Registered: 01/17/01
Posts: 2706
Loc: here to eternity...
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I consider myself a pretty solid songwriter, but most of my arrangements seem to be the same set of instruments playing throughout the song pretty much as a group of live musicians would. What I seem to be missing is little bits that just pop in and out in just one section, or perhaps some part that pans across the soundstage and then is gone.
What are some tips and tricks for adding little 'icing to the cake' bits of audio on a solid rhythm section?
Think of it like orchestration; have a little string part come in here or there, an extra guitar part on the chorus or bridge, layer some background harmonies on the bridge, stick some samples in at key spots...the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to take time to experiment. It's only time and labor--if it doesn't work, dump it. You have nothing to lose but some quality time with the family !
Yes, I'd also say experiment a lot. Not only with instruments, but also with effects. You never know when an accident will occur that sounds great !! I was just demo'ing out some delay and reverb software one time, and ended up with a great re-mix of a song, using a 2 second delay. Other times, I'd blend in melodies played at different speeds, to come up with something completely original.
There's a million possibilities with music, and like other art forms, it's up to you to sculpt out your piece of artwork, or paint your canvas, the way you want it.
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Living' in the shadow, of someone else's dream....
Jeff Lynne productions are good for this kind of thing. English producers seem to do this alot.
Some of the problem is trying to do this with your own material. You have had to spend alot of creative energy to get the arrangement to the place it is. It is difficult to gain a fresh perspective on it. That is why it is good to have someone else be involved. It seems like it is always easier to come up with new and different bits for somebody else's music.
Yes class, we can blame DC for giving me the idea to give eveyone their first homework assignment! 
