I used to knock programs like EJAY and fruity Loops but even these programs have become more sofisticated at manipulating audio!
Like I have said before, they are all tools...its not the program but
the person. you need the talent and skill allowing the tools to assist
you.
Bit like a carpenter an a DIYer, a carpenter with a few basic hand
tools and the DIYer with the latest cordless mega tools where the
carpenter still produces the best finished job!
You need an idea and a way to aproach the idea first, then get to
know/learn your tools from a basic level...then practice makes perfect
I started with ideas in my head and knowing i had a sense of rhythm,
tunes floating about here and there. Then i boaght myself a basic
keyboard and learned to play chords by copying known track rifffs etc.
The main part was being able to split a commercial track down into its
basic components in my head.....Bass, Drums, leads etc...then i
practiced playing what was in my head until i had the riffs i wanted.
Then i needed to put different tracks down via four track so i learned
how to layer tracks and make them sit together (volume, eq etc). PC
sequencers came along to allow me to put down more tracks. As i needed
certain sounds i learned how to tweak synths and sample and add that to
my midi notes (the sequenced notes i played). when i finished a track i
then had to learn how to master - EQ, Compression, PAN and limit
etc...to a stereo mix. again a good way to learn is to compare your mix
to a commercial one!
Hey presto! a track i learned without manuals or tuition! (maybe a few
manuals for quick reference only!) - And i didnt even mention a name of
software or synth!!
Bit like driving a car! - as long as you know the basics....gears,
steering wheel, brakes, lights etc....who cars what model or make it
is!
I still cant read music or follow 'shouted out' chords but i cant build a car from scratch either!
