StaticNomad

Regreetings, Monsieur le conducteur des valves.

Well done for not forgetting to return. It only took a couple of weeks – a short forever.

Yeah, nice, ominous intro and then it gets a bit brighter and warmer. I’d rather it were darker but I really struggled in general with that intro after the first 20 or so seconds.

“Nice subdued percussion” is just a basic, minimal Metal Machine kit groove, plus some occasional nice ride fills and stuff before it goes heavier.

“2:48 Is that a guitar with some pitch bending effects?”

It’s a VST guitar part that is being driven by an arpeggiator. I do some pitch bending and automate the amount of distortion, plus a couple of other effects.

“This is a cool little, almost minimal section. The distorted, sustained guitar in the background is a good addition.”

Yeah, the track comes down into a chillout version of what has just been going on. So, I take most of the distortion off the VST guitar plus add some new cello parts.

“5:08 Those low tones are looowww.”

As already stated, I only have one bass instrument in the whole track – a sample-based string sound. Probably a double bass. I have a bunch of effects on it and vary them to give different sections different moods. It’s always got delay on it but I add a filter to give it more of a subdued sound during some chillout sections. And boost the low end when necessary. I don’t think there’s a phaser though it’s possible.

“6:28- complete drop off of the percussion. Good job.”

Indeed. I’m too often guilty of not having any drum breaks in my tracks, as has been pointed out by a few people over the years. I’m a bit drum and groove obsessed so don’t always find these drumless sections easy but they do help break the track up a bit.

“7:32- picking up the pace just a touch with those drums.”

Yes, double time drums begin. The track is 120BPM but the drums play at half tempo until that point. Then I try to turn the track into something like dance music.

“9:09- I would have liked to hear the drums pick even more.”

I’m adding in quite a few metal fills, plus a dance music drum loop. I think perhaps you want them heavier or something. I initially wanted this end section to be heavier but I’ve gone for more restrained and smooth rather than badass.

“as far as being a dark, or "doom" track as a whole, not entirely.”

Agreed. Dark and evil doesn’t come easily to me. I must not have your blackened soul or something. If you’d made this, there would be a much more evil vibe but I struggle with that, generally tending towards more beauty and smooth grooving. My attempts at dark and evil often sound discordant whereas more regular sounding notes seem to make more sense and are more pleasing so I just go with that.

Thanks for the thoughts. I still have huge musical frustrations and limitations and am making stuff much slower these days.

Static SlowMad

Thanks.

Yes, it is a bit dark. But only a bit.

Word up, steel hauling valvedriver. Great to hear you thought it was really good.

You finish up your metalwork and let me know your magical thoughts. Dig in. Dig deep.

Later, crater excavator.

This certainly didn’t feel flawless when making it as I had to spend so long listening over and over again, hoping for new ideas and riffs. It seemed like it would never be finished so I was happy to finally do so. It’s the opposite of a properly composed and live played piece. I just work on small sections at a time and then mix and automate as I go, hoping for new ideas to pop up as I listen back. Just as well some eventually came.

I doubt I’ll ever make a flawless track but I’m happy for anyone else to feel so. And say so.

Thanks for the words.

Hello, GoldWoman.

It is indeed rather long though only a bit dark. Nothing too aggressive or discordant. More beauty than I was going for but that’s OK.

Poor old NeoMorphinBro, desperately looking for a new bit of Nomad and continually being frustrated. Until, one day in March 2018, The God Unknown heard about his situation and delivered Neo a new Nomad track. It’s not the real Nomad but a track this mysterious God cooked up in half an hour to satisfy the Nomad’s biggest fan.

What’s pulling a Clapton? Is that taking a break from music for a few years to be a heroin addict? No, I didn’t do that – I’ve just mostly run out of creativity and riffs and stuff. Which, as a musician, can be a bit of a problem.

“not sure if I would label it Doom”

I agree. I tried and failed to make doom cello. I’d be happy if I‘d managed to add some short evil sections, or even just fills, here and there. Something a lot darker and perhaps more discordant adn atonal than what I have here. But I failed as I sort of don’t know how and am generally constricted by my desire to seek out beauty and melody. You probably could have added some tasty, evil bits of guitar. And/or a proper solo.

“To me its more mystical, or strangely unnerving. And I think that's a better or more interesting quality actually.”

I don’t know if it’s better. Mystical isn’t too difficult for me but dark and evil without being offputting is more difficult for me to achieve so would be more pleasing to accomplish.

“I especially like the kit you've chosen.”

That’s John Tempesta’s Superior Drummer kit called Metal Machine. You must know him – excellent drummer from White Zombie. I’ve used it in loads of tracks.

“I cant believe how f'n cool this vst guitar track is!”

Don’t believe it as I only think it’s decent. But I’m a bit jaded after listening to it thousands of times and struggling to automate it to get it to move vaguely how I wanted.

“Its like some crazy whammy bar distortion delayed glitch thing.”

I guess that was me automating the pitch, plus something else. It’s a VST guitar being driven by an arpeggiator in Reason.

“Cello is totally amazing”

It’s pretty good but you may have been confused by what is and isn’t cello. Some strings are programmed, for instance the only bass sound used here, which plays throughout. There are various periods with no cello at all.

“I hope you don't get in the habit of the disappearing acts”

I am firmly in the habit, so to speak. Just because it’s taking longer to make a track these days due to my lack of ideas. My output has slowed down so much, which is somewhat distressing to me but I’m trying not to let it get me down.

“its too damn short”

I don’t agree though I could easily have made it longer.

Thanks for the kind words, high praise and interesting reflections.

Disappearing Nomad

Godly greetings, Cru Diddley.

A very rare favourite from you. Praise indeed.

“sadness sorrow and melancholy”

Perhaps those but I heard it as more mystical power when making the track. I was probably fairly emotionless when making it so it didn’t feel like “Raw Unfettered sound and emotion” when playing or programming the track. I was just working with a slow tempo and emotive string and pad sounds. I was trying to make slow doom music but the mystical beauty took over, which wasn’t my intention. I tried to make it heavier but failed.

“At 3:55 you sound as if you are just toying with us sonically.”

Not sure what you mean. That’s the chillout faux g section where I keep that arpeggiated guitar VST from the previous heavy section going but with much lighter distortion.

“so much new in this dark deviant sound you have created”

The main new element is that delayed, droning, buzzy string bass sound that plays almost throughout.

“9:15 you are touching upon dark sounds.”

Yes, now we’re properly into the final, dance music end section and things are more uptempo and fun. Not mystical and brooding.

“9;40 sounds a stringed instrument used as a percussion sound”

That’s one of two music samples used here. Just one short riff from some clangy sort of stringed instrument (not sure what) that I find rather funky the way I’ve used it. Very percussive.

“Some nice double bass drums used tastefully throughout”

Well I am using a metal drum kit so I can’t help doing some double bass drumming, at various points. It’s good fun!

Thanks for the thoughts and I’m happy to give you a “nice re-entry back into the fragmented world of looperman.”

Godly Nomad

Hello.

It’s a shame I can’t read your extensive reply but not to worry. It’s best to type your replies in a separate document and then copy and paste to Looperman.

I’m glad to hear I took you on an amazing trip to a whole different dimension. That’s my aim. I’m really not much of a composer. I just loop riffs and parts up and then jam over the top and extensively edit and see what comes out. I’m not really sure that’s composition in the proper sense. I only have a vague idea where I’m going when I start a track and fully expect interesting and unexpected things to happen along the way as I try out all sorts of sounds and moods.

Maybe I’ll try adding a bit of reverb to the drums though I quite like how clear and present they are. Not dry, as that wouldn’t suit the spacey vibe, but not overly booming and reverb heavy.

“I am curious for what you have used to make this composition. Expecially as for these reversed sounds.”

Since 2001, I’ve used Reason and Cubase in conjunction ie each track is made up of a Reason and Cubase file that run as one. Synths are mostly from Reason and audio recordings are all in Cubase though my drum VSTs (Superior Drummer) also run in Cubase. The only recorded audio here is electric cello. Everything else is programmed synths and drums, plus a couple of samples.

The reversed sounds (they’re not actually that obvious to me) are simply a reverse reverb setting on the reverb units on a few synths in Reason. No reversed cello parts though I do sometimes do that.

The only bass sound in this is a sample-based orchestral string sound that I really like. It’s quite noisy, which is effective a lot of the time. When I don’t want it to be so noisy, I just add a filter that takes the edge off it. Plus EQing the top end.

Any other setup questions, just ask and I will tell.

I’m now working on another track based on leftover parts from this one though it will probably take a while to finish. I’m aiming for it to be just chilled out and beautiful rather than dark, ominous and sometimes heavy.

Thanks for the appreciation.

Hello.

My apologies for the late reply.

Yes, there certainly is a lot of stuff going on here though I'm sure I have more simultaneous stuff in some of my other tracks. I'm not sure I really do that much EQing. There are different ways to shape the sounds, such as filtering on synths as well as adjusting the velocities of the individual drum hits.

"everything is so seamless when it comes to transitions"

Thanks. I don't always get it right and I think there are a couple of transitions that could be a bit better in this one.

There are lots of drums in here. I'm using probably at least 10-15 separate drum loops plus a few hypersampled acoustic drum kits made by Toontrack. They are a mixture of Superior and EZ Drummer kits, which are very good and not too expensive.

"did you record them in a studio"

I didn't record the Toontrack kits in a studio but someone else did. Have a look at some of the short videos on the Toontrack site and you'll see how they make their drum sample packs. They're real kits, recorded in real studios and then the end user gets to choose how to mix and trigger/program those sounds.

Thanks for the feedback.

Tryppy greetings.

Have you really been anxiously waiting for a new track from me? Walking around during the day thinking: "Damn, I really need me some new Nomad"?

Anyway, good to hear there are "a host of far out sounds that I havent heard from you before" because I try to introduce new sounds into every track I make and I think I'm mostly successful.

"the section around 6:30 where the synth begins the distorted swells"

That's my lead dubstep synth. I downloaded a load of free dubstep patches for Reason (my main synth) and that sound seemed pretty cool. Quite a few dubstep sounds annoy me though perhaps it's more to do with the way they're used and abused.

I'm just automating a few settings on that synth so that's probably why it sounds like it's a wah or expression pedal in use. Pretty standard dubstep stuff.

"7:25 where you reprise the same sound and really go nuts with it."

Yeah, that's pretty aggressive. I will give your extreme panning idea a go as I need to go back sometime and improve this track. The main task is to come up with an intro.

No, there won't be a Christmas cello track from me but I can offer the following one from much earlier this year that I think you missed. It's got some really cool cello in it plus trip hop and dubstep and so on. Trypt actually came out of it so they're both at the same tempo.

This Time All The Time

https://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/183076

Enjoy...

Hi, Mr Bleep.

Yes, thee's a touch of Morphine in the first minute.

Thanks for listening.

Great to hear you really liked this one.

I'm still not hearing the jazz in this. It's not swinging and there are no jazz-related instruments. Perhaps it's just that initial cello bassline that is reminiscent of jazzy double bass. There definitely is rock coming from the drums. And perhaps some of the distorted cello parts.

"I usually gravitate to songs that you can't really pin down, and this is one of them."

I'm kind of the same. Thanks.

"tons of interesting sounds"

That's what I go for in most of my tracks. I just have to be acareful not to add too many. Adding lots means the mix is harder but that's part of the fun - trying to get all this disparate stuff to sit nicely together.

"Absolutely love the break at 7:24"

Yeah, that's my dubstep madness. The track has a limiter applied to the output mixer al the time except for a few sections. When taken off, things get more aggressive. So it's off for this section.

"Like you I also feel like there could be more to the intro"

Yes and I must go back and try to come up with one. I was lazy and never really seriously attempted anything. I had some ideas along the lines of yours. I do need something that is a preview of the crazy stuff that follows. Maybe a massive, heavily effected drum fill or something that fades out, with its delay lines trailing. And then the cello bass and hip hop drums start. I just need to experiment with that idea and see what emerges.

Thanks again for the high praise.

Hello, Mr Sman.

Great to hear you loved it so much. I can't say this is the best track I've ever made but I have made something like 20 albums in the last 17 years so it's tough to pick a favourite, though I do kind of have one (and it's still on this site).

Yes, I feel the track keeps on getting better and second half is perhaps better than the first. Interesting point about it continually almost collapsing. I guess that's when it comes down from going heavy and crazy and kind of resets itself into something a bit different.

I never thought of it being like jazz while making it. Perhaps that initial cello bassline. There's definitely rock in here from the drums and maybe also some distorted cello parts.

I like the madness here. I tried to keep pushing and making certain bits more extreme and interesting. It's not perfect so I will return in order to come up with a proper intro and perhaps tidy up some other areas.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Greetings, Mr Bleep.

Thanks for listening and commenting.

"incoherence and coherence get tangled marvelously"

Haha - that's a nice phrase and idea. Yes, I like to do that whenever possible. I'm always looking for unusual tones and sounds.And I do like to introduce some madness into what I do. You have to find a way to keep things interesting.

I think the cello bassline right at the start probably reminded you of Morphine and Mark Sandman's 2-string bass. Morphine are one of my favourite ever bands so I know their tones very well.

The first 40 seconds of the track below by me sound a lot like Morphine (but not the rest of the track) as there's real saxophone. And cello. I hope you like it.

Everything Where It Should Be

https://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/177063

Thanks again for the thoughts.

Thanks.

Great to hear you enjoyed it. I've only been working on this one track for the last few weeks and, now I've finished it, I'm not quite sure what else I have to work on. I guess I'll find something - probably some older problem tracks.

Yes, the mix is complicated but I keep mixing all the time as I continuously sculpt the sounds and automate the effects. I work entirely on headphones.

I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't manage to come up with a proper intro but maybe just that cello bassline and drums is good enough.

Thanks again.

Yo.

I wish the intro was a bit more epic. I tried adding more reverb to make things bigger and more powerful after 0:23, when bowed cello and second, heavily delayed piano enter. But it didn't work.

"smacling drums"

I love a bit of smacling. Very tasty as a dessert.

"drums enter and add some attitude."

Yes but surely they're not really your type of drums? More like hip hop.

"Huge improvements in sound quality."

Are you saying that my older cello recordings don't sound (as) good? I'm pretty sure I'm using exactly the same setup. I've been, to some extent, a bit unadventurous with my cello recorded sound in the last 18 months and generally just use the same multi effects patch for recording it.

"Lots of little extras here."

Find me a Nomad track without any!

"Editing flourishes I never tried to get good at."

But you still could though one big difference between my music and yours is that I'm all about micro sculpting of the track as that's partly my composition technique. You're more trying to write live band music. I sculpt and shape and obsessively edit and that's partly how new ideas are formed.

"Old guitar playing?"

Yes - everything except the electric guitar part starting 1:09. It really pleases me to reuse old, leftover parts. There's quite a skill to doing it.

"No rockin, but that's alright."

I disagree. How about 1:42-2:04? The track goes up and powerful there, with three cello layers and rockier drums.

"Good hammock music."

Yes, especially if you're lying back smoking weed.

"It all sounded good."

Thanks. I put a lot of careful, patient work into making this. So many interesting sounds to trim and arrange.

Unlimited Nomad, blue as our new second sun.

Yo, grandfatherfucker.

Sorry for the rather late reply. Then again, you've taken far longer.

Yes - nice, long, bowed intro. Very relaxing and satisfying to play.

"Butterflies and meadows."

Excellent, very accurate description! You're expressing in words what I was feeling. Some of the high cello parts do sound a bit like buzzing or some other creature flying about. Very bright, playful and warm stuff.

"Next section is a bit darker and reflective"

Yes, dark and mystical. Quite a change!

"2:50 driving snare hits are nice"

They are but they're quite electronic so I wouldn't expect you to like them.

"3:28 pluckery is a nice addition."

Two lines of plectrum-played cello. Not sure how many people ever do that but playing with fingers or bow would not have sounded the same. Very different, actually.

"I'll start making YouTube fishing vids and you can supply the music."

It's a plan but will it ever happen?

"All rather calming and relaxing."

Yeah, nothing badass but it's just not that sort of track. I really like it and find it quite addictive ie I want to hear what's coming next every time I listen to it.

Static Transmad (I'm your passenger)

Hello.

Donovan? You mean the 60s acoustic guitar pop music guy? I've barely heard any music he's made but have a feeling I wouldn't like it.

Mix took ages on this, as usual. So much stuff to trim and work into place.

Interrupted playback is rather unfortunate for you. Try listening again with a fully working connection.

"Good trippy stoner music"

I agree. Kind of dark and far out. Maybe a little like world music. It's got some edge and mystical elements that are hard to place. A slightly unsettling vibe but all held together by tight, fat grooves.

"instrument choices that separates your music from others."

That's always the idea - to do something that no one else is doing. That's always my aim but it doesn't always work out.

Thanks again.

Hello again.

Yes, it's worth going through the Nomad archive if you're looking for something interesting to hear, especially as you haven't been on the site much in the last year.

"You deserve some real respect."

I get a bit but I can always do with more - especially in real life (rather than just online). We're all the same!

"The song is nice: good, but not the best one."

I agree. Pleasant and interesting but not amazing. A bit more minimal, for a change. The peaks are probably 1:14-2:25. That lead cello part is quite exciting, I find.

"make your guitar enter the scene a bit earlier."

No guitar here. You probably think it's guitar at 3:26 because I'm playing the cello with a guitar pick - something I very rarely do as it's a bit awkward to do. But it does give a different sound. Much more like guitar.

"I would even consider shortening the "middle part""

I like that section. It's quite mystical and trippy.

The title is a word I made up. A cross between 'translucent' and 'lucid'.

Here are two tracks you will prefer from the Nomad archive. First is a long, mystical blues track with lots of guitar. And bass. Deep chill and groovy blues:

The Mythical Gates

https://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/177482

And here's a psychedelic cello grunge track that will surprise you as there's no guitar. Anything that sounds like guitar is cello:

Skyscaper

https://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/183448

Thanks again for the thoughts. They're always useful.

Hola, senor lobo.

Yes, long time no see. Where have you been? Probably making music with your band. I've mostly been making cello-based music for the last 18 months. Much less guitar playing so I'm actually pretty shit at it now and rarely pick the instrument up. Cello is my main instrument now.

Great to hear you loved this one so much though I think I have many better tracks.

Yes, 85BPM is a great slow-mid tempo for me to groove over and let the track have space and feeling.

"a "bass solo" towards the end"

There is bass guitar in the track. Towards the end it gets busier eg from 5:40. My detuned slide guitar starting 3:23 also sounds a bit like bass, I think.

Yes, not much synth here but there is a cool, lead reversed synth 3:01-3:23. It's a very acoustic-sounding track because of the use of so many leftover resonator guitar parts. And newly played piano and cello.

The title is whatever you want it to mean but it's kind of a joke and kind of about me and my many limits (as a musician, as a human being etc).

"only who explores the world around can discover his own limits."

I like that interpretation but it could also be a jokey insult to someone. So, saying someone has many limits could be seen as a way of saying they're not very good at anything. But we all have lots of limits. Perhaps a limit in every area of our lives. How much good music can I make? I don't know but I'm sure there's a limit. Can I go beyond it. Who knows...

"I find it very catchy"

Yes, probably because of the alliteration - the 'm's in 'man' and 'many'.

Yes, I like the production here. It took a long time and lots of careful listening and correcting and trimming of audio parts. It's a really sample-heavy track but the samples are all my own playing.

Thanks very much again!