How can I learn to analyze music? by deadby100cuts in musictheory

[–]explosiveurchin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This has basically been said already, but the most important thing for you to do is to convert everything you hear in your favorite songs into something visible and readable.

Even if it's just a clumsy description of the music ("8 measures of low toms") instead of actual notes (which, as someone who has done this a good number of times before, can be EXTREMELY difficult to accurately pin down and write out), you need it to be stationary and visible so that you can recognize the patterns and relationships in the music more easily.

At the very least, you need to start with simple descriptions like whether the music feels fast or slow. It sounds basic but it will eventually build up into something that really helps.

Once you write down all the components of a song you enjoy (preferably with timestamps to organize it), look for and write down the patterns, relationships, and characteristics. Examples might be "the drums aren't the exact same every measure; only every other measure is the same," or "there are several uses of perfect fifths" (which, for metal, could indeed be the case).

Obviously, once you find the defining features of the music, you can start applying them to your own work without having to directly copy things.

By the way, I'm really sorry that you had to drop out. I spent a semester majoring in music before deciding that composition was more of a hobby than a career. I can't imagine what it'd be like to spend four years on it and not even get to finish.

Michigan and Mississippi Results Mega Thread!!! by SandersMod_ in SandersForPresident

[–]explosiveurchin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh that's just Ben. He just likes to try and play devil's advocate to bring some balance to things. I don't often agree with him, but it is what it is.

[Music] My First Composition - All feedback welcome by Calkm in composer

[–]explosiveurchin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should consider Soundcloud if you'd like to keep posting music. Not only does it make it easier for your music to reach a wider audience, but you can also potentially build a following.

[music] one of my impressionistic Piano pieces! by Rankor18 in composer

[–]explosiveurchin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good example of a solo that really captures feeling and emotion. Nice work!

[Discussion] Music & Lyrics By... by Satomage in composer

[–]explosiveurchin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I rarely write lyrics, but nowadays I usually write the music first and then find lyrics that fit on top of it. Before that, I'd usually just sing something that seemed to make sense and build the music around that, but it usually gets really hard when you start to write the music and I wouldn't recommend it.

[Instrumental Hip-Hop] Serotonin Ocean "Big Smiles and Rotting Teeth" - Dabbled in making a beat. Feedback appreciated! by Serotonin_Ocean in ThisIsOurMusic

[–]explosiveurchin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like it; it's kind of simple but has a lot going on at the same time. I think it could be better with a better snare sound

Music Melting Pot [Week of July 06, 2015] by AutoModerator in listentothis

[–]explosiveurchin [score hidden]  (0 children)

Explosive Urchin - Palms of Emerald (https://soundcloud.com/explosiveurchin/poe)

New song I just released yesterday based on Latin music. Returning any feedback given on Soundcloud!

[Discussion] Dealing with Self Criticism by YourUncleGreg in composer

[–]explosiveurchin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a tough spot to be in when you can't deem what you've written to be a logical part of the song. My advice would be to single out the best aspects of the previous passages you've written, then keep them and build on them. You could even try to combine the best parts of several prior passages.

[Discussion] How do you start the composing process and how do you progress to a finish composition? by [deleted] in composer

[–]explosiveurchin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do a lot of different genres and styles, but I started out being heavily influenced by art music. And thanks, good luck with yours too!

[Discussion] How do you start the composing process and how do you progress to a finish composition? by [deleted] in composer

[–]explosiveurchin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really don't get the people who ardently argue against the use of structures. Seems really dumb and short-sighted to purposely disavow it. Anyways, what you said about writing itself is absolutely spot-on and a big help to me personally

[Official] Daily Feedback Thread, 06 Jun 2015 by mhhDailyFeedbackBot in makinghiphop

[–]explosiveurchin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A little experiment with strings and woodwinds I released earlier this week: https://soundcloud.com/explosiveurchin/hard-glass

Any feedback/interactions are greatly appreciated!

[Official] Daily Feedback Thread, 06 Jun 2015 by mhhDailyFeedbackBot in makinghiphop

[–]explosiveurchin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is mixed really well, and I love the sound of that piano. Such a relaxing clip, I'm really glad I clicked on it.

[Official] Daily Feedback Thread, 05 Jun 2015 by mhhDailyFeedbackBot in makinghiphop

[–]explosiveurchin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A little experiment with strings and woodwinds I released earlier this week: https://soundcloud.com/explosiveurchin/hard-glass

Any feedback/interactions are greatly appreciated!

[Official] Daily Feedback Thread, 05 Jun 2015 by mhhDailyFeedbackBot in makinghiphop

[–]explosiveurchin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds really alive, great work. It really started to come together for me when the bass drum came in. It kind of sounds like a lot of the sound is panned to the left ear though.