Dreams of Seagulls - Lost in Tokyo (electronic pop)

[oscillator]

Oscillator Studios proudly presents

Dreams of Seagulls - Lost in Tokyo

https://youtu.be/oA1PKAGxDZA

Music: Staffan Melin
Vocals: Kajsa Olsson

Soft electronic pop. I aimed for an "airier" sound, some more deep end, more automation on the soft synths, a better production (I hope!). It was fun to do.

Produced using only open source software: MusE, Surge, drumkv1, CALF fx, Dragonfly reverb.

[Michael Willis]

This sounds great, and you used such a light weight set of free software to do it. I'm curious about your composition workflow, did you arrange the synth parts first and then write the lyrics, or did you have lyrics first and shape the music around them?

Oh, and of course...

Dragonfly reverb

YES! Long distance virtual fist bump!

[oscillator]

This sounds great, and you used such a light weight set of free software to do it. I'm curious about your composition workflow, did you arrange the synth parts first and then write the lyrics, or did you have lyrics first and shape the music around them?

Thank you for listening and commenting!

I usually start with a chord progression, that I start to arrange very simply. Then the melody "appears". Then I work on the synth parts a bit, to find some kind of rhythm.

Next I write the lyrics, based on the title which I get out of the blue based on what universe the project lives in, record my temporary vocals, send the file to Kajsa (the vocalist), and then we record her vocals.

Finally I work more on the synths and arrangement to make it more interesting.

I end with some light mastering (CALF compressor + bass enhancer in this case).

Oh, and of course...

Dragonfly reverb

YES! Long distance virtual fist bump!

Oh, you are the creator? I really like it/them! Thank you very much!

[oscillator]

This sounds great, and you used such a light weight set of free software to do it. I'm curious about your composition workflow, did you arrange the synth parts first and then write the lyrics, or did you have lyrics first and shape the music around them?

Thank you for listening and commenting!

I usually start with a chord progression, that I start to arrange very simply. Then the melody "appears". Then I work on the synth parts a bit, to find some kind of rhythm.

Next I write the lyrics, based on the title which I get out of the blue based on what universe the project lives in, record my temporary vocals, send the file to Kajsa (the vocalist), and then we record her vocals.

Finally I work more on the synths and arrangement to make it more interesting.

I end with some light mastering (CALF compressor + bass enhancer in this case).

Oh, and of course...

Dragonfly reverb

YES! Long distance virtual fist bump!

Oh, you are the creator? I really like it/them! *Fist bump* Thank you very much!

[ambicumber]

Very nice synth line, danceable and radio-friendly. Love the freshness of the track.

[oscillator]

Very nice synth line, danceable and radio-friendly. Love the freshness of the track.

I am happy for your comments! Thanks for listening!

[Basslint]

Getting better and better Staffan! Kajsa here delivered a great performance. Now, for the sake of constructive criticism, I think the mastering could give a bit more of centrality to the vocals. I can point you to a specific track for the kind of sound I'm describing - Imagination by The Clan of Xymox, which belongs to the same genre as your song in my opinion.

[oscillator]

Getting better and better Staffan! Kajsa here delivered a great performance.

Thank you! Your comment made Kajsa very happy!

Now, for the sake of constructive criticism, I think the mastering could give a bit more of centrality to the vocals. I can point you to a specific track for the kind of sound I'm describing - Imagination by The Clan of Xymox, which belongs to the same genre as your song in my opinion.

I've never really listened to Clan of Xymox although I know about them. Listening right now, I can see (and feel) the fellowship! And I think I understand what you mean -- leave the vocals more "alone" in the mix. Very interesting! Thanks for the tip!

[milo]

I can hear a lot of improvement in your work over the last year, and this one is the most polished yet. Kajsa's performance is also improving. You are developing a very nice sound, you two.

[oscillator]

I can hear a lot of improvement in your work over the last year, and this one is the most polished yet. Kajsa's performance is also improving. You are developing a very nice sound, you two.

Thanks a lot, @milo! I get a lot of encouragement and learn much from this forum!