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http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Mixing-with-an-akiyama-I-5063.jpg Trance
is perhaps the most emotional genre in electronic music. It can make
you want to burst out cheering or start crying for no reason. It has
the power to instill pure bliss into the listener. There are so many
different subgenres of trance that continue to make it unique to this
day. If you are interested in creating your own trance music, whether
for fun or to get your name out there, here are some steps to help you
get started.
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Steps
- Understand what makes trance unique. Trance particularly has
unique characteristics that make it differ from other electronic
music. These include, but are not limited to the factors listed
- below
-
- Emotion. One of trance's main characteristics lies in the
emotional factor that it places in the listener. Much of
modern trance music places emphasis on a "build-up and
breakdown" measure associated with progressive trance, which
is good in moderation. Be aware that trance music did not
start using progressive build-ups and breakdowns until about
the late 90s. Prior trance would typically keep the same beat
for the length of the entire song.
- Repetition. Trance is usually very repetitive. This is not
to be associated with a negative connotation, as repetition is
one of the factors that helps to instill the emotional aspects
of the genre. You should be mindful of making any repetition
flow naturally. Repetition that does not flow properly will
tend to "mimic a broken record", per se, making it difficult
for listeners to adapt to and connect with the sound.
- The quarter-note bass kick. The quarter-note kick helps to
retain the emotional factor that is created by repetition.
Almost all trance music has a defining quarter-note bass kick
that usually remains for the majority of the song. Keep in
mind that the quarter-note kick does not have to be an
overpowering bass note; you might choose a subdued sound.
Similarly, many artists will begin with a series of ambient
sounds and gradually work the listener into the main melody.
- Beats per minute. Most trance lies within the range of
130-150 BPM. Sometimes it may drop below 120 BPM—particularly
in ambient trance—but it generally does not exceed 150 BPM, as
this begins to border hardcore electronic music, which is
another genre in itself.
- Get some inspiration. While copying another artist's music
isn't the best idea, there is nothing wrong with listening to
other artists for inspiration and ideas. Listen to a lot of trance
music to determine what you like, what inspires you, and what
kinds of music you would like to make.
- Remember that there are several different subgenres of trance.
The sound of trance has changed considerably from what it
sounded like a decade ago. Be sure to get a feel for trance
from the early 90s along with trance that is released today.
- Listen to several subgenres of trance. Trance may have some
universal characteristics, but its melody can vary tremendously
across subgenres. Recognize the characteristics of some of these
- subgenres
-
- "Classic" trance. While this isn't a specifically defined
subgenre, this refers to early trance that began in the late
80s. This subgenre has a tremendous focus on repetition,
slowly changing over the course of the song. Classic trance
can be said to be ported from contemporary classical music's
"minimalism" developed by contemporary composers such as Steve
Reich, Terry Riley, La Monte Young, and Philip Glass.
- Acid trance. Acid trance is mostly similar to classic
trance, except that it has a much more hypnotic and "trippy"
feel to it. It has a unique sound that is often achieved by
playing with filters, pans, and oscillators to create a
"science fiction"-esque sound. See Roland TB-303.
- Progressive trance. This subgenre defined the popular
"build-up and breakdown" themes that are often associated with
trance. By slowly building up a progression of melodies and
creating a pseudo "tension", an outburst of emotional bliss
results at the peak of the melody as it "releases". These
releases are often done by creating a brief lull in the melody
before quickly returning to the main theme. Other common
techniques include pausing, using rests, rapidly speeding up
the BPM, and using progressing kicks from quarter- to eighthto
sixteenth-, note kicks, and so on.
- Goa trance. This subgenre shares many of the characteristics
of acid trance, but has a unique "organic" sound to it. Goa
trance is such a complex and structured subgenre of trance
that many other "sub"-subgenres originated from goa trance,
itself.
- Psychedelic trance. Also known as /psytrance/, this subgenre
is very similar to goa. In what goa trance creates for an
organic feel, psytrance creates an electronic, futuristic
feel. Psytrance tends to use more sci-fi ambient sounds
together with the techniques used in acid trance.
- Ambient trance. This subgenre tends to use a much slower BPM
and places less emphasis on the quarter-note kick. Many
ambient artists do away with the quarter-note measure
altogether and drop to half-note measures or other measures.
Ambient trance generally uses softer sounds and maintains an
"easy listening" feel, while still retaining the repetitive
and emotional characteristics associated with trance.
- Tech-trance. Tech-trance is a fusion between techno and
trance. It is very tough. It doesn't focus on a melody, at
times a melody will be used in the breakdown. Usually focuses
around the talent to manipulate one note and edit it to make a
very industrial sounding synth. Some names to check out who
specialize in tech-trance are Sander van Doorn, Abel Ramos,
Bryan Kearney, Randy Katana, and Marcel Woods.
- Analyze the music. How it is sectioned and divided? What
percussion was just added or removed? How did the melody change?
What all is going on? What sort of ambient noises can you hear in
the background?
- Purchase a computer with appropriate specs. You'll need a high
end machine that can handle making and editing sounds if you are
looking to produce quality music. Here are some important
specifications to consider.
- Processor. Dual core processors are particularly effective
in streamlining functionality and improving performance while
writing trance music. Quad cores are also brutally effective,
but are expensive. Additionally, some machines still don't
possess the capabilities to handle the power of a quad core
processor.
- Hard drive space. Higher quality sounds mean larger sound
files. Keep in mind that you aren't writing music using MP3
quality, which averages a bit rate of 128 to 192. You'll want
the highest quality bit rates for sounds when working to
develop your music. The size of your hard drive can vary
significantly, depending on the sounds that you intend to use.
250GB of hard drive space is a very liberal amount.
- RAM. Two gigabytes of RAM (2GB) is a fair starting measure.
1GB of RAM tends to push the limit, and anything under 1GB
becomes particularly difficult to work with effectively.
- Sound card. You'll need a high quality sound card. An
internal M audio "Audiophile" sound card with RCA will do
fine, as well as an external "fast track" USB sound card with
microphone input/RCA. This is also good for recording mixes.
- ÃMusic producing/editing software.Ã This will be further
detailed below.
- _Purchase or download music-making software_. Ableton Live,
Reason, and/or FL Studio are good programs that you can use to
help you to make beats, breaks, and a bass line. (Or, if you own a
Mac, try GarageBand or EasyBeat. On Linux LMMS would be just fine)
Time and dedication will show the best results.
- Practice using the software. Get a feel for the sounds you can
make and for your style. Try modding the pre-programmed sounds
that you like.
- Get yourself some tools and instruments to make music. While
using predefined melodies and sounds is useful for beginners
making trance, you are better off developing your own unique
sound. There are plenty of free VSTs (virtual instruments) out,
all of which will improve the standard of your music.
- KVR Audio is a great site for downloading VSTs, and Synth1 or
SuperwaveP8 are good and easy-to-program synths.
- If you are willing to spend a bit of money (~$90) , Nexus is
THE VST you want for the best trance lead sounds.
- Purchase a MIDI board. The M Audio MIDI board, Oxygen O2,
Keystudio, or Axiom are good for beginners. You may need drivers
for the desired MIDI board of your choice. You can download
necessary drivers for M Audio straight from their website.
- Get yourself a studio monitor. KRK, Mackie, Behringer, or
Fostex will do you good. Make sure that they come with at least a
3" subwoofer—you'll need it for the kicks and bass in trance.
Also, your speakers should have at least a 1" tweeter. Don't waste
your money on cheap gear! Brand names do pay off.
- Make a mixtape showcasing your talents. Don't worry if it
doesn't sound great at first; you will get better with practice.
Try to be critical of yourself, but also spotting ways you can
improve. Remember you're not at their level until you work your
way up there. It takes practice.
- Publish your music. You don't need to go right to a producer
and show your work, but you might create a MySpace or Last.fm
music page to get your name out there. Find a way to promote
yourself. Remember: If one person doesn't like you, that's just
one person's opinion.
- Promote yourself and get connected. Once you feel that your
productions are turning out positive, try to get one signed. It
will be very difficult, but the end result will leave you truly
accomplished. You may need to send out at least 100 demo
submissions to labels all over the world before you get any
notable recognition.
- Export, render, and upload your tracks. There are several
aspects to consider while doing this.
- Export your track from your software. Use the format of
your choice (usually in lossless .WAV). Many programs allow
you to export to .MP3 as well, but be certain that you use the
highest quality bit rate possible (i.e. 320kbps).
- Note that most media players will only play 16-bit WAV
files, although you can download codecs to play 24-bit
.WAV if you insist on using it.
- If you choose to upload an MP3, don't choose a bit rate
below 296. The sound quality will drop considerably.
- Upload your file, using a file sharing site of your choice.
There are countless sites, but YouSendIt is particularly
notable. It is not free, but it allows you to send songs
directly to anyone's email address. Generate a direct .MP3 URL
to your file and copy and paste it to all of your demo
submissions. Include any extra background information that you
wish, such as your email, your MySpace, and so on.
- Create a MySpace music page. You should upload only samples
to your page, since there is a size limit of about 6MB.
Remember to keep your sound quality above 296kbps. This way,
you'll offer a good preview in good quality, which will
attract more visitors. Uploading a fraction of your song is
also a safety precaution to avoid users ripping your
full-length music.
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Tips
- Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music http://techno.org/electronic-music-guide/
is an excellent website that maps out the advancements and
divisions of all electronic music, including its own section on
trance. It provides examples using sound clips, as well as
includes brief descriptions about each respective genre.
- Try to be original and develop your own sound. This is obviously
easier said than done, but if you are looking for fame, uniqueness
is what defines any musical artist today—whether through sound,
inspiration, or character.
- Try to separate yourself from the music. Pretend that you are
somebody at a dance listening to your song. This is especially
important, as it will help you improve in areas as needed.
- Be patient with yourself, and don't give up. You'll need time, and
lots of it. Your first track probably won't be your best. All of
the mentioned software will be expensive and complicated to use,
but it will pay off.
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Caution
- All forms of music are little more than variations on what has
come before. There is no excuse, however, for committing an act of
plagiarism. When creating music, remember that you are building
not only on the work of others, but on your own set of artistic
skills and musical ideas.
- Repetition is key, but be careful to ensure patterns flow well
into one another and loop seamlessly. If you can easily "tag"
where a looping melody or sound begins or ends, then you may have
a problem. Try to improve the loop's transition, slow down the
effect, or simply use something else.
- Although sometimes appropriate for certain genres of electronic
music, such as Hard Trance, try not to use trite and
overly-emotional instrumentations and melodies in excess.
Synthesized strings are usually the biggest culprit in cases like
these. Trance should be compelling and emotional, but not comical.
Look for DJ's Twilight Myspace music for some good trance.
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Related wikiHows
http://www.wikihow.com/Publish-Your-Music
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Sources and Citations
- Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music http://techno.org/electronic-music-guide/
- A Flash site providing a map that depicts the growth of
electronic music and additional information about many subgenres,
including audio examples.
- KVR Audio http://www.kvraudio.com - Contains news and an
information resource for open standard audio plugins, as well as
an active discussion forum.
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