Trance music is perhaps the most exciting genre of electronic music. It can make you want to cheer or cry for no apparent reason. It has the power to make the listener ecstatic. There are many sub-genres of trance music, which continue to make it unique even today. If you're interested in making your own trance music, whether it's for fun or to get your name out there, here are some tips to get you started.
Steps
Step 1. Understand what makes trance music unique
This one in particular has unique characteristics that differentiate it from other genres of electronic music. These include, but are not limited to, the factors listed below:
- Emotion. One of the main characteristics of trance music is the emotional reaction it causes in the listener. Many modern trance songs emphasize "build-up" and "breakdown", two characteristics of progressive trance. However, consider that the use of progressive build-ups and breakdowns wasn't introduced until the late 1990s. Trance songs prior to this era typically held the same beat throughout the song.
- Repetition. Trance music is usually very repetitive. This is not to be understood as a negative characteristic, because repetition is one of the factors that helps arouse emotions. You need to make sure the reps flow naturally. Non-fluid repetitions will sound like a "broken record", making it difficult for the listener to get in tune with the music.
- Chest in four quarters. The four-quarter kick helps maintain the emotional factor created by the repetition. Almost all trance pieces have a four-piece kick, which remains for most of the piece. However, keep in mind that the cash register does not necessarily have to be a preponderant note; you can also choose a more subtle sound.
- Beats per minute. Most trance songs are written at 130-150 BPM. In some cases the speed can drop below 120 BPM - especially in ambient trance songs - but it generally does not exceed 150 BPM, speeds reserved for hardcore.
Step 2. Find inspiration
While copying another artist's music isn't the best idea, there's nothing wrong with listening to other artists for inspiration and ideas. Listen to a lot of trance songs to understand what you like, what inspires you and what kind of music you would like to compose.
- Remember that there are many different subgenres of trance music. The sounds of trance music have changed a lot in the last ten years. Make sure you also listen to songs from the early 90s and don't limit yourself to contemporary ones.
- Many great producers always keep the music of their genre close at hand. These "references" will ensure that you maintain the fundamental characteristics of the genre during the creation process. Just as all great painters study their peers for inspiration, you should do the same.
Step 3. Listen to the different subgenres of trance
Trance music has some universal characteristics, but its melody can vary a great deal from one subgenre to another. Recognize the characteristics of some of these:
- "Classic" Trance. Although it is not a specific sub-genre, this term refers to the first trance pieces of the late 1980s. This subgenre focuses heavily on repetition and slow changes over the course of the piece. Classical trance can find its roots in the "minimalism" of contemporary classical music, developed by composers such as Steve Reich, Terry Riley, La Monte Young, and Philip Glass.
- Acid trance. Acid trance is similar to classic trance, except for its more hypnotic and psychedelic sounds. It has unique sounds that are often achieved by experimenting with filters, pans and oscillators to create a "science fiction" sound.
- Progressive trance. This subgenre defines the popular build-ups and breakdowns that are often associated with trance. By slowly building a progression of melodies and creating a pseudo "build-up", an emotional ecstasy is created when this is released during the breakdown. These breakdowns are often created with short pauses in the melody before returning to the main theme. Other common techniques include rests, rapid acceleration of the BPM, and the progressive use of quarter notes, eighths, sixteenths, and so on.
- Goa trance. This subgenre shares many of the parameters of acid trance, but has a unique "organic" characteristic sound. Goa trance is such a complex and structured subgenre of trance that other types of trance are subgenres of goa trance itself.
- Psychedelic Trance. Also known as "psytrance", this subgenre is very similar to goa trance. What goa creates with natural sensations, psytrance reproduces with electronic and futuristic sounds. Psytrance uses multiple science fiction sounds combined with acid trance techniques.
- Ambient trance. This sub-genre is produced at much slower BPM and places less emphasis on the four-quarter kick. Many ambient manufacturers avoid the four-quarter structure altogether and use the two-quarter or other measures. Ambient trance usually makes use of softer sounds and is easier to listen to, although it retains the repetitive and exciting characteristics of trance.
- Tech-trance. Tech-trance is a fusion of techno and trance. She is very aggressive. It does not focus on a melody, which can be used in some cases during breakdowns. It is usually based on the ability to manipulate a note and modify it to create a very industrial artificial sound. Some names of producers who specialize in tech-trance are Sander van Doorn, Abel Ramos, Bryan Kearney, Randy Katana, and Marcel Woods.
Step 4. Analyze the music
How is it divided and structured? What percussions have just been added or removed? How has the melody changed? What happen? What kind of ambient sounds can you hear in the background?
Step 5. Buy a computer with the appropriate specifications
You will need a high-performance computer, which can handle the production and editing of sounds, if you want to produce quality music. Here are some important specs to consider:
- Processor. Dual core processors are particularly effective for real-time editing capabilities and performance enhancement when composing trance music. Quad cores are even more so, but they are expensive. Additionally, some computers still lack the ability to handle the power of a four-core processor.
- Free disk space. High-quality sounds mean larger music files. Note that you are not producing music in MP3 quality, which has an average bit rate of 128 - 320. You will want to make sounds at the highest possible bit rate when composing your songs. The required size of your disc can vary significantly, depending on the sounds you intend to use. With a 250GB drive you shouldn't have any problems.
- RAM. Two GB of RAM is enough to get started. 1 GB of RAM is the lowest limit, below which it becomes particularly difficult to work efficiently.
- Audio card. You will need a high quality sound card. An internal M "Audiophile" sound card with RCA output will do, as well as an external USB sound card with microphone and RCA input. You'll also need it to record your mixes.
- Program for audio production and editing. You will find more details later.
Step 6. Purchase or download music production programs
Ableton Live, Reason, and / or FL Studio are great programs you can use to help you make beats, breaks and bass lines (If you have a Mac, try GarageBand or EasyBeat, or Logic Pro, which offers more advanced features. On Linux you can use LMMS, which is also available on Windows).
Step 7. Practice using the software
Try out the sounds you can make and find your style. Try to change the default sounds you prefer.
Step 8. Learn how a synthesizer works
Oscillators, waveforms, filters, LFOs. The synthesizer presets will help you when you are a beginner, but learning how to program sounds on your own will be very useful in the long run.
Step 9. Get the tools to produce the music
While using pre-recorded melodies and sounds is useful for those new to trance songwriting, you will need to start developing your own unique sounds. There are tons of virtual instruments at your disposal that can improve the quality of your music.
- KVR Audio is a great site to download virtual instruments, and Synth1 and SuperwaveP8 are good tuners that are easy to program.
- If you are willing to spend close to € 100, Nexus is THE best virtual instrument for producing trance sounds. Other noteworthy virtual instruments are V-Station, Vanguard, Gladiator 2, and Sylenth.
- The bass sounds of Psytrance and Goa can be difficult to program from scratch on a generic tuner if you are a beginner; Alien303 is a good synthesizer for beginners, until you can reproduce those sounds on your own.
Step 10. Purchase a MIDI keyboard
The M Audio MIDI, Oxigen O2, Keystudio or M-audio Axiom or Novation keyboards are great for beginners. You may need the MIDI keyboard drivers of your choice. You can download the necessary drivers for M Audio keyboards directly from the website.
Step 11. Get a studio spy box
Some great speakers are the KRK, Mackie, Behringer or Fostex. Make sure they are equipped with at least a three-inch subwoofer - you'll need that for trance kick and bass. Also, your speakers should have at least one inch tweeter. Don't waste money on cheap equipment. Branded speakers are worth the money they cost.
Step 12. Make a demo that demonstrates your talent
Don't worry if the sound isn't great at first; you will improve with practice. Try to be critical of yourself, but also look for ways to improve. Remember that you will not be able to get to the level of the best without continuing to practice.
Step 13. Publish your music
You don't need to meet a producer directly and showcase your work, but you could create a page on MySpace or Last.fm to get your name out there. Find ways to advertise yourself. Remember: if a person doesn't like your music, it's just their opinion.
Step 14. Promote yourself and find leads
When you feel confident in the quality of your productions, try to find a record deal. It will be very difficult, but if you did it you would feel truly satisfied. You may need at least 100 demos to send to labels around the world before you get the recognition you deserve.
Step 15. Export, render and upload your tracks
There are many things to consider when doing these operations.
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Export your tracks from your software. Use the format of your choice (usually a lossless format,. FLAC). Many programs will allow you to export to. MP3 as well, but be sure to select the variable bitrate V0 settings.
Note that most music player programs will only support 16-bit FLAC files, although you can download codecs to play 24-bit FLAC if you decide to use them
- Upload files to the internet, using a file sharing site of your choice. There are tons of sites out there, but YouSendIt is particularly noteworthy. It's not free, but it allows you to send songs directly to another person's email address. Generate a direct. MP3 URL to your file and copy and paste it every time you want to send your demo. Include any contact information you want, such as your email, your MySpace, and so on.
- Create a music page on MySpace. You should only upload samples to your page, as the file size will be limited to 6MB. Remember to upload only files with quality higher than 296 kbps. This way your samples will be of high quality, and will attract more users. Uploading only a part of your songs is also a safety measure to prevent users from getting your full songs.
Advice
- Be patient and don't give up. You will need time, a lot of time. Your first track probably won't be your best. All of the programs mentioned in this article are expensive and difficult to use, but they will be invaluable tools for you.
- Try to be original and develop your own sound. It's certainly easier said than done, but if you're looking to become famous, uniqueness is what defines any modern musical artist - whether it's achieved through sound, inspiration or character.
- Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music is an excellent website that outlines the advancements and genres of all electronic music, and has a section devoted to trance. It offers examples in the form of music clips, as well as including short descriptions of all kinds.
- Try to separate yourself from the music. Pretend you're someone at the club listening to your song. It is very important, because it will help you understand where to improve.
Warnings
- All forms of music are little more than variations of what has already been composed. However, this is not an excuse to justify plagiarism. When creating music, remember that you will not have to build apart only from the work of others, but also thanks to your artistic skills and your musical ideas.
- Repetition is the key to trance music, but be careful to make sure the tunes flow well and don't create dystonia. If you can easily pinpoint where a melody or sound loop begins or ends, your composition may have a problem. Try to improve on loop transitions, slow down the effect or just vary the melody.
- Although these are appropriate techniques for some genres of electronic music, such as hard trance, I try not to overuse overused and overly emotional instruments and melodies. Synthesized bows are one example. Trance music should be poignant and emotional, but not comical.
