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Stage One: Searching for samples and importing and truncating the basic parts, finding a tempo. Much slower now since I sold my sampler. Usually about 1/2 hour.
Stage Two: Working on the main the main elements of the song, chopping and programing the drums, looping or chopping samples, layering other elements, making a distinct chorus, intro, outro and possibly a bridge or variation. This basic beat takes about 30 min-1 hour. It's usually about 4 to 20 bars.
Stage Three: The initial mixing mostly working on the drums. Making a bassline that matches the key of the samples. Adding a missing element, possible adding some scratches, getting rid of any problem elements and a lot of listening. Usually about another 1 to 3 hours. I usually do Stages 1-3 all in one sitting without getting up. Damn I gotta piss!!!
Stage Four: Listening to the song for about 3,400 hours over the next couple days/weeks/years, and carefully tweaking the levels, and making subtle changes if it's good, or 1 or more drastic makeovers if the song refuses to be dope for some reason. (usually bad samples or bad execution that I'm attached to for some reason.)
Stage Five: I guess I used to skip most of the last two steps and just record vocals and do the final mix, but lately I've just been stopping at Stage 3, and focusing on what the vocals could be or moving on to something else. I gotta start finishing some tracks soon. Adding effects, perfecting the mix, adding any last minute elements. Give me a plaque.
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