Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "craigtim222" <craigtim222@y...> wrote:
> any suggestions on making jungle

Here's my two cents' worth.  Disclaimer:  this is my opinion only, 
and I may be completely and abjectly wrong.  My comments will 
probably upset somebody anyway.

Although jungle/d-n-b are a clearly defined style, the formula is 
fairly rigid, and to produce 'credible' music in this genre, you 
really need to focus on TIMBRE.

People generally latch on to the compositional conventions, namely 
fast drumming and slow bass lines, but in my opinion, it isn't really 
about that; it's all about using the right sounds.  Actually, 
SPECIFIC sounds.  Specific samples. (i.e. "amen break")  If you don't 
have the right samples, then you don't have the right tools at your 
disposal.

You can try to coax sounds out of the XX-7 that are reasonably close 
to the "correct" timbres, but they are just that: close.  The Protean 
Drums has a kit (can't remember the name, but it's the second preset) 
that is suitable.

One particular track I found helpful in dissecting/understanding the 
style is "Time Flies (slow)" by Orbital, from the "Sad But New" EP 
that was included in early pressings of the "In Sides" album. 
(unfortunately now out of print).  It's pure jungle, but recorded at 
half speed so you can clearly hear how the drum breaks are put 
together, etc.  What more could you ask?!

In my opinion, jungle's big downfall is that the formula is so rigid 
that it has left itself nowhere to go, and that the style was played 
out a couple of years ago.  It seems pretty damn tired to me.

Your mileage may vary.  Good luck.