Six Rules of Electronic Music

Ok, maybe they're more like observations.... Either way, these "rules" have helped me make more electronic music, and hopefully BETTER electronic music.

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[worksofein]

Rule 7: a synth that goes like a giant spaceship passing overhead will always sound super cool.

[bricelory]

Good stuff! I come from a classical cello perspective, so the idea of layering is my natural approach: the symphonic orchestra is so unbelievably versatile because it has so many options for layering instruments that are relatively limited in their own scopes. And to think in instrument sections - where different but similar timbres might play together but they each have their own role within that section - like how strings spread out melody, inner harmonies (and counter melodies) and bass notes across the instruments. This also begins to place elements of a single chord in different areas of the stereo field (violins are typically left and cellos/basses to the right with inner voice a bit more centered). A lot of classical instruments have fairly limited harmonic content in any one single note - some even coming quite close to simple sine waves. This really enables layers of sounds to create complex harmonic structures that give symphonic music its breadth of colors.

As you say, you can create amazingly intricate textures using very simple voices. And that is something I love to do. A recent piece I recorded was primarily 12 simple synth voices, like sine waves, or simple FM plucks, layered and pulsing in different ways.

One technique that I find helpful is if you have specific voices that you want to be central - either as an important foundation or the sound of primary interest is to do your siund design/synth selection for other voices while you have that key sound playing on loop or what-have you. It'll keep your focus on how those sounds relate, and I think it'll be surprising how often you don't need a really complex sound when you are using it in conjunction with others.

[marcus_ohreallyus]

These are the broad concepts that beginners like me really need to hear. The technical stuff will come, but I feel like this kind of info is super helpful.

[macronencer]

Great advice! The one I struggle with most is backing off and leaving space. In a way, it makes it harder if you're quite good at mixing, because you start assuming that you can always throw more parts and layers in, and fix it "in the mix". A very misguided view, but I'm always so tempted! By the way, nice trolling in the thumbnail :D

[carpetsmell]

2:28 deadmau5 actually says neat. how topical!

[ZebraandDonkey]

Miles Davis did counterpoint so amazingly. Learned so much about composition from him.

[jimboggs]

I love it that you are demonstrating the point you are describing with the music you have in the background during that point. Very clever!

[malvinusmusic]

I understand you very well, man. When I started approaching electronic music coming from Jazz, I had a hard time putting aside technique, harmony and everything that had been music for me up to that point. It took me a long time to realize that sound design, when it comes to electronics, is predominant over the rest. But when I realized that, it was a liberation, a new birth. I really appreciate your videos, your content always resonates with what I think, thank you!

[GFD-]

"Inspiration is one part of the key"
-GFD 360

[MsTessG]

Love the point about rests and that's why classical music is such a great foundation for composition. It's similar to the advice, "if you want to get someone's attention, whisper".

[pinsect]

your videos are pure gold man. Thank you so much

[NBDY_SPCL]

All of this is super solid advice for being productive, without being overly disciplined. I appreciate your presentation as kind, generous and knowledgeable without being arrogant at all. A rare trait.

All good rules/suggestions, and I'd like to expand on the importance of #6. It is literally what will define your music, both on the micro and macro levels. Some would define it differently, but I tend to define music as "Changes in sound over time, with intent." The entire point of music, even experimental drones and ambient, or the harshest industrial noize is to convey a feeling by the intentionally created changes. Without some sense of cohesion or linearity, there is no movement. Of course, too much movement can create disorientation without some sort of reference to an origin.  

My friend, Emma Catnip said it best: "Beginnings, middles, endings." They all matter and they all need to work together in some way to create linearity.

[MOSMASTERING]

My favourite arpeggios are by Dave Greenfield, Keyboard and Organ player in The Stranglers.. British Punk Rock band. He was an arp playing monster!
Check out "No More Heroes" or "Hangin' Around'
He also wrote Golden Brown.. a hit song that reached #2 in the UK charts, despite being in Waltz time.. a rare and obscure success!

I got to see them twice before many of them died or moved on.
RIP Greenfield, you were amazing.

No more heroes, indeed... :(

[delbo]

I'm working through your videos and downloads, haven't finished them all. I wanted to pause and say how much I am learning from you, and that I hope you get props for your most excellent sense of humor. Some of your expressions are fabulous. They really underline your narrative. Okay, back to work.

[dtuned]

All of the best advice seems to be things i already understand, but have a hard time implementing. God, it really just feels like nothing is getting me closer to reliably finishing polished tracks

[MOSMASTERING]

My favourite arpeggios are in songs by The Stranglers. British punk rock band with an incredible organ player/keyboardist.. his arps are legendary! He wrote Golden Brown as well, a classic song that became a hit (peaked at #2 on the charts in the UK) despite being written in Waltz time?! That's a rare obscure success.

[shannonb.]

I like that song Oblivion. Oh, this is quantizing to oblivious. I was oblivious.

[Warrow]

Great stuff.
I see any sound as an individual instrument in a virtual band, resulting to only use 4 - 5 lanes in my DAW.

[Hypernic]

Interesting points which are definitely worth exploring.
For me it works best to use just a piano, or vst piano to record ideas. Sounddesign and effects come later.

[daynemin]

Artists like Tycho are interesting for this reason, he seems to be able to bake sounds in space and saturation but still generate cohesive songs and mixes. He does use very simple sound sources though.