I’d like to get some more rap vocalists involved on the beat oriented stuff— I’ve worked with a few local folks and it’s been alright on the stuff we have done, but it definitely feels like they’re unsure or not confident about the performance or if it came out right. Either that or I just put a lot of stock into what they do.

Not to say that my music isn’t easy to approach but they’re more so looking for something like typical hip-hop instead of the electronic and experimental undertones I work with. I’m also looking for typical sing vocalists on the more slower tracks, I’ve tried doing my own vocals on the track “waterfalls” and it didn’t go well except for one refrain which stayed in the track. For vocals mostly I’ve been sticking to splice samples and such

I’d really like to get into more typical hip-hop/trap production but also really hone in the electronics and synths too. I’m basically just looking to collaborate and get my feet wet with the community I started out in

so it's more about finding a vocalist who wants to lean into the electronic side rather than pulling it back to a standard rap beat. are you looking for vocals over finished instrumentals, or to build tracks together from an early idea?

Yeah, that sounds about right. More of an electronic/IDM type of feel with the occasional rap verse or two sprinkled in. I have a couple tracks that do fit the kind of feeling I want, I can share those

I can also look through some of my work and see if there’s any tracks that were supposed to have vocals, or tracks that could use a vocal remix. I got a project in development too so I can check there too

I’m still figuring out the collaboration process with producers from the very beginning, but if folks are willing to work with me and help me figure it out that would be a boss move. I’ve been keeping production to myself mostly and I know a couple folks would find my methods odd but we’ll see

^^ track 2

Got you. For a reference on my side, I wrote, performed and produced My Dose: linktr.ee/sandersaxmydose (explicit). Are you working toward a release date for that project, or still exploring ideas?

Probably gonna aim for a winter release, I’m still thinking of making another track or two but it’ll probably be more electronic/house influenced unless I can come up with something more beat oriented. Usually when I consider a project done I just drop it not too long after

Are the extra tracks meant to fill a particular gap in the project, or are you leaving that open?

Honestly I’m probably just gonna make an extra few tracks so I got some selection with track list, I like what I got currently but I’m leaving room in case something better comes to mind before release

I need to start writing down and recording videos of my guitar parts cause months later I forgot what I played exactly

Makes sense. Keeping a few slots open lets the strongest ideas make the cut. When you make those extra tracks, do you usually start with the house/electronic palette in mind, or follow whatever idea shows up?

Yeah, usually I go into it with an electronic sort of mindset but I also like having a nice sub bass and kick along with it. That’s why I’m thinking if I move into other genres it’ll probably click into place

That’s a solid foundation. If the sub and kick are the anchor, you can shift the synth textures without losing the groove. Which genre are you most curious to try first?

Definitely want to get into some more hip hop production, as well as 2-step/UK garage and trance. Maybe some dub techno.

That mix could bridge naturally: UK garage gives you the swing and sub movement, while trance can stretch the atmosphere without losing the kick. For a first experiment, maybe keep the vocal sparse and build around one garage rhythm. Do you already have a track leaning that way?

I usually don’t do vocals except for when the track needs it so should be easy. I haven’t made any new stuff in that vein yet but I might start going for it soon.

Totally fair. Letting the instrumental stand on its own gives you room to add a vocal only if it improves the track. A chopped phrase or one short hook could test the idea without forcing a full verse.

A 15-second voice memo with the tuning, tempo, and a quick note about the feel could save you from reconstructing it later. For a video, a close shot of the fretting hand and saying the tuning out loud should be enough to make the clip useful months from now.

Deadass forgot how to tell if my 808 is in key