--The post what you are working on *right now* thread--

[Cupz]

Wow that's not bad actually. Its not my genre, but its pretty well done. Damnit I want a band and make dad-rock

[Elexen]

those singer songwriter tracks aren't awful...

Just that the sound was so generic, I was bored.
Lyrics really didn't click with me either, I was rolling my eyes most of the time.

And I guess the emo/grunge sound isn't my cup of tea, either.

You come off as a bit of a hipster music snob sometimes, but I do appreciate your honest opinion. Sincerely. I can tell you're gonna be a bit of a curmudgeon when you're older. But I can't totally say I won't be one myself. If you get the chance, take a listen to this album: https://lxnnnie.bandcamp.com/album/playing-spades-with-satan .... a bit of my lower-fi schizodelic shit. A dark and twisted concept album. It's one of my more popular ones. If you actually review it. Just keep in mind that it's designed to be sloppy, lo-fi and off kilter to fit the concept. Figured I'd throw something else different at you. I actually look forward to hearing how much you will hate it

[The Telepathic Kid]

first off, what does hipster mean in this context, it seems everyone can twist the meaning of that word to fit whatever they want it to mean.

But anyway, I didn't mean to offend if I did, I simply offer my own (hopefully constructive) opinion in at least some level of detail, because I feel that if you put effort into making music, you deserve some effort in the response.
I mean you're clearly talented, I just mentioned within the post that your music is not for me.
This isn't about me hating on your music, it's just a style that I'm not into. You could argue that if I'm not into it, why did I listen/comment, well, I don't like ignoring people in this thread, or at least those who are established members.
I'm more into folk, jazz, funk, pop, etc. than the stuff you've made.
Or at least in that first one, because that second one was a lot more interesting and enjoyable.
I'm still not a fan of your vocals, but once again, that's just me.
But hey, you've clearly already made up your mind about me because I wasn't a fan of your work and because I criticise others here.
I want to stress to you, and others here, my criticisms are not because I want to make you feel bad or to tear you down. It's just what I hear, and I can't make it sound positive if it isn't.
When I do get around to creating my own work I completely expect and welcome the same level of critical analysis that I dish out.
Criticism only allows you to learn, grow and understand how others perceive your work.
You can take it and learn how to grow, or you can disagree, and think about why you disagree, which will make the message and style of your music stronger, and you will grow as an artist from there as well.

and don't worry about me being curmudgeonly when I'm old, I'm already there, buddy.

[Elexen]

first off, what does hipster mean in this context, it seems everyone can twist the meaning of that word to fit whatever they want it to mean.

But anyway, I didn't mean to offend if I did, I simply offer my own (hopefully constructive) opinion in at least some level of detail, because I feel that if you put effort into making music, you deserve some effort in the response.
I mean you're clearly talented, I just mentioned within the post that your music is not for me.
This isn't about me hating on your music, it's just a style that I'm not into. You could argue that if I'm not into it, why did I listen/comment, well, I don't like ignoring people in this thread, or at least those who are established members.
I'm more into folk, jazz, funk, pop, etc. than the stuff you've made.
Or at least in that first one, because that second one was a lot more interesting and enjoyable.
I'm still not a fan of your vocals, but once again, that's just me.
But hey, you've clearly already made up your mind about me because I wasn't a fan of your work and because I criticise others here.
I want to stress to you, and others here, my criticisms are not because I want to make you feel bad or to tear you down. It's just what I hear, and I can't make it sound positive if it isn't.
When I do get around to creating my own work I completely expect and welcome the same level of critical analysis that I dish out.
Criticism only allows you to learn, grow and understand how others perceive your work.
You can take it and learn how to grow, or you can disagree, and think about why you disagree, which will make the message and style of your music stronger, and you will grow as an artist from there as well.

and don't worry about me being curmudgeonly when I'm old, I'm already there, buddy.

It's all good, man. I wasn't necessarily offended. I think I might just be into a bit more genres than you are, and can analyze with a bit more context. That has come with age. I'm just busting you a little with my remarks. We don't know each other and it may come off the wrong way, but this forum has always been good spirited and I didn't mean it be taken as that I was offended or being defensive. I'm happy in my musical skin as I can tell you are. I like the criticism good and bad. It doesn't change much with me as I always put my all in my work and songwriting, be it lo-fi, hi-fi, pop, avant-guard, or just as a wordsmith. So the criticism, good or bad is more for my amusement. Sometimes I take things to heart, but not so much in this case. I can tell it's just not your thing. I've been writing and producing music for over 20 years and I have broadened my appreciation for most all genres with age. I was much more particular when I was younger. I think that's probably a common occurrence. Except for maybe those that are perpetually stuck in a genre for life. Like that dude who walks down the street with long hair, a Winger shirt and cutoff jeans... Clearly 1988 was a good year for him. But hey, I bet he secretly listens to Celine Dion when no one is around. So I try not to judge.

[Mexicola]

[ Except for maybe those that are perpetually stuck in a genre for life. Like that dude who walks down the street with long hair, a Winger shirt and cutoff jeans... Clearly 1988 was a good year for him. But hey, I bet he secretly listens to Celine Dion when no one is around. So I try not to judge.

Quality line!!

[Lens Larque]

people should not be judged in this way

[Elexen]

people should not be judged in this way

Maybe not. But it seems to be an integral part of the human experience to judge others in this primitive era of our evolution and we should roll with the punches on our way to enlightenment. Sometimes we just get carried away. Perhaps that's how our insecurities will eventually secure themselves to real peace. Through our mistakes and misguided judgments. We learn.

[The Telepathic Kid]

It's all good, man. I wasn't necessarily offended. I think I might just be into a bit more genres than you are, and can analyze with a bit more context. That has come with age. I'm just busting you a little with my remarks. We don't know each other and it may come off the wrong way, but this forum has always been good spirited and I didn't mean it be taken as that I was offended or being defensive. I'm happy in my musical skin as I can tell you are. I like the criticism good and bad. It doesn't change much with me as I always put my all in my work and songwriting, be it lo-fi, hi-fi, pop, avant-guard, or just as a wordsmith. So the criticism, good or bad is more for my amusement. Sometimes I take things to heart, but not so much in this case. I can tell it's just not your thing. I've been writing and producing music for over 20 years and I have broadened my appreciation for most all genres with age. I was much more particular when I was younger. I think that's probably a common occurrence. Except for maybe those that are perpetually stuck in a genre for life. Like that dude who walks down the street with long hair, a Winger shirt and cutoff jeans... Clearly 1988 was a good year for him. But hey, I bet he secretly listens to Celine Dion when no one is around. So I try not to judge.

I don't know if I subscribe to the idea of "I'm older therefore know more", at least when it comes to music anyway.
It makes you seem like the elitist.
I will agree that when it comes to age, you are more knowledgeable, because of more experiences, etc.
But I feel that music is a subjective medium which can be interpreted by the listener. Not based on how they've lived their life, how long their life has been, or the experiences they've had.
I mean my favourite all time record, Joni Mitchell's Hejira, has been called a grown woman record.
I'm a 22 year old male who was born 16 years after the record was released.

I'm always open to listening to new things though, I would never write of a genre as not for me, just the music. I would say I have some what of a bias against some genres, but would not write any off completely.
I mean, this is a BoC fan forum, I came here as a fan of electronic and IDM. I'm now more of a fan of folk, funk and old pop music. I didn't evolve or grow, I just changed.
(I wouldn't say these are the only genres I listen to, but if someone was to ask me what music I like, I often give those as answer, either that or "a bit of everything" like the lame-o's do,)

also I love that I'm having an actual conversation on this board, this is so good.

[Elexen]

"The Telepathic Kid wrote:

I don't know if I subscribe to the idea of "I'm older therefore know more", at least when it comes to music anyway.
It makes you seem like the elitist.
I will agree that when it comes to age, you are more knowledgeable, because of more experiences, etc.
But I feel that music is a subjective medium which can be interpreted by the listener. Not based on how they've lived their life, how long their life has been, or the experiences they've had.
I mean my favourite all time record, Joni Mitchell's Hejira, has been called a grown woman record.
I'm a 22 year old male who was born 16 years after the record was released.

I'm always open to listening to new things though, I would never write of a genre as not for me, just the music. I would say I have some what of a bias against some genres, but would not write any off completely.
I mean, this is a BoC fan forum, I came here as a fan of electronic and IDM. I'm now more of a fan of folk, funk and old pop music. I didn't evolve or grow, I just changed.
(I wouldn't say these are the only genres I listen to, but if someone was to ask me what music I like, I often give those as answer, either that or "a bit of everything" like the lame-o's do,)

also I love that I'm having an actual conversation on this board, this is so good.

Well, I'm the first person to say that age doesn't matter, so I agree with your first statement. I suppose I am coming off as some sort of elite shithead or the hipster that I had called you previously. But I just meant that our tastes change/evolve as we grow and we either start writing stuff off quicker or start to appreciate new or different styles for what they are a little easier, even if we don't necessarily dig them at first. I understand if you don't like my music for whatever reason. That's totally cool. For me... I was raised in a musical family. My father is a well known blues and rock guitarist in our area who has been playing since the early 60's and I was born with a strong foundation in those genres. I was a little kid in the 80's and the new wave of electronic and synth pop hit me subconsciously. Then when I was getting into my teens I turned to what is now called old school hip hop (the golden era) and then when Nirvana hit in the nineties I was smitten with that. Since then I have explored almost everything with open ears. That being a very quick history of my early upbringing in music. So I'm all over the place with my influences.
For me, the history and life of the artist actually plays into how I get into things I haven't given a chance before, sometimes. For example.... Even though old school country music was played a bit when I was younger, I wasn't into it at all. Then a few years ago I learned of the life of Hank Williams, Sr. The hard life he lived and how he really changed and influenced music and his arduous journey to do so; all while writing all of his own songs and doing it before his demise at age 29.... really gave me a kick. It opened me up to the music he made and I then listened to it with a whole new perspective. Now I love it and I put him in my top 10 songwriters of all time. So in essence, I suppose that is where I was going with my statements. And with my own music, I like to write very personally, to put my experiences and heart into my words and melodies which I hope connects. I myself, have lived a somewhat hard life and that's why most of lyrics are a bit sad, hardknoced or even twisted which come off as "emo" sometimes... a term that didn't really exist when I started and now makes it sound as if I'm trying to be trendy or fit in. I assure you I'm not. Aside from my concept albums that may not so much reflect my actual pure mindset... most of my other songs do and the words I speak are real and from the heart, which I believe separates a genuine artist from a poser. That's all I really strive for. A visceral and genuine experience in music and words. I have fans that connect and fans that don't, of course. But the ones that connect, really do, and become lifers. That is how I am with other musicians or artists and it makes me happy when someone really connects with my music on that level. It makes me feel like I've done my job. That someone can listen, connect and my shit helps them get through their shit. It's a good feeling.
On a side note, BoC has really done that for me. Their music has really helped center me and gotten me through some of my toughest times. I'm not a religious person, but I am very spiritual and as everyone on this forum knows, BoC helps one connect with natural life itself which is one of the greatest gifts this universe has to offer in my opinion.

And yes, real conversation is good.

To keep in line with this thread.... I had worked on an album a while back with a producer. Someone else producing my songs (I usually produce my own). It was originally slated to be a major release on Geffen Records But the project was shelved in the mid 2000's with the industry merge. It's been finished for sometime now and we decided recently to look for a distributor and to get vinyl printed up, so at least, it wasn't done in vain. It may not be your thing as we've discussed... It ranges from mellow to somewhat gritty. But take a listen to a track or 2 if you don't mind.

Day One: https://soundcloud.com/lxnnnie/day-one

Lucky Stars: https://soundcloud.com/lxnnnie/lucky-stars

Rather Forlorn https://soundcloud.com/lxnnnie/rather-forlorn

In Your Dreams https://soundcloud.com/lxnnnie/in-your-dreams

[Betterthanyourkids]

https://timelander.bandcamp.com/releases

Just released a instrumental hip-hop album. My first real attempt at this genre and I'd love some feedback. Czech it out!

[The Telepathic Kid]

why didn't you show this stuff before, Elexen.
This is the best stuff you've shown so far. Your voice seems to work best over bluesy country type stuff.
Lucky Stars was a lot of fun, and Rather Forlorn was a real nice, the chorus really worked, your vocal delivery was given with a substantial amount of passion and emotion, and made the track keep from being too cheesy, which it could have easily slipped into.
In Your Dreams started with a pretty well worn chord structure, and it morphs into a pretty nice pop rock song. Doesn't satisfy me like Rather Forlorn did.
Day One really has a big Beck feel to it, maybe a little darker than what Beck usually does. Is he an influence of yours? because I hear him on this track and Rather Forlorn as well, the hip hop beats v acoustic guitars (but not in a lame way like Kid Rock) with the gruff lower register vocals.
Not a sound I'd go out of my way to find, but if any of these tracks came on the radio, I wouldn't change the station at all.

Betterthanyokids - This stuff is pretty nice, I prefer this kind of stuff when looking for hip hop instrumentals, so anything like this will ultimately make my ears prick up and pay attention.
I have an issue with the repetition, but I have that with just about all hip hop instrumentals, and I understand it's for rappers to go over, just sayin'. Fave track is probably Afrpdeschiac or Aambo (I particularly love that looped vocal chorus/horn sample which comes in half way through).

and here's something for you all to tear apart;
A collaboration between me and a singer/songwriter, he mostly wrote the song, but he's changed it a lot to suit my percussion and sounds, so in a way I guess you could say I co wrote it (and he says I should have that credit)
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/120 ... 20Need.wav

[Elexen]

TTK: Well thank you sir. And yes, Beck is a great influence. When he first hit the scene I really connected with him. Because of my background in blues and the fact that I was into hip hop, I was actually tinkering around with mixing up those genre and others at the time... and then Beck came out and I was like YES. And yeah, later on when Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit came out I was very disappointed. Although there are bands that mixed rap and metal very well, I wasn't impressed with how the mainstream captured it at the time.
As far as the song you linked: The beat is cool but still sounds a bit detached from the guitar and the vocals. Not as coherent as it could be for the song. Although it seems to come together more towards the end when more instruments filter in. I do like when things are off kilter though... may grow on me after a few listens. But overall I'm not really into this guy's voice and lyrics. A bit cheesy for me. Not to say I don't like some cheesy stuff, or even write it myself sometimes. It's good though. I'd like to hear more collaborations with you two. I think something really good could come from it.

And Betterthanyokids: I really dig most of the beats. I agree with TTK about my faves but I would throw L Beet in there too. And I like the T Closer...I remember that at the end of some shows on Saturday Morning Cartoons back when I was a kid. As far as the repetitiveness. I am totally down with that. I'm from the old school and thats how it goes. Just let that shit ride. Some people seem to say that about a few of my Indifferent Spaces beats as well, but it's a hip hop thing that some just don't understand or like. Repetitive music actually freaks my mother out. Puts her in a bad trip. And then some people get bored. I blame that on the add generation. Just kidding, kind of. But if it's a good groove or sample.... then I feel you should let it ride for a bit. And you have some good grooves here.

[Betterthanyourkids]

@TTK and Elexen
Thanks a lot! It's really nice to get such positive feedback on a new foray into a musical project. it's also nice to see some appreciation for the power of repition in music. It's kinda endangered in modern music, and is also (as we are on Twoism after all), something that BoC utilizes really well. And elexen, T Closr is actually modeled closely after a popular cartoon studio's callsign from the 60's. kinda a homage to the times I spent watching reeeally old reruns while growing up.
Again, thanks for the feedback, guess that means I should go make some more!

[The Telepathic Kid]

Elexen - I kinda agree with the cheesiness in the lyrics/vocals comment, but I can't tell that to the guy, this music is his baby and I'm more of a collaborator than an actual part of this project.

Betterhideyokids - Repetition is a touchy thing for me, I'm not huge for it in pop music, but slower more hypnotic types of music like ambient, post rock, micro/minimal house ... maybe shoegaze, I can understand it.
It's that fine line of intentional repetition which works, and the impression that the artist has run out of ideas.

[Elexen]

TTK: I figured you would have agreed on the cheesy part. And I know how that is. I have collaborated with artists that turned out a bit underwhelming for me. But sometimes it's worth it for the sake of experimentation.

And Repetition is a touchy thing. But sometimes less is more with hip hop a lot of the time... A solid beat with the loops and samples changing up once in a while with a good rapper over it should keep it interesting. Or you can just have one continuous loop with no breaks or hooks and have straight bars over it from beginning till the end. I like both. Here is a beat I made in the fashion of old school hiphop with all Boards of Canada samples (Some of which I warped, re pitched or reversed) over a solid beat. It changes and goes back and forth between samples and If there was a good rapper over it... I think it would maintain solidity and work well. Although I like it as an instrumental just as well. What do you think about this ?

Betterthanyokids, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this beat as well if you have time to listen

https://soundcloud.com/indifferentspaces/indifferent-spaces

[Betterthanyourkids]

Elexen
I LOVE this beat. In fact, if the BoC samplage was cut down a lil bit (so it's a feature, not a purpose of the beat if that makes sense), and fill with your own instrumentation you could and should release this officially. You really show mastery of sampling here.
For personal opinion, I don't really like the Sherbert Head sample that enters around :30. There's too much white noise that doesn't fit the crispness of the other samples. The Melissa Juice sample works perfectly, as is the sparkling synth sample you put over it, though I can't recognize which BoC track that's from. And the way you manipulated the Kaini Industries is just fantastic! The I'd say clear some space in the headroom for cleanliness/vocal opprotunity, and you got a real gud track going here. Probably the best BoC inspired tune I've heard!

[Cupz]

if the BoC samplage was cut down a lil bit (so it's a feature, not a purpose of the beat if that makes sense), and fill with your own instrumentation you could and should release this officially.

Not really, I hope! I like it a lot, and I agree that Indifferent spaces sure knows pwns tah 1337 mixin skillzzz, but this is like 99% boc. I don't see this being released officially unless he changes 99% of it. I'm just glad he doesn't have to, his own work is awesome enough!

[747Music]

Betterthanyourkids, I had a listen to your new album. Really nice work! Aambo is my fav of the bunch. Dat bassline!!

[polar sky]

Just played a first show with my new project Atlanta Mantis.

phpBB [media]

Here's our gear:



Moog Sub Phatty
DSI Mono Evolver
DSI Mopho (with keyboard)
Korg M2000BR
Korg Volcas (Beats, Bass and Keys)
Alesis HR-16 Circuit Bent Drum Machine
GE M5194A Cassette Recorder with real time manipulation

[Elexen]

Betterthanyourkids and Cupz: Thank you kindly, sirs! I appreciate it a lot I myself dig the Sherbert Head part... I know what you mean, but I like the fact that it gets noisy for a bit. Just my personal tastes. And Cupz is right, this is 99% BoC, which is the point, to be a mashup/remix type thing. So If I changed it it would be 99% different So it couldn't be an official release. But it is getting some spins on a couple internet radio stations. I do think that a rapper with a cool voice and some ethereal third eye lyrics might sound good over it.... maybe some day. I really appreciate the love. Twas fun to make a tribute. Oh and that "sparkling synth that is layerd over Melissa Juice" is actually a selected sample of the intro to EYDIAB reversed and pitch/sped up.