This is what I am working on right now.

https://soundcloud.com/jonathan-chon/current-project-1

I got stuck on writer's block. What do you think the track needs, FX, harmony, chords, polyphony, bass, layering etc?

 

Lol. Re-write everything (well, it's just a kick and generic supersaw lead for now).

Do you like 8th-notes? How about alternating between all the other note values, some pauses, some syncopations, some dynamics?

Edit: It actually sounds similar to my tracks when I was just starting out making music in a tracker on an Amiga back in the days (when I was 12-13yo). If you have run into a writer's block already (this early in your creative/experimental/expressive journey), then I think you are already fucked.

 

Have you started to write a song with the aim of imitating some genre instead of really doing your own thing? Sounds like that's the case.
If not, how would you express your sadness about the blockade by melody, rhythm and sounds?

 

theres literally only 2 sounds , kick & a lead.

theres a tonne of foundational stuff to add like bass, snare, percussion, vocal samples etc etc.

is this the first track you have produced or something cause I find it bizzare how you can have writers block after 2 sounds only.

 

how have you got 2 minutes worth of lead and kick :l

 

go down to the the pub *yes*

you just need to keep adding more elements

listening to similar genre music will help

start making another track then come back to it at a later date

 

One word: drugs.

No I'm just kidding (sort of) but anyway: getting out into the world and doing something you'e never done is a good way to get the creative juices flowing.

Also watch some tutorials. Study some theory. Find what your weakness is when making a track and make a plan to improve that area.

 

Save the beat and do another from scratch

 

Try this; open your window and listen for beats and melodies that are naturally accruing and use them for the foundation of a new piece. You have to shut down your preconceived notions about what you expect of yourself and let the natural phenomena replace them. It will build up and before you know it, voilà, a cool new something.

 

Don't use drugs. Smoke pot instead. Move to Colorado.

When the band inside your head begins to play amazing stuff,
sing it, play it, write it down. Use a tape recorder.

The band is always moving on, and anything you overhear
will only happen once.

 

"NEW" SEX...


A few new adventures and the ideas will be endless...
works EVERYTIME !

 

Yea I am trying to make techno/trance but with my own flavor. I kept trying to find the right harmony but it keeps sounding muddy and dissonant.

I normally don't make EDM. I am mainly a film and rock composer. So, I am just starting to write EDM.

Everyone else thanks for the input, but I need some TECHNICAL advice as well.

 

I use my phone to record new ideas into it wherever I am. Not just tunes and singing, but lyrics also. I find it hard to get new and more original ideas while sitting in front of the screen and fiddling with synths. It can be inspirational, but it rarely turns out original. Get out and find inspiration elsewhere. Pot can also help, definitely, but never let it become a habit. Never.

Also, different drugs make you have different ideas. At least for me it works like this: pot = ambient or noisy electronica, red wine = gothic/emo, beer = alternative/indie, vodka or any strong drink = Industrial. Sober = anything goes.

 

Its needs more of everything.. theres realy not not much to even go on so far.. how about... some...... BASS? some buildups, drops?

 

Marijuana and alcohol are also drugs man.

And concerning the topic, I keep a digital notepad by me at all times. I write down ideas, samples that would be perfect for something, etc. Good habit to get into.

 

Yes, you're right. Beyond a doubt.
Few of us from '66 are altogether sane.
I see my humor missed the mark. I now withdraw in shame.

 

seriously... a drug is a mood-altering chemical... Marijuana is a mood-altering chemical... nuff said.

as far a op... didnt even listen to it, since it appears that it is 2 sounds. I think others have answered all that.

EDIT: My bad, I saw Crash's reply... I no what you meant though... its not a "hardcore" drug like all the rest.

Its weird... I use to smoke bud at least 4 times a day... everyday for 10 to 11 years... couldnt do anything without it, including music... then, I "graduated" to percs/oxys/dilauded/xany's/klonopins etc... then bye-bye responsibilities...
fast forward 5 or 6 years... I quit everything mood-altering, and now, being sober is the only inspiring state of mind there is; and oddly enough, once I started "smokin" again (which is 1-month a year, where I smoke one hit each night when I watch Netflix / HBO /Showtime)... I noticed I cant even fukn think when I smoke now, let alone tryin to work on music... so, during the part of the year when i "smoke", I work on music earlier in the day.

weird huh?... Never ever in my days of non-stop use, did I ever think it would be possible to play an instrument AND be inspired SOBER!!.. fukn heady shit man!!

 

If your looking for technical advice when 3/4 of foundational elements are missing, something is wrong. your no way near the technical aspect of the track yet lol, your approach to producing seems odd. sounds like your craving music theory lessons, or please be much more specific on the thing you want technical advice for.

 

he must just be a newb, thats all.
If he's been "at it" for years though... then unfortunately, it aint "in the cards."

 

By listening to your song i can see that it is probably not writers block. It is something very similar. You are making music that fits into a genre. Unfortunately when we dont have much experience with such, we as producers tend to get disappointed. It causes you to think that the music you make its not good enough because you dont sound like your favorite artists or your favorite trance song in your case. What you need to do is to study the genre learn what the foundations of it are and go from there. Sadly this takes time, it called experience and you can only get better with time. But if you put in the work you will certainly get there. If you want it bad enough you will find a way to get the sound that you want. Not giving up is the key to all of this. Who cares if you music sounds like shit or it does not fit into a genre as long as it makes you fulfilled as artist.