Hey guys I'm New to the Music thing and ever since I found Caustic I fell in love with it I've seen most of the tutorials on YouTube. But for some reason I just don't know what to create If any of you guys got any Ideas that would help...Thanks, now I know that question is impossible to answer but is you have any advice I'd greatly appreciate it.
I'm a noob at this...
Well it depends on what type of music your into as that's a good place to start but also take a look at the show and tell forum here.
Maybe think of 1 thing you look for in a track and focus on that. I like bassy noises so I think that's quite obvious in my "work".
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZQbyz0GaXVr1_cN7OI1Dtg
https://soundcloud.com/jose-habanero
Also....soundcloud
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZQbyz0GaXVr1_cN7OI1Dtg
https://soundcloud.com/jose-habanero
Hi there and welcome to SCS... Yes check the Show&Tell forum, many posted tracks audio will have a Caustic SongFile attached for download. Anything like that will give you a peek at the wide variety of skills and talents here and you get a few free presets and setups too...
Thanks I've already looked at the show and tell forums and have even downloaded some tracks. But... I don't know how to describe it, I mean is it possible For Me to have Creators "block". (If you can even call it that) in the very beginning? Also stupid question but the synths might be giving me a problem, when I hit the record button right, then play a melody when I'm trying to come up with ideas then hit the play button it won't play it back thus having me drag out the notes manually. Am I missing something? Oh BTW I have the free version and am using it on a android. Does that make a difference at all with anything besides saving and exporting?
Trust me, with the thousands of samples and presets and recordings I've made (C3 Essentials, Builderz and PocketKit etc...) I have been stuck with "creator's block" alot over the past several months...
Yeah, being able to record via MIDI as a scratchpad session to get a quick idea out of your head is a very handy feature, but for many devices, the latency of communication can be a hindrance sometimes, although those issues hopefully will be rectified in the future...
What I tell most new members and Caustic users that come here saying much the same thing that you are saying right now is to give it three months; and you will be here posting up tracks or SoundCloud feeds of your Caustic grooves, and it will get better over time. Ask some of the other "seasoned" users here. I have seen them grow from complete nothing in any music theory knowledge, and a few months later are popping out some big beats and grooves; it truly amazes me how this app presents itself and UI in a unique and easy manner to help you learn and be creative, and have fun doing it all at the same time.
Here's something to play with for starters: http://www.singlecellsoftware.com/node/5956
scroll down the thread for my SongFile, that you are welcome to poke around with....
On the record button issue, make sure you hit the play button after the record. Otherwise you are stuck in one spot (no time movement).
Some other ideas to get you started:
Try recreating a song you like. That way you don't have to create a melody, chords, beat, etc. Just make use of someone else's pieces and parts. It will help you you see how they work, and find your own later.
You could also try jumping into a collab on here. Again, others do some of the work, you just have to add the bits that you can.
There are also videos on youtube for learning synthesis, music theory, etc.
I hope this helps. :)
Personally I'd start with presets, find a sound you like, lay out a pattern.
Add a bass line.
Add beats
Add chord progression.
Say, "Oooh, I've created a tune"
Now add a bit more to it.
And a bit more...
Then say "It's bollocks" and throw it away and start again.
Rinse and repeat until you're comfortable with the majority of Caustic. (only using presets).
Then... Start tweaking the presets, start playing with automation... and so on.
My latest track on show and tell
My Soundcloud page
Expose yourself to lots of different types of music and do at least a little research on music theory
Paint Huffing Pit Bull Puncher
Trust your ears. Hear the melody in your head then find the notes and build around them. When you have completed your track, test it on multiple speakers, like headphones, car stereo, monitors or regular home speaker system. Get a feel for how the music you like sounds through them to give you a better idea of how you want your mix to sound:)
Thanks Jason for the help, It's really nice to know that there are alot of people who are willing to help new people like me out. The names Dan by the way.
Hi Dan, you will find that many people here of various calibers of talent and skill are here to help out any time....