ValveDriver

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.

Comments 76 - 100 of 522
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 10th Aug 2025 22:55 - 6 months ago

on Denzapine by BullittVolante
Bullitt, how are you?
I listened to this, and as I did, it reminded me a lot of the mid/late 90s and early 00s industrial bands. Assemblage 23 to be specific. Maybe some Wupscut if it had more distortion. But that's not important. We're here to celebrate your track. Not theirs.
I, for the most part, agree with Manuela on her assessment. As it stands, it's a great track. You've mixed it well, and it has plenty panning and spacial dynamics that give it movement. It does have enough change ups that, overall, it's not a monotonous track at all.
I think, personally, I would have added a few impacts and dowlifters for that extra little touch that would make this song soar above and beyond. Especially at the 2:10 mark like Manuela had mentioned. A good impact right there would kick that section off with great power. But, you know, that's just, like, my opinion, man. Take it for what it's worth. As I said, this is great the way it is. Even if you change nothing.
Take care.
V.
BullittVolante
BullittVolante replied 14th Aug 2025 - 6 months ago
Hi V, thanks for your feedback, much appreciated. It's good to get constructive feedback as I think it helps you develop as a musician. Thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 20th Jul 2025 02:01 - 7 months ago

on The Broad Haven Triangle by BullittVolante
Hey Bullit. I'm really liking this. That bass line is fantastic. Such a good groove. Your mix is done very well, and you have a lot of movement. Which, to me, is important in minimalist tracks.
I agree with Danke, it could almost be trip-hop, or even chill-out. But, as he also said, genres really don't matter. It's just a good track, and that's what matters.
Excellent work.
Take care.
V.
BullittVolante
BullittVolante replied 20th Jul 2025 - 7 months ago
Hi V, thanks for leaving some feedback, it's much appreciated. Glad you liked the track. yeah, tbh, I wasn't sure what genre to file this under? It was a choice between Trip Hop, Chill Out and Ambient. I chose Ambient in the end, tho there are elements of the other two genres in there. like you say, it doesn't really matter. Thanks again.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 31st May 2025 23:31 - 8 months ago

on How are you by crucethus
Zoot said that you should use your voice more. I agree. It's like Dave Gahan had a kid with SImon Le Bon, and then sent it to grow up with Richard Patrick.

I had completely forgotten about Talk Talk. I was never that deep into them, but I never complained when they would come on. However, Rio is a great album! You were right to use them for influence. This track has a great mix of the 80s/early 90s sound. Listening again, I'm willing to guess there's some influence from Uncle Al J. via the Twitch era, too.
I like this, man. I'd love to hear more from you like it.
Definitely going into the fav's for sure.
Take care, mister.
Aaron.
crucethus
crucethus replied 5th Jun 2025 - 8 months ago
Aye mate! Talk Talk burned through New Wave synth to eventually create this thing called Post Rock. Duran Duran is so underrated musically. I have no Idea who Richard Patrick is, I will explore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKtp3SOQE6I
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 30th May 2025 00:22 - 8 months ago

on No Limits by TrippleN97
I have YET to be let down*. I kind of missed a very important word there. Meaning, I like everything you've done.
Again, take care.
TrippleN97
TrippleN97 replied 22nd Jun 2025 - 8 months ago
I understood everything clearly and I appreciate the love man. I hope to keep it that way for a long time. It means a lot coming from a talented producer like yourself.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 29th May 2025 23:53 - 8 months ago

on No Limits by TrippleN97
Ya know, everyone is always saying, "this needs vocals", or "this would be great with someone singing". I say, Nah, man. Sometimes that just gets in the way. Sometimes, it's good to just sit and chill to the music, ya know what I mean?
Honestly, dude, I think you could have easily filed this one under chillout, or even ambient as well as hip hop.
I dig it, man. Of the tracks of yours that I've listened to, I have to be let down. Good work.
Take care.
V.
TrippleN97
TrippleN97 replied 22nd Jun 2025 - 8 months ago
Thanks man. That means a lot. I myself played the beat over a 100 times when I had just made it. i cab agree with you that it's listenable although the initial idea was to make it a backing track for hip hop/r&b. At the end of the day... it's jus music. If one feels the vibe that's all that matters.
Thanks again for the listen and the feedback.
Cheers
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 26th May 2025 00:07 - 8 months ago

on Morphic Resonance by BullittVolante
I dig it, man.
The47 mentioned 90s scific in his comment. I can get on board with that. Or even a 90s cyberpunk flick. Something like Strange Days.
Either way. Good work. It's not just a bunch of sound effects thrown together and passed off as cinematic. It actually has movement and intent.
Take care.
V.
BullittVolante
BullittVolante replied 27th May 2025 - 8 months ago
Hi V, thanks for your comment, glad you liked the track. Yeah, I try not to use too many loops if I can help it. I think they're really useful and definately help bring ideas together. But I like to play as much of the music as possible if I can. Btw, Strange Days is a great film, very underrated. Thanks again.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 25th May 2025 02:46 - 9 months ago

on Endgame by the47
47, what's goin' on, man?
It's good to finally see more metal on here than just me.

This is a cool piece, but the mix needs a little adjusting. Individually, everything sounds good. The tones on your guitars are nice and tight. The drums have a nice snap that breaks through the distortion. The bass guitar has a great low end rumble that really supports it all. All of that is good. It's mostly just the levels. Listening to this on my monitors, the metal section needs to come up to the front. Right now, the strings and keys are dominant. It sounds like the bass, drums and guitars are all balanced pretty well with each other. I think if you lower the strings and keys, then boost the master, you might have it taken care of. The vocal sample in the beginning sits right about where it should, so I wouldn't mess with that at all.
Just my opinion, man. Take it for what it's worth.
As far as concept and execution, great work!
Take care.
V.
the47
the47 replied 9th Aug 2025 - 6 months ago
Hey man, thank you very much for your input! Will definitely take another listen today on my monitors to check & adjust the levels. Cheers!
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 24th May 2025 18:10 - 9 months ago

on Trance Energy by DarrenHirst
Darren! This is fantastic!
As a metalhead before all, my brain has become accustomed to frequent riff, chord, and tempo changes. At first I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing really did. But soon enough I relaxed enough to just sit back and let it flow.

I'm glad I waited.

This is some high quality work, my friend. I've always loved listening to trance, but it's one I've never really attempted to create. The few times I did, that metalhead brain of mine kept getting in the way and making it more complicated that it needs to be. So, my hats off to you, mister!
Excellent work.
Take care.
V.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 24th May 2025 15:41 - 9 months ago

on Nightflight by Kayos2
Hi Kay.
This is definitely an upbeat track. I can surely see why people would want dance to it!
You've done a great job with the use of your voice in this one. It's very dynamic!
Excellent work.
Take care.
V.
Kayos2
Kayos2 replied 24th May 2025 - 9 months ago
Glad it hit the spot - thank you so much for that feedback
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 24th May 2025 15:16 - 9 months ago

on Cambridge Analytica by BullittVolante
Pretty cool track, man.
I may be way off here, but I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that you're a fan of Rush. Or, maybe it's just because that I am, and with my own exposure to them that I associate some elements of your synth work to their sound. When I first heard the sequenced synth starting at 0:16, my mind went instantly to the intro of "The Spirit Of Radio". There were a few other synths in there that reminded me of their work over the years, too. But, to be clear, I don't mean to take away from your work in the slightest. Quite the opposite, in fact. I mean it as a sincere compliment.
So, either way, excellent work.
Take care.
V.
BullittVolante
BullittVolante replied 24th May 2025 - 9 months ago
Hi V, thanks for your feedback, it's much appreciated. The short answer to your question is, no, I'm not a Rush fan. I don't dislike the band, truth is, I've never listened to them. I know of them as their pretty famous, but the only things I know about them is, their Canadian and the only song I could probably name by them is the one you mentioned! How bizarre. I've just listened to The Spirit of Radio and I can see where your coming from though. No, I absolutely take it as a compliment and I really appreciate your comments. Infact, I'm gonna listen to some more Rush I reckon. Kayos2 commented on this track and said it reminded them of early Ultravox, which is another band I'm not that familiar with. It's very insightful to hear what people think of the music you create. I'm always grateful for feedback, thanks again.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 24th May 2025 00:23 - 9 months ago

on Like the First Time by MPOProduction
I can honestly say that this is the first time I've heard Delta Blues on Looperman. I can also honestly say it's a breath of fresh air.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say Johnson and Hooker are some big time influences here. Even if they're not, excellent work.
Take care.
V.
MPOProduction
MPOProduction replied 31st May 2025 - 8 months ago
Thanks so much, V really appreciate the kind words!
Funny enough, I actually set out to make a reggae beat but then I stumbled across some Robert Johnson recordings again on TikTok, and it just wouldnt let me go.
So I followed that vibe guess the blues found its way in!
Glad it resonated with you
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 24th May 2025 00:17 - 9 months ago

on Dirge in Em by Zootman
I don't know, man. I think it's perfect just as it is. It would be a good interlude between tracks on an album. I think, though, that if there were vocals, Beth Gibbons would be the only option. Actually, on my third listen through, I can also hear Gilmour and/or Waters as well. In fact, this does have a very Pink Floyd feel to it without it sounding like an imitation.
Good work as always. I like the way you do things.
Take care.
V.
Zootman
Zootman replied 25th May 2025 - 9 months ago
Kia ora V, nice to hear from you as always. I had to google Beth Gibbons but then it said singer from Portishead and of course I know them. I've been hearing a bit of Nick Cave myself but there you go. I'll take either. Hope to catch up on some LM listening in the next day or two myself. Cheers Zoot.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 13th Apr 2025 19:00 - 10 months ago

on Conducter by crucethus
There is it is! There's the Crucethus I ran into over a decade ago!
This definitely reminds me of your earlier work, but with the evolved quality of the now. I love the instrumentation in this. The vocal samples fit so well, too.
You know, I've never been able to put a finger on it, but I think the best way to put it is that you, sir, are the Jackson Pollack of music. You have a way of throwing so much at the canvas, and it all lands exactly where it needs to, and makes the big picture a true work of art.
As far as chill-out...yeah, for me it certainly is. Considering I fall asleep to bands like Infant Annihilator and Cannibal Corpse. It always cracks me up when a dude will say, "Yeah. I listen to some pretty hardcore, shit, dude. Ever hear of a band called Avenged Sevenfold? They fuckin' ROCK, man!". I just want to put my headphones on them, and go full Marty McFly, and hit play on some Larcenia Roe type shit.
Anyhow, I hope everything's going well for you, Steve. It looks like you had pretty rough road lately, and I sincerely hope it's getting better for you, brother.
Take care, bud.
Aaron.
crucethus
crucethus replied 11th Jul 2025 - 7 months ago
Hey Mate, Sorry for the Late reply, trying to deal with all the Shit, at the same time so man good things have happened, so It's kind of a mixed blessing, so I set aside music for a small bit. You are right. I have learned and now I apply but the essence and cour de etre still prevails. I don't think I can ever escape that dark underbelly, and to be honest. I really don't want to. Jackson Pollack of music...maybe, but I prefer Piet Mondrian when it comes to art. It's simple, but it's not. The darkness is always between the lines with his art, and so with mine. I appreciate you, mate, and I hope all is well in your camp these days.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 13th Apr 2025 18:00 - 10 months ago

on Just Me Thinking of Just You by glennwhite6504
Glenn, Hello. I hope all is well with you.
I may have said this before in an earlier track of yours, but I would absolutely love to hear a collaboration between you and our very own Mr. Tumbleweed. the two of you have a very similar style and level of talent. (That's a compliment to both of you.)
Someone once told me that what makes a truly great artist is the ability to conceal his influences. Normally, I have no problems being able to hear musicians influences. In your case, I detect none. Which makes me wonder, who are your main influences. If I had to choose, I would say Santana is on the list. Maybe David Gilmour?
Either way, beautiful work, sir. I thoroughly enjoyed a few listens through.
Take care.
V.
glennwhite6504
glennwhite6504 replied 16th Apr 2025 - 10 months ago
Hello ValveDriver, I wanna thank you for listening to my track....I can only say I listen to a lot of players and admire so many....but names like metheny, dimeola, holdsworth, benson, hendrix, to name a few have helped me to keep playing...theres so many others I follow and all have influenced me....one day it might be nice to do a collab, but I'll wait n see what happens. Again my friend thank you for everything.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 2nd Apr 2025 22:29 - 10 months ago

on Dancing with Floyd by VTNights
What an INTERSTELLAR intro. I'd say you went into OVERDRIVE on this one.
As soon as I saw the title, I knew we were in for a treat. I knew the riff before the second note started! I've danced with Floyd for decades. I'd recognize it anywhere.
I have to say, that's an interesting incorporation. With the effects you put on the guitar riff, you really made it fit well. That's not a combination I would have thought of. Industrial with some Floyd. To say it without hearing it, it doesn't seem like it would be something that could work, considering they're such contrasting genres. But you did it. You made it work.
Excellent job!
Take care.
V.
VTNights
VTNights replied 2nd Apr 2025 - 10 months ago
Hey VD, many thanks for the great reply. I guess we are both Generation PF. This intro still does make me feel psychedelic :-)
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 29th Mar 2025 03:26 - 10 months ago

on PLAMEN by ZE7DD
You've definitely mastered the art of dynamic movement, and creating a spacious mix.
Your choice of vocals works so well. Did you build around them, or did you have the song already, and the vocals an afterthought?
Also, do you create your own synth patches, or do you use loops/presets? So far, what I've heard of your music your synths are top notch. So, I was curious.
Excellent work here.
Take care.
V.
ZE7DD
ZE7DD replied 30th Mar 2025 - 10 months ago
Thanks V. Really appreciate the thoughtful feedback.
The vocals were actually a key element from the start. I came across them while digging through samples, and something about their tone and phrasing instantly caught my attention. Instead of just layering them in as an afterthought, I structured the track around them, making sure the progression and energy complemented their depth.

As for the synths, I love crafting my own patches to get a unique texture, but Im not against tweaking presets when they align with the mood Im aiming for. Its all about shaping the sound to feel alive u know

Safety,
ZE7DD
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 24th Mar 2025 16:25 - 11 months ago

on Can I See You Tomorrow by Morash
You've made some interesting choices with interesting results. Overall, not a bad track.
Take care.
V.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 23rd Mar 2025 15:53 - 11 months ago

on I See by TheFrenZ
I really like this. It's totally an 80s synth-pop style track. It takes me back, man!
I may have to look into some of the vocal effect plugins you use, because my voice is not exactly fit for use in music. But these last few tracks you've done have had some really great effects on them.
Excellent work, keep it up!
Take care.
V.
TheFrenZ
TheFrenZ replied 23rd Mar 2025 - 11 months ago
Hi V, thanks for the listen and glad you like it. I didn't think of that genre :-)
I will gather some info and send you a mail.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 23rd Mar 2025 13:57 - 11 months ago

on Transmission by yampaja
Yeah, I gotta say, this is about what it sounds like after having the tranny rebuilt or replaced. This is the feeling of watching that 4 figure dollar amount walk straight out the bank account. Hell, I could use this as my bank notification tone for every time I have to dump more into my Durango.
As far as the track goes, I dig it. It's kind of a Rock/Blues sort of thing. Do you plan on doing more with it? I think it could be something, man. You could do like a true blues track, and make it all about how "she" did you dirty and took all of your money. "She" of course, being your car.
Anyhow, cool track man. Keep it up.
Take care.
V.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 21st Mar 2025 16:19 - 11 months ago

on ZE7DD X Anna Sennikova - Phoria 25 by ZE7DD
Let me tell you something, when you're 19 years old and your first experience with techno is 3 hits deep in an LSD bender in the middle of the night back in 1993, it's something you just kind of fall in love with. Even though I have been a devout metal head since 1986, techno will always hold a special spot. Especially when it's done well.

This was done well, and it takes me back to that night. Thank you.

The quality of the mix is top notch. All of your synths sound amazing. The filters and effects are perfect. It's dynamic. There is a lot of movement, but none of the frequencies trip over each other, or create any "mud" as they float around. The vocals float, but not too far above or below anything else. It's definitely a vast and wide open world you've created in here.
With all due respect to Baobou, I disagree with him on the length. When you're deep in the groove, you want it to last. In my opinion, techno songs should never be less than 5 minutes. Otherwise, about the time you fully submerge, it's over. So, in MY opinion, this could go on for at least another 3 minutes. Easily.
Excellent work. Keep it up.
Take care.
V.
ZE7DD
ZE7DD replied 22nd Mar 2025 - 11 months ago
Wow, thats one hell of a story, and I appreciate you sharing it. Its always something special when a track connects on that level. The breakdown of the mix means a lot too. Getting that space right without losing the groove is always the aim. Glad this one took you somewhere. Thanks again for the thoughtful words.

Safety,
ZE7DD
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 19th Mar 2025 00:00 - 11 months ago

on Deeper by TheFrenZ
Alright, I absolutely love the crows in here. Coincidentally, I'm working on a track of my own that has crows in it. Something weird, I've lived in this town for 5 years and in that time, I have not seen a single crow. Not one. What kind of curse must be on this place to where even crows won't tread?
Okay, back to the song. This is an absolutely brilliant concept! I think it's something we can all relate to as well. The damned alarm clock, man. I love the way you worked in the alarm without making it completely obvious. For the whole thing I kept thinking, "what is it? What is the sound?? Are we going to find out??" Then there it was. Again, brilliant my friend.
Do take care.
V.
TheFrenZ
TheFrenZ replied 19th Mar 2025 - 11 months ago
Hi V, In the song there are crows and a finch, I recorded the finch and the stones myself, the finch was in a tree behind my house, a crow flew by, but it was not good enough. I need to record the sound of the crow population in my neighborhood in the near future, there is a place where every night a few hundred crows of different species gather to sleep in the trees. I need to get a field recorder first.
Thanks for the compliment, it's nice to see that my crazy ideas sometimes work out well :-)
Regards.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 18th Mar 2025 23:39 - 11 months ago

on Wind Is Cold ft DNA by TrippleN97
This is not at all my preferred genre, but it doesn't have to be for me to recognize talent.
I am curious though, in general, with the instrumentation of your tracks, (this one and others), do you use a lot of loops, or do you create all of your own (or play) from scratch, or maybe even a little bit of both?

What you've built around the vocals is very well put together. Not only in instrument choices, but the timing and even the effects you used. The wind, although primarily in the background, is absolutely a binding ribbon that makes the entire piece. It's one of those things where you don't notice it at first, but if it wasn't there, you'd definitely miss it and the track just wouldn't be as full.
Excellent work, man. Keep it up.
Take care.
V.
TrippleN97
TrippleN97 replied 19th Mar 2025 - 11 months ago
Hey V.,

Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedbackit means a lot, especially knowing this isnt your usual genre.

As for your question: I create most of my own loops, but if I find a loop that genuinely enhances the track, Ill use it. For chord progressions and building around the acapellas, I rely on my understanding of keys and some piano knowledge I picked up playing in church. Its been a valuable foundation, and I always work to improve it.

Im glad you noticed the reverbits those subtle touches that help tie everything together and elevate the overall sound.

Thanks again for your support! Its inspiring to hear such encouraging words.

Take care, N
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 16th Mar 2025 23:27 - 11 months ago

on All I Could Give - The Monzder Squadd by Pnnywze
What the hell happened to the comments section, man? It's seriously lacking in substance these days.
Anyhow, that aside, Nice track bro!
Sorry, I had to.
This is cool, man. I imagine that if Linkin' Park and Bone Thugs had a kid, this would be it!
Something I noticed, though. In the first and last sections, the vocals sound a little quiet in the mix. At least compared to the second and third sections. But, that could just be my earbuds. They do tend to be a little bass heavy and drown out some of the mids, so take this with a grain.
Other than that, it sounds good, brother.
Keep on keepin' on!
Pnnywze
Pnnywze replied 17th Mar 2025 - 11 months ago
U have some incredible ears to be able to pick up the 1 to 2 dB difference in volume in the 2nd and 3rd vocal parts, no shit lol. Its intentional, as I always make Brad's (Infamous) vocals a bit quieter to cut some of the harshness that's always present for some reason. But u are correct lol. The first vocal part may sound a bit better once the mix is mastered, but I may overlay it with another layer just in case. The effects I use sometimes lesson the loudness for some reason. Thanks for the love brother.
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 16th Mar 2025 19:20 - 11 months ago

on Through the Choir and Flames by Jkingz
JKingz, what's happenin'? I haven't seen you around in quite some time. It's good to see you again.
The title here really caught my attention, so I had to give it a play. Although this isn't a style I would normally listen to, I have to say...damn...that's a lot of talent right there. I find it interesting (in a good way) that it started out like a Mexican love song, but ended up an international choir. Having that many voices from as many different places must have been a tricky one to get recorded, synced, mixed and mastered.
I tell ya what, man. If you're not proud of this work, you should be. And if you are proud of it, you should add another 20%. This is job very well done.
Kudos to you, and everyone involved.
Take care.
V.
Jkingz
Jkingz replied 16th Mar 2025 - 11 months ago
Thanks so much !
ValveDriver
ValveDriver 16th Mar 2025 18:20 - 11 months ago

on Sweet as Cake by VTNights
I don't think this is really about cake at all! ;)
I know Kraftwerk and Rammstein have been mentioned, but to me, that bassline is far more reminiscent of some old Skinny Puppy, or Leather Strip.
I'm just curious, for your synth work, do you use analogue or VST software? The different sounds you have in this are so clean and rich it could easily be analogue. If it is digital, then job well done! Well, even if it's analogue, it's still a job well done.
It's good to hear music here that leans into the industrial. There's not much of it. I hope to hear more from you like this.
Take care.
V.
VTNights
VTNights replied 16th Mar 2025 - 11 months ago
Hi Valvedriver, You are right with this one. Not every song about a cake means it is about a cake ;) I do have some nice analog synth over here but the main bassline comes from a 20yrs old VST Software. This style of music is my personal hobby, next to all the other projects like Kayos etc. I'm sure I will find more time to produce some more likewise songs. Cheers, Oli
Comments 76 - 100 of 522