Hi Garpocalypse,
thank you for your answer, very complete. I wouldn't expect a so well constructed answer in a few time
I didn't know that writing and arranging was 2 different jobs ! (by the way you forgot mastering that comes up after the mixing process).
What I struggle the most is arranging, I have so much choices (I have a lot of vsti), that I freeze by chosing what I will use for each part.
I like the comparison with an artist that you make in your post, I'm not a sketch artist, but it makes sense what you say.
Some vsti needs more expression when playing (it could be playing with the midi keyboard mod wheel), I could use some automation, but it would be more work. I will try the "sketch artist" approach by "erasing" part of midi melody (duplicated track of course) to redo in the style of the vsti selected to give more realism.
Thanks for that new interesting approach that you have : " music's three core components which are melody, harmony and rhythm "
I usually do the melody and harmony (in one or two tracks, whatever) , but the Rhythm, I didn't think about it. It is a great component for inspiration and to get into the mood !
It should be what I was lacking until now : the rythm !
I know that Rythm isn't only about drum (but most part of it does the job), it can be a line of bass also, etc.
Me too, when I began using a DAW, it was terrible, I couldn't even make a descent sound. I had to learn by myself with lynda.com video / youtube video / books.
It took me a lot of time, patience, and money to get something from Ableton Live. But I'm happy now that I didn't give up ; yey, the love of VGM has gave me the strengh to continue ^^