Hey all, this is my first WIP I'm posting.  I have a guest mix on a podcast coming up and I wanted to include some new production.  So here's this thing I'm working on.  I have basically arranged things but I've yet to mix and add effects to vocals.  I also haven't added any risers and still need some splashes, so I know those are missing .  I'd love feedback on favorite and least favorite parts.  Ideas on how to make the main synth chorus drops more interesting without making them too muddy.  Any spots that could use more elements?  Any spots that should be leaner and allowed to breath? Thanks ALL!
https://soundcloud.com/toyboattoyboat/you-got-to-go-toy-boat-remix-wip/s-EfnGf

After reading Mat Zo's (and countless other's) grumblings about the EDM scene and its pitfalls, I wonder if we could help ourselves by talking about what we can do to change our culture. The existence of this forum is a great start, but can we drive a conversation about our identity in the bigger picture of pulling EDM away from this gross corporate candy feeling?  I'd love to hear solutions from other producers. I think one thing I've noticed is lots of club promoters and bookers focus on FB follows more than unique and interesting talent. Some have started to figure out the error of that plan, but how do we find that line between trying to make a living in our work, and trying to be unreasonably famous?  One is more mature than the other.

Like many of you, I don't just produce, but also dj.  In finding new music recently I came across a Drum&Bass remix I really love EXCEPT for the fact that there's a drum machine/bitcrushed snare that has waaaaaaaay too much presence in the mix.  I tried to eq it down in the mix (the harshest tone is right around the 10Khtz) but I run into issues of the mix getting too muffled like it has a Low Pass on it, or the snare is still too much.  I've also tried a sidchained compression to that frequency, but I might not know enough about compression to make it work right.  I also tried automating a duck in that frequency on the snare hits, but that didn't seem to take the snare out enough.  My question is, what have you done to prepare tracks with similar problems for your sets.  Is it ethical to take someone's song and remaster it for your own tastes?

Sounds like it could use some more voices, and I think the side-chained effect to the reverb in the original is what sells it for me. Nice work though!  I love that back up bass lead in the build up! "The Sky" is possibly one of the most flawless productions ever.

Do any producers have an argument against using volume automation instead of compression. I remember doing this in some of my first projects before learning about compression. I also remember trying to use ADSR to create side chain effects. So, why shouldn't that be the case?  Is it mostly a work flow thing?

Native Instruments "Transient Master" is simple and satisfying for me.  I've actually used it in non-EDM applications too. I recorded some voice over in an apartment next to a busy street and TM worked wonders to reduce unwanted noise on the tails in a natural way.  Probably could be useful for rap or Deep House VO recording...$99 but there is a demo version. Or it's included in KOMPLETE which is a worthwhile instrument plugin rack to have anyway... Admittedly pricy. I went without until I started getting payed for my work.

Maybe part of the solution is to put a reminder disclaimer that this forum is for us to work on the craft and learn from each other. This is probably not the place for anyone to get "discovered". You wanna get discovered? Use the rest of the forum, learn, make music and start getting your following at home. You don't really wanna come into the scene like Justin Bieber do you? Do you?!?