Great set of tutorials Ben! The one thing I’m struggling with is how to structure an ambient track. I realise like no harsh transitions or changes etc....but have you any good tips?
That’s a great question! I think it really depends on your style of writing. I usually write in a pretty linear fashion and let the instrument take me in the direction it wants to go, and then compliment that with additions after the fact. However, thats definitely not the only way to approach it, as a lot of my previous interviews have shown. I think a really great place to start would be first and foremost to find a sound that really inspires you, and get very comfortable with what it can do. Then, see what story you can tell with that idea, or what picture you can paint with those musical colors, and just see what happens! I know thats a lot of vague jargon, but really clearing your head from the idea of “i need to write a song” and moving into the much more nebulous world of “what moods and emotions can I evoke with the textures I have made” and letting them take it from there is the best starting point. I want to talk about this more in the future for sure though! Thanks for the great question!
@@ambientbenji thanks for the detailed answer. Reason I ask is that I normally post UA-cam sketches, but want to try and put something solid out on bandcamp. Totally agree with you, I’ve started to just drone a note, and then find a sound that evokes some emotion...then build from there. Thanks again!
This is so great! I have been looking for something I can take with me into woods to make ambient soundscapes in nature. Do you think this would be a good option?
That’s a great question… it really depends on your personal taste, and your budget. There are some similar form factor things with less/more functionality, so it really depends on what you want to do. If you want to record nature with the onboard mic, and play it back and manipulate it, and be able to build a small track, maybe it’s great for you, however, you could also get a zoom h6, and a critter and guitari organelle, and have an extra 200-400 ish left over, if you more want a small keyboard, and a way to record songs and song ideas on the go. The op-1 is streamlined, but also somewhat limited, and it really has a specific sound to it. For the price, it’s definitely something you want to make sure you know what you are getting into, but it could absolutely be a wonderful piece of kit. All personal preference! 😊
Haha, the birthday is one coincidence, but the name is… less. The amount of Ben Wilson’s I know… I’m not even the most famous UA-camr musician named Ben Wilson 😂😂😂 that would be divkid lol.
Very inspiring. I have an OP1 collecting dust. It’s so sad, but the thing is intimidating.
You killed it! Appreciate the shout out! Thank you for all the great education and info you share.
Thanks for helping with the ideas!!! Glad you enjoyed the end result
It’s got some real stranger things vibe 😉
Great set of tutorials Ben! The one thing I’m struggling with is how to structure an ambient track. I realise like no harsh transitions or changes etc....but have you any good tips?
That’s a great question! I think it really depends on your style of writing. I usually write in a pretty linear fashion and let the instrument take me in the direction it wants to go, and then compliment that with additions after the fact. However, thats definitely not the only way to approach it, as a lot of my previous interviews have shown. I think a really great place to start would be first and foremost to find a sound that really inspires you, and get very comfortable with what it can do. Then, see what story you can tell with that idea, or what picture you can paint with those musical colors, and just see what happens! I know thats a lot of vague jargon, but really clearing your head from the idea of “i need to write a song” and moving into the much more nebulous world of “what moods and emotions can I evoke with the textures I have made” and letting them take it from there is the best starting point. I want to talk about this more in the future for sure though! Thanks for the great question!
@@ambientbenji thanks for the detailed answer. Reason I ask is that I normally post UA-cam sketches, but want to try and put something solid out on bandcamp. Totally agree with you, I’ve started to just drone a note, and then find a sound that evokes some emotion...then build from there. Thanks again!
Great video dude! OP-1 has been on my list for a while, something about it is just so inspiring! Thanks for this 🙏
Thanks so much! Glad you dig it, and let me know if you ever do get that op-1, It’s expensive but if you can afford it... it’s fun
@@ambientbenji Will do! Take good care dude, look forward to more of this style video, super well put together 👌🙏
This is great! I am far to poor for the OP1 but I still learned a lot from this tutorial 👍
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s deff not a synth I can recommend unless you can afford it, but it’s abilities can really be translated to other things
Love your aesthetic. Great video.
Thanks so much! Glad you liked the vibes!
This is so great! I have been looking for something I can take with me into woods to make ambient soundscapes in nature. Do you think this would be a good option?
That’s a great question… it really depends on your personal taste, and your budget. There are some similar form factor things with less/more functionality, so it really depends on what you want to do. If you want to record nature with the onboard mic, and play it back and manipulate it, and be able to build a small track, maybe it’s great for you, however, you could also get a zoom h6, and a critter and guitari organelle, and have an extra 200-400 ish left over, if you more want a small keyboard, and a way to record songs and song ideas on the go.
The op-1 is streamlined, but also somewhat limited, and it really has a specific sound to it. For the price, it’s definitely something you want to make sure you know what you are getting into, but it could absolutely be a wonderful piece of kit. All personal preference! 😊
thank *YOU*
🐸
Eyyy this video was released on my birthday. And you have the same name as me. What a fuckin coincidence.
Haha, the birthday is one coincidence, but the name is… less. The amount of Ben Wilson’s I know… I’m not even the most famous UA-camr musician named Ben Wilson 😂😂😂 that would be divkid lol.