Music Composers Unite!

July 2008 Blog Posts (9)

Banging Out the Percussion tracks

Of late I've been working on a project where I've needed a sound reminiscent of modern soundtracks such as The Bourne Identity, Batman Begins and Battlestar Galactica, especially with the big percussion arrangements.

So, having pretty much learned from scratch here, I thought I might share my findings with the good members of the forum. I'm really going to talk about un-tuned percussion here so I'm afraid my thoughts on marimbas, glockenspiels, vibraphones, harps and even pianos will… Continue

Added by James Semple on July 28, 2008 at 8:02am — 6 Comments

Composition and Arrangements

Hey guys,

Just added a few new songs.

The first one, "Sing Praise to the Lord," is an original comp for organ, brass, timpani, and choir.

The second one, "Savior of the Nations, Come," is and old hymn that I arranged for organ, brass, choir, timpani, violin, clarinet, and recorder.

The third one, "A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing," uses the very popular hymn tune: Lasst uns erfreuen. This was arranged for organ, choir, brass, timpani, and crash… Continue

Added by Jonathan Davis on July 26, 2008 at 9:13pm — No Comments

From Bulgaria

I'm writing to you today from Sofia, Bulgaria. I took an extended vacation here, (1) because I needed it and (2) to study more closely some of my favorite music in the world- Bulgarian folk music.

At the Composer's Union in Sofia, I discovered the mother load of knowledge regarding Bulgarian Folk music- a two volume anthology of folk musicians by the legendary composer and writer, Todor Bakalov. It's a wonderful comendium, because instead of being like a dry textbook, it's a rich… Continue

Added by Robert Throckmorton on July 24, 2008 at 3:59am — No Comments

Curent Projects

Check out a new cue on my page called "Journey". It's based on a suite of themes I'm currently working on for a "film trailer" publisher who's intention is to have te cues eventually re-recorded by live orchestra and pitch to film trailer houses in LA. I just got back from working for 23 days as sound recordist on the indy feature film "Winning Favor" starring Matt Ashford ( Days of our Lives) and Candace Rose (ER, CSI, Law & Order). Back in the studio, I'm working on a new theme music… Continue

Added by John Doryk on July 19, 2008 at 8:00am — No Comments

Acquiring gear, ..getting psyched!

Recently, I've been adding various gadgets to my small studio, with the

idea of playing guitar in a band, which will do my original material.

I want to put a band together It's been years since I was in a band.

I've got a new Fender Hot Rod Deluxe combo amp, to compliment my

Marshall and Peavey combos. I'm experimenting with playing through

two amps at once in stereo. Great sounding effects pedals include

Roger Mayer's Spitfire, Fuzz Face, Big Muff, Zvex Fuzz… Continue

Added by Doug Lauber on July 19, 2008 at 2:42am — No Comments

Tough Times and Video Games

So work has been scarce lately and I've been trying to reinvent myself... again. I've decided to go into business with my friend Michael Worth who is an excellent composer and orchestrator. I am trying to get him to join up here. We have been researching and writing music for the video game market. It certainly is as competetive as other areas but the people seem to be less jaded and the whole vibe is just not as smarmy as the TV/Film industry. I'm sure my heart will be broken just the same:-)… Continue

Added by Dan Carter on July 18, 2008 at 10:58pm — 1 Comment

My blog

Hello All,

To Keep up with all of my activities, go to my blog at http://www.jpassmusic.info

Thanks

Added by Jason Passmore on July 18, 2008 at 10:00pm — No Comments

CALLING ALL FANS!

Do you own a video camera? Do you enjoy making your own videos?

If so, I invite you to enter the Steven S. Billings Concert Video Contest!

I am currently putting together a series of videos to accompany my live performances. Submit the winning video, and people who attend my concerts will see your video!

So, pick a song - any song - and make a video!

Then put it up on YouTube and send me the…

Continue

Added by Steven S. Billings on July 16, 2008 at 7:01am — No Comments

My Current Setup

Ok, so I've discussed lots of areas of digital orchestration but today I thought I'd discuss how I get everything working together and what my main "go to" samples and VIs are.

I'll try not to turn this into a big shopping list as best I can.

Hardware

Ok, so I'm using an 8-core Mac Pro with 3 hard drives (system/apps, recording and samples). I've got a Saffire Pro 10i/o as a Firewire audio interface. I'm using E-Mu monitor speakers with the E-Mu subwoofer. For… Continue

Added by James Semple on July 15, 2008 at 5:31am — 5 Comments