Appreciation and requests

[ChemicalBrother]

First off, Id like to say how impressed with some of the knowledge and advice going on here, I feel like Im learning loads and I am really a novice as far as recording goes, you guys seem to really know your stuff. Im recieving some really good advice on equipment for producing dance music at the moment, and now I could really use some skills/techniques advice. The programs I will be using as my basis look to be Cubase or Cakewalk and a midi keyboard plus a few other bits and pieces. Im really new to produce anything with samples etc, but have worked with cakewalk for producing classical music for some time now (Music A level oh joy......), but my real desire is to start with dance of any formats.

Are there any skills you would deem to be essential when starting out?

[Seanmorse79]

yup. Curiosity, Passion, and Patience.

Make sure you fully understand what BPM is

Get to know your software very very well (you might want to take a look at Acid instead of (or in addition to) Cakewalk for dance music).

Take the time to analyze some music that you like. Take it apart sonically, and see what makes it tick. Go "how do they get that sound", then try to re-create it yourself.

Screw around with stuff. Much knowlege is gained by accident (especially when you're first starting out).

Set realistic goals. Don't expect your first couple of projects to be perfect, and don't get frustrated when they're not. Everybody makes mistakes - the smart ones learn from them.

Have fun with it, and keep this BBS in mind when you get stuck.

Best O' Luck to ya!