ValveDriver
Not every song requires vocals
Portland, United States
Joined : 25th Sep 2012 - 13 years ago
Last Online : 8th Feb 2026 - 1 week ago
ValveDriver comments on tracks
ValveDriver has posted 522 comments on other peoples tracks.
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 shit 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
on So You Wanna Funk - The Wilde Bootleg Remix by RenzWilde
Kudos, man.
Take care.
V.
Peace brother
RW
on Desert of Contrast by Musicante
Excellent work to you all.
Take care.
V.
So glad you like it and took the time to leave your encouraging words. We all really appreciate it. As previously mentioned, I was in GREAT company on this one with some very talented musicians.
Ciao,
M.
on I wish I could fly promenade remix III by promenade2239
Take care.
V.
I just updated my remix - new one is energetic, intense and dark. You may like this new version as well!
I appreciate your comments. Yes, I tried to stick with the original as much as I can but there's some limitations. It's because I can't separate the pads or other single elements from the original recording the way I really want. But anyway the musical result is unpredictable each time and this is probably the most interesting thing in this process.
thanks again for listening to my music. Best to you, Alex
on I Wish I Could Fly by crucethus
When the ancient Celts would make their knotwork, they would always intentionally leave a flaw. It was their opinion that the only thing capable of perfection were the gods. Once I heard that years ago, it gave me a new appreciation for flaws in our work. It keeps it human. It's almost a little more intimate. So, that missed note at 1:06 gives this song more life than it otherwise already has. I can fully understand why you left it in. I would hope, if you revisit this for that modern workover, that you leave it in.
Again, Take care.
Aaron.
very cool V
The Piano Intro came after the creation of the song and is based on the ending cinders of the song where you may hear a whisper of the piano rift. It was my first attempt at a Piano based intro and by the end I was so emotionally into the piece I was jammin hard on the keys and slightly touched off that wrong note. So I will keep it there to remind me that we are all flawed. And that that's OK.
Steve
on Glitchy track by Livingsoulsdie
Take care.
V.
on The Continuim by DanceDemagogue
I'm curious, though, was the lack of percussion a conscious choice?
Take care.
V.
on I Wish I Could Fly by crucethus
Take care.
V.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfIabTphLYk&list_pxtube=PL6DDD081A8C2A6CA8&html5=1
"That classic Crucethus duality between light and dark isn't quite as prominent in this one"
Oh it's there just very subtle, but it's there.
" Like a leaf skating on the breeze."
Or like a Baby Bird leaving it's nest and it's mother talking to it.
As always thanks for your insights ValD.
Steve
on People by SeriouslyJoking
Take care.
v.
There is a thread in the forums about listening to the old songs you made a while back and feeling very embarrased over how they sound - that's exactly it for me, ha ha.
So I guess there has been some kind of improvement in my musical skills over the time.
Thanks for listening and take care.
Cheers!
/ SJ =)
on MIDNIGHT RUNNER by RenzWilde
Anyone can play tetris with sounds and cram a bunch of things in to fill all of the spaces ever, and call it a good tune. Well, okay, not anyone, but you know what I mean.
Speaking from my own personal experiences, I start out making something minimal and simple, and by the time I'm done, it's full of crash cymbals, double kicks, risers, impacts and all kinds of other things.
So, I totally dig what you've done here. I know it's not easy to apply the whole "less is more" concept in music.
Excellent work, man!
Take care.
V.
I'm glad you liked the track. Even without your explanation, I know how much you can cram into a track. But that's a good thing cause you can make it rock or get trippy. I've heard both from you. So for you to appreciate this means a lot.
The heavy work here was done by MrRobot in his loop but like you said, I applied the 'less is more' which I like to do. I dont limit myself to that concept but it's something I'm a fan of and enjoy listening to so it's natural that I'll lean that way. But even minimal takes some work to produce. I put some work into this, damnit!! LOL
Thx again man. Cheers!
on The Crystal Method by failingtimes
Good work here, man. I agree with DJ-SLT-UK, though. A little more panning would be good. Maybe bring the vocal clip a little further to the front. Other than that, again, good work!
Take care.
V.
Again thanks for comin out. Always down for some feedback. FT
on Orchestral Drumstep by Livingsoulsdie
I think you've definitely found your niche with the symphonic dubstep. Typically, two words when spoken together just don't seem to mix. But you've managed to make it work well.
If you go to the Native Instruments website, you can download Kontakt player for free. It's not the full version, so there are a few third party companies that you won't be able to utilize, like Soundiron. But, I believe everything NI has to offer works in it. You just have to buy the libraries separately. If you decide to pick it up, just make sure when you're looking into buying (or..ahem...."borrowing") libraries, you make sure it specifies if it can be used in the free version.
Awesome work, here.
Take care.
V.
on AZZYKO - ZOMBIE feat Farisha by AZZYKO
This is a nice clean mix. Everything seems to sit well with each other. The vocals don't get buried by the bass.
Nice work.
Take care.
V.
on Trance Hard House And Techno by FreeRadical
Again, excellent work!
Take care.
V.
Thanks for dropping and and cheers for the kind words.
FR
on Dantes Guided Tour by Evisma
Nice work, man.
Take care.
Aaron.
I rather like this one for all the bass guitar working together. Still some stuff to do with it but I like it in it's present state as well.
"you used the 1:52 as an intro"
Not sure what this means.
Take care
Evan
on Threshold by failingtimes
Is if you cut 3:23 to the end and placed it at 2:10 as a breakdown of sorts. Then let it build back into the rest of that section. Then mirrored the outro with the intro. Making it a sort of audio palindrome.
But, like I said, that's just my own thing. As it sits now, I like it quite a bit. It's a nice heavy piece. Right up my alley. Good work.
Take care.
V.
on Fusion2 by promenade2239
I like this. I can hear Static's influence in the bass, and the slow intro. It's not a jam packed as his, but what you have here is good. I like the way everything is so rapid but held together with the mellow bass line, and chill beat. The panning is good, too. Nothing really squashes anything. Your layering of synths works well here.
The overall mood is an interesting one. All the rapid percussive elements give it a sense of urgency. It's like what I imagine office workers feel like most of the time. Always in some kind of internal hurry to sustain the daily grind.
All in all, it's a good piece. I'll have to check out more of your work when time allows.
Until then, take care.
V.
on Experimental Trance track by Livingsoulsdie
All in all, a good piece, man. Take care.
V.
on Angel and a Demon by MOONLYTE
I'm always a sucker for the choral incorporation. Something I've strayed from inn my own work. I may just have to see about working it back in, again.
I was going to mention the drums, but it already has been, so I won't beat that one into the ground. (See what I did there?)
I think, though, that the last half of the song could have used a little more accenting dynamics. Some swooshes, sweeps, chimes, bells, etc. It's a good ending, but I think you have the ability to make it even better.
That's my opinion, though. Take it for what it's worth.
Take care.
V.
on Motivation - Featuring Bo K by ScottFranco
I've heard your work before, and I really liked it. So, I knew this would be quality before I even hit play. The opening vocals kind of had me unsure. But then everything kicked in and fell into place for me. By the end, I was diggin' the hell out of it and had to listen to it again. And then again after that.
You definitely didn't disappoint. My hat's off to you, Dan R. and the mysterious Bo K.
Take care.
V.
We really like working with quality vocal tracks. Franco is better at it than I, but if I put my mind to it, I also do it on occasion. Being a drummer, I'm not that good at working with the different keys, but I know when something is off or out of key. On this site, I usually follow Franco's compositions with arranging, mixing, and drums & percussion.
Again, glad you like our music.
Cheers,
Franco & Scott