Here's another thing I've been working on. It's a cover of Skyway Flyer's "I'll See Her There." This was a somewhat larger project than the last video I posted, even though I didn't write this song.
To make it, I simultaneously recorded each take in GarageBand (audio) and PhotoBooth (video). After I mixed all the tracks in GarageBand, I put it into iMovie and edited the PhotoBooth footage so it would match the audio. And voila!
This is really quite elementary compared to what some of the pros are doing on YouTube (if you've never heard of Jack Conte, look him up RIGHT NOW), but I think it's a pretty good start. I'd like to know if there's special software (or particularly good software) for making "VideoSongs." Still, I'm pretty proud of this. And Jason Munday and Mike Lombardo both commented on it!
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Kyrie (and Moonsong)
So, I got a MacBook Pro. It's awesome. I've set up a little recording studio in my room, which currently consists of my computer and my keyboard, which I've hooked up to the computer. Music projects are significantly easier when you don't have to use the iMac in the middle of the house where people are constantly talking or cooking or whatever when you're trying to record. Of course, I have to keep the door and windows closed with no fans going, so it gets hot. But it's the price you pay!
Anyway, this is the first project I've recorded with the computer. Although I'm still using a built-in computer microphone to record, this laptop has the best microphone of any computer I've ever owned, and it sounds, to my ear, pretty good. Also, the fact that I'm able to input MIDI directly from my keyboard into GarageBand has upped the sound quality significantly. I can now experiment with synthetic sounds much more easily than before.
So, I have attempted to explore my desire to write choral music with the tools I have on hand, and this is what I came up with. Tell me what you think!
Just for contrast, here is another project I created in GarageBand. Remember that sonnet I wrote about the moon? Well, before I figured out how to hook up my Yamaha keyboard to the computer, I decided to create a sort of ambient soundtrack for that poem. I created all the music using musical typing, and recorded the vocals in the occasional moments I was home alone. For me, the biggest difference is in what I'm now able to do musically; musical typing is... restrictive, to say the least. (Also, I like the fact that I didn't have to come up with actual lyrics for the Kyrie. That was nice. It makes it significantly less melodramatic.)
Thoughts and comments are very appreciated. Thanks for reading and listening.
The next challenge: Figuring out how to make beats!
Anyway, this is the first project I've recorded with the computer. Although I'm still using a built-in computer microphone to record, this laptop has the best microphone of any computer I've ever owned, and it sounds, to my ear, pretty good. Also, the fact that I'm able to input MIDI directly from my keyboard into GarageBand has upped the sound quality significantly. I can now experiment with synthetic sounds much more easily than before.
So, I have attempted to explore my desire to write choral music with the tools I have on hand, and this is what I came up with. Tell me what you think!
Just for contrast, here is another project I created in GarageBand. Remember that sonnet I wrote about the moon? Well, before I figured out how to hook up my Yamaha keyboard to the computer, I decided to create a sort of ambient soundtrack for that poem. I created all the music using musical typing, and recorded the vocals in the occasional moments I was home alone. For me, the biggest difference is in what I'm now able to do musically; musical typing is... restrictive, to say the least. (Also, I like the fact that I didn't have to come up with actual lyrics for the Kyrie. That was nice. It makes it significantly less melodramatic.)
Thoughts and comments are very appreciated. Thanks for reading and listening.
The next challenge: Figuring out how to make beats!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
AJOA: Day 13
Day 13: A favorite pastime
Finally, an easy choice!
What do I do in my free time? I make music. Whenever I'm alone in the house, I sit down at the piano and just play. I improvise, I write, I have fun. I started really trying to compose when I was (I think) 14. I'm still not terribly good at it, but I've come such a long way from where I started that I'm very optimistic about the future. Eventually, I hope to create something really good. But in the meantime, it's a great way to blow off steam after long practice sessions.
Here's one of my really early compositions:
Finally, an easy choice!
What do I do in my free time? I make music. Whenever I'm alone in the house, I sit down at the piano and just play. I improvise, I write, I have fun. I started really trying to compose when I was (I think) 14. I'm still not terribly good at it, but I've come such a long way from where I started that I'm very optimistic about the future. Eventually, I hope to create something really good. But in the meantime, it's a great way to blow off steam after long practice sessions.
Here's one of my really early compositions:
Friday, February 11, 2011
Whole
Several months ago I wrote a poem called "I Am Home (Where)", which I set to music and uploaded to YouTube. Since then, I've been meaning to write more songs, but haven't gotten around to it until now.
Lyrics:
I don't pretend to be particularly good at songwriting, but I'm pretty happy with how this turned out, especially considering the amount of time I spent on it (not that much). This one is much more of a song (instead of a poem-set-to-music) than the last one. Parts of the music had been floating around in my head for a few weeks, but I finally wrote some lyrics and put it all together yesterday.
Some explanations as to why it doesn't sound better than it does:
First of all, I'm recovering from a cold and not singing very well. Second, the accompaniment track is really choppy because I had to record it in pieces and then stick them together in Garageband. Thirdly, the various noise-making objects and animals in my house don't have much respect for recording sessions. And finally, this was all recorded using built-in computer microphones, which is why the quality is so bad.
But enough excuses!
If you happen to be someone who is good at songwriting, or you know stuff about recording, any comments or constructive criticism you may have would be GREATLY appreciated. Actually, any feedback at all would be great.
Finally, I'll love you forever if you subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
Lyrics:
Verse 1:
Breathless with emptiness catching the light
The longer I stand here, the less comes to mind
And it's not what you think
I'm not being naive,
But as free as I am,
I'm alone.
Verse 2:
Reaching for something that has to be there
Each breath a fervent wish, each word a prayer
And it's not what you think
No, I'm not being weak:
This world may be mine,
But it's not home
Chorus:
And I'd go a long way to find
What I hope could someday be mine
It's time to admit I've been waiting for
What I've been created for
Is there nothing more
Than me?
Verse 3:
One day I'll find it, oh one day I'll know
The last missing fragmented piece of my soul
That one final piece
Will make me complete
Yes, I'll understand
When I'm whole.
CHORUS
Alternate Chorus:
And I'd go a long way to find
What I know somehow is mine
It's time to admit I've been waiting for
What I've been created for
'Cause there's so much more
to see.
--I don't pretend to be particularly good at songwriting, but I'm pretty happy with how this turned out, especially considering the amount of time I spent on it (not that much). This one is much more of a song (instead of a poem-set-to-music) than the last one. Parts of the music had been floating around in my head for a few weeks, but I finally wrote some lyrics and put it all together yesterday.
Some explanations as to why it doesn't sound better than it does:
First of all, I'm recovering from a cold and not singing very well. Second, the accompaniment track is really choppy because I had to record it in pieces and then stick them together in Garageband. Thirdly, the various noise-making objects and animals in my house don't have much respect for recording sessions. And finally, this was all recorded using built-in computer microphones, which is why the quality is so bad.
But enough excuses!
If you happen to be someone who is good at songwriting, or you know stuff about recording, any comments or constructive criticism you may have would be GREATLY appreciated. Actually, any feedback at all would be great.
Finally, I'll love you forever if you subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A Journey of Abouts: Day 1
So, my friend Jessica is doing this on her blog this month, so I thought I would do it on mine as well, as a way to really get my blog started. Basically, I'm going to write every day about one thing. Here's the list:
Day 1: A favorite song
Um, just one? Okay. Fine. It's pretty much impossible to choose my all-time favorite song, but here's one I really love: Miracles out of Nowhere by Kansas. Kansas has been one of my favorite bands since I was about 12, and this song is, in my opinion, one of their best.
The best part of the song starts at about 2:20 on the video below. This instrumental interlude has always captivated me, and exemplifies why I love this band. It's incredibly creative and completely different from anything else you'll ever hear in popular music nowadays. For one, it uses counterpoint. For another, it's in 7/4 time. It's a joy to listen to. I can't think of any other band that incorporates such complex musical ideas and pulls it off so brilliantly.
The reason I chose this song is that it's the perfect example of what I aspire to create as an artist (writer, musician, etc.). Not something that just sounds like what everyone else is listening to; something different. Something genuinely great. I may never write something half this creative, but listening to good music never ceases to inspire me.
Day 1: A favorite song.Just to let you know, this doesn't mean I'm going to stop posting poetry. Far from it. This is just a way to get me writing more regularly. Okay, ready? Here goes.
Day 2: A favorite movie.
Day 3: A favorite book.
Day 4: A favorite television program.
Day 5: A favorite quote.
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive.
Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without.
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.
Day 9: A photo you took.
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently.
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding.
Day 13: A pastime favorite.
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take.
Day 15: A person you admire.
Day 16: A song that makes you cry.
Day 17: An art piece.
Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive.
Day 19: A talent of yours.
Day 20: A hobby of yours.
Day 21: Something you know you do differently than most people.
Day 22: A website.
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered.
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love.
Day 25: A recipe.
Day 26: A childhood memory.
Day 27: A physical feature you love.
Day 28: Hopes, Dreams and plans you have for the next 365 days
Day 1: A favorite song
Um, just one? Okay. Fine. It's pretty much impossible to choose my all-time favorite song, but here's one I really love: Miracles out of Nowhere by Kansas. Kansas has been one of my favorite bands since I was about 12, and this song is, in my opinion, one of their best.
The best part of the song starts at about 2:20 on the video below. This instrumental interlude has always captivated me, and exemplifies why I love this band. It's incredibly creative and completely different from anything else you'll ever hear in popular music nowadays. For one, it uses counterpoint. For another, it's in 7/4 time. It's a joy to listen to. I can't think of any other band that incorporates such complex musical ideas and pulls it off so brilliantly.
The reason I chose this song is that it's the perfect example of what I aspire to create as an artist (writer, musician, etc.). Not something that just sounds like what everyone else is listening to; something different. Something genuinely great. I may never write something half this creative, but listening to good music never ceases to inspire me.
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