any tips on how you write those atonal-sounding grooves that don't sound entirely random?
i usually start with the keyboard (chord/rhythm) track... (well, no, actually the drums/perc would come first) and just hit it and go. and just kind of do whatever. then i might add a couple of other things .... the bass actually comes kind of late in the game, so i might not even decide on where the "root" of the key is until i hear how the other parts go together .... who am i kidding, that is not an explanation. i have no idea how i do it. it's not really that atonal. you're never really too far outside the realm of a certain key. and usually when i do it, (especially when i do the bass) i do have a certain 'root of the key' note in mind, even if i totally disobey it. maybe if you pick a track you can email me about it and i might be able to break it down