~ What Heroes? Sellout Art Or A Loss Of Pure Art ~ "...So that's class struggle, and it shapes our everyday lives, everything we do. It shapes our taste in music, what we care about, what we wear... It's ideological domination... The whole society, the way that it exists has been shaped by the economic system that we live under... and in the interests of that class that dominates that system." ~ Stephanie McMillan "The value system disorder of rewarding, in effect, generally the most ruthless and selfish in our society, both by financial means and then by public adoration and respect, is one of the most pervasive and insidious consequences of the incentive system inherent to the Capitalist model." ~ Peter Joseph " 'The economics work differently in a global networked society. But the industries will not change. That's why we need to take them down.'... ...'You often need money to change things. But most ways of acquiring it require you to compromise on your ideals. We can do better than that.' " ~ Peter Sunde "Gear I Use: Edison Lamps: amzn.to/31prLMm Desk: amzn.to/3Dl4J64 Chair: amzn.to/3001Xpk Computer Monitor Stand: amzn.to/3In7O9u..." ~ Cameron/Venus Theory
Love your videos. Just got Phaseplant for half price in black Friday sale and they also sent me a $30 coupon so I got Ephemeris for free too!!! Happy Days.
John Mayer had a great quote about this. He said, "It's my failure to sound like my heroes that's allowed me to sound like myself." and I think about that a lot. Great video on a topic that is not often discussed. Thanks Cam!
@@TheRealG2024 Blues is a music strongly governed by tradition, convention and form. It's great for inspiring virtuoso playing but even that virtuoso playing has to confine itself to the rules. Not exactly where I'd be looking for inspiration for creativity. No saying you can't be, I'm just saying unique-ness, breaking the rules, thinking outside the box style creativity is not exactly a huge part of the DNA or tradition of Blues...compared to many other styles.
Your heroes also had heroes and their influences. Realizing that was exciting for me. Every song produced today is there only because of ever growing line of people influenced by their heroes before them.
"Your artistic signature is always going to be the result of a combination of influences" I've heard so many people talk about "finding your sound" as this experiment where you do something no one's done before, so I'm glad to hear you acknowledge this specifically. Also, the outro music is dope.
This is so true. Every time I hear a song and think 'I cant make anything that good', I have to remember that it's important to do 'me'. I need to make music to my strengths and still be inspired by others.
I've been searching for my "signature" sound for years, went from standard 19th century orchestra to metal, and from metal to piano trap, but then I discovered the world of synthesizing and fell in love with Vital, so i guess my journey's not come to an end yet
Dude I'm at the same point as you 😂 I even dropped my first instrumental on this channel recently "metal-piano-trap" is a good idea of my song too 😂 and yeah studying synthesizers currently. 🔥
Your sound is your sound no matter what. You don't have to try to find your sound. The music you currently make is your sound. And the future songs you make as you evolve is also your sound.
You really like vital that much ? Maybe I should dive in deeper haha but I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it's because I have too many synth plugins and an analog synth already..
@@wheniztheendthat's super true and super deep, it's like as you try to answer your own questions and find your own sound unconsciously your creating your own original untill you realize you've been unique the whole time
Not only are you inspiring, but you're helping people with mental health problens as well. Being a creator can be freaking rough if you're alone. By you Cameron, reaching out and being personal, we all become better and feel better 😊 Thanks again for another great video.
@@prod_by_slvg If you think this video is saying you suck, it says a lot more about you than the video. All he is saying is you will never sound exactly like your heroes but that's a good thing because if you did, it would be boring. Having your own style is interesting and cool.
As someone who enjoyed maybe 80% of my music career in a duo project with a guy I never actually met in real life, I could never find the same excitement again for music after our project fell apart. There was nothing more fun than constantly receiving and sending these little bare bones ideas between each other: Sometimes a guitar riff, other times a synth line, then a simple beat pattern. It really helped with finishing these tracks, big time. We both had our own influences, too, yet with similarities; he was into Burial and UK 2-step/future garage, I was into Boards of Canada and post-rock stuff. And when you think of the infinite pool of influences mashed together, you really start to understand just how many different outcomes you can get with collaboration.
I'm doing that now. I gave him the full Logic file on Dropbox. I mixed it, arranged it and all he needs to do is do his guitar Pink Floyd thing. I gave him a guide.l. The thing is sometimes it takes him some time because we work
@@lettucedraw._. The duo fell apart like 2015-2016 and I haven't made music *seriously* since, just some occasional fun sound design. If you're curious it was called "Atlantic Cascade" (youtube, soundcloud etc.) It's not monetized anymore.
@@aloneaflame9343 Just listened to a few tracks. Great stuff! I am also a huge fan of Boards of Canada as well as post-rock (65DaysofStatic, and all the usual suspects) and can hear a lot of that influence in there.
Just like anything in life that you work hard at, you will go down the path emulating your heroes until one day, after working persistently hard, you realize that you have forged your own path. One that is uniquely your own.
Tbh, when you say that it could hit to the Ego, for me its refreshing to hear this, I always was afraid of the copycat thing cause I never want to sound like someone else... seing 2 min of your video, makes me realize that our problem is that we want to go deep into the ecploration of the unaffiliated sound, but we never go deep in our selves, and maybe the principal problem is because we thing that we are not enough to be unique as posible as our heroes, for me, Virtual Riot, Moody Good, etc.
These recent, particularly candid, videos have been resonating in an especially freakily way. Thanks for the guidance, and confirming/organizing some uncertain thoughts.
Commented on another video about this exact thing. Played covers for years, my originals weren’t all that great. One day out of frustration, I said to hell with it, grabbed a favorite cover song and reworked it, new chords, new key, new melody, new rhythm or very close to original’s rhythm but different. The idea was to just see if I can take another song and completely change it but still sound good. The aim was to retain the originals lyrical structure and the originals spirit. And hit record on the iPhone after piecing it all back together, and the playback blew me away, Hit me with an epiphany and opening up a well of creativity, I got hooked and did it with every song I knew, felt inspired and started journaling, and pretty soon I had some new material to work with, and it was a consistent flow. Of course I hit a wall eventually, due to the stresses of life. But I keep journaling, bought a laptop and daw, midi etc. and currently back at it, with the aim of making an album of all new original material. Throw yourself a curveball and do the unexpected things. It might get you in that zone. In doing what I did I learned a lot about songs, structure, content, and theory. And mostly I’ve learned a lot about myself and my abilities. Also open up to other genres and ideas if you haven’t already. Soak everything in. Learn. Write. And stay consistent with it.
Great advices. Just landed on your channel and, this 10 minutes of information are like the sum of a course in the purpose of electronic music production. Very enlightening and inspiring information. Not only music inspires to make music. Thank you so much. Great channel!
I have been not only inspired, but amazed at the content and structure of your teachings. The wisdom, knowledge and helpful life tips are just what make this channel and person special. Thank you Venus Theory for all you do. I create and fuel that fire any way I can. It is very inspiring and comforting to know that folks like you exist. Thanks again. and Cheers, your fellow Buckaroony...
Hello, this video brought mefrom Kiloheart's product page to your channel, because it was so nice to listen to it and it was so well done. So even if I have not heard a single song from you, nor the sound from that content bank yet, I am already a fan. Congrats for he bank and well done with this video.
Same here. At this point, I'm gathering the tools I need to do what I want to do, all subject to my economic situation. Ahh...but, once I'm finally there....😊
I went from trying to be completely unique, to emulating others sounds, to acquiring some of the actual gear used on my favorite albums. I can without a doubt say having the same gear as your influences does not make you sound like them. 😅 That said, it is inspiring to think about how someone may have worked with a particular piece of gear.
There's no perfect steal. You make something honest it's you. Thank you for all the questions. It was another shot in the arm. On a side note, you look happier now. Glad to see it!
I've often heard voice actors talk about their ability to create their characters and it's a similar principle. To them, a bad impression of someone else's character ends up turning into their own original voice. Similarly, as you said, we're kind of a "collage soup" of our favorite listening styles. I've tried to accept that as I've tried to emulate more of the artists I enjoy and that ends up turning into some of the most original-sounding art I've ever churned out. Thanks for the reminder VT
I love the timing of this video. I will be releasing a song in a couple weeks (it's already delivered to the stores) and I used samples from a bunch of your sample packs to create the percussion tracks.
I absolutely agree. Even if everyone has access to the same sounds there will still be lots of different results. We all have our own unique perspective.
The difference between success, or the success within yourself is still a comparison. Where it ends will never be how it started. No matter what makes great , great.
The best thing that helped me was realising that at a point,.you stop trying to sound like a producer and just are one. Everything you make is valid, it's just when you think it's done enough for others to hear. So long as you are doing the thing and it brings you joy, keep at it.
What you are describing, is the exact reason I don't listen to other music, while in the creative process. The problem is that I am always creating, so I miss out on a lot of good music, as a result. There is definitely a difference between the feedback you receive as an artist, versus the feedback you receive as a sound designer. I think a lot of that has to do with the passion of another creative personality, and how they feel about their own projects. The gratitude is next level... A perfect example is that when we met, at NAMM, I was more aware of your proclivities, as an artist. Afterwards, your UA-cam content has opened up my world to things like Vital, Surge, and most recently, Decent Sampler. As I am transitioning into full time sound design and creating content on UA-cam, I am super grateful for these doors opening. Having the ability to communicate on this level, is one of the reasons I love this platform. I appreciate ALL that you do, and these long-form conversations regarding the entire process... spelunking with Benn, included! 🤠 ❤️🙏
"Wisdom"? It is noteworthy how some people happen to be musically gifted. But they seem to be quite happy to 'stand-on-the-shoulders-of-giants', I notice.
@@Gedagnors A talented person can play a song and it will sound good. A genius takes a song and makes it theirs, giving it a life that no other person could. A good example is the Song 'Hurt' by NIN. I could cover it, and it would sound good. Johnny Cash covered it, and to this day there are people that think Nine Inch Nails borrowed it from him. Mozart was famous for taking bits of other work and reworking them to the point the original is lost to time, but Mozart's version is still bouncing around in the minds of people everywhere. Talent borrows. Genius steals. This extends not just to notes but sounds and techniques. And there is satisfaction to be had in creating something that is then picked up by someone else and used to create a masterpiece.
for anyone who struggles with releasing your work.... what is it that's holding you back? 🤔what are your concerns? what makes you say "no" to releasing a given work, assuming you think it's good in your judgment?
You're much more than a good cook; you're a philosopher. Be yourself. It's true evreywhere. In jazz, Parker was laugh at in his debut in jazz. I enjoy your sense of humor.
What you're talking about is the soul of finding "your style". One's style is who they are, and it's inescapable. Embracing it, rather than trying to run from it, is likely the key to developing as an artist. Or something like that...what do I know...
Truth is Cam, I don't ever want to be as good as my heroes, because then the magic that created them is gone forever. I'm happy if I can get half way as good, and as you said, veer off and adapt my own style. That doesn't just apply to making music, but life in general. Thank you however for another thought provoking upload.
So a few tasteful addenda that only I can provide ;) =] 1 - The notion that I could only be a third-rate initiation of my music collection was a big mental obstacle I had to overcome. Relatedly, anything I could think of that could "sound like me" was already done "successfully" by other people. I learned to overcome it by realizing I can only be myself and no one else. And relatedly, no one else can be me, even if they try. As cheesy and cliche as it may sound, being yourself is the best thing you can do when making a creative pursuit. 2 - I know there's a "shame" in using presets (and I also had a little bit of that). However, I've learned to put aside any doubts because those presets were designed to be used. I forget the name but one of the key sound designers for KORG, particularly the M1 and the WAVESTATION, expressed happiness whenever he heard "that sound" used on a song. It meant that he did something that people will want to use. This is not to say you can't do tweaking or fine-tuning to personal taste. In fact, that's the point. Unless you *really* enjoy the process, no one makes pie purely from scratch (i.e. growing and reaping the grains in addition to making the dough). 3 - There are times when an artist can be described by identifiable particulars: timbre choices, melodic phrasing, rhythmic ideas, etc. But at the end of it all, there is that elusive descriptor and the best way to give it any attribution is ... the soul. For myself, I know my music sounds like me and I probably point out what makes it "me". However, I think I don't have to describe it; I just "know" it is me. And to the others who have listened to it and had the chance to share their thoughts about it, it's a similar reaction. And honestly, that's the best I can ever hope for. You may like or dislike it. But you can't deny that this is me and only me.
Good discussion. This is a good point to use when arguing that people are not necessarily greater than those that came before. The reason artists now are going to new heights is always because of artists who came before them; those that laid the foundation are the reason the next generation can go further.
This is probably the most inspiring channels out there for me at the moment, and I just love it when I see another one of your videos pop up! I literally can’t wait to go make something now. Thanks! ❤️🌲
A well designed patch is a springboard for inspiration . . I can sit there scrolling through presets and then one will spark, a few tweaks, and I have something that I wouldn't have necessarily thought of myself and has taken me in a direction that can lead to who knows where
I write music for my enjoyment and maybe some of my friends. I have limitations physical and mental (nerve damage affecting hands and no schooling whatsoever) but I dont let it stop me. Granted I may have to do dozens of takes to get what I want but that's part of my process, I know this going in and I deal with it. As for using other musicians as influences yes I do that. Its like the spice aisle in the grocery store. Get a little of Tangerine Dream, a pinch of Jarre, a Tablespoon of Venus Theory etc. Mix, Bake and enjoy. Then do it again with different measurements thoughts and ideas and see where it goes. All I look for in a project is, do I feel like I accomplished something, and did I learn something new to add to my game. If I can answer yes to both then I am happy and that makes all the difference in the world.
Big facts bro, I saw your wavetable bank in the Surge VST (My favorite synth) and there was some fire wave tables in there that definitely inspired me, and helped em out a lot. It was dope seeing a Venus Theory folder, anyone that contributes to surge has my respect, it is my studio's powerhouse synth as my budget is very tight.
This man speaks all factz 💯 finding the sounds that have value to you as an original creator, I might be getting your sound bank. Music is the story of the people and people helping eachother to create is true art and thats powerful
What pains me the most these days is that my routine around making music has stopped almost completely and my craving to take opportunity of every free moment to sit and create has tempered massively due to life crushing me to the ground with exhaustion after work, trying to branch out into gamedev after hours by taking side job, and having a few other hobbies or guilty pleasures :( But it's a good opportunity to get my shit together and fall in love again with the process that usually ends up with days spent on tweaking things that get deleted afterwards 😅
Save everything if and when you can. Your ideas come from you and your early ideas will always or usually match your future ideas. You can also learn a lot from listening to your old stuff. Peaceful journey! ✊🏽🕶️💜
What is going on in your life does affect how you feel about doing music and may be not even doing it at all. Finding the time can be hard if you have other commitments. What I would say those is try and find that time and just do it, even if you are not feeling it. Have a think about the other things that are killing your time and then have a think how you can work some music time into it.
I had an interesting experience not too long ago, which appeared to be a mixed success but was an outright success on closer examination. I recently did a cover of Nick Cave's tune "Red Right Hand" which was a blast and I learned a lot. The cover was kind of karaoke, staying faithful to the original, so nothing really exceptional or releasable. A friend of mine, a much more accomplished musician generously remixed it into something I was much more pleased with, even excited about. Another trusted musician friend of mine gave me feedback....he's an excellent drummer. Long story short- the producer and I were going for something like NIN having a baby with Rammstein, that sort of dance-metal/industrial vibe. My drummer friend said it actually came out like Depeche Mode having a baby with Warren Zevon...This, on second look was very helpful- what comes out from my process can be quite different from the way I hear it in my head and in my headphones.....Hope this helps, it's kind of funny too, like "so close!"
This is so deep, I love this subject! It's true we have our heroes, imagine the Beatles liked Blues, Elvis, the Everly Bros etc, and they sound like the Beatles. I like the Beatles (and a lot of modern stuff) but certainly don't sound anything like 'em, but yeah I've borrowed ideas;
I studied the attitudes of artists, and other people. I always see what happens to a lot of them. It's very sad. I don' even have to say it. If you're not enjoying creating sounds then enjoy other things. Nothing is perfect. There are no guarantees of success anywhere. It's up to the individual to face reality their way.
I love this video series, reminding me the good reinvigorating smooth vibe of Kush Hours, just maybe the background jazz music is too loud or too constantly there, it kinds of distract me a bit too much from your speech and the depth of the subject, anyway this is awesome, thanks!
Great insights here, really spot on! I went straight to your latest album, and I absolutely love it. I gotta think your influences might include, Carbon Based Lifeforms & H.U.V.A. Network! Right up my alley! Looking forward to more!
Really the chase ends when you realize there's no point in trying to sound like someone else, cause no matter how close you actually get to their sound you'll never have their voice so you'll always sound completely different musically anyway, so (talking about singers/artists, of course doesn't apply to other musicians)
Glass Animals making all of the stems of their last album was such a big ball move. You're entirely right, nobody but them could be them but the confidence in your own art is the biggest hurdle. Nobody is you and few people want to be, let art be a community.
There's a track called Idols by producer Virtual Riot that consists almost entirely of stuff samples from all his heroes (Skrillex, Knife Party etc) so practically none of the track is 'original', but it sounds unmistakably like Virtual Riot. It's also a banger but that's by the by.
The sound is in the hands, and that's not about plagiarism; it's being yourself and sounding that way regardless of the preconceived qualities of the instrument that's put in your hands [if you have arrived at who you are, yet ...]. Josef Zawinul thought of musical instruments [at any level, strato-various] as "dead things" per se.
Love the production quality (very nerdy and precise) and heart you put into your content. But gotta say, the idea that just because somebody has been making music for longer than you, and is therefore "further along in their musical journey," this somehow means their music will be "better" is very silly to me. It kind of suggests this flawed overly left-brained conception of music I see way too often in content creators. Music is not that objective or technical at the end of the day. There are examples all across the board of musicians who made their most impactful and popular tracks at a very young age and at the beginning of their career. I think of anybody from Avicii to I Hate Models to pop/rock examples like MGMT ("Time to Pretend," anyone?). Every musician is "technically" capable of producing something amazing in a matter of a year. It just has to hit the right spot at the right time.
You should be grateful for your inspirations and also try to surpass them in your own way. They would want that because the more fulfilled you are as an artist the better it makes them look. Also, you should strive to go beyond the conventions and styles of not only your influences but of any given scene or genre. Just be your own crazy self because that will matter more than money, accolades or fitting in when you are older and reflecting on your life.
I am a horrible bass player, keyboard player. Although, I've seen great players struggling with keyboard, bass parts I've written. It took time for me to understand that my own music made me the best performer at something that didn´t exist before. Build your throne if you want to become a king.
I’ve never tried to copy someone’s sound neither have I tried any reference tracks… somehow all of this worked and within a year of music production from scratch I frequently perform and my music gets released at huge labels)
It's not just playing. It is living the life of music that makes music great. Great Players don't credit themselves. They credit everyone who influenced them. Their sound is a tribute to those who inspired and enlightened them. You cant steal that or give it away... you can only live the life of music. AI is not alive and it's music is lifeless and uninspiring. No one will credit AI as an influence to their musical life.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Homework's due at the end of the week! Go out and get to it!
🌌 Ephemeris ► bit.ly/3AjrcBS
Goddamn, these presets are the best ever. You're so fucking amazing!!!
I bought Ephemeris and I love it! But no sound comes out when I use the "Ascendant" preset. Any idea?
~ What Heroes? Sellout Art Or A Loss Of Pure Art ~
"...So that's class struggle, and it shapes our everyday lives, everything we do. It shapes our taste in music, what we care about, what we wear... It's ideological domination... The whole society, the way that it exists has been shaped by the economic system that we live under... and in the interests of that class that dominates that system." ~ Stephanie McMillan
"The value system disorder of rewarding, in effect, generally the most ruthless and selfish in our society, both by financial means and then by public adoration and respect, is one of the most pervasive and insidious consequences of the incentive system inherent to the Capitalist model." ~ Peter Joseph
" 'The economics work differently in a global networked society. But the industries will not change. That's why we need to take them down.'...
...'You often need money to change things. But most ways of acquiring it require you to compromise on your ideals. We can do better than that.' " ~ Peter Sunde
"Gear I Use:
Edison Lamps: amzn.to/31prLMm
Desk: amzn.to/3Dl4J64
Chair: amzn.to/3001Xpk
Computer Monitor Stand: amzn.to/3In7O9u..." ~ Cameron/Venus Theory
Love your videos. Just got Phaseplant for half price in black Friday sale and they also sent me a $30 coupon so I got Ephemeris for free too!!! Happy Days.
John Mayer had a great quote about this. He said, "It's my failure to sound like my heroes that's allowed me to sound like myself." and I think about that a lot. Great video on a topic that is not often discussed. Thanks Cam!
This! It's what I've been telling my students for 30+ years.
Very powerful statement and very true.
Blues guitarists talking about creativity is like a train talking about how much it loves it’s freedom. (Can’t leave it’s tracks, has faux freedom)
@@winstonsmith8236 huh? Explain.
@@TheRealG2024 Blues is a music strongly governed by tradition, convention and form. It's great for inspiring virtuoso playing but even that virtuoso playing has to confine itself to the rules. Not exactly where I'd be looking for inspiration for creativity. No saying you can't be, I'm just saying unique-ness, breaking the rules, thinking outside the box style creativity is not exactly a huge part of the DNA or tradition of Blues...compared to many other styles.
Your heroes also had heroes and their influences. Realizing that was exciting for me. Every song produced today is there only because of ever growing line of people influenced by their heroes before them.
building upon history, there is no blank slate
"Your artistic signature is always going to be the result of a combination of influences"
I've heard so many people talk about "finding your sound" as this experiment where you do something no one's done before, so I'm glad to hear you acknowledge this specifically.
Also, the outro music is dope.
This is so true. Every time I hear a song and think 'I cant make anything that good', I have to remember that it's important to do 'me'. I need to make music to my strengths and still be inspired by others.
Being an artist is really fucking hard.
I've been searching for my "signature" sound for years, went from standard 19th century orchestra to metal, and from metal to piano trap, but then I discovered the world of synthesizing and fell in love with Vital, so i guess my journey's not come to an end yet
The truth is... "It's actually more about the journey than the results."
Dude I'm at the same point as you 😂 I even dropped my first instrumental on this channel recently "metal-piano-trap" is a good idea of my song too 😂 and yeah studying synthesizers currently. 🔥
Your sound is your sound no matter what. You don't have to try to find your sound. The music you currently make is your sound. And the future songs you make as you evolve is also your sound.
You really like vital that much ? Maybe I should dive in deeper haha but I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it's because I have too many synth plugins and an analog synth already..
@@wheniztheendthat's super true and super deep, it's like as you try to answer your own questions and find your own sound unconsciously your creating your own original untill you realize you've been unique the whole time
Not only are you inspiring, but you're helping people with mental health problens as well.
Being a creator can be freaking rough if you're alone. By you Cameron, reaching out and being personal, we all become better and feel better 😊
Thanks again for another great video.
so saying people suck helps mental health problems???
Absolutely agree. I work better alone, but try to leave myself vulnerable for criticism or ideas other than my own.
@@prod_by_slvg If you think this video is saying you suck, it says a lot more about you than the video. All he is saying is you will never sound exactly like your heroes but that's a good thing because if you did, it would be boring. Having your own style is interesting and cool.
Great video and a FANTASTIC Content Bank. A pleasure to work with you, as always, Cameron... looking forward to the next time! ❤
As someone who enjoyed maybe 80% of my music career in a duo project with a guy I never actually met in real life, I could never find the same excitement again for music after our project fell apart.
There was nothing more fun than constantly receiving and sending these little bare bones ideas between each other: Sometimes a guitar riff, other times a synth line, then a simple beat pattern.
It really helped with finishing these tracks, big time.
We both had our own influences, too, yet with similarities; he was into Burial and UK 2-step/future garage, I was into Boards of Canada and post-rock stuff.
And when you think of the infinite pool of influences mashed together, you really start to understand just how many different outcomes you can get with collaboration.
I'm doing that now. I gave him the full Logic file on Dropbox. I mixed it, arranged it and all he needs to do is do his guitar Pink Floyd thing. I gave him a guide.l. The thing is sometimes it takes him some time because we work
Do you still work on stuff?
@@lettucedraw._. The duo fell apart like 2015-2016 and I haven't made music *seriously* since, just some occasional fun sound design.
If you're curious it was called "Atlantic Cascade" (youtube, soundcloud etc.)
It's not monetized anymore.
@@aloneaflame9343 Just listened to a few tracks. Great stuff! I am also a huge fan of Boards of Canada as well as post-rock (65DaysofStatic, and all the usual suspects) and can hear a lot of that influence in there.
This man is genuinely amazing. Ridiculously intelligent, wise, humble, friendly, a great teacher. Thank you for these videos that you make
Just like anything in life that you work hard at, you will go down the path emulating your heroes until one day, after working persistently hard, you realize that you have forged your own path. One that is uniquely your own.
Tbh, when you say that it could hit to the Ego, for me its refreshing to hear this, I always was afraid of the copycat thing cause I never want to sound like someone else... seing 2 min of your video, makes me realize that our problem is that we want to go deep into the ecploration of the unaffiliated sound, but we never go deep in our selves, and maybe the principal problem is because we thing that we are not enough to be unique as posible as our heroes, for me, Virtual Riot, Moody Good, etc.
These recent, particularly candid, videos have been resonating in an especially freakily way. Thanks for the guidance, and confirming/organizing some uncertain thoughts.
Easily and instantly my favorite video of yours. This is such incredibly important advice for creatives, thank you.
Commented on another video about this exact thing.
Played covers for years, my originals weren’t all that great. One day out of frustration, I said to hell with it, grabbed a favorite cover song and reworked it, new chords, new key, new melody, new rhythm or very close to original’s rhythm but different. The idea was to just see if I can take another song and completely change it but still sound good. The aim was to retain the originals lyrical structure and the originals spirit. And hit record on the iPhone after piecing it all back together, and the playback blew me away, Hit me with an epiphany and opening up a well of creativity, I got hooked and did it with every song I knew, felt inspired and started journaling, and pretty soon I had some new material to work with, and it was a consistent flow. Of course I hit a wall eventually, due to the stresses of life. But I keep journaling, bought a laptop and daw, midi etc. and currently back at it, with the aim of making an album of all new original material.
Throw yourself a curveball and do the unexpected things. It might get you in that zone. In doing what I did I learned a lot about songs, structure, content, and theory. And mostly I’ve learned a lot about myself and my abilities.
Also open up to other genres and ideas if you haven’t already. Soak everything in.
Learn. Write. And stay consistent with it.
Great advices. Just landed on your channel and, this 10 minutes of information are like the sum of a course in the purpose of electronic music production. Very enlightening and inspiring information. Not only music inspires to make music. Thank you so much. Great channel!
I have been not only inspired, but amazed at the content and structure of your teachings. The wisdom, knowledge and helpful life tips are just what make this channel and person special. Thank you Venus Theory for all you do. I create and fuel that fire any way I can. It is very inspiring and comforting to know that folks like you exist. Thanks again. and Cheers, your fellow Buckaroony...
Hello, this video brought mefrom Kiloheart's product page to your channel, because it was so nice to listen to it and it was so well done. So even if I have not heard a single song from you, nor the sound from that content bank yet, I am already a fan. Congrats for he bank and well done with this video.
This is probably the smartest ad I've seen on UA-cam so far - and I mean that in the most respectful way possible.
My heart upon seeing the video..... "Oh look, it's the mustache music feelings man" 😂 dude... Love the content.
your videos have improved so much. the emotional power recently really gets me.
I'm not gonna make any music if I don't finish my projects.
Ugh, that hit hard… I've got 20-year-old noodles still unfinished.
Shi, fax lol
Lol, we gotta finish our music 😆💯
Yeah. ''Done is better than perfect'' but I never feel like I'm done. There's always something to change. Something to improve. Am I in hell?
Same here. At this point, I'm gathering the tools I need to do what I want to do, all subject to my economic situation. Ahh...but, once I'm finally there....😊
you should make a new course for youtubers called 'how to be good at youtube'. Nice video as always.
Your videos are so cosy and informative. Inspiring man, keep doing what you do
The only thing we are truly qualified to be, better than anyone, is ourselves.
A lot of great things to think about and act upon! And great sounding soundbank, Cameron!
I went from trying to be completely unique, to emulating others sounds, to acquiring some of the actual gear used on my favorite albums. I can without a doubt say having the same gear as your influences does not make you sound like them. 😅
That said, it is inspiring to think about how someone may have worked with a particular piece of gear.
There's no perfect steal. You make something honest it's you. Thank you for all the questions. It was another shot in the arm. On a side note, you look happier now. Glad to see it!
Alright VT, you finally got me to subscribe with this one. Nicely done!
Embracing what makes you, you. Uniqueness
can I just say I love the soft jazz in the background of this video...
I've often heard voice actors talk about their ability to create their characters and it's a similar principle. To them, a bad impression of someone else's character ends up turning into their own original voice. Similarly, as you said, we're kind of a "collage soup" of our favorite listening styles. I've tried to accept that as I've tried to emulate more of the artists I enjoy and that ends up turning into some of the most original-sounding art I've ever churned out. Thanks for the reminder VT
I love the timing of this video. I will be releasing a song in a couple weeks (it's already delivered to the stores) and I used samples from a bunch of your sample packs to create the percussion tracks.
I absolutely agree. Even if everyone has access to the same sounds there will still be lots of different results. We all have our own unique perspective.
The difference between success, or the success within yourself is still a comparison. Where it ends will never be how it started. No matter what makes great , great.
The best thing that helped me was realising that at a point,.you stop trying to sound like a producer and just are one.
Everything you make is valid, it's just when you think it's done enough for others to hear.
So long as you are doing the thing and it brings you joy, keep at it.
What you are describing, is the exact reason I don't listen to other music, while in the creative process. The problem is that I am always creating, so I miss out on a lot of good music, as a result.
There is definitely a difference between the feedback you receive as an artist, versus the feedback you receive as a sound designer. I think a lot of that has to do with the passion of another creative personality, and how they feel about their own projects. The gratitude is next level...
A perfect example is that when we met, at NAMM, I was more aware of your proclivities, as an artist. Afterwards, your UA-cam content has opened up my world to things like Vital, Surge, and most recently, Decent Sampler. As I am transitioning into full time sound design and creating content on UA-cam, I am super grateful for these doors opening. Having the ability to communicate on this level, is one of the reasons I love this platform.
I appreciate ALL that you do, and these long-form conversations regarding the entire process... spelunking with Benn, included! 🤠 ❤️🙏
Definitely getting this! Would love to see you deconstruct some of the patches 😊
“Talent borrows;Genius steals”. One of my favorite bits of wisdom.
"Wisdom"? It is noteworthy how some people happen to be musically gifted. But they seem to be quite happy to 'stand-on-the-shoulders-of-giants', I notice.
Can you please explain this phrase? I've heard it a lot but don't understand what it means.
@@Gedagnors A talented person can play a song and it will sound good. A genius takes a song and makes it theirs, giving it a life that no other person could. A good example is the Song 'Hurt' by NIN. I could cover it, and it would sound good. Johnny Cash covered it, and to this day there are people that think Nine Inch Nails borrowed it from him.
Mozart was famous for taking bits of other work and reworking them to the point the original is lost to time, but Mozart's version is still bouncing around in the minds of people everywhere. Talent borrows. Genius steals.
This extends not just to notes but sounds and techniques. And there is satisfaction to be had in creating something that is then picked up by someone else and used to create a masterpiece.
@@MrMmcdaid9 "we're standing on the shoulders of freaks."
“Good artists borrow, great artists steal." Picasso. (and the best don't get caught!)
for anyone who struggles with releasing your work.... what is it that's holding you back? 🤔what are your concerns? what makes you say "no" to releasing a given work, assuming you think it's good in your judgment?
Man, I love this channel!! Keep bringing great content bro!!
You're much more than a good cook; you're a philosopher. Be yourself. It's true evreywhere. In jazz, Parker was laugh at in his debut in jazz.
I enjoy your sense of humor.
What you're talking about is the soul of finding "your style". One's style is who they are, and it's inescapable. Embracing it, rather than trying to run from it, is likely the key to developing as an artist.
Or something like that...what do I know...
Great content as always! Reminded me of one of my favorite books: "Steal Like An Artist" Thanks for everything you do and the way you do it!
Truth is Cam, I don't ever want to be as good as my heroes, because then the magic that created them is gone forever. I'm happy if I can get half way as good, and as you said, veer off and adapt my own style. That doesn't just apply to making music, but life in general. Thank you however for another thought provoking upload.
You are the hero. You are the main character. Don't hold yourself to somebody else's standards. Music is art and art is freedom.
So a few tasteful addenda that only I can provide ;) =]
1 - The notion that I could only be a third-rate initiation of my music collection was a big mental obstacle I had to overcome. Relatedly, anything I could think of that could "sound like me" was already done "successfully" by other people. I learned to overcome it by realizing I can only be myself and no one else. And relatedly, no one else can be me, even if they try. As cheesy and cliche as it may sound, being yourself is the best thing you can do when making a creative pursuit.
2 - I know there's a "shame" in using presets (and I also had a little bit of that). However, I've learned to put aside any doubts because those presets were designed to be used. I forget the name but one of the key sound designers for KORG, particularly the M1 and the WAVESTATION, expressed happiness whenever he heard "that sound" used on a song. It meant that he did something that people will want to use. This is not to say you can't do tweaking or fine-tuning to personal taste. In fact, that's the point. Unless you *really* enjoy the process, no one makes pie purely from scratch (i.e. growing and reaping the grains in addition to making the dough).
3 - There are times when an artist can be described by identifiable particulars: timbre choices, melodic phrasing, rhythmic ideas, etc. But at the end of it all, there is that elusive descriptor and the best way to give it any attribution is ... the soul. For myself, I know my music sounds like me and I probably point out what makes it "me". However, I think I don't have to describe it; I just "know" it is me. And to the others who have listened to it and had the chance to share their thoughts about it, it's a similar reaction. And honestly, that's the best I can ever hope for. You may like or dislike it. But you can't deny that this is me and only me.
True, you'll always make better music and not even realize it.
Awesomeness! Love your videos!
Good discussion. This is a good point to use when arguing that people are not necessarily greater than those that came before. The reason artists now are going to new heights is always because of artists who came before them; those that laid the foundation are the reason the next generation can go further.
Interesting perspectives and descriptions of the creative process for sounds in music.
As always, great video
This is probably the most inspiring channels out there for me at the moment, and I just love it when I see another one of your videos pop up! I literally can’t wait to go make something now.
Thanks! ❤️🌲
This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you
A well designed patch is a springboard for inspiration . . I can sit there scrolling through presets and then one will spark, a few tweaks, and I have something that I wouldn't have necessarily thought of myself and has taken me in a direction that can lead to who knows where
My favorite thing ever. Intention
received ❤️
I write music for my enjoyment and maybe some of my friends. I have limitations physical and mental (nerve damage affecting hands and no schooling whatsoever) but I dont let it stop me. Granted I may have to do dozens of takes to get what I want but that's part of my process, I know this going in and I deal with it. As for using other musicians as influences yes I do that. Its like the spice aisle in the grocery store. Get a little of Tangerine Dream, a pinch of Jarre, a Tablespoon of Venus Theory etc. Mix, Bake and enjoy. Then do it again with different measurements thoughts and ideas and see where it goes. All I look for in a project is, do I feel like I accomplished something, and did I learn something new to add to my game. If I can answer yes to both then I am happy and that makes all the difference in the world.
Big facts bro, I saw your wavetable bank in the Surge VST (My favorite synth) and there was some fire wave tables in there that definitely inspired me, and helped em out a lot. It was dope seeing a Venus Theory folder, anyone that contributes to surge has my respect, it is my studio's powerhouse synth as my budget is very tight.
This man speaks all factz 💯 finding the sounds that have value to you as an original creator, I might be getting your sound bank. Music is the story of the people and people helping eachother to create is true art and thats powerful
I write songs I can't play...takes me days to figure out on guitar what I'm trying to do!
You have some really important insight and its appreciated. Helps me keep the right mindset and thats worth a lot. Thank you!
Great philosophy Mr. Venus. Thank you!
Wow! This was wise & inspiring! Thanks for all the content & the music, too!
What pains me the most these days is that my routine around making music has stopped almost completely and my craving to take opportunity of every free moment to sit and create has tempered massively due to life crushing me to the ground with exhaustion after work, trying to branch out into gamedev after hours by taking side job, and having a few other hobbies or guilty pleasures :(
But it's a good opportunity to get my shit together and fall in love again with the process that usually ends up with days spent on tweaking things that get deleted afterwards 😅
Save everything if and when you can. Your ideas come from you and your early ideas will always or usually match your future ideas. You can also learn a lot from listening to your old stuff. Peaceful journey!
✊🏽🕶️💜
What is going on in your life does affect how you feel about doing music and may be not even doing it at all. Finding the time can be hard if you have other commitments. What I would say those is try and find that time and just do it, even if you are not feeling it. Have a think about the other things that are killing your time and then have a think how you can work some music time into it.
Totally love this heck yeah !
It's nice to see you smile more in the latest videos! :)
There is no straight path. it's gonna be different and sometimes easy, or sometimes hard to follow. The only thing you can do is to keep trying.
Love the content man. I'll do my homework for once lol
Loving your new song btw.
You have an amazing set of skills and equipment. I am definitely going to buy your packs. Wow, looking forward to this.
I had an interesting experience not too long ago, which appeared to be a mixed success but was an outright success on closer examination. I recently did a cover of Nick Cave's tune "Red Right Hand" which was a blast and I learned a lot. The cover was kind of karaoke, staying faithful to the original, so nothing really exceptional or releasable. A friend of mine, a much more accomplished musician generously remixed it into something I was much more pleased with, even excited about. Another trusted musician friend of mine gave me feedback....he's an excellent drummer. Long story short- the producer and I were going for something like NIN having a baby with Rammstein, that sort of dance-metal/industrial vibe. My drummer friend said it actually came out like Depeche Mode having a baby with Warren Zevon...This, on second look was very helpful- what comes out from my process can be quite different from the way I hear it in my head and in my headphones.....Hope this helps, it's kind of funny too, like "so close!"
Wow, these were the last thoughts before I went to bed last night. What a timing.
I call it "carry on the torch" :)
It's super fulfilling and interesting to learn from older musicians.
This is so deep, I love this subject! It's true we have our heroes, imagine the Beatles liked Blues, Elvis, the Everly Bros etc, and they sound like the Beatles. I like the Beatles (and a lot of modern stuff) but certainly don't sound anything like 'em, but yeah I've borrowed ideas;
This video essay is so well put together. Love the footage as well 👍
Your speaking voice is amazing.
I studied the attitudes of artists, and other people. I always see what happens to a lot of them. It's very sad. I don' even have to say it. If you're not enjoying creating sounds then enjoy other things. Nothing is perfect. There are no guarantees of success anywhere. It's up to the individual to face reality their way.
I love the way these titles kinda act like a gut punch then the video is just a warm blanket and a cup of hot cocoa
Congrats on releasing a pack with kilohearts! Love them
I love this video series, reminding me the good reinvigorating smooth vibe of Kush Hours, just maybe the background jazz music is too loud or too constantly there, it kinds of distract me a bit too much from your speech and the depth of the subject, anyway this is awesome, thanks!
Great video! Very wise and deep!
Great insights here, really spot on! I went straight to your latest album, and I absolutely love it. I gotta think your influences might include, Carbon Based Lifeforms & H.U.V.A. Network! Right up my alley! Looking forward to more!
Really the chase ends when you realize there's no point in trying to sound like someone else, cause no matter how close you actually get to their sound you'll never have their voice so you'll always sound completely different musically anyway, so
(talking about singers/artists, of course doesn't apply to other musicians)
Great point. In essence: its art brah
Glass Animals making all of the stems of their last album was such a big ball move. You're entirely right, nobody but them could be them but the confidence in your own art is the biggest hurdle. Nobody is you and few people want to be, let art be a community.
Did they release the stems exclusively? Is it possible to find them still? Thank you!
There's a track called Idols by producer Virtual Riot that consists almost entirely of stuff samples from all his heroes (Skrillex, Knife Party etc) so practically none of the track is 'original', but it sounds unmistakably like Virtual Riot.
It's also a banger but that's by the by.
I don’t have to follow other people’s creations when i have my own unique style no one can replicate.
thank goodness! 🙂
Picked up your new Phaseplant bank "Ephemeris", its really nice Cameron. Thanks :)
if you ever write a book around those topics i'd definitely buy it :)
If you love what you do then it always sounds great ..... Make it for YOU and from the heart, not the masses...
The sound is in the hands, and that's not about plagiarism; it's being yourself and sounding that way regardless of the preconceived qualities of the instrument that's put in your hands [if you have arrived at who you are, yet ...]. Josef Zawinul thought of musical instruments [at any level, strato-various] as "dead things" per se.
Love the production quality (very nerdy and precise) and heart you put into your content. But gotta say, the idea that just because somebody has been making music for longer than you, and is therefore "further along in their musical journey," this somehow means their music will be "better" is very silly to me. It kind of suggests this flawed overly left-brained conception of music I see way too often in content creators. Music is not that objective or technical at the end of the day. There are examples all across the board of musicians who made their most impactful and popular tracks at a very young age and at the beginning of their career. I think of anybody from Avicii to I Hate Models to pop/rock examples like MGMT ("Time to Pretend," anyone?). Every musician is "technically" capable of producing something amazing in a matter of a year. It just has to hit the right spot at the right time.
You should be grateful for your inspirations and also try to surpass them in your own way. They would want that because the more fulfilled you are as an artist the better it makes them look. Also, you should strive to go beyond the conventions and styles of not only your influences but of any given scene or genre. Just be your own crazy self because that will matter more than money, accolades or fitting in when you are older and reflecting on your life.
My heroes are not able to make music as bad as me.
Congratulations on getting your work on phaseolant
Howdy Doody Buckaroo ~~ Love Daddio
I am a horrible bass player, keyboard player. Although, I've seen great players struggling with keyboard, bass parts I've written. It took time for me to understand that my own music made me the best performer at something that didn´t exist before.
Build your throne if you want to become a king.
I’ve never tried to copy someone’s sound neither have I tried any reference tracks… somehow all of this worked and within a year of music production from scratch I frequently perform and my music gets released at huge labels)
It's not just playing. It is living the life of music that makes music great. Great Players don't credit themselves. They credit everyone who influenced them. Their sound is a tribute to those who inspired and enlightened them. You cant steal that or give it away... you can only live the life of music. AI is not alive and it's music is lifeless and uninspiring. No one will credit AI as an influence to their musical life.