Sam Mahoney

I know nobody around me actually understand what it means to me. It's not a hobby on weekends, it's actually a discipline now. If I discovered something dope, there's no one to share my happiness with, if I'm struggling, there's no one to talk to. I'm not saying it's so dramatic. Nobody's telling me to quit or that it's stupid, but it's just these quiet blank stares. After my vacation this year I realized it much much clearly, there's actually no one who understands why it matters to me. They know my focus on music production, but they avoid this topic completely. Oh well... and on top of it, eh...I can't share any of this with my father who's been constantly disapproving everything I do in life. So... this place is the only community I have. But how about you? What is your situation with your surrounding? do you feel someone understands what you're doing and why? What's your story?

New comment 9d ago

Nobody gets what I'm doing and why, how about your situation?

Sam Mahoney

4 likes • 22d

I'm lucky to have a good group of friends that are musicians that I regularly jam with, and get to talk about music and production with etc, but I think that's mainly because I always actively looked for those groups - any time I moved to a new place I'd go out on my own to music venues, try talk to the musicians, find out about other venues I might like, talk to random people at them etc. And eventually built up a little network. So maybe that's something you should consider. Online is cool and all but nothing beats real life interaction. As far as family goes, they've always been supportive of what I do, but no one really ever listens to the music I release or anything - just not their thing I guess, and I'm cool with that.

Phillip Winters

29d •

Support requests

How To Pick The Right Kick

Can Mastering.com do a class on this topic??? How to pick the right kick?

New comment 27d ago

Sam Mahoney

1 like • 27d

A lot of times I end up stacking kick samples - like I might have one that's nice and solid with good body, but then it's getting lost in the mix a little, so I'll stack a thinner one with more attack on top of it. I think it's good practice to try find yourself like 20 or so "core" kicks, spanning the whole spectrum, and get used to combing them to get what you want.

Nathaniel Phillips

Aug 10 •

General discussion

Time, tempo, and rythym is my ENEMY!!

I feel lost when it comes to implementing my beat into my Melody. I've done some research on quick tips and referring to my mastering guide, but I'm a little lost on how to do lineups for beats to melodies. Any and all pointers would be greatly appreciated. I just feel like my ear is off by a half step. I will post clip later of of song I'm working on

New comment 27d ago

Sam Mahoney

2 likes • Aug 10

This is what I'd suggest: If you come up with some nice little piano piece, or guitar riff, or whatever - first thing is to record it immediately somehow (phone or whatever is quickest) to make sure that you don't lose that initial idea. Next, listen back to that idea, and use a "tap tempo" app on your phone to try find the bpm for the beat. Once you think you have it, make yourself a simple "placeholder" beat just to record to - something like the attached - just a hihat and snare. Leave out the kick for now (or maybe just put it on the first beat so you know where that is). Now try playing your musical idea to that, tapping your foot or nodding your head along with the beat to try regulate your playing. This is something that might require some practice, but it's an essential skill if you want to use a DAW for recording.