Longer than expected

Okay, so the Drum n Bass stuff for Vol 2 is taking way longer than expected (like, spent a week working on it and I only have one finished song and a smidget of another). The stuff thats coming out is really nice though. I have the PoiZone synthesizer on a leash, and it appears to be doing what I want it to (created a beasty synth for a track called "The March"). It's a lot of turn this nob left, turn this one right, turn this on, nope too much, arghhh stop making that annoying beeping sound, there we go.

I've also experimented with the Toxic Biohazard synthesizer as well, as it features heavily in "The March", driving the bass line. But I'm yet to get it to do anything more interesting, for now PoiZone and Sawer seem to be the sure way to create some really thick, hard hitting synth sounds. As for the drums (In case anybody hasn't realised yet I'm using FL Studio here) the FPC is working great for layering my kits, and it works very nicely with the Piano roll. I think it allows around about 64 pads for a kit, and with an option for many, many different layers within one pad it's perfect for building some great DnB drum kits. Thinking about it, I'm also thinking of having FPC layer and trigger my effects...

I'm going to spend a bit of time mastering the use of automation waves, particularly removing and then replacing bass or treble within the drum tracks to add some dynamics when building up to chorus sections. I don't want to overplay that trick though, since it can become quite old very easily.

If anyone has any tips on mastering Toxic Biohazard, be sure to drop me an email since I'm pulling my hair out using it!

Anyway, I have a surprise for you all. Remember I was just talking about a track called "The March"? Well, I wasn't going to do this but here's the track via soundcloud! Hang on....

Rendering 7%

:| Okay. I'll wait.

Rendering 32%

I'll get there eventually. W-hay! It's done! Right, here's the soundcloud plugin-ma-bob for "The March".

The March by akumamusic

Skyline Remixes Started

Vol 2 is approaching completion, and the Skyline Remixes have been started. I'm currently working on a DnB version of Alone, changing it's whole sound and structure, while maintaining the original essence of the song. I believe it'll be a good 'un.

Tonight (if I don't end up partying) will be the finishing touches on a couple of Vol2 tracks, and I'll also be wanting to get all the album art finished (some of which I haven't even started yet).

So yeah, just that little update to keep you informed. I know I'm rubbish at keeping to my deadlines, but what can ya' do?

Doing Things the Good Ol' Way

For the purpose of completing the remixes of Skyline and finishing Vol 2, I've decided to purchase a drum sample pack from Primeloops.com - both the FL Studio and Reason versions totaling nearly £30, which I don't think is a bad price.

I definitely think it's about time to start making my mixes sound more solid and professional, so purchasing some good sampling content was must. Both packs are currently downloading as I write this and I'll be looking forward to plugging them into FL and Reason and having a good play tonight.

The problem is that plastic burns a hole in my pocket, and I'm now finding myself browsing through PrimeLoops' awsome collection of sample packs and licking my lips a lot. I'm seriously thinking of downloading some Synth packs as well. Maybe some acoustic packs for my lighter work? Maybe mixing that in to create some weird Liquid DnB. Or maybe I should put my wallet away and calm down.

Either way I'm going to have lots of fun producing the rest of the Skyline Remixes and the Vol 2 stuff...