Need Some Input on a Song

[Lalese]

Okay, this is the introduction and first portion of the chorus in my first song ever which is inspired by a catchy Oriental Melody that has been stuck in my head ever since I played Cytus(Explains the placeholder name)!

I've been deep in thought over the fact that I feel like it's missing something but for the life of me I can't think of it! Mabey you guys have some input? I've attached the project file to this post!

Also, I just started in music production so any other advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated!

Thank You!

Here is a link to the MP3:
http://picosong.com/KKJ8

[jerome_oneil]

Can you render that into a WAV or MP3?

The problem with distributing Reaper project files is that not everyone will have the same VST setup you do. That is particularly important for electronic music, where you might be making use of a particular sample library or synth. It also lets people listen away from their workstations.

[Lalese]

Originally Posted by jerome_oneil

Can you render that into a WAV or MP3?

The problem with distributing Reaper project files is that not everyone will have the same VST setup you do. That is particularly important for electronic music, where you might be making use of a particular sample library or synth. It also lets people listen away from their workstations.

Can't seem to upload wav or mp3s so I just uploaded it to picosong and got a shortlink!

[jerome_oneil]

That's cool. What is the shortlink?

[Lalese]

Originally Posted by jerome_oneil

That's cool. What is the shortlink?

Should be in first post
http://picosong.com/KKJ8/

[jerome_oneil]

The beginning of the percussive bit sounds like there is a gong or cymbal roll into the melodic line. It's being masked by the introductory wind tones. I'd tuck the wind under the roll (side chain it or just automate volume) and it will help bring that out.

I'd like to hear more.

[OPI]

15 seconds?

[Lalese]

Originally Posted by OPI

15 seconds?

I'm trying to go for 4 minuets I only put 15 seconds in this post because thats were my issue lies!

[Lalese]

Originally Posted by jerome_oneil

The beginning of the percussive bit sounds like there is a gong or cymbal roll into the melodic line. It's being masked by the introductory wind tones. I'd tuck the wind under the roll (side chain it or just automate volume) and it will help bring that out.

I'd like to hear more.

Unfortunately, the cymbal roll is already at max volume!(See Red Arrow in Image Below)

[jerome_oneil]

Originally Posted by Lalese

Unfortunately, the cymbal roll is already at max volume!(See Red Arrow in Image Below)

A couple of things.

First, that isn't a problem. Simply roll the volume of your wind tone down as the cymbal roll ramps up. You can use automation to do that for you. Reaper has some incredibly powerful automation tools and you should learn how to use them. Every single parameter can be controlled automatically, including (and especially) your volume sliders. Select Track->Envelopes->"Toggle Volume" and you will see another lane open up beneath the media item. That's the automation envelope. Add points to it and you can control the volume with it. This is also described in detail in section 17 of the super handy dandy and free Reaper User's Guide, which you should read as often as you can.

What is going to be a problem is your over-all levels. You want to target something below 0db at the master fader. I usually shoot for -6, but some folks go for -12 and I believe people recording for film specify -18. Generally speaking, you are usually better served from an audio standpoint by removing things (volume, frequency, etc...) than you are by adding it. This would be one of those things. If you have sliders that are maxed out, simply bring the levels of *everything* down to give you a bit more headroom. So in this case, bring all the levels down and then re-adjust your mix accordingly.

Still want to hear more.

[OPI]

Lol Jerome you are a patient man. Can you Render a wav of this to your desktop and upload it to soundcloud? The anticipation is killing me. It's easy, in reaper go to..

File, render, choose wav format and choose your desktop as your destination. Then make a soundcloud account and choose upload. Find the file from your desktop to upload. Then post a link to your soundcloud.

[jerome_oneil]

Everyone is a n00b at some point, mang. At least she's not asking if the x89182 processor is going to be better than the x982337 processor, and other associated nonsense.

This here is a *relevant* thread.

[OPI]

Uhh yeah I'm a noob aswell so not bashing her or anything haha just trying to help

[jerome_oneil]

Well in that case the x89182 processor is totes the way to go.

[OPI]

Where did she go? oh well. It was cool to see a chick in here for a change

[jerome_oneil]

Dunno. Maybe she'll be back. Hopefully she is reading the manual right now.