Re: the fades. They’re talking about the song “Brain Relaxant.” The parts (basically, the whole song) with the synth acoustic guitar sounds constantly fading out is a bit unnerving. It doesn’t really work in an experimental context, and certainly not in a song with the word “relaxant” in the title.
My problem with the music is that it’s a bit nondescript. It ain’t bad per se. It’s just a bit…well, it doesn’t sound terribly inspired – a bit too left-brained and bit too “trip hop by numbers.” Something a computer might generate if you created an artificial trip hop compositional tool for it. Is this making any sense?
Now, I do like this genre of music, but it’s already a bit outdated. Not that that should stop you, but these particular songs are not really contributing much to the genre. You obviously have a good basic knowledge of how to work this genre, but I feel like you’re still in the finding-your-own-style phase. Imitation is a very important part of learning how to make music, and I encourage to continue it. However, no insult intended, I don’t think these tunes will perk up the ears of any record execs anytime soon.
Also, perhaps you want to consider heading away from the purely instrumental…unless you can pull off the type of musical denisty such acts as the French duo M83 or Iceland’s Sigur Ros can. It’s not exactly your genre, but those acts are electronic acts which are experimental and creating something new and fresh. If you haven’t heard them, they might be worth checking out.
As for getting signed, the band I used to play with got signed to a German indie lable simply by making a good demo CD, meeting with the guys running the company, and giving them the disk. They liked it and agreed to release our stuff. Sometimes it can be that easy. But labels usually like hard-working bands who tour. They want you to be out there promoting your material. They also like bands who are fairly well established. So if you’re not out there agressively selling yourself, it’s gonna be next to impossible to find a label willing to back you. My friends who have major label experience got there via an indie label as well.
So best bet, start indie. Also, you could work the local colleges to play your record. Do whatever you can to promote yourself.
As to the “does the music suck or not” debate, I’ve only listened to Brain Relaxant, which I didn’t hate. I just found it a bit, as pulkamell said, abit “trip hop by the numbers.” Whereas sparse can often work, in this case it just sounded empty. you may describe this as a style, but a style is only useful if it works. I didn’t really get into until around halfway through, when you started bringing in other elements and shuffling the beat around a bit. I’d look to those areas in future; trip hop’s been around for a while, and unless you’re going to bring something new to the table, I don’t see much point in doing it.
But don’t let my words discourage you. I’ve only listened to one somg, but from what I’ve heard, you’ve got potential. Develop the good parts, experiment a bit more and you might just have something there.
Sup AVA. I’ve made tons of stuff through sampling, recording, sequencing, etc… And the rule of thumb is, practice and more practice. For about every 10 songs I create, 1 will might be good. I have to agree that Relaxant wasn’t really relaxing. It wasn’t even anything I could bounce to in a club. I took the time to listen to about 70% of each song and shut all of them off except one. As I write this, I’m listening to So Sorry Prefuse. I’m really diggin’ this beat and how the second half comes in.
Second, I will say that you can’t expect everyone to like your stuff and not critique it, even if it’s harsh. If it’s harsh, this shouldn’t sway you away from what you like to do, it should motivate you to do better and suprise the hell out of your audience next time, whom ever it may be. I would say, if you really love doing this stuff, do it for a couple more years and see where your at. Through out this time, share your music with everyone you know. Family, friends, random folks, you’ll be suprised. Signing to a record label, should be the last thing you’re thinking about. To be honest, my friends and I never thought about it, we just get some 40 oz’ers and dick around with the stuff and have a good time.
Also, for the record, what equipment do you use? I myself use a Roland MPC-909, Yamaha MD8 recorder, Fruityloops, mic’d drums, guitars and a cheap ass Yamaha keyboard from target (it’s amazing how this thing sounds with effects and equilization). A song we make can get processed like 20 times throughout different sound editors and such. Just trying to see what other people are doing to make their beats.
And trust me, you have potential, just don’t try to get into the game so fast, have fun.
Ava. I would say forget the record labels. At least the majors. They are a waste of time and money unless you intend to sell YOURSELF and be their pawn.
