How can I make 1990s R&B music?

[2deal2]

Hello, I have just started to use Reaper, but I'm completely baffled. I bought a Korg 25 key midi keyboard to start with.

I would like to produce R&B songs with instrumentals like this:

ONE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTUUnCYU7pQ

TWO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0RHFMXSqJE

THREE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0RHFMXSqJE

FOUR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_KxMxpnM4Y

How do I go about producing this beats and melodies?

I think I may be asking a lot more questions....

[bladerunner]

Something that springs to mind is the free Emu Proteus VX:

http://www.creative.com/emu/proteusvx/

A rompler with a small footprint but a truly huge amount of 90's esque sounds (drums/synths/strings etc. - pretty much most of what you need to get started).

If you do install it just remember to let it install EXACTLY where it wants to otherwise you will experience crashes and general instability. Basically, if you change the installation location it's known to be buggy.

[2deal2]

Thanks for the reply!

I'm looking for mostly free VSTs as I'm unemployed. I have the time but not the money!

[ginormous]

If you have a Korg, that's a start. Korg T-series synths were prominent at the time.

The Proteus VX is full of 90s style sounds. I have one myself, and it's full of horns, strings, and DX7-type keyboard sounds. The VX is a good call, and some other really good sounding virtual synths are also available as freeware. (many 808-style drum sounds, and many Minimoog bass emulators.)

[bladerunner]

For the SWV track all you need is an MJ track to sample

[anthraxsnax]

build a time machine

[2deal2]

One more:

Typical of the LAFace sound (La Reid/Babyface):

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn8fvBLxdwY

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2JMQZ4RayU

Would love to know the names of the sound effects on the drums and vocals on 2) !

[whiteaxxxe]

I dont think its a question of equipment. its always a question of composition and arrangement.

[ReaperMadness]

Originally Posted by 2deal2

Thanks for the reply!

I'm looking for mostly free VSTs as I'm unemployed. I have the time but not the money!

And when you have the money, you won't have the time.

[foxAsteria]

Originally Posted by anthraxsnax

build a time machine

took the words out of my mouth.

[ginormous]

There's about 45 pages of freeware plugins on this thread:
"Going all freeware (well... almost)"

[rcl]

Originally Posted by ReaperMadness

And when you have the money, you won't have the time.

Ironic isn't it?