So, after losing my old account, I thought I'd start completely fresh.
Hi all!
I'm Niya.
For those who don't know me, I've been an avid Starcraft fan since right before the launch of brood war, and followed the scene since I first saw Jaedong play Bisu in some finals, in what seems a billion years ago.
I played at Master level before there was any GM in SC2. And was among the top 5 2v2 players in EU. Now I play at a lower tier master level and only a few games a month tops.
I always played random because I loved all races and Starcraft in general so much.
Back to this moment. #Pressplay
I started with music when I was around 5, playing the guitar and singing.
It's only lately, (past 8 years) I started to dive into the electronic music scene. This suited me very nicely, as I was spending most of my time on the computer doing nothing most of the time anyway.
And at least with this, I could create something of my own. Something, me.
After release after release of my own "sound" and music.
My "Sound" has always been, melancholic into the uplifting, happy, orchestral house. Maybe Somewhat progressive.
After ages (8/10) of creating what I felt to be perfect at the time, nothing happened.
I was always under the impression that even though my music never was the 4 chord mainstream catchy songs. That I'd eventually hit something that would give a boost to my musical career.
But even though I gained some [b]great[/b ]followers and fans over the years. I realized that it would take such a long time to get anywhere near sustainability with my own type of music and 3 kids. <
I was about to give up music...
Then I found the #Pressplay remix contest by Alan Walker.
I thought about it for a few hours and then decided to try something completely new.
I hate myself for saying this, but I started a project with the meaning of creating something catchy, familiar and mainstream.
One last shot with music.
As I started the project, my mind wanted me to add my own elements, but this time I said to myself I'll keep it simple, and "boring".
Worked on the track for an evening/night. Then I got so tired of it that I created a simple visualizer for Youtube created a Youtube account, and uploaded it that same night.
Then I didn¨t think more about it and went off to work.
I work for an analysis company as a technician, so I am traveling Monday to Friday pretty much every week.
After I was done for the day at the customer, I went to the hotel wanting to relax and unplug for a bit.
But checked my Soundcloud as I usually do, and noticed I'd gotten a strange message from someone with 3 followers.
"Play Remix!
Omar here from the music lable to Alan and K-391.
Please check you email."
I didn't leave out the typo because I wanted to share how shady it first sounded! :p
After checking my email, it seemed like I was in the lead for the win at the #Pressplay contest. For me, that sounded like total bullcrap, because the song I made I didn't even really like myself. After checking out the email addresses it was sent from, I realized it was actually the real deal.
Wow..
I checked my Youtube and saw that I suddenly had thousands of plays.
Even hundreds of comments saying that Alan Walker put my mix in a playlist of his favorites to win.
Then I got really ecstatic of course. Not because I thought I'd win. But I then obviously made something right.
The day after, I got a new email from the same management, asking if I could go to New York on short notice.
At the time I didn't think I even had a choice.
This could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
So I said yes.
Even though I was actually booked for weeks ahead in my "daytime" job. I could not let this opportunity pass.
I started to think about different things I could say to my boss.
Lie about getting sick. Being straight with him and telling him I had to do this.
Then the dust settled and I figured, they probably ask everyone this. So they know who is eligible or not.
But in any case. I didn't want to let my "day job" get in the way of something that could sparkle my musical dream.
After a few more days at work, I got home that Friday.
And got another mail from the Management.
Saying that I'd won the contest, and were going to New York City to work with Alan Walker in Youtube studios, then release the remix together.
Before I even had time to react to the situation, Alan himself posted my socials on his own, saying I'd won the contest, and that he looked forward to work with me on the remix.
Now it was real.
After a lot of mixing of the song, which was really not my genre to begin with, I was able to sneak in a few of my own "core" elements and "sounds" before I sent it to Alan for continued mixing.
Then we'd work on the master together in NYC.
He kept my core elements! The only thing he changed was the Synth's used in the drop! Which I didn't really like to begin with..
Fast forward to the present moment.
Now I am at a loss. I know I need to ride this wave before it washes up on the shore.
But do I really want to continue making music that I didn't really want to be associated with in the first place?
I am trying to have another remix to release very soon. As I don't have any vocalists I really work with, I found a vocal from a remix contest which is finished I could work with. As here the lyrics really spoke to me as a person and an artist.
That this is my shot.
I might not get another...
#Pressplay
But while working on this track. Which is considerably faster than what I am used to work with, it is very hard to create that catchy mainstream production.
So I've gone with what I hope could be a bridge between the two.
A bass-heavy, orchestral uplifting track.
I'm not sure about Teamliquids policy on sharing music. So I'll leave it here so you can have a listen before it's released.
(If this is not okay, by all means, remove the track. But please leave the post here, because I could really use some input on what the hell I'm going to do.)
And hopefully, point me in the right direction, or tell me if I'm completely off track.
Or should I start from scratch and create something completely new?
For now, I really like the intro and buildup. But very unsure about the "drop"...
Leaving the old tracks here for comparison.
This is the track Alan picked. (Not what I sent to NYC, after the tips on P74Y.com from Alan I changed alot.)
This is the track we released together.
Sorry for ranting! Hope it's okay!
/Niya
* Here's the new remix I released on my birthday. Removed some of the elements to make it sound a bit simpler and less "noisy" Hope it's still enjoyable!.
I was able to listen, nay force myself to listen to the first 5 seconds of your song, then I had to stop to not throw up on my keyboard since I actually like music...so I'd say it is mainstream enough.
So you work as a technician, do you actually like that job? Does it get you in a good creative mood, does it help you with balancing your life? If you aren't happy, then maybe give crapping out music for a living a shot, sounds at least like an environment that connects well to your passion...unless you find out you have no more energy left to focus on what is important to you in said surroundings.
Also, TL is cool with sharing. A Youtube link to the song that won you the contest and then maybe to a song you actually like to round out your post would be appreciated.
I think it works really well up until around 1:30, then when the sidechain kicks in, I feel like those strings should maybe either be a little lower in the mix or be processed in some way, maybe some delay or maybe just some more top end. Or maybe shorten the release time on the sidechain so that the secondary track gets way up there on the offbeat.
On October 27 2019 01:34 JackyVSO wrote: I think it works really well up until around 1:30, then when the sidechain kicks in, I feel like those strings should maybe either be a little lower in the mix or be processed in some way, maybe some delay or maybe just some more top end. Or maybe shorten the release time on the sidechain so that the secondary track gets way up there on the offbeat.
Thanks man. For sure a good idea. Will experiment a bit tonight and I hope tomorrow as well.
I like some mainstream EDM house (eg Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone, Avicii - You Be Love) but I am not a fan of the original "Play" so I'm not the right person to give comments. Moreover, I'm still learning music and exploring different sounds. I'm very much still a student. However, I can imagine the exhilaration of being in your position and I'm very happy for you!
Do keep us updated
I like the idea of "progressive melancholic into the uplifting, happy, orchestral house". As I've been thinking about bringing in other genres of music, natural instruments and interesting harmonies into EDM for some time myself.
Will you post some of your tracks here or PM them to me?
I heard some rumours about Alan Walker and ghost producers and his infamous FM mag interview
Did you actually get to meet him and work with him? I have so many questions for you
On November 07 2019 13:45 JieXian wrote: Man how did I miss this blog earlier..
Congratulations!
I like some mainstream EDM house (eg Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone, Avicii - You Be Love) but I am not a fan of the original "Play" so I'm not the right person to give comments. Moreover, I'm still learning music and exploring different sounds. I'm very much still a student. However, I can imagine the exhilaration of being in your position and I'm very happy for you!
Do keep us updated
I like the idea of "progressive melancholic into the uplifting, happy, orchestral house". As I've been thinking about bringing in other genres of music, natural instruments and interesting harmonies into EDM for some time myself.
Will you post some of your tracks here or PM them to me?
On November 07 2019 13:45 JieXian wrote: Man how did I miss this blog earlier..
Congratulations!
I like some mainstream EDM house (eg Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone, Avicii - You Be Love) but I am not a fan of the original "Play" so I'm not the right person to give comments. Moreover, I'm still learning music and exploring different sounds. I'm very much still a student. However, I can imagine the exhilaration of being in your position and I'm very happy for you!
Do keep us updated
I like the idea of "progressive melancholic into the uplifting, happy, orchestral house". As I've been thinking about bringing in other genres of music, natural instruments and interesting harmonies into EDM for some time myself.
Will you post some of your tracks here or PM them to me?
On November 07 2019 13:45 JieXian wrote: Man how did I miss this blog earlier..
Congratulations!
I like some mainstream EDM house (eg Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone, Avicii - You Be Love) but I am not a fan of the original "Play" so I'm not the right person to give comments. Moreover, I'm still learning music and exploring different sounds. I'm very much still a student. However, I can imagine the exhilaration of being in your position and I'm very happy for you!
Do keep us updated
I like the idea of "progressive melancholic into the uplifting, happy, orchestral house". As I've been thinking about bringing in other genres of music, natural instruments and interesting harmonies into EDM for some time myself.
Will you post some of your tracks here or PM them to me?
Did you actually get to meet him and work with him? I have so many questions for you
Yes, I was so lucky to meet him and work on the master together in NYC. Also recorded a Remix documentary which is out as well.
For sure can post some tracks I'm working on here.
Still working on the remix though. Was hoping to release it 11/11 because it's also my birthday.
Currently trying to add a few layers of synths in the drop instead of only the violin. But hard to make it fit together :/
I thought you've released it? Haven't you already post the remix in the OP?
The remix with Alan is released yes. But in the OP I am working on the next release which has to be on point since I kind of have to ride this wave while it lasts.
On November 07 2019 13:45 JieXian wrote: Man how did I miss this blog earlier..
Congratulations!
I like some mainstream EDM house (eg Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone, Avicii - You Be Love) but I am not a fan of the original "Play" so I'm not the right person to give comments. Moreover, I'm still learning music and exploring different sounds. I'm very much still a student. However, I can imagine the exhilaration of being in your position and I'm very happy for you!
Do keep us updated
I like the idea of "progressive melancholic into the uplifting, happy, orchestral house". As I've been thinking about bringing in other genres of music, natural instruments and interesting harmonies into EDM for some time myself.
Will you post some of your tracks here or PM them to me?
Did you actually get to meet him and work with him? I have so many questions for you
Yes, I was so lucky to meet him and work on the master together in NYC. Also recorded a Remix documentary which is out as well.
For sure can post some tracks I'm working on here.
Still working on the remix though. Was hoping to release it 11/11 because it's also my birthday.
Currently trying to add a few layers of synths in the drop instead of only the violin. But hard to make it fit together :/
I thought you've released it? Haven't you already post the remix in the OP?
The remix with Alan is released yes. But in the OP I am working on the next release which has to be on point since I kind of have to ride this wave while it lasts.
Oh right, got it. Do keep us updated. I'm interested to see the orchestral house you'll produce. I heard that the way to ride these waves is to keep producing stuff, because the algorithm favours that, understandably.
For example I've been following one guy who had a meme video get viral because Cardi B tweeted it a few months ago. He went from 1k subs in May and he's now at 372k subs. That guy is super hardworking with churning out a few videos every week. His jazz chops are on point.
Really wanted to post this on my birthday, and to be honest got so sick of mixing it that I released a version but removed some of the elements I felt made it "noisy".
On November 12 2019 04:11 niya90s wrote: Really wanted to post this on my birthday, and to be honest got so sick of mixing it that I released a version but removed some of the elements I felt made it "noisy".
Hope it's still enjoyable.
Updated the OP with the released version.
I just listened to it, and I like that you've made something that you can call your own - It isn't another detuned supersaw lead EDM track.
Personally I'd try dialing back the sidechain compression (or whatever equivalent you're using) or decrease the gradient during the drop because the change is a bit too sudden for my taste. At least I think so for now before having tried it out myself.
Subbed. GLHF! Looking forward for more as you develop your style
On November 12 2019 04:11 niya90s wrote: Really wanted to post this on my birthday, and to be honest got so sick of mixing it that I released a version but removed some of the elements I felt made it "noisy".
Hope it's still enjoyable.
Updated the OP with the released version.
I just listened to it, and I like that you've made something that you can call your own - It isn't another detuned supersaw lead EDM track.
Personally I'd try dialing back the sidechain compression (or whatever equivalent you're using) or decrease the gradient during the drop because the change is a bit too sudden for my taste. At least I think so for now before having tried it out myself.
Subbed. GLHF! Looking forward for more as you develop your style
Also, are you niya or Ayin?
I agree, but a bit late now. As I wanted to release it on my birthday and had to finish it. (Even though I clearly hear room for improval yet =o)
I am both!
AYIN is NIYA Backwards. It was actually just a profile I created for remixes so I tried to have one for remixes and one for originals. But now changed the name of the youtube channel to Niya as well. And will use my old "Niya" account as Ayin I think.
On November 18 2019 20:11 JieXian wrote: I see, GLHF!
Just released an instrumental mix I started on yesterday. Have set a new goal, to don't be so picky and EQ my mixes to death. So a 8 hour challenge was made haha. Hope it's still enjoyable though.
EPT
