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.
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