Layering is easier if you start with a kick that is *almost* what you want. Then you bring in a layer to add a bit more sub-bass to it, and maybe another one to add a transient or click. I used to try to layer 5 kicks and make a frankenstein kick, but now that I treat it more like "find a good kick and then beef it up a little bit" it works way better.

I use a couple of the Freshly Squeezed Samples packs and some kicks from Splice sounds. I usually end up with a single kick and some careful processing lately, but I do layer sometimes.

This could be really cool if it's done right. I think the moderators would have to pay attention to weed out the inevitable "THIS TRACK SUCKS" comments.

I like the weird rhythm in the intro. The breakdown is really nice, and I like the buildup. The hats are a bit harsh when they come in at 2:20. The claps could maybe use a bit more high-end emphasis. I really like the other percussion and stabs that come in at 2:52. I like the slowdown and ending -- love it when dance songs have a real ending rather than a fade or sudden stop.

The mix is pretty clean - maybe a bit weak in the low end?

The melody/progression is really simple, but that works fine for me in a 4-minute track.

Overall very good!

I wouldn't call it "failing miserably" -- it's not bad at all. But you asked for feedback so:

- The low end seems weak. The kick in particular has a nice "click" but really needs a low-end thump. You could layer a sub bass over the bass, and maybe distort or saturate the bass a bit to give it more presence.

- Some of the mixing seems off, the little 3-note melody gets too loud sometimes and overwhelms the mix (like at 3:30).

- The vocal samples sound grating and too loud sometimes. (2:10, 3:05)

- The whole thing needs more reverb, and I think mixing with some reverb and frequency cuts would help the issue with the high melody and the vocals.

- Arrangement: I like the slow buildup although it needs some subtle things going on at the beginning. I like the break at 2:25 although it's really simple. Since the track continues with the same melodies for 3 minutes after that, I think it needs a change or another break.

I'll answer specific questions if you have an idea of what's wrong... I like the basic groove and melody, though. It's kind of a chilled deep house vibe, like something for the end of a DJ set. With some minor mixing work it could be great.

I'm actually pretty happy with the feedback forum as it is. Most tracks get a comment or two. That's not terrible.

Personally I actually like giving feedback, so I've done so where I can. I don't give feedback on genres I don't really listen to or on remixes (because often I haven't heard the original track). I also try to find tracks by anyone who has left me feedback and reciprocate.

I think the only change it needs is "must have x posts before posting a track". I'd put x at somewhere between 20 and 50, and I realize this would mean I can't post tracks for a while. Maybe there should be a "must be a member for x weeks before posting tracks" rule too. Both of those are reasonable and easy to implement.

If members of the community (rather than drive-by promoters or spammers) are the main people posting tracks, I think the community will make it work. If we see someone being spammy or trying to game the system, we don't give them good feedback.

BT is 45... about my age.

Giorgio Moroder is 74 and still going strong.  (He worked with Daft Punk and has been doing a live tour.)

As an older aspiring producer it's discouraging to hear how young everyone is sometimes... But I can whine about that, or just make music and hope somebody likes it.

Thanks mandator and zacktaylor for the feedback!

I'm glad the mixing worked, this track was really one I made to learn mixing better.

Zach: agreed on that reverby saw lead, it's the weak point for sure.

I'm doing one more mixdown, I've added some subtle FX and improved the sub bass a bit. I'll see if I can do anything for that lead sound while I'm at it...

I think a DAW subform would be a good idea at some point. Right now we have "Samples/Plugins/Software/Gear", and when that one becomes super busy, I can see splitting it into DAWS, Plugins and Samples, and Hardware forums or something like that.