ValveDriver

Not every song requires vocals

Portland, United States

Joined : 25th Sep 2012 - 13 years ago

Last Online : 1st Jan 2026 - 1 day ago

ValveDriver comments on tracks

ValveDriver has posted 520 comments on other peoples tracks.

Comments 451 - 475 of 520

ValveDriver 15th Apr 2014 07:08 - 11 years ago

on Weapons Of Mastication by Evisma

Evan, What's happnin' man?

2:43 to 3:09. Everything that is being said by this piece is right there. That is the core voice of the song. Everything else, while nicely executed, is just the instruments "talking". Those few seconds are you speaking. Fucking brilliant, man. I've never downloaded loops for any serious attempt at building a track around them, but I'm more and more tempted to start scouring your bass loops to see if I can give them a worthy home.

Take care, Mister.
Aaron.

Evisma replied 16th Apr 2014 - 11 years ago

A good evening to you, sir.

I'm with you on the liking of the 2:43 to 3:09 part, but I'm guessing the manipulated MIDI female vocal afterward was a bit too much. I was REALLY enjoying the PB Wheel on my MIDI controller, and it stayed.

I don't know if you can do much with my loops, a few people have, but they tried to use like seven or eight of mine, and try to MAKE something work. I think one of my loops would work for people if it was just for small parts. Everything that I've heard so far has been discouraging. I feel like I did not give very useful loops and I'll probably try to do some different stuff soon.

Thanks again for the encouraging words.

Evan

ValveDriver 14th Apr 2014 22:04 - 11 years ago

on Spivkurl vs DeciBel - Hidden Locked Tight by Spivkurl

The darkness that we all hold within us generally carries upon it's face the most beautiful sights you can imagine. Generally, no one is willing to look past the darkness and the pain to find the beauty. That's where being an artist comes into play. Whether it's music, painting, photography, or whatever medium. We have that ability to leash that hidden beauty, no matter how locked tight, and bring it to the surface for others to enjoy. While, I'm no advocate for personal struggles, I fully admire our nature as artists to bring back a piece of heaven from out of the depths of hell. So to speak.
I love the use of Massive in this. Especially how unapologetically the "Modern Talking" patch is just thrown in your face. Not many people can pull that one off.
There is a lot of distortion in this track. That, combined with the rapid synth movement and uneasiness in your vocals that the auto-tune provides, brings out a feeling of needing to lash out from a frustrated aggression, but a total reluctance to do so. In other words...keeping it locked tight.
As always, man. Awesome work.

Take care.
Aaron.

Spivkurl replied 19th Apr 2014 - 11 years ago

As always, your reviews enhance my day! I'm beginning to realize that darkness and light are just extremes, and thusly are basically the same thing. Both are needed, and both inspire. I honestly don't know what instruments were used in this, as Benham did all the real musical work. I just did some mixing, vocals, and mastering. You're probably right about the modern talking, I didn't really think of it until you said something. I generally don't use that sound in my songs, but it's effective here. I'm glad you pointed out the uneasiness from the autotune, as that's one of the main reason I had been using autotune so much. I felt it enhanced the artificial sheen on my vocals. Sort of the same reason I'm no longer anti-MP3. I don't think I'll be using autotune on my vocals much anymore, as people have encouraged me not to. If they can stand my dischord, why not give it to em. Thanks so much for listening and leaving your deep thoughts! Take care!

ValveDriver 14th Apr 2014 14:40 - 11 years ago

on domrorchestra by domr30

This is a high quality cinematic piece. There is a lot of movement that takes you to several places. Very good work.

Take care.
V.

domr30 replied 15th Apr 2014 - 11 years ago

merci pour ce commentaire domr

ValveDriver 4th Apr 2014 16:11 - 11 years ago

on Sinai by smallbots

I like it. It has a certain Richard D. James/Trent Reznor hybrid thing going on. Nice work.

Take care.
V.

smallbots replied 4th Apr 2014 - 11 years ago

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

ValveDriver 2nd Apr 2014 03:46 - 11 years ago

on Bionic with CyberTronics by RealProblemShuckers

Not a bad little track. It could use a little more melody and maybe a less abrupt ending, but it's cool.

Take care.
V.

ValveDriver 1st Apr 2014 01:46 - 11 years ago

on Troubled Minds Ft TheG1t by SeriouslyJoking

Have you tried opening with just the pads, and what sounds like it might be piano, but not the sequenced synth? Maybe try waiting until the :40 mark to bring those in.
I like the sax in there. It definitely works. I don't think you're off in the wrong direction at all.

Just a suggestion.
Take care.
V.

SeriouslyJoking replied 1st Apr 2014 - 11 years ago

I have to try that and also some other changes in the intro, the annoying rooster sounding synth is bugging me more and more.

Thank you again for the feedback!!

ValveDriver 31st Mar 2014 19:09 - 11 years ago

on No Current Title by Crypt

This sounds like some of my early work. In fact, I have a loop on here that's very similar the main bassline. Very cool. It does need some leads, though. I personally would add some melodic and almost hypnotic leads as a contrast to the sharp and aggressive nature of what's already there. But that's just how I do things.
Good work,man.

Take care.
V.

Crypt replied 1st Apr 2014 - 11 years ago

Yeah I heard the loops in question and you're right. Pretty similar sound. That's my favorite kind of synth sound. That like distorted bass lead sound. And oddly enough I was considering what you suggested in terms of guitar. I guess great minds think alike huh? :P Thanks for stopping by V!

ValveDriver 31st Mar 2014 01:32 - 11 years ago

on Troubled Minds Ft TheG1t by SeriouslyJoking

I would think that ultimately it depends on what the intro is leading into. The beginning synths are busy, but if you're going into a busier, upbeat tune, this works fine. If you do end up working a "build" into it, then that will offset the two melody synths even more. At least, that's just my opinion, anyhow.

Take care.
V.

SeriouslyJoking replied 31st Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

I'm ALWAYS trying to do this house tune and it ALWAYS ends up in something else, but this is really supposed to stay as it so an upbeat house-kind-of-a tune; a build up and some serious beats after that.

That's my plan - Thank you again! I'm going to listen to your Music when my ears are functioning again. =)

ValveDriver 31st Mar 2014 01:18 - 11 years ago

on Circular Motion by StaticNomad

Your style is definitely an eclectic mix. I can see why you're proud of it.

I was going to ask if you were feeling well. Two songs under 7 minutes in less than a few weeks. But, then I saw that you made this one ten years ago. The percussion kind of gives that away. It's not as complex as your more modern work. But, for this song, it works well as it is.

The bass in this one is a little more menacing. Something I'm just a little bit familiar with. Or at least I like to think so.

I can't comment on the mastering, or lack thereof. My lack of experience in the field leaves me unqualified to do so. But to untrained ears, it sounds just fine.

As far as the trip goes, it was a pleasant little ride that had nice rolling vibe, man.

Take care.
V.

StaticNomad replied 31st Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

Yo.

Yeah, that recent 5 min dance track was me being very disciplined and intentionally keeping it short. The extension of that track I am working on right now. Oh, what a surprise - it's a lengthy epic! Just about to go record some massive, heavy screaming lead solos as well as some gentle, chillout ones but though I'd reply first to you.

I have a bunch of tracks on this site under or around 7 mins. Here's one with quite a bit of vibe and menace and sax and d'n'b and hip hop and jazz and banjo and metal etc that may well interest you:

Way Beyond Wrong

http://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/145971

It really does contain 'banj metal'!

I thought Circular Motion might be your kind of thing as it also has a bit of menace. And a good industrial type of clanging drum hit eg on 0:42).

Yes, not my intricate acoustic drum parts that I've only been able to do since getting Superior Drummer a few years ago. Actually, I did intricate acoustic drum stuff before then but the much improved kits and excellent MIDI performances in such software has taken things to a new level for me.

But I like this type of drum track too. A real simplicity that seems cleaner and more powerful than perhaps some of my busier acoustic drum stuff.

Regarding bass, check on 1:17 for a while as there are two synth basslines, with opposite panning. I should do that more often.

Ys, you are correct in thinking you're familiar with menacing bass.

"I saw that you made this one ten years ago"

It's more like about 12 or 13 now. I was only a young man with not much music production experience though a fair bit of bass and guitar playing behind me. Real synth newcomer at the time but, as already said, it may well be my best synth work. Not quite beginner's luck but definitely better than much of the other stuff I was doing around that time.

Only minimal amounts of guitar here and there but that's fine.

Even some bass guitar, coming in during the metal/rock solo towards the end. That should probably be fatter but it really doesn't matter.

Good to hear from you. Keep driving those valves...

ValveDriver 31st Mar 2014 01:00 - 11 years ago

on Troubled Minds Ft TheG1t by SeriouslyJoking

Based on what I've heard from you in the past, I assume that it's not going to go into a massive dubstep-DnB drop. So, for an intro, this is alright. The beginning half is good, but from 0:39 on you need to start working a "build" into it. Some sweeps, some snare progression, a gradual, rising pitch on some "string" pads, reverse cymbals, etc.

I like where it's going. I'm anticipating your progress.

Take care.
V.

SeriouslyJoking replied 31st Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

Hi, OK great!
I'm mainly worried about the two synth melodies in the beginning, if they sound too corny/boring - and have noone to ask.
Thanks for the feedack and also thanks for clarifying about Worl Drums earlier by the way!

Continuing on this...
Take care! /SJ =)

ValveDriver 31st Mar 2014 00:27 - 11 years ago

on Minus - Ohgr Cover by Spivkurl

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm taking away from your creativity by making the comparison, but one of the things I love about your work is that it sounds like Mark Mothersbaugh tapped it with his magic Devo wand.

For banging this out in just a few hours, it sounds pretty damn good to me! Man, it usually takes me that many hours just to build the synth patches for my tracks. If you ask me, it's a testament to your abilities, mister.

Awesome work!

Take care, Mr. Spivkurl.
Aaron.

Spivkurl replied 6th Apr 2014 - 11 years ago

Hey, it's really nice to hear from you on this track! The comparison to Mark M is one that surprises me, but in a good way! He has made a huge mark on electronic music, and on my soul, so it means a lot to me! It's rare that I would do a song in this short of a time span, and if it weren't a cover I don't think it would've gone down like that. It felt good to express what I was feeling using someone else's ideas, sort of like DJ'ing in a way. Thanks for the support and feedback!

ValveDriver 30th Mar 2014 23:21 - 11 years ago

on 27-01-2014 by tendeir0

Excellent revision! That ending works great. Especially the little guitar lead at 3:26. It carries you out just as gently as it brings you in.
Awesome job!

Take care.
V.

tendeir0 replied 30th Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

Thank you a lot :)
One day we could do a collab.

BIG UP!
KT9

ValveDriver 26th Mar 2014 05:08 - 11 years ago

on Conscious by MOONLYTE

Hello.

Along with what Evisma and JJWeeks have said, I'd also like mention that quality is far more impressive and noteworthy than quantity. Not to sound discouraging by any means. You have good ideas. I'd like to see you take more time and let them have a chance to evolve to their full potential.

Keep at it, mister.

Take care.
V.

MOONLYTE replied 26th Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

when you say quality do you mean the song sounds or the actual singing and effort put into it?

When it comes to the song sounds, Im not a producer, i have no idea how to really mix or master, and im still just messin with stuff.

When it comes to the singing, Mostly im just playing with the ideas to see what fits.

I thank you for your comment :)

ValveDriver 25th Mar 2014 23:43 - 11 years ago

on Justified By Lies by Crypt

This is a good metal track. Meaning, it really is metal. It's heavy, loud and raw. There's enough of riff change that it doesn't get boring, but they're not so drastic that it loses the grove. The drums are good. I like the fact that there is an actual beat and not just blast beats from beginning to end. However, it's basically the same beat all the way through. It needs some variation and some big-ass fills to bring out the badassery of the tune. Mainly towards the end. Some double kick, and those blast beats would do wonders for that part. This beast rolls along so nicely, but never really seems to take off. But even so, that doesn't hinder what you already have.
As far as Manson being an influence and having a "Manson sound", that doesn't matter. Even Mr. Warner had his influences, ya know?
Overall, this is a quality metal track that deserves more love than it has.

Take care.
V.

Crypt replied 26th Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

Thanks V! I'll test that out! The thought had crossed over me that the ending was a bit stale so I'm glad you said that. Thanks again for listening and commenting!

ValveDriver 25th Mar 2014 16:57 - 11 years ago

on Mt Makalu - instrumental by nepaul

Nice track. It kinda has that whole Nujabes vibe to it. Good work.

Take Care.
V.

ValveDriver 24th Mar 2014 19:13 - 11 years ago

on Foggy Farm Ft Addis Branwell and Holly by SeriouslyJoking

World drums would be any hand drum. Like a Djembe, Darbuka, Conga, Bongo, Taiko, etc.

Like Maffin suggested, a soft conga line, or even a Djembe to enhance the higher frequencies. I know FL has quite a few presets in the world drum section. I don't remember exactly where to find them, but I've used them before. You'll have to assign them to a mixer track and EQ the hell out of them to bring them up to par, but once you do, they sound pretty good.

Good luck with your progress!

Take care.
V.

ValveDriver 24th Mar 2014 16:36 - 11 years ago

on 27-01-2014 by tendeir0

There is a lot happening in this track, and you've done a nice job at finding the right place and levels for it all. It's a very clean mix and comes across well. The only thing that doesn't seem to work is the abrupt ending. The ending seems like it should mirror the intro. Let it ride out just as organically as it came in. Other than that, great track.

Take care.
V.

tendeir0 replied 27th Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

hey, yes i should've worked more that end, but this was the first track that handled to finish it. But i'm still learning and thank you a lot for your sugestion. :)

ValveDriver 24th Mar 2014 00:33 - 11 years ago

on Foggy Farm Ft Addis Branwell and Holly by SeriouslyJoking

Hello. You were wondering what the drums were lacking. in my opinion, it's volume and EQ'ing. The sounds and vocals you have chosen are are a good choice, but you need to put them in your mixer and balance them out. Maybe a little variation on the beat as well. A few pauses would be good. You could also try adding another track with World Drums to fill the spaces in what you already have. I'm pretty sure they would sound nice with the melodies and the vocals you already have in motion. Otherwise, it's a very pleasant track.
Again, this is just my opinion.

Take care.
V.

SeriouslyJoking replied 24th Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

Hi there ValVedriVer!
Yes I want your opinion - thanks for taking time to listen and comment, that's exactly what I need.

Volume - check.
EQ - most definitely, I did something very strange to the drums with some kind of a preset, flanger/flangus I think? It didn't really work in the mix so have to rework all of that.
And some variation, stops and fills definitely missing here, thanks for the tip about World Drums - have to check that out, don't know what that is yet but it sounds interesting.

Reworking this soon, thanks for the advice!

Take care/ SJ =)

ValveDriver 23rd Mar 2014 21:14 - 11 years ago

on Dont Look For Me ft Kamoflage and Joanna Perricone by doudei

I'm generally not a fan of the hip-hops, but this is good. I think it could probably fall comfortably under a couple of different genres. Which is good. It's versatility makes it a more unique tune, and as far as I know, this is pretty unique for what it is. (Like I said, I don't usually listen to hip hop so I'm not too familiar with the genre).
At any rate, good work. I look forward to listening to more of your work.

Take care.
V.

doudei replied 24th Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

thanks a lot for this great comment! always nice when people can enjoy music that's outside of their favourite genres or even out of their comfort zone. i like that you said this can be labeled with different styles. trying to fuse unrelated properties of different musical ideals and concepts can lead to interesting combinations. makes you feel a little bit like Mendel, but instead of genetic material there are timbres, intervals, ratios, more ratios and of course cowbells.
but i digress, my apologies and thanks for stopping by! :)

ValveDriver 1st Mar 2014 00:53 - 11 years ago

on Psychedelic Erotica by JJWeekz

Granted, this is short. But, you can use that to your advantage. This would be a good interlude on an album. This would work well to transition between two tracks that wouldn't otherwise flow well. Or, you can take the same loops, rearrange them slightly and use the two different versions as "Bookends" to an album. I've done that before, when I had a track that was too cool to get rid of, but too short to stand alone.
As far as the arrangement goes, I really, REALLY like what you've done with it. It does have that Pink Floyd element to it. Normally, I don't make that comparison, because in my little world, Pink Floyd are on an untouchable pedestal. But, the proof is in the puddin'. Can't argue with what obviously is.
Good work.

Take care, and I wish for you, that the new arrival is happy and healthy.
V.

ValveDriver 28th Feb 2014 19:10 - 11 years ago

on Flaming - Spivkurl - Extraball Remix by Diskonnect

I would consider myself a fan of Spivkurl. He has a great style that stands out here on the Loop. I was really curious to hear what you did with his work. I thoroughly enjoyed what you did. I've always said that if you're going to remix, or cover a tune, you tear it down to the foundation and rebuild it with all the pieces to make it completely your own. You've done just that. Good job.

Take care.
V.

Diskonnect replied 1st Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

Thanks man, yeah I'm really enjoying doing a bit of remixing right now and you're right, it's always better to strip it down and try make something completely new with the same sounds!

ValveDriver 27th Feb 2014 22:08 - 11 years ago

on Asylum Spider by MCLA

Aside from the vocals being a little hidden, this is a great track. I agree with Danke about voice quality. Except I think it sounds more like Burton Cummings than it does Axl Rose. Either way, good work.

V.

MCLA replied 27th Feb 2014 - 11 years ago

Thanks a lot, appreciate it. I gotta find out who Burton Cummings is now!

ValveDriver 13th Feb 2014 17:33 - 11 years ago

on Baghead Ft doctorcatface by Spivkurl

Don't you love finding a diamond in the rough that you can pull out and polish off? That's exactly what you've done here, mister. Good work as always!

Take care
V.

Spivkurl replied 6th Mar 2014 - 11 years ago

Hey thanks my friend! I know what you mean, but it was more than that - doctorcatface's song inspired the whole thing. It wouldn't exist without him, and it came together very spontaneously. I appreciate you stopping by to listen, and I'll be doing the same!

ValveDriver 13th Feb 2014 08:39 - 11 years ago

on Cry baby-Joplin-cover by janis71

It's a pretty bold move to attempt to fill Ms. Joplin's shoes. She had a passion in her that can't be duplicated. It took me a few times through this one before I could say that I liked it. Make no mistake, it's not due to a lack of talent on your part. You are incredibly talented, and have an absolutely beautiful voice. But, after 40 years of hearing her smokey, dare I say, gritty voice perform this, it requires a little adjustment period to hear anything different. I've always believed that there are two ways to remake someone else's song. You either hit it spot on exactly the same, or you take it and make it entirely your own by tearing it down and using the pieces to rebuild, maintaining only the foundation. You've done a damn fine job at the former, I'd love to see what you could do with it in the latter. That's my opinion, for what it's worth.

Take care.
V.

ValveDriver 12th Feb 2014 22:51 - 11 years ago

on ZIg Zag by zombieme

Zombieme, I really like this. Specifically, the ethereal, rolling nature of the tune. I liked the percussive elements of the tune, but it seems that with the level of the sub kick, there should have been a punchier, more pronounced kick, and a more prominent snare to go with it, to help drive it along and fill in the spaces. The vocals were a nice touch. I wish there would have been more. Maybe just weaved into the tune as it's own instrumental layer until you get to where it is now, where it really jumps out and takes the stage. That part I really liked. All in all, these are just my opinions on an already great track. Keep 'em coming.

V.

zombieme replied 13th Feb 2014 - 11 years ago

hello mate thanks for the comment. If you listen to my other tunes and my drum loops big kicks and snares are kinda my thing but I thought I'd leave em out of this one and glich up the percussion a bit for a change. As for the vocals well I would have liked there to be more but believe it or not i didn't sing them haha. It's a sample I basically wrote the song around that vocal snippet. You'd be more than welcome to remix this if you'd like I could send you the samples, the stems, the midi files etc. All the best. Z

Comments 451 - 475 of 520