My first step

[thatguyzeke]

(Slight background. My friend introduced me to MLP:FiM and pretty much everything to do with how talented this community is. With all the Balloon Party teasers and such, I was inspired to try some sort of musical production.)

This is my first attempt at anything in FL Studios, let alone music to begin with.

Basically this was just me trying to figure out how to use Automation clips to change the speed of the "Wubs" and pitch at times.

I was wondering if there was an easier way, or if there is a specific way to go about changing speeds in automation clips I'm missing. If I am on the right track, critique would be amazing.
Finally, any general tips, or tricks for someone new to FL or music production in general.
http://soundcloud.com/thatguyzeke/release-me

[Codeum]

well, you're on the right track. It sounds like you need some music theory though because I don't think that was in any key, and you didn't have any progressions going XD the wubs, I just edit the event in the piano roll and have several patterns for the speed. I find it much easier that way. You might want to get some outside VSTs and sample packs as well haha the default percussion packs are okay, but they're really cheezy.

[thatguyzeke]

Been years since i had any sort of music theory sadly, so that is expected. But I'll be relearning all that myself.

This was more of a first test. Trying to figure out how to use the tools at my disposal.

Also, you mentioned outside VSTs, are there any "must have" VSTs or VSTis? Some that are Beginner friendly maybe?

[DJSheogowrath]

Been years since i had any sort of music theory sadly, so that is expected. But I'll be relearning all that myself.

This was more of a first test. Trying to figure out how to use the tools at my disposal.

Also, you mentioned outside VSTs, are there any "must have" VSTs or VSTis? Some that are Beginner friendly maybe?

NI Massive. Just get it. Almost every thread with a "What VST's are good to get" has at least one mention of Massive, and there's a damn good reason for that: It's really really good, and relatively easy to learn.
As for the song, it's...uh...well...yeah. It's your first time, I'll give you that. I don't really know what genre it was or what it was supposed to sound like or whatever. But, like I said, it's your first time, and very rarely is your first song going to come out professional quality. But keep at it, and someone get that Ira Glass copypasta in here for me.

[BronyTuber]

But keep at it, and someone get that Ira Glass copypasta in here for me.

Right here!

[thatguyzeke]

Everyone does say Massive, so chances are I will give it a try.

Also, I've seen the Ira Glass copypasta. I love the quote, and trust me I will keep at it.

Finally, of course what I posted there isn't professional quality.
I would like to think of it as a benchmark. So once I get my stuff together I have something to show my progress.
I didn't try this expecting to be awesome, I came in expecting to learn.

[Codeum]

Your work will never be as good as your ambitions. you will always be learning and improving up until the day you die. the important thing is to take joy in learning instead of frustration tha you aren't at your goal.

Also, Nexus 2 is great for beginners. it's a sampler so you don't have to make the sound yourself. its got some pretty sick default packs. definitely a must. also, try to find the Vengeance essential sound packs. all the pros use Vengeance.

[thatguyzeke]

Your work will never be as good as your ambitions. you will always be learning and improving up until the day you die. the important thing is to take joy in learning instead of frustration tha you aren't at your goal.

Oh I know probably won't reach a majority of what I plan to do. But Hopefully I'll get better as I go along.

[Sinn Ick]

Keep at it, Where did you find the "wubs" you got there? i cant find any or make any that are half-decent so i end up with crap like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlLVsHx- ... uMuf_6HN8=

[thatguyzeke]

I didn't find them I made them in FL using the Instrument settings and an automation clip.
Also, I tried something else
http://soundcloud.com/thatguyzeke/glitchworks

Also, been learning as much as I can since i first posted.
My goal, at least 40 seconds of music made per day, with one full song a week if at all possible.

[Legion]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume you've been learning about the same amount of time as me.

In that case... GODDAMNIT STOP BEING GOOD, YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK BAD.

My only suggestion is that you switch from the default drum samples. I know there's quite a few free packs on this site. Here's one I can't find on the site, so have a dropbox link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/60584788/Kicks% ... 20Blah.zip

[thatguyzeke]

I've been learning for about....I think a week now?
Well that's how long I've had FL. Before that I was trying to use Audacity by itself....
*Shiver* That was not good.

[Frost Byte]

I noticed that your theory wasn't spectacular in your demo on the first post...FEAR NOT!!!

If you need to make a chord or a melody by following particular scales...then check this out!

http://www.pianoworld.com/fun/vpc/piano_chords.htm

All you have to do is choose the root note then pick either a chord type, or a scale type and your on your way!!!

[thatguyzeke]

I've actually been studying Theory alot since my first post, so I'm on my way, but this will defiantly be helpful. This will let me get into some new Scales and Chords, so thank you.

[Frost Byte]

Hey no problem! xD