Standlone beat production

Hey I am an artist from the UK. I been lurking for a while now picking up tips and tricks from you all, so thanks, A few years back got a MPD218 and then during lockdown got a Live. I have been doing a mix of sampling and learning to use the synths. It took a leap to finally move out of making 8 bar loops into trying to make tracks, and past year or so i been using song mode to make stuff.

I have put it all here:

https://stuffit.org.uk/music.html

Now 3 has arrived I am trying to figure out if i want to stick to song mode or look at arranger so we will see, but basically standalone is amazing fun and we are blessed.
I am really interested in Monte Booker, and the underground stuff on Backwoodz, so think I am going to investigate automation a bit more to add variety and texture.
Nice one!
S

Thanks for the feedback! I have another bunch of loops that I am going to start tracking out so will keep pushing!

I have made another 12 short tracks, have been working at the new (ish) keygroups settings to make things move. Also been exploring using the arranger instead of only song mode, and also using track mutes in one long exploded sequence. Automation is also way easier to use now. Honestly MPC is so flexible, we are blessed.

I know they are criticised but I really love the NI Play - Sway and Homage plug ins. I have spent ages trying to fiddle with synths but these two make it just that little bit easier for beginners, or people who don't have hours every day, to jump in and tweak.

My tracks are labelled -1 to -12 - https://stuffit.org.uk/music.html

The track '-10. Workmond1-Filtered.wav' is based on a sample by a jazz band from Leeds UK called Work Money Death who are worth checking out.

Any feedback appreciated.

Hey what's up Stuffit,

About to write my breakdown for Harker's Escape, but just thought I'd listen to some of your music first.

My favourite tracks of yours are 4.keygroup, 24.kmomo1, and I thought warwick2 was the best song of the bunch.

I like the texture of that synth on 4.keygroup. I think the part that kicks in at :30 should just repeat for the whole song.

I really dig the vibe of 24.kmomo1 and the warmth of the mix. I wish the drums were more traditional but that's subjective I think.

Warwick2 is my favourite because it has the most interesting and pleasant sounding chord changes, which would be my main advice to you.

Listen for interesting chord changes to either chop or loop (if sampling) or learn how to play interesting chord changes on the keys.

When I listen to your music, I feel like a lot of times you're putting in a lot of switchups, which is a great thing but don't be afraid to loop for the whole song! for instance, warwick2 is great as it is up until :50 seconds, then you change things up. IMO the first part is much doper than the later parts. It sounds like a great outro track to a tape.

Don't be afraid to loop because of repitition. hip hop was built on loops, that's why you see people making 15 minute loops of their favourite producers 1 minute tracks, and it works.

The most important part of a loop is when it loops around and resolves, develop an ear and instinct for that, it's a very distinct type of hearing but once you can listen this way, possible loops will jump out at you when you're listening for samples.

Just my two cents, please let me know what your thoughts are.

Thanks so very much ! It's brilliant to feedback , and it is well considered and thoughtful too. I feel *so* pleased to have even got this far - its been a massive learning curve for sure, so I am at least now at the stage where I can get my ideas down. The next step is to refine them - simplify them like you say.

I think everyone when they start maybe over complicates stuff in an effort to be exciting, definitely in drums. I remember trying to do really swung 'experimental' beats and it sounded wack. I think I have calmed down a bit now and it sounds better for it. So I am probably at the same stage with samples / keys now - to try and develop the confidence to keep things simpler. I really like a lot of the stuff on Backwoodz studios, Monte Booker so it's good to have these as reference points to develop what I am doing.

I am also a big fan of Musicians Paradise : https://www.patreon.com/cw/musicianparadise/home
He does loads of chord progression packs which I like to use with pad perform on my MPC live

Anyway - onwards and upwards. Making music and being creative is one of the *best* ways to stay sane in this mad world.