The Week I Switched DAWs

I had a few short pieces finished. I was into a  fourth: “Haunted House”, and the music was already set in my head.  The hard part was never going to be the writing or figuring out the melodies, chords, whatever.  The hard part was getting a video file into Ableton without it choking. I spent Read More …

Video Sync on a Budget

A guide for film, TV, and potentially game composers who need two computers to stay together, without spending money you don’t have. The Problem Scoring to picture means your DAW and your video player have to agree on time, frame for frame. Studios solve this with dedicated video hardware. I’m not a studio yet so Read More …

A Monologue

BASS PLAYER – (always tuning the same string throughout) (not looking up) Go away. <beat> What? Go away. <Beat> What, a chick. Fuck No! A toy? (Stops tuning for a moment) I don’t need a toy. I do this. This note. Watch. (plucks, listens, winces, goes back to tuning) Almost. Almost, you hear that? No, Read More …

Adding Motion and Depth with Delay Effects

Pads are often used as an almost unheard glue, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring  This is one idea to add a bit of motion. In the world of music production, adding depth and interest to your tracks is essential. One effective way to achieve this is through the use of delay Read More …

Play that Funky Music

“Play That Funky Music” is a song written by Rob Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry. The single was the first released by the Cleveland-based Sweet City record label in April 1976 and distributed by Epic Records. The performers on the recording included lead singer Parissi, electric guitarist Bryan Bassett, bassist Allen Wentz, Read More …

Adding Air and Punch

As a home studio enthusiast, you know that achieving a polished sound often requires a bit of extra magic, especially when it comes to pop vocals. One effective technique to make your vocals stand out is to add some “air” to them, giving them a breathy quality that jumps out of the mix. Here’s how Read More …