I'm currently tackling the tedious, time-consuming task of renaming my copious drum samples. I'm finding myself bored and distracted while doing this because it's not a chore that can be done while listening to a nice set of tunes, or while relaxing to a movie on Netflix. But what I absolutely don't want is to have folders that list bassdrum01.wav, bassdrum02.wav, and snare drum this and cow bell that. Eh!? Now that's a thought...my music could use a bit more cow bell!
I've been learning and studying a few Jazz chord progressions this past week, and different ways of applying them. This morning I began working on the melody for this week's tune. I was hoping to apply some of what I've been taking in. But what flowed out this morning was a driving synth melody, which is cool since I enjoy the modern indie pop thing that's going on. But it isn't quite what I was chasing after. But there are still a few days left before the week's end so I guess we'll see where it goes.
In typing this, I just revealed to myself a new goal. I love being able to harness that all too elusive creative force of inspiration when it shows up. But that's the shaky, unstable approach whose reliance upon I'm veering away from during the course of this project. I don't need a Muse, just some stone cold determination. What I'm now seeking is to be able to direct my music and tell it where to go rather than always following my music to see where it'll take me. I would rather have the honed discipline to be able to sit down, and compose a piece with intention instead of relying on inspiration to get me started. I think I'll leave myself a visible note in my work area that says "Write On Purpose." I think it'll also carry subliminal weight by having a phonetic equivalence to the phrase, "right on purpose." I'm not certain if 'right on purpose' is an official mantra that people live by, but it probably should be.
Well, it's back to sample relabeling for me. Hopefully I'll stop finding myself distracted, and just get in and get it done. I know it'll make my processes much more efficient in the future. And if you find yourself wanting some decent drum samples(i.e. free and sounds better than your kid brother beating on pots and pans) then go to www.drumsamples.org, and download their DS-1000 package. It contains everything of a standard drum kit, and also various percussive instruments such as bongos, congas, triangles and tambourines. It even includes a folder of 10 different cowbell sounds. And we all need more cowbell!
I hope everyone had a blessed Easter!
Vaya con Dios.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
The Launch
The first installment of this journey is here. Share your enjoyment with all of friends, family, and coworkers. Even send copious spam mail to the distant relatives you never talk to...you may make their day by introducing them to music they wouldn't have found by their own Googling.
Stay tuned for each week's update. I also plan to post mid-week segments as I can find holes in my schedule.
Thank you.
Stay tuned for each week's update. I also plan to post mid-week segments as I can find holes in my schedule.
Thank you.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Meaning of 52 in 52
Recently, in the past year or so, I've been taking a stab at composing my own music. And it's been a tough journey!
20th century composer John Cage recalling a conversation with his mentor Arnold Schoenberg:
"After I had been studying with him for two years, Schoenberg said, 'In order to write music, you must have a feeling for harmony.' I explained to him that I had no feeling for harmony. He then said that I would always encounter an obstacle, that it would be as though I came to a wall through which I could not pass. I said, 'In that case I will devote my life to beating my head against that wall.'"
I know exactly what Cage meant by this, but I too will beat my head against any wall I come up against. I may knock myself out, but I'll dream of what I'll compose upon regaining my consciousness.
So my idea for 52 in 52 was birthed from a conversation with a friend. He has an aspiration for writing fictional short stories, and has been reading on how to develop his craft. A suggestion he ran across said something to the effect of, "try writing one story per week for a year. I dare you to write fifty two bad stories." And that's when my light bulb illuminated.
For the past year, I've dealt with frustrations in the learning curve of transitioning from player to composer...it hasn't been a natural one for me. This has resulted in lack of motivation to write, lack of inspiration on the occasion that I find the motivation, and a plethora of unfinished projects that just stalled out.
A music mentor of mine spoke of this condition on his blog. "For me, the feeling of 'inspiration' is a rather fragile state...My belief: craft, work ethic, and commitment are the real keys to creativity." You can enjoy his blog at www.randyhoexter.com
Starting at the end of this month I begin writing, and posting what I'll call "one complete musical idea" per week. I won't set a standard criteria based upon length(i.e. 3'30" pop song), and I definitely won't limit myself to any specific genre. It just has to be a finished product...one that could be used for either or both standalone entertainment or an audio bed for other media.
20th century composer John Cage recalling a conversation with his mentor Arnold Schoenberg:
"After I had been studying with him for two years, Schoenberg said, 'In order to write music, you must have a feeling for harmony.' I explained to him that I had no feeling for harmony. He then said that I would always encounter an obstacle, that it would be as though I came to a wall through which I could not pass. I said, 'In that case I will devote my life to beating my head against that wall.'"
I know exactly what Cage meant by this, but I too will beat my head against any wall I come up against. I may knock myself out, but I'll dream of what I'll compose upon regaining my consciousness.
So my idea for 52 in 52 was birthed from a conversation with a friend. He has an aspiration for writing fictional short stories, and has been reading on how to develop his craft. A suggestion he ran across said something to the effect of, "try writing one story per week for a year. I dare you to write fifty two bad stories." And that's when my light bulb illuminated.
For the past year, I've dealt with frustrations in the learning curve of transitioning from player to composer...it hasn't been a natural one for me. This has resulted in lack of motivation to write, lack of inspiration on the occasion that I find the motivation, and a plethora of unfinished projects that just stalled out.
A music mentor of mine spoke of this condition on his blog. "For me, the feeling of 'inspiration' is a rather fragile state...My belief: craft, work ethic, and commitment are the real keys to creativity." You can enjoy his blog at www.randyhoexter.com
Starting at the end of this month I begin writing, and posting what I'll call "one complete musical idea" per week. I won't set a standard criteria based upon length(i.e. 3'30" pop song), and I definitely won't limit myself to any specific genre. It just has to be a finished product...one that could be used for either or both standalone entertainment or an audio bed for other media.
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