Working on a track attempting to follow my ‘boing’ framework taught me that the sound I was aiming for emerges more from experimentation than from a fixed plan. When I manipulated parameters in the synthesiser operator without trying to control the outcome, I started finding timbres that matched the “boing” aesthetic. This was the main technical lesson: small changes in the operator settings can produce timbres that feel closer to what I’m trying to achieve, even if I don’t know exactly what the result will be before I try it.
The process also made the framework feel more challenging than I expected. Following the rules requires constant attention, and it is easy to slip back into familiar habits. The structure is engaging because it forces decisions about sound and placement, but it also demands a level of consistency that is difficult to maintain across a whole track. It became clear that the rules are not just constraints; they are a method for shaping the track, and that requires a lot of discipline.
Another point that became obvious through the project is that time matters. I left most of the work until the last stage, which meant I did not have enough time to properly develop or refine ideas. If I had more time, I could have explored more variations of the “boing” sound and refined the structure in a way that felt more complete. This is not a comment on ability, but on process: experimental sound design needs space to evolve.
What worked and what didn’t
What worked:
- Experimental manipulation of the synthesiser operator produced the timbres I was aiming for.
- The framework provided a clear direction for sound placement and rhythm.
- The method encouraged me to think about sound in a more detailed, parameter-based way.
What didn’t work:
- Following all the rules felt difficult to sustain across the entire track.
- I did not have enough time to develop the track fully, and some ideas remained underexplored.
- I did not share the framework in Discord, partly because I felt unsure about doing so.
How I might develop it further
To develop this track further, I need to continue experimenting with sound design, particularly with operator parameters. The next step would be to create more variations of the “boing” sound and test how they work within different rhythmic contexts. I also need to be more flexible with the rules and allow them to change if they do not support the music. The rules should guide the process, not prevent it from moving forward.
Another way to develop the idea is to create a playlist of music that fits the “boing” concept. This would help define the aesthetic more clearly and provide a reference point for future work. It would also help identify what qualities make a track feel like “boing music,” beyond the technical rules.
Sharing the framework in Discord
I did not share the framework in Discord for this track. I left it too late and felt unsure about presenting the work before it was more developed. In future, I want to share earlier versions and be more open about the process. Discord is a place for dialogue and experimentation, and sharing the framework could generate useful feedback and new ideas.
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