title and much edited (surprise awaits you heheheh). Plans: one more trance track and try sth out beyond trance floor) Maybe, Japanese artcore.
 

IXM

Senior Member
Oct 18, 2021
397 Posts
218 Thanked
POLAND
you can easily give midi, I do not have great skills to benefit from it, it is only for training. besides, if I wanted to copy it, I could do it. it is more about making friends and having fun
 

IXM

Senior Member
Oct 18, 2021
397 Posts
218 Thanked
POLAND
Next comment stating that I'm not 19 but 40, and I'm sending a photo of my int'l passport!!! :D
I'm seriously 19 yo, I just practiced writing oldschool trance a lot)

do not give your passport online crazy: D

kidding ;)
 

IXM

Senior Member
Oct 18, 2021
397 Posts
218 Thanked
POLAND
hey, did you do anything with the pads? they seem more perceptible, which definitely has a positive effect on the mood! I may think it hit me on the ear today. Or maybe I listen to your song too often? sounds better and better anyway!
talk to your mate about this midi, i'll do something nice

Your song motivates me a lot and that is what I miss the most recently
 
Last edited:
  • Thanks
Reactions: Skylander

thefica

New Member
Sep 24, 2020
19 Posts
16 Thanked
Some nice elements to this but for me they don't always gel together that well. With the Kick and Bass groove the bass seems a little loud to me and I'm not a huge fan of that piano when it first comes in on it's own but it seems to work nicely when it comes back later in the track. Definitely worth to keep working on it.
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Skylander