Hello everyone. I hope all is well for you. So the time has come. My first release is out into the world. I have it on YouTube but also submitted it to the HOFA Contest. I would appreciate it you have a listen and even vote for it on the contest if you like it. It will mean a lot to me.
Some background for anyone interested: My track Dasein was composed late 2024, back when I took seriously my love for music and begun learning the process of music production. Prior to that I had a few sporadic demos, no mixing, nothing. At the same time, I joined SoundGym but only took it seriously later in 2025 when I paid for subscription. I postponed a lot the release of Dasein. I tried to hone my ears and learn mixing/mastering, tried to find time for it while running a pharmacy, doubted myself more times than I can count, and in the meantime recorded another 7-8 tracks (it was the only thing I knew how to do). Recently I said, ‘this can’t go on forever’, and decided to go all in and finish the thing. What you hear is the result. I put a lot of myself into it. I also designed the cover and the logo, which have a lot of meaning to me. I want to thank everyone here who anticipated this release through our personal communication. Your eagerness helped me move forward.
A sidenote: The title comes from the book ‘Sein und Zeit’ (Being and Time) by Heidegger, and it’s the central word of the book. It signifies the mode of being that we humans fall into. We are not merely alive, but we Exist, and that very existence is an issue for us (meaning we are confronted with it as a topic of inquiry).
Hey, Stelios, this sounds great! Great arrangements, production, and mixing! Is that you playing the guitars? It reminds me a little of Dream Theater's energy and style—could that be it? great work man! cheers!
Thanks a lot @Beto Ojeda! Yes, it's me playing all guitars. Other people say it reminds them of Dream Theater as well. I guess it's a compliment because they are great! I must admit though, I've listened to a lot of Dream Theater, but not as much as one would expect. Funnily enough, I've listened to them more after composing Dasein than before. haha
Man. I was SO proud of myself for getting 75 - felt like it was a lot of lucky guesses back to back, felt like I was cheating. Then I see I'm not even top 5 high scores roflmao xD
Way to keep me motivated, you freaking winners. Oof. Back to climbing the mountain c:
man, same. last boost champ I was 56, this one I got 59, then 67 and finally 70 ! Even if I was still 13th, I'm so happy to be able to see my progression !
That's the most important thing: self-improvement! This site is full of incredibly talented people, but if you keep practicing, you'll get closer and closer to the top 3. Keep going!
Hi @Daniel Fernandez, this is a great track! Nice groove and really catchy. I think you need to balance some volume levels for starters, as it seems like you have a few parts all competing for attention which can seem a bit much at times. For example, a rhythm guitar part comes in at 0:33 but is similar to the rhythm guitar part that is already there. Do you need both? Which one is more important than the other? The bass in the second verse sounds a bit more saturated which is cool, but because it's a bit loud it almost sounds like it's clipping which I don't think is what you are going for. The bass is perhaps a bit loud throughout. There are some held chords at 1:37 that seem a bit loud too. I think there are little things like this through the song which can be solved partly by deciding what parts are most important and turning down those things that aren't as important. I'd love to hear it again when it's a bit closer!
Cheers, @Daniel Fernandez! Nice arrangement, and I like the vocal treatment/placement. I agree with Jacques in that I'm hearing some competition across guitar tracks. And the guitar on the right seems like it could pull back. I'm not an expert at all, but I would perhaps experiment with automation of guitar (levels and/or EQ) at the bridge, when the vocal is bandpassed? Love the drop at 2:11. Great song and good energy!
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Jun 30, 18:07