Everyone's workflow is of course different, but whistling, humming and singing is working very well for me. Sometimes things just click and I can intuitively write a melody, but at other times, I have to approach things in a more structured way: I think of melodies in terms of rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases, and I try to surprise with one while keeping the other steady. What that means is, different parts of a melody will end up sounding similar to other parts in some ways and fresh in other ways—finding the balance there is a matter of experience, as are most things. I will also frequently write a second part where I can change up a few things (like going up instead of down in a key place), which is not just a way to call back to the original melody (humans like familiarity), but also a way to express different emotions, and to make a chord progression go a longer way.

Here's an example of a melody I wrote that way (skip to 1:54:40 or so):



Another quick tip: look up call-response patterns. Knowing how to use them will improve your melody writing immensely.

I wonder if it would work to get rid of Finished Tracks/WIP and instead make a Showcase section that has comments turned off (so it would be +1 votes only), and a Feedback section that has comments open, with the explicit disclaimer that you'll have to expect comments there, whether you ask for them or not

May be too radical, but who knows?

I use LAME (with the lamedropXPd front-end)

You're right, the vocals drown in the mix once everything sets in. It gets better, but they're pretty much buried for a while. I also feel like the kick is a little strong throughout the track. Nice clap though, and a lovely melody!

My suggestions:
- lose the distortion on the vocals in the breakdown, it just makes it sound like she's got a lisp
- try and re-do your volume levels, starting with the vocals (I'd probably start them at -12db) and then bringing all your other elements in. make sure the vocals stay clear and audible throughout. sidechain the chords to the vocals if necessary. also pay attention to the bass and kick levels
- maybe look at the chord stabs' attack, see if something softer would improve the track

Good luck!

Track not available...

Only you can tell whether it's done or not

I just had to switch to headphones, so take my opinion on the low end with a bit of salt, but mixing-wise it sounds like the kick could use a little more character/attack/prominence. The bassy lead works well with the sub.

I'm finding the slow vibrato on the bell/pluck to be more irritating the more I listen. If it's a deliberate effect, it would serve the track better in smaller doses (ie on something that's not playing the whole time). This would also alleviate another problem with the pluck, I felt some pluck fatigue around the 6 minute mark. Also I think there's one quite dominant frequency in there that tends to grate on some of the higher notes, maybe try finding that and EQing it sensibly. You asked about the melody, I think it's fine. It's a bit melancholy, which is nice.

The strings are nicely cinematic, although perhaps harmonically a bit simple for the gravitas of the sound. Perhaps you could look into some more complex chords. I liked the lead string melody in the later part of the breakdown, it gave a nice sense of of tension. I hesitate to call your drop a drop, it's so soft Which isn't innately bad, mind you!

I think the area that could be most improved are your accompanying drums, ie hats, claps/snares and percussion. I found the ornamental clap and snare patterns a bit basic and overdone. Some of the sounds you chose cover a pretty wide spectrum (shakers reach far down into the high mids, that sort of thing.) Cleaning that up will improve your track, but I recommend you listen to some more intricate patterns on tracks from the masters for inspiration as well!

Quote from: Volant on January 09, 2016, 07:25:31 pm

I wouldn't say so as verified users dont get any privileges, better treatment or "perks". It's just a little trust symbol.

definitely, i'd rather take advice from a blue tick than some random guy who started producing last week

Exactly. The way it works now, the tick is more a sign of prestige.

For example, I have no idea who Volant is, but the mark tells me they're someone whose opinion counts on these boards because they're notable enough to be verified. I never asked myself, "is this THE Volant, the REAL Volant?", so I had no reason to verify their identity. In my opinion, a tick on the profile page still allows those who do recognize the name to verify, without creating a caste system of Important Posters and Unimportant Posters.

I definitely think the current system is flawed. For people who are really new at producing, I feel like I can't really give helpful feedback. The thing that you learn the most from at that stage is just making another track.

That's something that you can tell them! They may not know.

(also, your user name is overlapping the posts, so meta)