Seems like artists in DnB are more reliant on DJ play, their own DJ gigs and getting on big YT channels like UKF
Yeah I think that's exactly it. I have reached out to a few dnb djs over the years and the smaller stations are pretty chilled out and flexible with their approach. I think you have to have a certain sound to get featured on the bigger YT channels and UKF though. I have tried to get my liquid tunes on Mr Suicide Sheep before but to no avail.
I've finally overcome the issues I was having with engineering and so I'll be putting a few tracks up online soon, so I get to go through all this myself
Ah yeah I remember you were focusing on your productions a bit more, looking forward to hearing them once you upload them. I guess on Soundcloud haha!
Did you ever reach out to labels to work with them?
There is one label I'm going to reach out to but I will need to catch up with my former DJ partner on Platform Project as it's been over a year since I last did a show and he's moved on to a bigger online station so could be a good avenue to do a guest mix for. Cubapl reached out to me as well for a mix on here so will blow the dust off thr decks. @dnbpromo has also set up his own network of dnb DJS last year.
Vibes bro thanks for the mention been a way for a lil bit but hoping to get back on this more often plz feel free to use the Drum n Bass Community for all things dnb related its still bit quiet but a nice place to hang out for some vibes ;)
Yeah, having the right sound is key.. though the more I improve my engineering and production, the more I realise that quite big parts of it are actually engineering based rather than art based. So by combining specific engineering techniques with the right aesthetic, you can still be creative in your own way but also fit in with the other tracks the DJs are playing. I can't really speak too much atm though as I haven't even tried to make this work in the real world yet. lol
Having listened/watched some of the newer big names in DnB, it seems like they often don't really know as much as a lot of people who have been around a lot longer and who haven't had success.. They just approach things differently and really pay attention to dancefloor mechanics, looking to match their music to the audience.
I've got 3/4 tracks that I've started in the last couple of months that are decent sounding and that I can finish.. they are all different vibes and sounds.. Going to put a fair bit of time into them until they're done instead of creating any more unfinished ones. Every time I make one it's an improvement, so I just keep going without finishing anything - but I'm at the point where the quality is high enough to make it worthwhile finishing them. :)
I've made contact with some smaller labels recently, with decent quality tracks - but not so well known yet. I'll let you know if I meet anyone that might want to promote your sound. Can you point me to the best, recent examples of your tracks in case I can pass them on?
Yes I think you're right as I've noticed that even with Spotify, the algo has found tracks that are all engineered the same way with sound production, even though they do have different vibes about them.
I guess I'll just need to watch a load of tutorials to get my production to that level if it's something I want to pursue but I'm happy enough with the tunes I have made. They do sound different to others and stand out a bit more when I've done DJ mixes in the past, which is cool and makes it unique.
That's awesome man! I know how you feel there and I always think it's better to finish off projects as it's always good practice for the next tune. With each tune, you progress your own skills. Probably why I've gone back to a lot of older tunes that were never finished and give them a 2022 lick of paint!
Thanks for that - are those drum & bass labels? I've got contacts with labels like Soul Deep and still friends with the Platform Project.
If you're on Twitter, I can send you a DM of a secret Soundcloud playlist of my latest material that I intend on releasing soon - Space Adventure EP :)
I've spent so much time making music and there's so much fun to be had getting into the social side of things, it doesn't make sense for me to not aim to merge them and actually perform out or at least get my tracks played out. There's still space for finding our own sound while fitting in enough to get played out. Once you get a name then you get to DJ and you call the shots.. Then you can play your extended Banjo Solos if you want and no-one can stop you! haha.
Yes, I'm only intending to deal with DnB labels.
thanks!Sure, you can reach me at https://twitter.com/ura_soul
I've had some amazing times meeting with fellow dnb heads, conversations can last for hours. Last time I had a decent night out at Liquicity, spending time with some DJs and music producers would have been in 2017! Need to sort that, probably means spending less time on Hive!
Lol! Now you've given me ideas to remix Swamp Thing 😁
I'll send you a message on Twitter!