Charting New waters
| Date: 09-04-2007
Genre: Electronica Jazz
| This is the first time I've created a track where I used solely MIDI and VST virtual instruments. In the past I've been using a Yamaha Motif ES7 to compose all the MIDI, so this was a learning experience more than anything. The instruments sound so much more realistic though, it's almost frightening.
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 10.6mb | Duration: 5:50min
|
It
| Date: 04-20-2006
Genre: Breakbeat
| I live in Tucson, AZ. If you're not aware of where exactly that is, it's in the desert and it's HOT. When you have no air conditioning and the room has three computers and a bunch of monitors plus keyboards, lamps, and other assorted heat generators running... it's much more hot. Let's say at least 100 degrees!
In any case, this is primarily why I have not been producing music during the past few weeks. Another reason is that I've been spending time on a track exclusively for Holler Saunders , which is now complete.
I've resolved the AC problem recently, so now I can continue on doing what I do.
Enjoy the sweat!
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 3.91mb | Duration: 2:47min
|
Disco Inferno
| Date: 03-20-2006
Genre: Breakbeat
| To make up for the week I lost, I spent some time tonight finishing up a tune that I have been working on and off with during the past couple weeks. A lot of people complained that rap-remixes weren't their cup of tea, so I hope this better suits the Weekly Music general vibe. I'll also say that a lot of other people LOVED it (that's just how these things go.)
Due to the mixture of sentiments, I'll probably begin posting any rap-remixes alongside featured weekly releases so that you can just ignore the stuff you don't like. Or you could download both, whatevs. :P
I really went nutso on the mastering with this current track. Included are some crazy gating techniques on plated vocal reverbs as well as a lot of beatmatching and warping of the vocals to my mix. I keep learning new techniques with track automation and other cool features of Cubase that I had no idea existed until tonight. That makes me happy, because for a while I felt like I was never gonna learn it. I'm steadily approaching 100 tracks composed over here, so I'm pretty pleased with my own progress.
The more I learn, the better things sound... so I suppose if you're listening you'll be hearing major improvements every time you get an email.
Oh yeah, and the vocals on the track are Disco Inferno [ Tramps ].
Word.
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 5.95mb | Duration: 4:14min
|
Jay Z
| Date: 03-19-2006
Genre: Electronica Hip Hop
| As the title states, I got a hold of some Jay Z acapellas and have since commenced writing a few remixed versions of my favorite Black Album songs. I might even go as far as to remix the entire black album, but I'm not sure yet. In any case, I love Jay Z.. I've been a fan for years and the least I could do is collaborate. :)
I figured since I can't get a hold of him personally, if his legal team has a problem with this unauthorized version being available for download, I'll remove it.
Anyhow, the track is entirely my creation except for the vocals... Hope you likey.
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 5.08mb | Duration: 3:36min
|
Split me apart by pulling in two different directions simultaneously
| Date: 03-05-2006
Genre: Breakbeat
| Now I'm uncertain as to whether or not to classify this work as breakbeat or trip-hop. At some point or another during that 5 minutes, I'm sure you'll agree that it could fit in both genres. I decided this time around to spend quite a good amount of time placing vocal samples and tweaking the hell out of them. This practice strengthens my ability to use the DAW with speed alongside the hardware (Hardware editing is obviously my current strong point).
All counted, I spent roughly 5 hours on the pre-production patterns, 2 hours on the EQ for each of the 17 channels in this mix, and about 3 hours went into finding and laying the vocals.
I've also decided to start using acapellas of well known artists as focal points in my mixes. I'll be distributing them here, and if the artists get pissy with legal, I could always remove them. It's just sooo cool to listen to a talent like Blackalicious or Jay-Z over my songs... I was thinking, even Gang Starr? Maybe they'll just find it flattering and send me some pancakes or something >:P
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 7.52mb | Duration: 5:18min
|
Brand New Site!
| Date: 03-01-2006
Genre: Breakbeat
| Why only Weekly Music now?
My process for producing music has developed into a more linear and well-documented method over the past six months. This produces more consistent results, and I've decided I need more time than just one night to be totally satisfied with my new tracks. I've broken the process down into three stages: Pre-Production, Cubase Processing, and Mastering.
The first stage is obviously where I compose all the melody, rythm, and outer layers of each pattern (verse, chorus, bridge, etc). The second stage has been taking the longest, because lately I've been adding more vocals and sound effects into the songs to liven them up. This is where I drop those in, make sure they are timed correctly, match pitch, etc. I also add compression, EQs, reverbs, and any other effects to each track.
The final stage is where I take the audio mix down and tweak it so that the waveform is "hot" enough to sound good in any CD player, as well as error-free.
Combined, these three stages take around 3-4 days. I also have added time in there for me to review, critique, and better document each track on the blog. I figure this will give each listener better insight into exactly what I'm going through.
Anyhow, I'm planning a major DVD release for April 20th. I'll be keeping you updated on that. I'll begin releasing new tracks EVERY Sunday night from now on!... Best of all, I'll actually get to have a social life too!
Hope you enjoy tonight's track!
Hugs and Kisses!
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 6.05mb | Duration: 4:18min
|
Dramatic effects
| Date: 01-23-2006
Genre: House
| This track is a culmination of two days work supporting a dramatic combination of smooth transitions and subtle builds. I tried to make it dreamy, acoustic, and misanthropic house. Enjoy.
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 8.9mb | Duration: 6:23min
|
Airforce Training
| Date: 01-13-2006
Genre: House
| I made this track for Friday the 13th so you all can bump fresh stuff! Hope you enjoy my deep house.
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 6.11mb | Duration: 4:20min
|
SO getting put out...
| Date: 01-07-2006
Genre: Breakbeat
| I went waaaaaaaay over my time deadlines for mastering on this one. I think it's totally worth it though. It has worth indeed. Tons of exciting new developments happening over the course of the next few months. Solidified my DVD release date tonight with my visual partner, Sam Saunders. We're officially shooting for April 20th, 2006. Stay tuned!
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 4.82mb | Duration: 3:25min
|
Happy New Year!
| Date: 01-04-2006
Genre: Techno
| I was going for that party techno / epic feel. Spent about four hours between the mastering and composition. I ran into some ASIO problems along the way, so I solved those as well. Damn recording from mlan started to skip and it completely freaked me out. Anyhow, I've got to get back in the swing of things here. All these xmas celebrations have made me lazy. ... Well actually, I've been lazy since November. Damnit. :P
Bitrate: 192kbps | File Size: 6.08mb | Duration: 4:19min
|
|
