Just like Zau pointed to...You have to set artificial deadlines to finish your tracks in order to close the "gap" Ira Glass mentioned. I remember watching a promo vid for ICON Collective by MakJ who said that you HAVE to finish your tracks. Even if you want to throw your computer against the wall because you can't get the sound you want, it's finishing tracks that gets your better. And if you finish a track and it doesn't sound as dope as you want it, save it to the archives, pull the best stuff from it, and start over You said yourself that you're miles ahead from two years ago. Just keep pushing and finishing songs. These are for you, you don't have to prove yourself to anyone.

I have a light background in music. But what always motivates me is the producer who went out and did amazing things without a music background. I look to Bassnectar mainly, who did play in a metal band before he went to school and studied some music. But he works all in the box. He doesn't use music theory, he just makes what sounds good to him. I read an interview where he said he just clicks the midi in ableton and moves the notes by mouse to find something beautiful. All you need is passion and hard work. Nothing can hold you back.

That being said, like Kenny said music theory is helpful in the long run. I suggest learning everything you can.

I've been producing on a PC my whole life, and it's getting to the point where I need to consider buying/building a new one for my production needs. I wanted to hear from you guys about your experiences of PC and Mac as far as processing power is concern and how much RAM you think is suitable for production.

Thanks in advance!!

I really like this one! For the drop synth that's panned on the left a little I'd suggest giving it some automated motion into the right a bit while it hits. I think it could really make that sound come alive. For the vocals I think If you added a background layer that catches the sibilance ss, tss, and chhh and added some dope delay and high reverb it could really polish off that great atmosphere  you've created. Otherwise it's really beautiful!

Melda Productions offer amazing stereo plugins. I just picked some up. The Stereo Widening plugin does wonders for the stereo image it uses some complex algorithm to give a natural wide sound without thinning them out. Then I use the stereo processor which allows you to manipulate the low, low mid, high mid, and high bands separately. Mat Zo recommended them in an earlier thread I highly suggest checking them out!

-Ryan

You have a unique sound for sure, that intro reminds me of the creativity of Flying Lotus in some points! As far mixing goes, from my point of few I think you've nailed down a pretty good mix. The only thing I would say is that it sounds a little flat at some points because there lacks the faintest amount of brightness on the top end. I think you could brighten up that drop bass synth a little and your drums just a touch to really open up that spectral range for the listener, if that makes sense.

Those basses on the drops are expertly mixed I'd have to say, the stereo imaging is dope af. I'd really be interested in how you made those. Also the transition from the first drop into the calmer atmopsphere of the break is so clean I loved sinking into that new section.

That's all I could offer you I hope it helps.

-Ryan

Interesting tune! I like the arp sound and vocal you used.
Sorta reminds me of Porter Robinson Worlds.
To improve:
-Less sub, was a bit too loud
-maybe have different basses, wobbles or metallic stuff at the end of the phrase
-has potential to become complextro

Thanks for the great critique. I really appreciate it. Send me your tunes!