FastTracking & the World of MODs

To those who don't know what tracking is, here's a short explanation (to the best of my understanding). Tracking is completely digital music (besides the listening, of course). Everything is done through the computer: sampling, composing, effects, playing of, and distribution. Besides the source of the original "analog" samples, everything else is binary. The common name for songs written using tracking programs are "MODs." A few well-known tracking programs are FastTracker2, ScreamTracker3, and ImpulseTracker (Just so you know, I use FT2).
Tracking also comes complete with its own "scene" - apparently part of the large "demo" scene which spawned in Europe during the '80s from the game-hacking habits of a few high school students.
What makes tracking so accessible is the fact that once you have a computer rigged with a decent soundcard and some memory, the expenses are only measured in time, not money. Almost all the programs (players, editors, samplers, samples) are free.
I will soon have my own song up for downloading, until then, check the links below to learn more about and get involved in some really "grass roots" digital music creation.

If you're interested in starting, but have no idea how, or just want some tips on tracking, download this file: Trackers.txt to start you on your way.

My Original Songs

"New Darkness".

"The Burning Amazon".

Trackers and Players

FastTracker2 - a great editor
Modplug - a great player for Win95/98
Sonique - a beautiful-looking MOD, MP3, and CD player for Win95/98
WinAmp - a great MP3, MOD, CD, WAV player for Win95/98

Resources

MAZ's Sound Tools
- If you're into tracking, this is the sight to pick-up all the right apps, from FastTracker2 to CoolEdit, not to mention lots of samples. Also has tons o' links to other great tracking sites.
The Zen of Tracking
- If you're interested in learning about tracking, the "scene", or looking for some pointers on how to start or links to other tracker pages, check out this site.
The Underground Tracker Scene
- News from the "tracker scene", not to mention reviews of the newest tracks, and many more links. Great site.
United Tracker
- Like a guild of some sort, this one represents the trackers, listing members' names, aliases, webpages, musical styles, etc. Anyone can join, so go there if you want to get your name up on the board. In addition, they have a section for new trackers to put their music up.
Trax In Space
- This page seems to be the new center of the Tracking scene (from my limited perspective), hosting new songs from almost anybody, providing reviews for the songs, and also conducting competitions. They have a huge database of songs so give them a try.
Pirate Pete's Music Page
- This page has lots of information about tracking, including this guy's reviews of 4 different tracking programs and his personal list of the "100 Top Mods", ranked by 4 different parameters. There's lots of content here.
Novus' Wide World of MODs
- What this page lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in content. The Webmaster seems to shun the elitist facets of the Tracker/Demo scene, offering a place for any "good" (very subjective) new songs/artists to make their name. Also, has many, many links, tracking tips and more. Check it!
The Loud Factory
- This page has live broadcasts of independent music (much of it being tracked music) over the 'Net. All that is required is Winamp 2.09 which is linked to from its pages.
Dr. Fetid's Wizards of the Sonic
- This page is mastered by a guy who cruises the deep, dark crevices of the Internet searching for new sounds and strange tastes. Very interesting slice of different music.
Module Hitchart
- This page is another review page where you'll find reviews of various songs on the Net in XM, IT, and MP3 formats.

NEW!!
Sample/Recording Resource Page
- Links to sample and home recording resources.
113 Audio Resources
- This is a great source for sampled beats. Great page!
Soundwave's Samples for Professionals and Trackers
- Another large source of samples for your tracking needs.

Music Groups

Resonance - This is a music group whose music is all done using FastTracker2. Some great stuff, I'm not sure what category, jungle, trance... anyway, they've got a lot of songs to download for your listening pleasure.
Ultrabeat - Another group with music in both XM (FT2) format and MP3 audio. Trance, ambient, also has many links.
Mono - Online - A music group with their complete collection online... some great music from the likes of Mortimer Twang and others. Download some of their great songs and try the message board. -- Note about Mono (June 1999) - they have changed their format and now offer new releases in MP3 format only.