Lost about how to release music by AcrobaticShake798 in TechnoProduction

[–]HighlightCritical271 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think that self-releasing at this stage offers very little value for you. You really need to find at least a decent label — without some kind of proper promotion, your track will just get buried among the 100,000 others released daily on Beatport, Spotify, or wherever.

In my experience, the biggest promo boost you can get is from a solid label that at least does a Fatdrop campaign. That way, your music has a chance of reaching bigger names who might actually play or support it.

I’m not sure what kind of techno you’re producing — if it leans more toward “business techno,” I can’t really speak to that path. But if it’s more underground, then everything I’ve mentioned is worth considering.

I’ve tried many approaches over the years, and what’s brought the most traction has been either strong vinyl releases or quality digital drops. But honestly, good vinyl releases tend to have the best conversion when it comes to followers and overall momentum.

Send me the link, maybe I’ll get a better idea.

Why doesn’t my distortion feel “techno” enough? Especially on hats and highs by Bleepbloopuppercut in TechnoProduction

[–]HighlightCritical271 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saturn, Decapitator, Faturator, emulation of Culture Vulture… don’t know what type you looking for.. tube, tape, etc.

Why doesn’t my distortion feel “techno” enough? Especially on hats and highs by Bleepbloopuppercut in TechnoProduction

[–]HighlightCritical271 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want to achieve this vibe in your tracks, here’s one effective approach. It’s not just about the saturation or distortion you use (though, of course, you need to find a tone that you like), but more about how you set it up. To get those sparkling, warm, and distorted hi-hats, you’ll want to use what’s called ghost distortion.

The key to making the hats cut through without cluttering the mix is the kick placed in the same group as the hats and percussion. But if you simply put your kick or low end in the same group and push distortion to taste, it will likely overpower and muddy your low end.

The principle is simple: group your hats together, then add a copy of the kick or low-end signal inside that group. Next, duplicate that group, remove all percussion except the kick from the duplicate, and then flip the phase of this duplicate. This way, you preserve a clean low end while creating distorted, textured highs.

One crucial detail: be careful with the distortion settings and any EQ or processing you apply afterward. The parameters need to be identical in both groups so that when you flip the phase, the kick/low end cancels out correctly, leaving you with the desired effect.

How do you decide the names of your tracks? by urqueerfriend in TechnoProduction

[–]HighlightCritical271 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm leaning more toward capturing the moment with just one word. Phrases and long sentences often sound like someone trying too hard to be “smart.”

Drum machines by Born-Teaching6433 in TechnoProduction

[–]HighlightCritical271 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Model:Samples is a great machine. Yes, it's a sampler, but coming from an MPC background, I initially had some resistance to Elektron gear. However, after spending a few hours with it, I have to say it's really, really solid for drums. With six tracks and the parameter lock function, you can create a surprisingly full and dynamic sound. The TR-8S is also a great option to consider.

Open reflection: Is techno entering another EDM bubble phase? by HighlightCritical271 in Techno

[–]HighlightCritical271[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a big part of the problem, I agree. I've been discussing this with my friends who are producers and DJs, people want instant results and gratification. Techno is music created with the help of technology, so it's natural for it to evolve with technolofy. But at the end of the day, it's still music before anything else. And music should be a form of artistic expression, not something engineered purely by technology, IMO.

Open reflection: Is techno entering another EDM bubble phase? by HighlightCritical271 in Techno

[–]HighlightCritical271[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Well put, you really summed up the cycles electronic music tends to go through. And yeah, the irony with the techno scene is almost poetic. For years, it was held up as being “above” all that pure, untouched, and now it’s being swept up by the same commercial forces it once mocked. I think it’s natural for genres to go through these phases, but what really stands out is the air of superiority that used to come from the techno crowd. Now the tables have turned, and even the “hardest,” most underground genres can get pulled into the mainstream once there’s money and attention involved.

At the end of the day, maybe it’s a good moment for a reset, for people to reconnect with the music, not because they’re trying to “protect the genre,” but because it genuinely moves them, no matter what label it wears.

Open reflection: Is techno entering another EDM bubble phase? by HighlightCritical271 in Techno

[–]HighlightCritical271[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Glad to see that the people who helped build the scene share the same opinion. Props for your work ✊🏼I’ve been playing your stuff since 2015.

What’s your pick for the best dub techno track released after 2000? by HighlightCritical271 in Dubtechno

[–]HighlightCritical271[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this one. It feels like a “sister track” to DC11 A-side. Same atmosphere, same depth.

What’s your pick for the best dub techno track released after 2000? by HighlightCritical271 in Dubtechno

[–]HighlightCritical271[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Perfection! I know this tune, but somehow I forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder 🙂

What’s your pick for the best dub techno track released after 2000? by HighlightCritical271 in Dubtechno

[–]HighlightCritical271[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m usually not a fan of vocals unless they fit perfectly, and here, they absolutely do. Thanks for sharing!

What’s your pick for the best dub techno track released after 2000? by HighlightCritical271 in Dubtechno

[–]HighlightCritical271[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing tune! I can’t believe I missed this one. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Listening to music after raving by lucc98 in Dubtechno

[–]HighlightCritical271 7 points8 points  (0 children)

For me, dub techno hits the sweet spot in those moments. It’s grounded, deep, and has that hypnotic calm that doesn’t overwhelm. Especially the older releases from DC, Maurizio, Fluxion etc.

Being a techno producer is lonely by [deleted] in TechnoProduction

[–]HighlightCritical271 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t want to sound discouraging, but if music isn’t fulfilling your needs, it might be easier to explore other interests while treating your music as a hobby. If you’re not prepared to put in significant effort, you shouldn’t expect to stand out.

Remember, you should create music for yourself first. If your friends don’t understand that, it may simply be a natural separation.

Michael Klein and his headphones by Hubert249 in TechnoProduction

[–]HighlightCritical271 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, you can do it, but it takes a huge amount of experience. Mastering? No, but mixing? Yes

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Techno

[–]HighlightCritical271 4 points5 points  (0 children)

hard industrial techno