@Spuntastic thanks. For reason/software only, you're doing pretty well actually. I really can't do anything with virtual instruments, I really need to touch knobs and sliders to make music. Fortunately I've been collecting some stuff (lost most a few years ago tho) for some time now.
I only use software for recording, midi, and drums.
I always have the same workflow, after I set the tempo and time signature, I first begin with one element, often the drums, a bass line or some pad, chords progression etc... first the sound, then the notes. Then I build on that first element.
if I'm lucky, I get in the "zone" where everything starts to flow. In which case, if I have enough time on my hands, I can do a track a day, maybe even two sometimes.
But as I'm fairly busy (I run a retail shop and I work there everyday, I have to manage almost everything by myself), I rarely have the time to finish.
I usually play music early in the morning (6am - 9am) and then a little bit when I get back home in the evening (7pm - 9/10pm).
So I have usually a couple projects/ideas going on at the same time. If after a given amount of work/time on a project, I can't get in the "zone", I start a new project and leave the old one aside for when I'll eventually come back to it (I usually don't).
"Machinery" was pretty straightforward and I think I've completed it in one evening plus one morning
the other two took a couple days. Sometimes when I'm too deep into a project, I can't get ideas anymore, this is usually the time I decide to stop and do something else, give it a night.
lately it's been really hard to come up with anything, but at times, I can come up with one beat/track a day.
If you want to get into hardware, a nice virtual analog synth like a nord lead for example can be affordable and make a huge difference.
Virtual analogs aren't as "fat" as true analogs, but they still sound much better than any VST synth out there. And they'll be more polyvalent than their analog counterparts, they'll have user presets, many routing options allowing for complex synthesis.
as a virtual analog synth, I have an alesis ION that I got used for about $500, great synth
then I got myself a korg ms-20 mini (they did a clone of the original, but with -basic- midi implementation), which is everything but polyvalent, but still sounds killer
korg also released the minilogue, which is a relatively cheap polyphonic true analog synth (about the same price as the MS-20 mini), but out of stock throughout europe. I ordered one but it won't be delivered before september. But it seems to be a VERY good deal
so in the meanwhile I ordered a moog mother 32 which will be delivered next week for a more "classic" sounding mono synth with modular capabilities (for later)
Analog and Virtual analog synths really help me bring depth in my music, with ever evolving sounds. I believe pretty much every "producer" out there uses them for a reason (no pun intended
) and it's really a totally different experience when you get to shape your music with your hands. You create a relationship with the machine until it becomes an extension of your inner self, just as your voice is an extension of your thoughts.
It is possible through computers and softwares, but for me, it has to be through knobs and keys and whatnot, I've tried the full VST way, it didn't work out.
nevertheless, I can never recommend enough that you try and finance yourself at least a decent virtual analog (nord lead 2 are everywhere!) it'll change your life and open new possibilities.
the only drawback is that they will make you lose time doing "sounds" rather than doing "music" and it's easy to get lost in the synthesis aspect of things.
PS: I'll do a full rundown of the beats posted after mine tomorrow morning <3
