ValveDriver
Not every song requires vocals
Portland, United States
Joined : 25th Sep 2012 - 13 years ago
Last Online : 9th Jun 2026 - 3 weeks ago
ValveDriver comments on tracks
ValveDriver has posted 516 comments on other peoples tracks.
on 03Enter Code F U N K ft Venuslove and MrFunktastic by Eighteen
The quality of the mix makes it clear you put in some work on this badboy. It definitely paid off.
Excellent work, man.
Take care.
V.
Yeah I used to make odd kinda songs like this, but
titles for example from a year back and stuff.. to be honest, sounded terrible in terms of production quality,
for example I put the bass on stereo xD and then put delays over it too, it pushed everything away, I had no idea xD
I am glad with what I have achieved with this song
And I'm even more glad that u like it :D
Tnxx
~Eighteen
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
I'm really digging the hell out of this one. It's got a good strong energy to it. There's a lot happening, but it's never crowded. The Marimbas and the fiddles totally work.
You know what this is? This is what "rockin' country" would be if they actually had the rockin' balls they claim to have. It's almost borderline rock-a-billy. Which, honestly, there just isn't enough of on the ol' Looperman. Now that I think of it, I have never heard rock-a-billy on here. Hmm. Time for some electro-valve-a-billy.
No. No it isn't. It is not time for electro-valve-a-billy. That's a terrible idea. Stop it.
I think the only critique I have, and it's mostly just personal preference more than anything, is that the kicks stood out just a little more.
Overall, I thoroughly like this one. It's still exudes your trademark sound, but it's in a completely different arena than a good portion of your other songs.
Here, let me Lysol the place before I go.
Take care, man.
Aaron.
Rock-a-billy? I guess the verse parts do seem like they could be taken in that direction, but I had no intention of doing that.
I was thinking recently of doing other genres like country and hip-hop, just to see if I even know enough about each to attempt it.
I decided not to. I'm not that bored,... yet.
I would like to do a whole track just piano, so I can get better at writing piano parts that sound natural and more like a real piano piece.
"It's still exudes your trademark sound, but it's in a completely different arena than a good portion of your other songs."
That is what I'm going for anymore. I've found my sound, it's keeping it fresh and not repeating myself, while not abandoning anything as well.
I figure, like most other heavy music, that my music will get less heavy over time. Less anger and frustrations in life. I just hope it keeps getting better. A few years ago, I would not have thought of writing a track like "Basso Continuo" or "Hangin Round Aceldama". Far too light and vaginal, but now I think that, whatever comes out is what needed to come out. So if it is an extension of myself, and I must be true to myself, then I will accept any change that comes about.
But I will try to steer the ship more towards the Lands Of Badassery.
Thanks for the feedback, Aaron. I'll work with the kick tonight. I got a lot of high-end in the cymbals too that I need to deal with.
Take care.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
I'll be back to do a proper review later. I want to be able to leave an accurate one. Can't do that when getting ready for the ol' boneyard shift, ya know?
Take care, mister.
Aaron.
Evan
on The Last Stand by GalanticMusic
The instrumental choices were spot on. The contrasting horn stabs over the ethereal melodies really shaped the dynamics well.
Overall, I'd say excellent work. Kudos
Take care. V.
on Mr Funk by FreeRadical
It's good to see that at least someone's already got a track in the game. Hopefully more will, too. This is exactly what that "game" is supposed to be.
Take care.
V.
I just took one of MR F's loops and built around it. I would have liked to have put some sort of funky solo over the top of it but alas i don't have any of those funky VST's that joe uses so it is what it is. I might try another one as it's fun to try and make stuff a little different. I just hope a few more people hop on "the game" (and i don't mean turn to prostitution)
Thanks for dropping by, listening and sharing your thoughts.
FR
on 02 On n On by Eighteen
It does kind of an Asian sounding vocal melody, even though it's in English. That alone makes it pretty unique. The layering and panning on the vocals are good. There's plenty of dynamics. Sounds good.
The kick is nice and full without cutting out anything else. The hats are clean with a nice sizzle but not too bright for the mix. I think the only problem I have with this, other than being too short, is that the snares are a little buried in the mix. You could probably stand to boost them a little. But, not by much. But, that's just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
Take care.
V.
yes the song is indeed short, I was trying to challenge myself into making a song as short as posible, but still being able to fit a lot in it, you know?
though when I listen back to it xD I kinda want it to be longer haha. oh well, next time I will make my song a bit longer.
I agree on the snares, I couldn't get them quite right with my current skills :(
Anyhoo thanks for ur kind words :D cheers!
~Eighteen
on Hangin Round Aceldama by Evisma
I read what you were saying about your synths. As someone who uses nothing but synths, I fully understand your frustrations. As a general rule, the first thing I do when I come across a new one, is to find the routing path. Once you understand which direction the signal travels, you can get a better idea how each section effects the others, making shaping and modulating a lot easier, and useful. But, I'm not going to get into a full on tutorial here. I don't know what you already know, or want to know. But, if you ever want any pointers, feel free to ask. If I don't have the answer right away, I will find it.
As far as this song goes. It's good, man. I like the more subdued nature of this one. Your description of the Wah-mice was spot on. Once I read that, it made perfect sense.
I'd love to do a more technical review, but I'm fighting a flu right now and, honestly, my head just isn't into that detailed thinking business. Maybe when I'm fully on the mend I'll come back. But for now, just know that it's a good one.
Take care, Evan.
Aaron.
"Considering I'm not religious to the point of nearly being anti religious, I have made sure to study up on religion. (At least, the Christian one). You know, for ammunition."
Yes, for me it started off as a "Know Your Enemy" kind of thing, but I appreciate aspects of the story and how it can and has bettered the lives of some people and turned them around. That is all the credit I can give it. My problem is the "Prize" or "Punishment" aspect. I could almost swallow the heap of ##### that it is, if not for the dangling carrot and the whip.
I CAN get down with the concept of a creator that began our existence and set things in motion,... giant petri dish, but that is as far as I can logically take the idea before declaring speculation to be truth.
Anyway, glad to have a fellow thumper-basher around.
"As a general rule, the first thing I do when I come across a new one, is to find the routing path. Once you understand which direction the signal travels, you can get a better idea how each section effects the others, making shaping and modulating a lot easier, and useful."
This is my next project. I have an instrument called Mojito on my StudioOne. I will spend a healthy chunk of time on it very soon.
" Your description of the Wah-mice was spot on. Once I read that, it made perfect sense. "
You saying that makes me terribly happy. Yes, it is cheesy, but it's supposed to be kinda like cynical Chipmunks. Glad you like it!
THE FLU!!! #####!!!! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING!!!! I'VE BEEN READING THIS WITH MY MOUTH OPEN THE WHOLE TIME, AND YOU'VE COUGHED LIKE FIVE ##### TIMES!!!!! GOD DAMNIT!!!! IF I GET SICK,.... IT'S YOUR ASS!!!!
......or maybe I'll just have to get over it. Thera-flu is nice.
Take it sleazy.
Evan
on Vespertide by Evisma
This one actually sounds like APC and Tool on stage together. You need to add some digital-electro elements to get some Puscifer in there now. Maybe get Milla Jovovich to do a cameo or two. Then, the triad will be complete, and world dominance shall begin! Or, at least...dominance on this cup of coffee shall begin, anyhow.
I like your idea of bringing the bass back to the front. Maybe you could do something where you have a super low end crunchy, heavy-ass bass chugging up the back ground rhythm, with your trademark polished bass running whimsical melodies, and a basic guitar weaving in and out of the two, keeping them pleasantly tied together, and filling in the gaps.
Just a thought.
Laters, mang.
Aaron
on Valvedriven by StaticNomad
I'm not sure how much of this, other than the female vocals, was influenced by my work, simply because you've said that you had quite a bit of it done before. But the basic track formula is very reminiscent of mine. Specifically how it drops off from something more heavy into that more psychedelic groove starting at 1:16, and eventually grooving it's way back into asskickery.
2:15- The guitar that comes in here is nice and slow over a slow beat, eventually morphing into the synths and vox. Yeah that's the kind a' ##### I do too. The vocals here work really well.
3:50- the drums slow to a near crawl. Diggin' that. Gives it that bigger than life, and badder than hell attitude.
4:10- Ominous bassline that let's you know you're about to have your valves driven.
4:48- The punishment has arrived.
5:17- That's some serious ballsy guit-fiddlin'!
6:10- A nice little breakdown before the final smearing of face into concrete.
6:30- A good heavy skyrocketing of aggression. Too bad this part is so short. I think it could have been doubled, at least.
I like the way this is completely different from what you normally put out, but is still unmistakably yours.
Overall, a pretty badass tune, man. It's a damn shame that there are so few Metal Heads on Looperman. This track deserves more love than it's been shown. Wait, maybe it's because it's associated with me. Either way. I'm honored that you would feel compelled to do something like this. You delivered, and did not disappoint!
This could be a cool forum game, too. Pick a fellow looperman and build a track in their style. Might be fun.
Take care, Mr. Nomad. Keep driving those valv...er, wait a minute....
Yes, I had the first few mins mostly done and the bass riff on 5:50 but was flailing about in chill grooving not knowing how to really take it heavy again. Those female vocals provided the additional far out vibe I was looking for. Couldn't stop thinking about your music as I was working on them. Crossing in to Valveland has that effect.
I didn't do a single thing to actively sound like your music and it's also significantly different but has some things nicely in common.
Drop on 1:17 is a fave surprise bit of mine. Big dynamics there as the distortion gets turned off the weird bass riffs and the drums come right down.
2:15 bit of evil first guitar note, eh? Just following the synth bass riff notes.
3:04 first (high) choir note is one of my faves.
3:50 not sure how the drums "slow to a crawl". That's where I layer in another kit to make things heavier to build ##### up. I think it's got some attitude.
4:10 epic heavy chanting!
5:17 was actually played by my balls. But as they're not very good guitarists (no fingers!) I had to make some key edits to make things even cooler.
6:10 breakdown. Yes - I'm really happy with the drum build 5:50-6:29. Had to as it's the same bass riff over the top.
6:15 return of a previous vocal though now heavily effected.
Not sure it's that different from my usual stuff but then I like to think every track I do is markedly different from my others though still has lots in common with them.
So, have you started work yet on your track dedicated to me? The Electric Bromad? Static Valve? Make sure to get some funky banjo and slide resonator in there plus some big drum variations.
Glad you liked it as I can't imagine I'll do another in your honour. This is probably it forever. Just as well it ain't #####.
Your forum game sounds like a good one and I will write that up and post it soon.
My valves can't be driven anymore as I broke them all making this so it's back to chillout grooving instead. Send me some others from your extensive collection if you have time.
on Valvedriven by StaticNomad
Currently, I am at said Steel Mill driving those huge valves. Therefore, unable to leave a proper review to this badass summbitch. I will be back to do so when red hot slabs of steel are not rolling past my face.
Nice track broing whilst dodging red hot slabs of steel is, like, totally rock 'n' roll. Extreme track reviewing. Living life on the edge there.
I sometimes do reviews whilst swimming with sharks. Only got a few scratches so far.
Turns out hammerheads like hip hop. Who would have guessed?
I look forward to your additional words when your face has cooled down a bit and those valves have been (over) driven as much as they need to be. Hell, someone's gotta do it...
on Asteroids plus bonus track Bad boy bass by FreeRadical
Sweet, 6:30 you bring in those brassy 80's synths and tie the last half to the first. Then you bring us out with some "One Night In Bankok" style synths. For me being a creature of the 80's, this piece is truly awesome!
Take care, mister.
V.
Cheers.
FR
on Endless by Riest
Your levels are good, your mix is clean. It is a nice chill piece. Good work.
Take Care.
V
-Riest
on I Dont Despise -Derelict Pumping Station Remix by D3RELICT
I think the main thing for me is bringing the snare levels up just a touch.
The drops are okay, but they kind of fizzle out. Maybe use some crash and impacts, or downrisers to really make them hit.
The basslines are good, but a sub bassline would add that full bottom end to it, making it a bigger, richer overall sound.
The background percussion bits are good. They help fill in the spaces well, and the reverb on them works well.
The emotion of the music fits the vocals well. I think maybe a touch of EQ on the vocals just to brighten them up a little.
The panning is good.
Like I said, this is good. Just a little bit of minor improvements and it could be a lot better. Of course, these are just my opinions, so take them for what they're worth.
Take care.
V.
on Ghosts Of Glencloy by Orlando51
Again, excellent work!
Take care.
V.
With appreciation____Orlando
on no more tears instrumental by larrybarrow31
Good work, man! Keep it up!
Take care.
V.
on Stringor by Byleth
I listened to the original at the Soundcloud link you gave us. It's not bad at all. That one, and this one, could use a couple of minor improvements, but still, there's quality in them. You should post the original here as well, if nothing else, for a comparison. Who knows, maybe you'll get some good constructive feedback to help you learn.
I'll check out more of your work once the Holiday buzz settles down. It's an interesting sound you have.
Take care, and happy holidays.
V.
Maybe maybe maybe I will post Stringer in looperman but this will not be featured. Still could hurt my ego
let me guide you for my best tune I did and im not too shy to invite you to lisent it and maybe write me a feedback
Kings, Tournament, Ginette, Alternative Waves, TCk II(aka Static Waves).
And if you have some nerve: Maximum Overtime and Ultima.
sorry for this late comment and Happy Holidays for you
P.s its atmost all my track in looperman lol
on DJ The Observer FT MORPHEUSD FT WedLocK -PumP That by djtheobserver01
Nice work.
Take care.
V.
thanks for listening and your comment!
glad you liked it !
i was suprised too , how the track builds up ..
Tnx for stop by and see you arround !
greetz
on Loops And Stuff by FreeRadical
The guitar VST is called ShreddageII. It's a third party Kontakt library. I picked it up for about $100.USD. I don't know if you have Kontakt Player or not, but if you don't, you can download it for free from the Native Instruments site. It's fully compatible with FL studios. That's what I use and I have no problems with it. Just make sure that if you do, and if you're going to pick up any third party libraries, you make sure it specifies whether you can use it in the free version. Some companies like Soundiron are exclusively for the paid version. I found that out the hard way. But, on average, most places are cool and make it available for both. A lot of times you can find libraries for a low as twenty dollars. Others, up to 300 dollars. Usually, though, you find pretty good deals.
I hope that helps.
Again, take care.
V.
on Loops And Stuff by FreeRadical
This is nice. I do like the fact that you tend to stick to the retro-sound. I started getting into the whole techno world around '92, so I kind of have a soft spot for that style.
"I figure if it sounds ok then who cares?"
I agree. In my opinion, music isn't about how it's made, it's about how it's received. I mean, you can use rocks and sticks to make music, so why not loops? If it's good...it's good.
As far as those VST's go, and getting the sound you want, if you need any advice, let me know. I can try to help you out. Since that's ALL I use.
Take care.
V.
Glad you liked the track and as for the VST's it's not so much that I don't know how to use them it's more that I just don't have the right ones for what I want to do. There's so much stuff I want to get but I just can't afford it at the moment. But saying that I do have a ton of other stuff I can mess around with for the time being so I cant really complain. You could however give me the name of that VST you make your guitar sounds with as it always sounds pretty authentic where as the samples I have just sound like samples. That would be handy.
Cheers again for dropping in. It's much appreciated.
FR
on Honey Mango Heaven by StaticNomad
I wouldn't take it too personally. I've noticed a massive drop in activity on the site as a whole. When I first started posting here, I would leave a comment on someones track, and two hours later my track had been moved to the second page of the featured list. Now, I leave a comment, and it takes almost a day before it's moved to the bottom of the first page. I think most of the people using the site now are hip-hop/dubstep guys just looking for some springboard action.
Let's get into this one, shall we?
I'm digging this intro. The panning is good. Nice layering of ethereal atmospheric goodness.
Between :57 - 1:53 I like what you have going here. Except there are a couple notes that don't quite vibe right. Specifically @ 1:00, 1:13, 1:23.
1:55 Classic Static sound. This bassline is good. It's a little bouncy, but it keeps things rolling nicely.
Ah..there's the slide reso. That's a good delay on there, too. You know what would have been cool for this track? If you used a Wah-wah effect on that resonator. Or, at least in parts of the track.
4:45 I'm not sure what kind of keys (?) those are, but damn, they are sweet! Super dream like. I may have to incorporate something like this in something of mine later down the road.
5:16- Nice little, chill section there. I think you came back with the guit-fiddle a little too early, though. Maybe instead of jumping right into them, a little more love with those keys. Think Manzarek via "Riders On The Storm".
6:46 - Great little transitional pause.
6:48 - Back to the original jam. No doubt with a storm on the horizon.
8:28 - Yup. Here it comes!
9:36 - Calm before the storm?
9:58 - Nice! This is a little different for you. The little zappy hail storm works. The drums here are good too. They're energetic, but not too wild. They leave enough room for those zappies to do their thing.
I think overall, this has a nice flow to it. It moves along nicely. I'd say, it's safe enough for the theme song for Heaven. But, too safe for me! Honestly, I'd like to see you get a little more dangerous and outside the Static box.
I admit, it has been a little one-sided on the bromance. I need to make a little more time for the looperlove in my days.
Good point about not much Loop activity. Still damn those who failed to offer feedback on my nice tracks, bro.
Wide pan first synth intro was just a placeholder I intended to improve later. I got so used to it I decided it was more than good enough. Nice string and heavenly voice stuff comes in so it builds suitably.
Not sure why you didn't like notes at 1:00, 1:13, 1:23 but that can be hard to explain. They're two note chords I think are in the scale/mode I'm using (whatever the hell that is, I wouldn't know) but a bit melancholy. No doubt minor key stuff.
1:53 funky guitar riff was the foundation of all grooving in this track (it even returns at 10:32). Bassline is pumping underneath. I really surprised myself with how well the lead slide turned out. I made it go on for a lot longer than planned. The huge boost happened when I picked up that bass g and got funky at 3:12 - gives the track so much more depth. Synth bass was cool but that bass g offers so much more. The bass playing is returned to and plays a lot in the fast second half.
Wah on the resonator could have worked and I have done it a bit in the past. I only have one wah plugin Cubase effect so maybe should try it out. But I think that resonator does everything I want it to. 3:51, 4:08, 4:14 spine tingling high notes!
And then a key change at 4:19.
4:42 keys are quite beautiful. I also use a filter swept effect at various times that I've used in a good few tracks to make them more far out and dream-like eg 4:59, 4:14 etc. The keys continue into the new swing jazz section. And with more, quite different lead resonator. Really surprised how much slide is in this track. Who else makes slide guitar music like this?
Regarding not enough keys in swing jazz section, it's all keys 5:16-5:39, which seemed enough. I'm no great keyboard player!
6:46 pause. I had to have some way of bridging return to main theme. Sometimes a chillout stop after fast drumming works brilliantly. And gives people a welcome break from incessant deep grooves.
9:36 calm before storm is just allowing that trance lead to be heard without fat drums. Classic dance trick there. Another little rest of banging drums for listeners. And then go wild at at 9:58.
And then I'm zapping ##### up at the end with my "laser show". Not my fave sound but works OK here.
"I'd like to see you get a little more dangerous and outside the Static box."
Not totally sure what that means. I've got some new things in this track (eg laser show trance) plus lots of good old old. Maybe you mean more evil and badass but it's not that sort of track.
"safe enough for the theme song for Heaven"
Look: if you want more badass, you should just go to hell. I'm convinced that's where you'll go - just for the soundtrack! You might even be composing it. Perhaps you'll live in heaven but do contract work for hell on the sly...
on Update3 Dance With You Ft Noemi by SeriouslyJoking
I think this one is my favorite of yours. I like how mellow it is, but at no point is it boring. The arrangement is very well done, as well. It has a more organic, seamless flow to it than a lot of your earlier work. Not to say that your earlier work isn't good, I just think this one stands above.
I know what you mean with finishing one before starting another. Not only do I have a hard drive full of unfinished projects, but I have a couple closets full of unfinished paintings. So, I'm really bad about not finishing what I started. That's one of the things I like about this site, it kind of encourages you to cross the finish line, ya know?
Again, great track. I always enjoy seeing what you come up with.
Take care, SJ.
v.
I'm fine thanks - also hoping the same for you and your family.
Really rewarding to read you comment! Thanks for listening. I'm still struggeling with the mix here. Or...well to be honest, not struggeling at all at the moment because I took a break from it. =D
To be continued anyway, I hope.
About these countless unfinished Projects - we'll never get bored anyway, that's for sure. I would also really want to see some of your paintings but I guess that's for an other forum...
Take care you multi talented friend!
Cheers/ SJ =)
on Woodoo Child by Nightingale
V.
on Strange Tune by DanceDemagogue
I like it's linear progression. The beat and bassline is a good driving one that keeps it rolling. There are enough other elements going on that it doesn't get boring, or too repetitive. The panning keeps it nice and dynamic. There's a lot of good motion. I like how you kept it darker like an industrial tune, but still gave it a sweet-ass funky edge.
I do, however, think that the changes could be a little more seamless. For example, 2:35-2:45. It doesn't seem to fit. Maybe if there were a build up. Maybe a snare roll, or a riser of some sort leading into it. Then again from 3:36-3:41.Same idea.
The use of vocals in this effective. They bring an almost "Atom Heart Mother" vibe to it.
What are you using for drums in this? (Sorry Static, beat ya to it, bro!). Are they loops, or something like EZDrummer or NI Drumlabs? They sound pretty uniform, but sit a little far back in the mix. If you bring them up in the mix just a touch, the overall sound would be a little more clear and punchy.
Of course, this is all just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth. Overall, I really dig the tune. Keep it up!
Take care.
V.
on Something Different by Livingsoulsdie
Take care just the same.
V.
on I wish I could fly promenade remix III by promenade2239
Excellent work!
Again, take care.
V.
I just made the last version and updated the track - it's different from the rest but still very nice, probably the best one so far.
thanks again for the nice comments and listening! It's appreciated. Best, Alex