Need help!

[crs7string]

Quote: I recently set off the "retro-meter" with a Rhodes track for an ambient listing, so that had to get changed. I wonder when the Rhodes sound will no longer be labeled as "dated" or "retro" and start being characterized as "classic" I just picked up Sergio Mendes latest disc. (He released a CD a couple of years ago re-doing his and other Brazilian composers music with hip hop and rap influences. It was produced by Will i am of the Black Eye Peas, a guy that knows how to put together a track.) The new disc is also produced by Will i am and Sergio is playing a Rhodes 73 on nearly every track. Earl Klugh's (he practically invented smooth jazz) latest disc- Rhodes all over it.Why are top producers of current music using dated sounds??? (On another note Steve Winwood is playing B3 on his latest disc. Why is he playing another dinosaur????)Just some thoughts on the tiring subject of "your sounds are dated"Chuck

[bmete]

Amen.. Chuck...... Love the Rhodes sound!!!Bob

[vicky]

Quote:..and the music got 5/10 because he thought it was a bit dated. hopefully the reviewer will catch up...everyone knows the Rhodes sound is hip again, just don't play the same stuff that reminds of the past... vtbpoh yeah...but not too much in some electronica

[heinsite]

hey orst--like this allot, i'd right off the top cut the intro in 1/2 and get right to it, then pump up the "take the time" with some effects, nothing crazy, just enough to make it more "hooky" (i think that's what it says, don't have the lyric...). again, i like it, my kids would too (teens, i'm old as crap...)the best,warren

[orest]

Well, Now I have finally found the songs with Justin Timberlake using the Rhodes piano: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ujk_mDY ... 7p4mioawIA

[mer]

Hi Orest, thanks for finding these! So I hear that the rhodes sound is used staccato - no sustained notes at all, just chordal single notes struck and released kind of like a fingerpicking guitar. That is interesting. Not much echo/reverb/delay either, at least to my ears. I'll leave it to those with more in the know.Still really like your song, but what part is the Rhodes playing now? Have you changed it up?--Mer

[orest]

Well, I removed the Rhodes sound completely.

[jh]

Hi, Quote:the music got 5/10 because he thought it was a bit dated(the music = melody and chords)I took a listen and the chord progression and melody seemed a bit dated.BUT, if you keep working on the arrangement and change the chord progression,it could change the whole feel of the song. The drum patterns are also extremelyimportant if you´re going for the Timberlake (Timbaland) sound. You can simply copythe patterns and then come up with a synth riff etc. It could make a huge difference.Just my 2 cents.HTH- JH

[orest]

Don't know if I am aiming for that sound in particular. If you listen to Usher for example, he is using strings in the background and a laid back beat, not as pumping as Timberlake. My song is a ballad, and I don't want to beat it up to much. I am working on another song that is more up tempo. Thank you all again for your thoughts on this one! I will see what will happen to it eventually!

[milfus]

I think its more the attitude of the song than the particular elements, like a little more edge, if you wanna edge up the rhodes, you might think about some light distortion, or possibly add some fast note elements to kind of counter point the laid back rodes, just throw some groove in there.I think thats about it, its really well done, just needs more rhythm, if you can hit the groove to add that edge, you are there, just kinda picture different accent peices in your head, its there.