Thoughts on https://www.taxi.com/listings/S241209EC listing

[davidagates]

Hi guys,

So I'm very interested in this listing, it's a genre I love, though I found the listing itself quite confusing.

The examples given are quite Depeche Mode heavy, newer (relatively speaking) tracks, there's a comment stating they don't want them to sound as dated as the examples.

This has thrown me a bit, as I don't really a) think they sound that dated (the vocals are very 80s but that's the style) b) If they want it to sound different then the reference aren't very helpful.

What do you guys think?

Dave

[johnnyrowing]

I agree that synthesizing the references with this kind of narrative can be a bit confusing. It happens for me sometimes when all the references are 90's country but the narrative wants something more contemporary. I haven't got it figured out, yet.

I offer the following: Listen to the references or 1 reference and see if it inspires your writing. If it does, roll with whatever comes out. As you produce from that foundation, just make sure that the soundsets that you use are VERY modern. My first impression is that the percussion in all three references felt a bit dated.

Just a thought David.

I hope you'll give it a crack and then share whatever comes out.



Best wishes,
Johnny

[cosmicdolphin]

The examples given are quite Depeche Mode heavy, newer (relatively speaking) tracks, there's a comment stating they don't want them to sound as dated as the examples.

Big DM fan of 40yrs here, the number 2 band on my Spotifty Wrapped this year !

These are quite old songs now in the grand scheme of things. And only "Home" is a classic DM song, with the other two being solo spin off project songs and Loverman being a cover of a Nick Cave song.

Quite why they wouldn't use some of their more recent material if they wanted a modern sound I don't know. Martin Gore has described their music as " Pain and suffering in a variety of minor keys " which might help to guide you. He also had a religous upbringing so a lot of his songs have a hymn like quality which is evident in songs like "Home" and " If You Want My Love "

To get the signature DM sound in those particular songs you'll need to combine minor keys, a bit of sound design, some heavily processed live instruments ( Gore plays a Gretsch ) and drums that blend both electronic and organic sounds. Bass parts are usually programmed and there's often lots of little subtle ear candy synth stuff going on. Martin Gore writes his songs on guitar as well so that might lead you closer to the right path than writing on keys.

Good Luck !

Mark

[davidagates]

I agree that synthesizing the references with this kind of narrative can be a bit confusing. It happens for me sometimes when all the references are 90's country but the narrative wants something more contemporary. I haven't got it figured out, yet.

I offer the following: Listen to the references or 1 reference and see if it inspires your writing. If it does, roll with whatever comes out. As you produce from that foundation, just make sure that the soundsets that you use are VERY modern. My first impression is that the percussion in all three references felt a bit dated.

Just a thought David.

I hope you'll give it a crack and then share whatever comes out.



Best wishes,
Johnny

It's a thought, but a very good one. Thank you.

I've began using this very advise, we'll see how it pans out.

Dave

[davidagates]

The examples given are quite Depeche Mode heavy, newer (relatively speaking) tracks, there's a comment stating they don't want them to sound as dated as the examples.

Big DM fan of 40yrs here, the number 2 band on my Spotifty Wrapped this year !

These are quite old songs now in the grand scheme of things. And only "Home" is a classic DM song, with the other two being solo spin off project songs and Loverman being a cover of a Nick Cave song.

Quite why they wouldn't use some of their more recent material if they wanted a modern sound I don't know. Martin Gore has described their music as " Pain and suffering in a variety of minor keys " which might help to guide you. He also had a religous upbringing so a lot of his songs have a hymn like quality which is evident in songs like "Home" and " If You Want My Love "

To get the signature DM sound in those particular songs you'll need to combine minor keys, a bit of sound design, some heavily processed live instruments ( Gore plays a Gretsch ) and drums that blend both electronic and organic sounds. Bass parts are usually programmed and there's often lots of little subtle ear candy synth stuff going on. Martin Gore writes his songs on guitar as well so that might lead you closer to the right path than writing on keys.

Good Luck !

Mark

Hi mate,

Massive DM fan myself! Ironically I saw Dave Gahan on his solo tour for the track they've added, seen Depeche Mode a few times and they're probably the best live band I've ever seen, them or Suede.

I've listened to some more recent stuff for inspiration, (Spirit etc.) it's weird watching footage now Fletch has gone. What I've already written has guitars and minor keys, so fingers crossed I don't get a "It sounds modern but not modern or close enough to references" return once I'm done!

Cheers as ever,

Dave

[davidagates]

Anywho, this is what I've come up with so far. Not anywhere near finished yet, but I've been very much enjoying it. Had quite a few dark electro elements on my last album, so it's a genre I love.

https://s.disco.ac/fdyusoftyitc

[RealPickle]

I had the same thoughts as you--using all old references then saying they want a modern sound kind of threw me. That, combined with this definitely NOT being my wheelhouse, made me decide to skip this one. I like your track so far! To my ears it captures the vibe while still sounding modern.

[cosmicdolphin]

Anywho, this is what I've come up with so far. Not anywhere near finished yet, but I've been very much enjoying it. Had quite a few dark electro elements on my last album, so it's a genre I love.

https://s.disco.ac/fdyusoftyitc

Not getting much sense of a kick drum here ( mixcubes )

Piano sound is a bit trad for this , try distorting it and combining it with a synth or something

At 28s I've heard the motif enough and the needs to go do something else

[davidagates]

Hiya mate, been working on this since I last posted so it's already different. You're right about the drums, bit of a loop place holder until I make my own.

The piano point is interest, I'll have a riddle about and see what I can do. Thanks.

Dave

[davidagates]

Anywho, this is what I've come up with so far. Not anywhere near finished yet, but I've been very much enjoying it. Had quite a few dark electro elements on my last album, so it's a genre I love.

https://s.disco.ac/fdyusoftyitc

Not getting much sense of a kick drum here ( mixcubes )

Piano sound is a bit trad for this , try distorting it and combining it with a synth or something

At 28s I've heard the motif enough and the needs to go do something else

Well, as per you were absolutey right. I switched out the piano for an SKY Synth and it sounds much better, added some Gore-esque guitar work and it's defintitely getting there. Just going to add a chorus of sorts and then a reprise. Beefed up the drums considerably as well:

https://s.disco.ac/tucyfvbmroqb