Sunday, November 11, 2007

Audio Studies B – Creative Project

Good Riddance
Daniel Trembath
Minutes ‘ Seconds (Italic 11pt Arial)

For my final assignment, I decided to do Green Day – Good Riddance. I decided to do this for my final because I am very familiar with the song, having been the first song I ever learned on guitar.
I recorded electric guitar via Pro Tools in Studio 1. I also recorded Bass Guitar via the Avalon. I used a click track whilst recorded to save time shifting regions.
I recorded the picking start of the song first, then simple chords. After recording, I edited using Pro Tools in the Mac lab. I cut out certain parts of the recording and arranged them so sound like the actual song. I used a few plug ins on the guitars, especially on the bass to bring it up in volume.
Volume automation was used on the bass guitar, and panning was used on the electric guitar.
I routed Reason to Pro Tools and used a MIDI track for the drum track. Simple drums were played on the Novation and the mix was complete.

MP3 File: coming soon..

MIDI Studies B – Creative Project

A Reason For My Day
Daniel Trembath
03‘04

I had the idea of remaking a song one of my friends has made, called ‘A Reason For My. I decided to make this song for my MIDI mix because I know how to play and compose it + there’s a broad range of techniques I could use in the song.
A Reason For My Day consists mainly of piano, which I used some velocity changes in notes for it to sound real.
Strings were added; using the technique of keeping them a bit off the beat for added realism.
Bass was added using the techniques we have been taught.
Percussion was used in the form of drums. These drums have different velocities in each hit to sound like a real drummer playing.
A nylon string guitar was used and I incorporated a few pitch bends, giving the feel of the guitar player bending the strings as notes are played.
The song starts off with improvisation of piano with strings and a choir. As the strings build up, the main tune settles in. As the song progresses the bass comes in, giving a catchy feel to the mix.
A small build up occurs and the guitar comes in using pitch bends.
After a few more beats a huge build of the drums will occur and the whole song comes together with an added piano solo.
As the song progresses, it slowly dies down til the finish.
I have used automation for the build-ups. Strings have been automated and gradually gain volume until it hits the peak. Panning has been used in a few fill ins on the strings, choir and drum kit.

MIDI File: http://files-upload.com/files/611957/MIDI FINAL ASSIGNMENT.lso
MP3 File: http://files-upload.com/files/611980/Reason Fro MY Dayaysfua.mp3

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Sound Engineering - Foley Artist

A Foley Artist is part of the creation of a film/video. Their role is to create most of the sound effects in a film to highlight key sounds to bring out the wholeness of whats being portrayed.

Some examples are:
Insects being squashed - Squeezing the inside of a lemon
Two people kissing - Kissing the back of your hand
Horses running - Clapping two coconut shells together

Some times the Foley Artist will try and mimic what is happening on screen. For 'rustling clothes', they will record a Foley Artist mimicking the same moves for added realism. This can also be explained with 'footsteps'.

Specific skills would be having the skill to recreate such sounds. Also, thinking outside of the square. Knowing what random objects would be useful in creating Foley.

:)

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Oral Presentation

I believe my oral presentation on my Portfolio was rather successful. The information spoken had all the necessary components mentioned in the criteria. The powerpoint worked very well with the talk. It helped interact with the listeners. It also helped to bring out certain information being said.
The sample track demonstrated my talent in the field of Sound Engineering, although most of it was MIDI based samples.

In terms of experience with Sound Engineering, I’d say the list is very small. In Year 11, we had a subject called Performance Tech which was all about learning how to use the Mixing Desk, lights, recording and all stuff related to this course. I was pretty interested in that subject which lead me to further study this course. I also started making music on Fruity Loops. This gave me knowledge on MIDI programming, as well as music composition.

For my portfolio, I will include a CV and a Mini CV.
I will also include 5 tracks in my CD.

These will include: A song a friend and I had created in Year 12 using Fruity Loops 5
A remix of Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone using Logic Pro
A remix of a friend’s song titled “A Reason For My Day”
A world music remix using Pro Tools
An original techno song composed in Logic Pro

The CD face will hopefully include some awesome logo with some details on it. The CD case will be a sweet picture of some sort which will grab the attention of anyone who looks at it. The back of the CD will include the track list, what will be found on the CD like CV, Mini CV and so on, and any other details like how to contact me, phone number. All the basic information.

My strong points as a Sound Engineer would be the use of MIDI. I have been using MIDI prior to this course, so I found it easy to produce songs using Logic Pro. All the aspects of Music Technology Forum I found very interesting, which motivated me to do the best work possible. I found that subject to be another one of my strong points.

My weak points would definitely be recording. I find all aspects of recording difficult, including using Pro Tools. Also music theory, which I have never done in my life, is also another weak point. I will definitely be studying music theory after this course has finished.

As for next year, I will be getting membership at Fresh FM. Fresh will take me onboard and train me in all aspects of Radio, broadcast and technical equipment from professionals with years of industry experience. Fresh is a voluntary Radio Station so I wouldn’t get paid, but Nova are always looking to recruit people from Fresh to take them on board for a paid job.

References:
David Gryce - University of Adelaide 2007
My Uni

Music Technology Forum: Week 12 - Oral Presentations

This week in Music Technology Forum, the remaining members of the class showcased their oral presentations on their Portfolios thus far. This portfolio consisted of: A CV, a mini CV, full tracks, a sample track, CD's with a cover and label, any additional features such as a website, multimedia etc.

Simon:
Simon's presentation consisted of a talk, powerpoint display and sample track. Simon started guitar at a very young age and has been playing it his whole life. After he finished high school he tried out for a bachelor in Jazz but didn't make it in, so he decided to give Sound Engineering a go.

Lisa:
Lisa, or "Sound Techie Sam", has been immersed in music from a very young age. She leared multiple instruments: piano, clarinet, guitar/bass, tin whistle, kazoo and vocals. She has skills in recording, mastering, live mixing and theatre sound, as well as composition using MIDI.

Ken:
Ken has decided to add some comical essence with his Portfolio to show more of his personality. His porfolio will include MIDI songs he has created using various different programs. These songs are mostly in the Aphex Twin type genre.

Scott Philp:
Scott's portfolio will include nine tracks. These nine tracks will showcase his difference styles of production. He will be showing his skills in: full band mixing and recording, full MIDI based compositing and production, use of video in Pro Tools, remixing tracks and smaller based production and composition.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Music Technology Forum: Week 11 - Oral Presentations

This week in Music Technology Forum, half the class had to present their orals on their Portfolio. This portfolio consisted of: A CV, a mini CV, full tracks, a sample track, CD's with a cover and label, any additional features such as a website, multimedia etc. The oral presentation would show how much the individual has done to date.

Lauren:
Lauren used a great concept of a logo and a name for herself. The logo stands out, and when people see it they will know exactly what it is referring to. Lauren has worked in schools, bands, local artists and soloists. All of her work is going towards her EP.

Brendan:
Brendan is showcasing 8 songs with his portfolio. Each song reflects his skills and knowledge. Songs to: show different styles of recordings; in composition and playing; show skills in MIDI composition and skills in remixing. Brendan is keen on making a website showing his portfolio.

Ben:
Ben started off his presentation by explaining his background in Music. Starting out at a young age, he progressed with guitar. He joined a band which each member had their own influences and tastes in music. He chose to do Sound Engineering to record bands and live the life of a studio owner.

Scott:
Scott explained the profile he had written about himself. He was employed in a Music store mainly tuning guitars. He has communication skills, volunteering at a Primary School for work experience, and guitar skills as he has played his whole life. His songs comprise of recordings for bands, MIDI songs and recordings for Audio Studies.

Josh:
Josh decided to do Sound Engineering to gain experience in MIDI studies. His future is to make video games and music for video games. He has had experience in working for an accountant. His sample track consists of remixes of video game music and foley work which was rather interesting.

Overall, the presentations were well presented. I quite enjoyed them and cant wait to do my presentation.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Music Technology Forum - Week 10: Jingle Studio

This week for Music Technology Forum, we visited a local Jingle Studio called "Timms Tunes". The address of this Studio is '15 Sydenham Road Norwood SA 5067'. As we arrived at the Studio/Church, we seemed to be fascinated by the bowls of lollies in every room. We were taken into the main section of the Studio where we were told about what Timms Tunes is all about. They specialize in making Jingles for TV/Film. We were shown a very emotional video which Timms Tunes composed the song playing in the background. This song comprised of very slow Piano at the start to capture the emotion and devastation. As the images become more intense, the drums comes and strings come in to capture the extreme emotion being presented. Some thought this song sounded similar to Coldplay. I couldn't hear any obvious similarities between the two. We later listened to a Jingle that was made for a Winnie The Pooh Video Game. This jingle was a very happy, cheery song which basically made you smile when you heard it. The contrast between the two jingles was huge.
Timms Tunes uses the same programs we use at Uni. They use Logic for creating and Pro Tools for editing. As we progressed through the Studio, we met a few people who work at Timms Tunes. They told us about what they do at the Jingle Studio, their background and some experiences they've had working at Timms Tunes. This gave us an insider about what would happen if we applied for a job there.
After meeting the workers, it was back in the Studio where we talked about our background and what we wanted to do as a career. Many of us were undecided about exactly what we wanted to do, but we had an understanding of where we were heading.
The field trip to Timms Tunes was a great one. I learned all about the jingle process and it sounds like a very rewarding career.