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YO FRED! Thanks for the th comments on"SCOTCH CLUB".
Thank you for your review. I am glad you enjoyed the production.
Hello Benjamin Thanks for an awesome review on Spiral. The constructive parts as well. I wish I could remix that song. It was recorded on 8 track tape and the multi track is long gone with all the drum programmiing. It's definitely on my list of redos that I want to get to someday.
YOU'RE WELCOME FRED! I enjoyed the review, it was refreshing to hear your music.
Benjamin, I just listened to Concerto #3; very nice piece! Norb Studelska
THANK YOU!
Cool
Thank You Sir.
Congratulations on making the Colorado Top 10! My duet for classical guitar and whistling piece titled Bach's Flamenco is currently #9. I've performed with classical symphonies as a whistler and would love to explore collaboration with you if you're looking for something unique to use as an element in your music. Let me know. Ciao! Francesco www.TheJazzWhistler.com 970-988-6935 Fort Collins
SOUNDING NICE!
Thanks man.
Wonderful work!
Thank you!
Great picture. I like the music. It's like new and fresh. No one else like it.
Very impressive, I still have so much to learn from your amazing music.
Thank you Mark.
An excellent book http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGBMDNM/ref=pe_385040_118058080_TE_M1T1DP 1
If you are interested in some formal commentary on orchestration and instrumentation, the above link may prove useful.
a great interview with songwriter Jay Gruska, lots of interesting insights shared in this....enjoy. http://8dio.com/#blog/interview-with-jay-gruska/ 1
Thanks for posting Ben. Could it be you've a guilty pleasure for "Supernatural"? I certainly do! LOL Many thanks again for the Gruska post. Dean
GREAT ARTICLE FOR ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS http://8dio.com/blog/how-to-ruin-your-career-and-bring-down-the-music-industry/ 1
Dude, my bass setting on my laptop were set as low as possible. The treble settings were normal. All of my work has to be remixed. I figured this out about 5 days ago. I remixed Titania and Garrison, the new song is mixed as well as I can think to mix. I have quite a bit of work ahead of me.
I think the low shelf could come up a bit more, particularly on Garrison. One thing you may want to consider is the relative volumes of instruments compared to each other. For example, brass is much louder than woodwinds. And percussion is louder than all of them at "fff". If you experiment with volume balance for each of the elements being used, you can achieve a higher degree of realism with EWQL Silver. I personally used that library for many compositions. One thing that may really help you is to set up a stereo in the same stereo spread as your monitors (if you dont have any get some, studio monitors can be acquired for 200 bucks a pair). Then listen to a production of a composition that you wish to produce similarly. This will give you a glaring road map to all the little things that stand out in your mix that depart from your imaged objective. It will cause you to ask yourself questions like " why doesn't this sample of a horn sound right?" " What is wrong with these effects?" " What is wrong with the comparative volume levels of each of the instrument levels with in the master mix?" " How should I adjust the stereo spread of all of the elements to achieve more realism?" Cross comparison between your production and another recording in the same stereo spread can often give you many clues, as to what action you need to take.
Here is a symphonic diagram, something to keep in mind as you map out the stereo spread of each element in your composition's productions. It is not an iron clad rule, but a production reference. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56956 4684094367118/
here is another: http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchestra 1
Another simple technique that you could benefit from is automation of the fader. This will give the elements of your arrangement more feeling and texture, this on top of creating variations in the velocity of each element, maximizing the richness of the round robin of samples being utilized by a particular element. This in tandem with automation of the individual tracks fader will enhance the richness and make the texture far more robust for the entire composition's production.
check out my composition "News That Matters" It has a lot of the elements you are going for. Also, this is all EWQL silver. I will unlock it so you can have a listen.
http://www.broadjam.com/artists/songs.php?artistID=75069&mediaID=560337 1
Thanks for all the input. That totally rocks. Oddly enough I didn't find all of this ^^^^ above until today. I guess it is because we are not connected. I had to come to your page and find it. Great advice man. Thanks again.
I really dig the diagram.
Okay I got new tools, Studio One vs and StromDrums. I just finished a mixdown of Chasing the Dragon while attempting to keep in mind all the sound wisdom you have bestowed upon me. Can you please accept my friend request so I don't have to hunt down this page to send a message? I can't just send a message until you connect us.
I am writing a lot of music. Patrick told me that you are on Broadjam. You are the reason I signed up. We know each other from Charlie Browns. I hang out with Paul and Pan every Friday. Afterwards I hang out with your brother. I would like your opinion(s) on some/any of my music. It won't go without saying your music is truly inspiring.
Greetings Fossmana- Send Pan and Paul my regards please. Yes, I listened to some of your songs. My first question is "what sound library are you using?" The second is "What DAW are you using? I think the songs that I heard have some good elements. But all of them are missing the low shelf. And there does seem to be an inordinate amount of dissonance in your choice of chord progressions. Particularly, the song "The Mustering of the Mounted Knights". My guess is that your sound pallet is dissatifying to you. I am making this guess because it is unsatisfying to me. I am wondering if you are programing a keyboard for the majority of your sequencing and arrangement. One tendency i am picking up right away is the velocity at which you play (articulating the touch sensitivity of your keyboard), much of the velocity is the same making it dynamically flat. One way you can improve this is by slowing down the tempo and concentrating one the hardness or softness with which you play the part. Then, speed it up when finalizing your arrangement. Furthermore, you may want to do a cursory study of scales and modes. I am hearing a lot of tritones, and major/minor scales with a harmony developing on the root and the forth, creating more dissonance. Listen to classical music a lot; i mean, immersing your self in Bach and Mozart Ravel or Rossini, for i wonder if you have developed the aesthetic for much of what you enjoy composing. However, it is not my intention to offend. I could say much more but I am not sure who you are and if you desire advice or merely a compliment. On to the compliment portion of my comment. I think you have a knack for sound deign. Also you have done a lot of work which is a manifestation of will to improve. Keep going!!! All the best, -Benjamin
Wow thank you so very much for the most excellent feedback. I use Notion 5 and EWQL Silver for the instruments and Cubase Elements 8 for the mixdown. You nailed the point about velocity. I need to take some time to figure out how to manipulate the notes. I am not offended. I am thrilled that you took the time to listen and respond with constructive input. Thank you so very much. We gather around 5-6 every Friday on the patio. Perhaps we will all see you there. Keep up the good work. Marcus
are you on spotify yet?
An excellent article on dither, what it is, what it does, how to use it, how not to use it, and how to use it in tandem with normalization. -enjoy!! http://www.earlevel.com/main/1996/10/20/what-is-dither/ 1
Greetings Gordon- I find your song "Sorrow" to be an excellent piece, I enjoyed it greatly. -Benjamin
thank you benjamin, that was my first attempt at writing in a classical style!
Greetings Mr. Grubacevic- I enjoyed your compositions you have posted. -Benjamin
Tnx Benjamin :)
New article is up! It's about music snobbism; intellectual vs aesthetic music listening pleasure; ART or ENTERTAINMENT music classification (as a result of music snobbism). Classical vs jazz & film music, untrained musicians vs trained ones etc. http://www.anitaandreismusic.com/artvalue/ 1
GREAT ARTICLE ANITA. I really enjoyed your site too. Excellent content. (though I have not explored it all) I enjoyed your thoughts on aesthetics; it is a complex topic that in my view is a lost mode of the educational process, for the musician and for the admirer of music. It seems that unfortunately for most individuals, their limited aesthetic preferences have to do with some sort of extrinsic approval. The muse which can only be heard through intuitive resonance is often replaced by indoctrination into a formal method (for the musician), or doing what they think sounds "cool". Intuitive guidance is scoffed at now both formally and popularly. And, individuals are conditioned in society to fear being scoffed at. Where does that leave aesthetics? Great read, thank you for sharing it with us. -Benjamin
Wow, what a comment Benjamin!! Right spot on! It's exactly how you said! I guess that might be only a reflection of a state our society is in. How to beat that then by staying authentic? :) I think that is the only way. If you would like to copy/paste your comment on my facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Anita.And reis.Music) or linkedin it would be amazing. I would really appreciate it. Because it really contributes to a story!
Anita, thanks for the article. Well written and relevant. I passed it along on my page for others to read. I also agree that the best way to "beat it" is by "staying authentic". Be yourself, wherever that may lead. You'll never regret it. Anyone who likes what you do will be a true fan. In the immortal words of Ricky Nelson, "You can't please everyone/So, you got to please yourself". Anthony
Thanks Spermatochords! :))))
Greetings Anita- I just discovered your reply to my comment and while trying to comply with your request, i found that the link you supplied is not working for me. Have you changed your facebook since then? Sorry for the slowness of my reply. -Benjamin
Hi Benjamin, and I can see this 2 weeks later hahaha. Here is the link to fb page https://www.facebook.com/Anita.Andr eis.Music
Another musician that has died. Why do we go away? does it matter. This man ad the ideas, but he needed MUSIC, in depth. But he had abilities beyond mine.
So cryptic.....is it a poem?
Really cool and unique songs!! Great vocals and productions! Really enjoyed listening to them!....a kind of vibe of U2 meets Sting.....:).... Blessings.... Julia
Many thanks Julia!!
great vid on publishing....and publishers....enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNMQuOjnpNU 1
here is another!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs5CEKhTtHc 1
Hi Ben! The scammers are generally pretty obvious. I mean, I have been offered exclusive contracts that when read carefully are completely unfair. No lawyer needed, just some slow reading and good common sense. It the end it is a personal decision composed of many factors including, how much you think your work is worth and how badly you need money. The later often times getting in the way of good judgement! Thanks though... worthwhile info none the less. On another note... What do you think of TAXI? Best, Jeff
I like Taxi and I am a member, but Taxi has few licensing opportunities for classical composers, it is mostly jazz and rock, so it seems.
Here is a great article for those interested in trailer productions. http://www.ascap.com/playback/2013/01/wecreatemusic/otc-two-steps-from-hell.aspx 1
Thank you
Is it true about your success story ?
Er, What do you mean Acela? This is just an article I stumble upon, it has nothing to do with me.
You have me built, Now blow me away!!!! Change, and BLAST!! Its in there, I hear it. lkb
Greetings Mr. Bodien, Thank you for your comment though I am not sure what you're trying to say.
Hi Benjamin, thank you for your review of 'Right on the Edge', I took your advice and updated my library to East West, I now have to learn how to use it properly so maybe in a few months I will produce something decent. I hope you are well and in good writing form. All the best Dave
Hey that's great Dave. I am sure you will find it extremely useful. It should not be that tough for you to integrate into your composing process. If you have any difficulties drop me a line and I will gladly help if I can. Cheers!
Ben, Thank you for your review of The Gifter, means much coming from a talented composer. Many blessings! ~W
Hey Will, Any time my friend. I enjoyed it.
Thanks Benjamin, very encouraging review. I have enjoyed your work immensely since you joined BJ. Best wishes Geoff
Greeting Geoff, you're quite welcome.
hi benjamin, i love your music! awesome emotional range.
Thank you Gordon. I must say having listen to some of your songs the other day, that I really enjoyed them. Great guitar work.
thanks, thats quite a compliment coming from you! your orchestral pieces are top notch! G
Interesting chord voicing video. Very informative. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS6rCcGsCmY 1
Ben, Congrats on the selection of 12 tracks! Great work my friend I am VERY happy you landed that. Bravo!
Thanks Will , I appreciate the support very much. :
Benjamin, Thank you for the review of my song Megan in the Morning, from my Castle of Dreams Acoustic Solo Piano CD, It is always great to hear from a professional. Love your stuff Sincerely, David Michael Walsh
Greetings David, I enjoyed that composition and all the works from that album of yours that I have heard. It is always nice to do a review of a song that is enjoyable. Cheers!!
Greetings Donnie, Thank you for your review of "News That Matters". In fact it is a stand alone song and not part of a larger song.
Good stuff..Indeed