Hey All--
I debated on whether this post would be better here or in the Coffee House. I get the impression the Coffee House is just for messing around (correct me if I'm wrong) and I am interested in serious answers, so here it goes.
If you've got a fairly powerful DAW, chances are you don't have the limit your number of tracks due to your rig not be able to handle more. My question is, does having a powerful DAW/rig ever cause you to have to mentally stop yourself from over-producing your music as far as the number of tracks go?
I remember hearing an interview with Shirley Manson (Garbage) saying at one point when her band went over 100 tracks on one song, that she insisted (my word) to the band that the song was done and to stop!
Lately, like over the past year or so, I've been listening to contemporary songs I like on the radio and have noticed a more minimalist production approach. Sort of letting the song carry the listener. More "indie" sounding, I guess. So, I've started adding less tracks to my songs. It makes mixing a whole lot easier--especially finding EQ balance, but I wondered if the fact that I can add a ridiculous number of tracks made me add a ridiculous number of tracks in the past instead of just being more creative with fewer tracks that actually contribute to the work. I like minimalist songs when that works for the song--but I do get that urge to add layers to existing tracks to make them more compelling (or is that just the old me??)
What about you? Thoughts?