hello out there,

I'm pretty curious about how you guys start creating a new composition ?

At first I try to come up with some idea about what it should sound like. Then I try to compose some fitting melodies and chord progressions on the piano - after that I usually start to orchestrate it within my DAW.

What techniques are you using ? Anyone here who used to compose in a similar way to mine, but found some "better" way ?

 

Last edited: Dec 18, 2015

I start either with melody or bass line, both works equally well and then proceed with harmonies, add percussion, etc. When unsure, I play it on the piano first, but that rarely happens.

 

So you actually start in your DAW from the very beginning ?

Do you have something particular in your mind when you start or do you let the "masterplan" evolve throughout the whole process ?

 

I've never used a fixed approach on how to start. Sometimes I start with an abstract concept or a single sound combined with a rhythmic idea. Other times I find lyrics and improvise singing or listen to my fingers playing. Sometimes I'm hurrying to record all tracks before I forget them, because I hear the whole piece already finished in my head. (Especially hard when you wake up and hear the last echoes of that great band you listened to in your dream. )

If I'm in front of a DAW I use it, if not I record a memo into my phone or use paper. Don't have to feel inspired to start writing, I love getting into flow zone, though.

 

At times it is straight from beginning, but in other times I have usually something already in my mind.

 

For me, sitting in front of an empty project isn't very creative. I find tactile instruments spark my creativity the best, so most times I make songs on guitar, piano or in my head. That way there is nothing (like clicking, menus, connecting gear, loading samples/libraries, etc) stopping improvisation and creative flow. I write it down or record on my phone or portable recorder (Tascam DR-100mkII).
When I have the basics of a song, or sometimes more, I get to work within my DAW (throwing in whatever WAV I have from my phone/recorder, working as a blueprint for everything else).
But sure there have been times when I have started from scratch and created something from just an inspiring sound/preset/rhythm/loop.

For sound design, this is totally digfferent. Then I can noodle with just a handful of synths or samples for hours and come up with "nothing" (at least according to my gf).

Edit: Also, my own project templates help get me up and running.

 

Last edited: Dec 19, 2015

It comes to me, inspired by direct environment sounds, like rhythmic pattern from an engine, "melodies" of an old fridge, sings of birds or woodpecker during a walk. Then I try to create a sketch of something in my mind. But usually, it loose sense or I forgot them back at home.
A little like that:

Becomes this:

 

Last edited: Dec 19, 2015

i almost always start out with the chords and a single melodic line but there have been times where i got inspired to make something after playing around with a synth and trying to make music that fits a sound i made.

 

Well i take a walk to a park get my inspiration, go back home sit in front of piano and play a lil' improvise who knows i get idea in a dream.

 

For me a DAW in an instrument with an editable memory, and a place where you can invite along other players, even if you are alone.

 

Last edited: Dec 25, 2015