Help with first dubstep attempt: plz be brutally honest

[MadOne]

Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/mad-aeon/the-storm/s-bUZ7F

Hi Guys,

I really like dubstep and wanted to give it a shot. first attempt.

This track feels like its incomplete for some reason. I definitely want to put a vocal on it that repeats the same phrase like "I cant stop"..(zomg brostep)..but even before that it feels incomplete.

It seems like i'm missing the swag and stutters that make dubstep dubstep? Should I add another bass so its not just one? Things don't feel right. It feels basic. Help guide me?

[vault]

Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/mad-aeon/the-storm/s-bUZ7F

Hi Guys,

I really like dubstep and wanted to give it a shot. first attempt.

This track feels like its incomplete for some reason. I definitely want to put a vocal on it that repeats the same phrase like "I cant stop"..(zomg brostep)..but even before that it feels incomplete.

It seems like i'm missing the swag and stutters that make dubstep dubstep? Should I add another bass so its not just one? Things don't feel right. It feels basic. Help guide me?

Well, it seems incomplete because you forgot of sweeps, risers, downsweepers, etc... These stuff really improve filling your whole spectrum, from mids to highs.

[wub]

Agree with the above.

Additionally, felt the drums were a bit on the weak side. The kick lacks punch to cut through the mix, could maybe do with being layered/EQ'd with another kick sample to give it a bit more power.

Likewise snare is a bit flat sounding, and could do with the same.

You'd also do well to creatively EQ the other elements in the tune to create some space for the drums to breathe on their own, as opposed to competing with the elements already in there.

[MadOne]

Thanks guys..does my bass sound okay? Should I add another?

This is my first real attempt at a "wub wuv" bass..if it's corny tell me..obviously i automate the rate..I don't hear too much more of that these days..is that too over done and mediocre now?

[Dustwyrm]

OP - What program are you using? I think you can do well to start using some more effects, you'll be surprised at how great it can change your sounds.

As far as a vocal, just get something and put a delay and reverb on it (if you like "i cant stop" from flux pavillion) that's all he did there

[MadOne]

I'm using reason. Yeah I should add effects, I have loads of them. Do you guys tune your effects?

Also I really need feedback on my bass. Is it too plain?

Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback guys, it really helps. I'm going to give this track a few more sessions after this thread dies and see what happens.

[D00FY]

Agreed with above regarding effects/Kick Drum. If your going for that I can't stop - Flux Pavillion sort of feel then i'd also recommend layering a crash or ride on your snare with a little bit of reverb to make it a bit more splashy.

As for bass nice and old school, bit of eqing IMO to find some sweet spots in the sound. Maybe fatten it up aswell? Add a voice or 2 to it. Maybe a bit of dimension expander to widen it, but that just what i'd do.

Think your best finding yourself a vocal sample then considering how strong your bass wants to be, as for all voices are very powerful parts of songs hope this helps pal!

[Debaser1]

for your first attempt this is really rather good! the whole mid range of the track gets lost i think, but this is purely down to what others have said about EQ'ing and the like.
There's loads of really useful youtube tutorials on EQing and stuff so I think you could really benefit from them!

Creatively it's brilliant though, everything's in the right place, ticking all the boxes, its just your mix that makes the track less impacting as it has the potential to be. But yeh, im surprised this is your first ever attempt cus its really quite good!

[outbound]

The biggest weakness for me is the actual song itself. I couldn't really latch on to the bassline and then when the other components are added on top they don't really feel like they fit together. I would play about with switching bits round, reprogramming certain bits until it starts to 'feel' a lil more together.