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Hi All,
This one needs a small intro...
This is the results of a about 9 months of labor, that started with me asking Kristi if she would like to learn how to use a couple pieces of musical software, namely "Band-In-A-Box" and "Fl Studio." I had always wondered if I would be any good as a teacher, and that prompted me on, in the asking...
She was able to learn them both pretty well, I think you just may agree, and this song is the result of her using both BIAB and FL Studio to aid her in creating the musical composition to her lyric "The Sounds Of You."
I wrote the intro, but this entire song is mostly of Kristi's making. I got to focus completely on the arranging, and "rendering" the composition into music. Halie was someone that Ande Rasmussen had mentioned as a good demo singer, around that same time I had discovered just how right he was, and a couple of weeks into mentoring Kristi, I realized the best way to teach her was to give her a really strong goal, and so I turned her on to Halie, and asked Kristi if she would like to pick a lyric out to write the music for, and that was this, and now, 9 months later it is finished, and we are very happy to share it with all of you, our JPF friends!
As usual, we hope you will be just as honest and forward with us as with all our endeavors: please feel free to comment and critique on any aspect that you feel needs it, thanks.
My thanks, again, to both Kristi and Halie, for making this labor a labor of love; it was truly an amazing experience, being part of making "The Sounds Of You" happen ...I am sure I speak for Kristi and Halie when I say "I hope you enjoy it!"
[color:#CC0000]Hi Quality Download (Right click, Save As):
http://www.garageband.com/mp3/closemike-The_Sounds_Of_You.mp3?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSgaVKyZG0
Hi Quality Stream (left click):
http://www.garageband.com/mp3player?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSgaVKyZG0
Soundclick page:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=944039&songID=8201075**************************************************************** The Sounds of You (V1) The wind chimes on the back porch Don't sing their peaceful song The dog plowed through the litter box He must know something is wrong (V2) The spiders in the attic Weave webs without a pattern The hardwood floors are creaking Weeping for our lovers' chatter (CH) I miss The sounds of you I wish I knew what to do Whispers Over rose wine Your laugh is so sublime Promises Make me feel whole Soft words Seduce my soul Sweet nothings In my ear Waking up Not much to hear I miss The sounds of you (V3) There's no laughter from the night owls They can't hear your noisy snore The windows they all rattle Hoping you'll come back for more (V4) The fall wind whistles out of tune Crushing leaves in the mid-air dance Frosty tears down my cheeks Cling to this lost romance Repeat Chorus (Bridge) If you saw me on the street would you turn and walk away Or would you hold me close and know just what to say Repeat Chorus X 2 (ad lib) I miss the sounds of you ************************************************** (C) 2009 Kristi Mckeever and Mike Zaneski [/color]
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/11/09 11:55 AM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Mike,
this is really good at every level. The singer's voice is sublime.
You must be kidding, how on earth can BIAB create such beautiful arrangement and sound? From what you say, Kristi used it only for the purpose of creating her ideas, and you came afterwards to arrange and produce all this with other pieces of software and equipment, right?
Anyway, if I can get this type of song and recording after only 9 months' mentoring with Mike Zaneski and BIAB, just tell me where I need to sign to enroll :-)
Best, yann
Last edited by yann; 10/10/09 02:07 PM.
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Hi Yann,
Mike is awesome, I agree. And very talented and patient too! lol
However he did not come “after”…he was there from the beginning, helping me write the melody…. showing me how to pull the natural rhythm out of the words and the musical options for ways to go and what effect even one chord can have on the entire feel of a line. It’s all very enlightening and fun at the same time!
I can’t thank Mike enough for his tireless energy as he guided me through the process. BIAB is quite fun, I must say! But I don’t know how to pull it all together. I only know what notes/chords I like…putting it all together is another story!! Just having the ear to know what instruments “go” with other instruments can make a huge difference in a song! Mike has that ear and vision.
It’s an ongoing learning process for me…something which appeals to me creatively…..
Thank you yann, for coming by and your very kind comments!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Kristi and Mike, what a(nother) wonderful collaboration. The lyrics are of course lovely, coming from Kristi's pen. Beautiful musical composition and production. (And the vocals are heavenly and well suited to the words.) Good on you, Kristi, for tackling BIAB. I've been considering it (and KevinE has enouraged it) for a few weeks now. If I could come anywhere close to what you guys have done, I'd be a happy camper. (In the meantime, I've been practising on my keyboard. I reckon I've just about got the first few bars of Jingle Bells down. )
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Very good production. This style of music is not really my cup of tea however I enjoyed it and recognise all the work that went into it.
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Hi Kristi - Mike - Hallie
Great JOB everyone....
It's such a creative listening experience and endeavor...... I don't really know How to critique in the normal way... For One thing cheers for the completion Kristi - wow - you Have tapped into a very artistic realm melody wise and given it variety and interest all the way. I love the writing all the way - the hook is super and the whole composition really supports the writing. Mike - your signature sound is here and you don't disappoint with your sensitive ear for details and blends -- all very tasty. Hallie - you sure have a terrific sound you crossed over into some Dido notes and I am simply envious of what you do.
Nice work. I enjoyed listening to this.
jm
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Donna,
I know what you mean about practicing on the keyboard….I am comfortable at a piano. But it’s intimidating to be sitting at the computer and have all these “buttons” and “knobs” staring back at you! The feeling of, “what do I do now?” is ever-present! lol I have loads to still learn, but BIAB is pretty user friendly.
I agree…Halie’s voice is just lovely. I love the tone and quality of it, and the emotion she brings to the song.
Thanks for your nice comments, Donna…and I hope you try BIAB!! Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Hi Jim,
Well, thank you very much for that….!!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Hi Joice,
Hey, thanks! Glad you like the hook and writing….and that you think the composition supports it. Giving it variety and keeping the interest is always the challenge, ya know? And yeah, Mike does what he does like it’s second nature. I think Halie’s voice is terrific too! Gosh, I’m envious of both you gals…not being a singer, myself!!!
Thanks for sharing your impressions and for your supportive words….always appreciated.
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Wow beautiful voice, great write, beautiful instrumentation I love it ... adding it to my station
God Bless Dan
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Mike how kind of you to mentor Kristi in the ways of musical software. Kristi what a growing experience. It all sounds very clear. This is definitely a genre I wouldn't know what to label but interesting for certain. If you just read the lyrics you would expect a sad slower melody but the pace is a surprise and gives it that edge. I love Hallie's voice as I've heard her do Ande's "Blue Holiday" and "Eventually" and what can I say, she has a "wow" voice/style that is special. Thank you for sharing something so refreshingly different. Best to all, Lynn
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Awesome all the way around, Kristi's voice just makes you melt. . . Great job guys.
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Kirsti/ Mike, I saved this for a Sunday treat, and it proved ot be an enjoyable listen for me! Clever lyrics, and I love the title hook! Music is spot on with happy pop, and it leaves me about 5 pounds lighter than I was prior to listening.. You deliver the goods allright! In the nitty gritty department, I could hear BIAB trademark sound from the first bar. It's has a certain thin, dry tone to it, that is unmistakeable when it stands alone. Perhaps you could disguise that with something from FL, as it's only noticeable in the first 2-4 bars? I found the verse lyric lacked a little bit flow to it, but Halie's vocals made all the difference, and she made it unnoticable. I wasn't really sure about the transition from the first verse into the chorus, so the chorus seemed a tad long, but I see why it needs to be because of the lyrics. Perhaps you would want to mark the transitions from section to section, even more? All together that was a lot of words for very small nits (for 95% of listeners, not nits at all), so please read my intro comments a second and third time to even out the representation of what I really think of this :-) Excellent work! PS. How did you approach Halie for this? Does she have recording equipment of her own, so you send her a track? She sure sounds world class
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I am really tired of people using software as a crutch and not playing real instruments, next thing you know ... Wait! I use BIAB. OK, I take it all back (ha, ha).
Nice tune. Maybe you can tell us BIAB guys a little more about the process (style used, instruments, effects used....)
Pretty fascinating production and good singing, too. Of course I spent more time listening to the backing track (LOL!).
Great job by all involved.
Kevin
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What's a BIAB, lol.,, sounds pretty cool, good job ya'll..
http://www.soundclick.com/louistwinn"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau
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Hi Mike & Kristi,
This is just wonderful. The lyrics are well done and tightly written. The music, that might have come out dirge-like, is light and takes some interesting and unexpected turns. The vocals are just perfect.
The only nit I have is with this line: "The dog plowed through the litter box" It just doesn't belong in a romantic song like this. Maybe something like "The dog howled all through the night"? Something, anything, but that.
Good for you, Kristi, trying something new, and good for you, Mike, helping her grow. Another fine collab.
Ricki
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Wow. What an interesting style of music. I don't know how you did it! But it's very pleasing to the ear and fresh and new sounding. I wish I was prolific even with the few drum loops I have. BIAB is in a whole 'nother category. But if I could learn how to do it it would certainly save money on demos! Great job, both of you.
Betty J. Holt
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Mike...
This is so lovely...but me thinks there is a human hand in this that goes beyond the digital... if this was done largely on BIAB and FI I would surely hire you as a marketing mgr...if that is the case then I will be buyin both in short order...lol
I don't think you have to wonder about your teaching acumen...It has IMHO been well documented on these boards...
Larry
Can't find the stairway to 'heaven'...but I know where the elevator is.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us" - Albert Schweitzer.
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It's a fascinating song, great concept and execution, both lyrically and melodically. Very enjoyable.
I'm going to agree on the litter box line, it's a creative line but too attention grabbing. I'd say right now you have a good cabaret song. If you wanted to boil the lyrics down and and make the melody more pop/hooky it could become a Burt Bacharach like pop song IMHO. I really loved the music especially the bridge and the last chorus. Congratulations, a wonderful collaboration.
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Kristi and Halie...
Your talents to me are self-evident....
I was just commenting on the mentor...
Nice work....
Larry
Can't find the stairway to 'heaven'...but I know where the elevator is.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us" - Albert Schweitzer.
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This song is so romantic! Halie's vocals are really velvety smoothe, LOVED 'em! She pulls off the whole feel of the song. Sounded so "dreamy" on it. That's the important part...the song sounds like a lover just missing someone, not bitter or angsty about it, just perhaps rueful, and that makes it enjoyable and easy listening. The dog plowed through the litter box line might be out of place. Maybe... "The dog nuzzles at my pensive face" or something like that?
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Hi Yann, Thanks for the nice thoughts, all the way around. Kristi used BIAB in the composing of the song's harmonic structure. Later, after the song was fully written, I did use BIAB for a few backing tracks, but the production and arrangement went far beyond anything that BIAB alone could do. I spent about 72 hours last week rendering Kristi's composition to music, iow "producing it" ...meaning, putting the pieces of this together with various "virtual instruments" as well as those few aforementioned BIAB audio tracks. Yes, BIAB can spit out some decent audio performances, but they are still more convincing kept in the background, and there are still some unwanted artifacts in the audio, too much reverb on the tracks that can't be undone. If you had BIAB and a good sequencer, and knew how to Google for legally free "virtual instruments" and effects and VST plugins and soundfonts, you would be well on your way towards making something with great quality; however, they are just "tools" really, and the "great quality" has to come from inside--it's a mental decision, and you just keep working at it, until you are in that "sounding really good" ball park. Raise the bar a little, with every demo, and you are well on your way, with whatever set up you have. Mike
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/12/09 09:33 AM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hey Mike,
it's funny, I used to use sequencers and hardware synths and expanders a lot in the 80s and 90s. First gear I bought was a Sequential Circuits 6-tracks, with an in-built sequencer of maybe 100 notes on 6 mono layers, LOL.
I became sort of lazy recently, anything above plugging a guitar into a recorder seems out of my power. Don't know why, cuz I spent 20 years dreaming of getting such gear as there is today. Should go to a shrink ...
Take care, yann
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Mike and gang....great production and quality on this one....very nice work....enjoyed it.....Bob
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Hi Donna,
BIAB makes musical composition easy and fun, although it is NOT going to give you a melody, just chords, to go with your lyric. It's melody producing algorithms aren't very good , esp. with pre-existing lyrics. However, when it comes to rendering chord progressions, in various styles, it is very good, and BIAB has replaced playing the guitar, for me, in terms of coming up with chord progressions, that I sing over, in order to come up with melodies for lyrics.
Good demo production is quite involved, and there is no "magic software" for this yet, I'm afraid. Just time, and practice and patience, but if you work at it, you get better at it, you know? I have only been into music software since 2002, but I had some experience with Apple stuff back in the late eighties, so I was luckily more prepared than most for the transition.
I would recommend the entry level BIAB for anyone with limited musical ability, or for a musician with no "chording" instruments handy. It is relatively inexpensive, and one can always upgrade to more involved versions later.
Mike
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/12/09 11:53 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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First of all, Mike, very cool of you to help Kristi get into composing. Teach a woman to fish and all that .... You did the melody for this, Kristi? Seems like a long way from three chords - sounds like a very sophisticated chord progression to me. As for the song - works nicely for me. Is a great idea for a lyric. Even the litter box line works for me. Very nice job on everything and looking forward to seeing you really take off now, Kristi! Scott
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Hi Jim, Thanks for noticing the production. Maybe we'll sit down and have us a nice cup of tea, someday. Best wishes, Mike
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/12/09 11:57 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Dan ~ Thank you so much for those wonderful descriptions! I’m so glad you liked the song enough to add it to your station! That is so cool!
Hi Lynn ~ Yes, Mike is very generous to help me learn some musician secrets! I wasn’t sure what genre it was either…it’s labeled as Adult Contemporary at Soundclick. And I agree with you about Halie’s voice….it has an edge to it that resonates with me. Thanks for your kind words.
Hi NaomiSue ~ Thank you for your very nice comments…though that isn’t me singing…that is Halie Loren's lovely voice...but I wish, I wish…!!! Thanks for taking time to listen and comment!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Hi Magne ~ Hey, that means a lot that you saved this for a “Sunday treat”…!! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I want to thank you very much for your critique. I think Mike can respond better to your thoughts about BIAB and Halie so I will leave that to him. Appreciate your careful consideration of our song, Magne! Thanks again.
Hi Kevin ~ Mike will be able to respond to you better than I, but I did want to thank you for your nice comments. BIAB is a lot of fun…did it take you a long time to feel comfortable with it? I've got lots to learn there!
Hi Louis ~ Thank you for your kind words also…. “What’s a BIAB," indeed! LOL It’s still all pretty new to me! Thanks for coming by!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Very well written, great vocals and arrangement. I enjoyed it very much!! The bridge was different in its abrupt manner that it comes, but it works!! KIM
*Always open to collaborations on my lyrics.. with singers and musicians, but PLEASE contact me before putting work into one--in case someone else has it..thanks!!** BMI Member All Rights Reserved http://www.littleikepublishing.com Email for Song Business Only littleikeproductions@hotmail.com
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Hi Joice, Thanks! Kristi's music is indeed wonderful, and I am very proud of her accomplishment here. The main "hump" that Kristi had to get over, was worrying about feeling like she didn't know what she was doing; and so much of the time I would explain the music theory behind things, after the fact, which helped streamline the teaching process, for me. Mainly I wanted to set up BIAB and FL Studio in such a way that Kristi had only a few choices, at any particular point in the song, so as not to feel "overwhelmed" and lost. Fortunately, from any triad in a scale, there are only five or six places one can go, and once we had the basic chords determined, we colored some of them up with added tones, and moduations, and what not. 'Melodicizing' was the most fun for Kristi, as I put "ghost notes" in the piano scroll of FL Studio that basically showed her which notes worked, at any point in the song, scale tones were given "dashes" and chord tones "solid lines" ...she was then able to get to that place "inside" herself where it became fun and intuitive, which was the experience that I was meaning to share with her, the joy of becoming "one" with the music for a little while. Her melody shows such joy. If Kristi chooses to continue with music, she will write music that we will all love, for she does solid work at whatever it is she attempts! OH, and that feeling like she didn't know what she was doing? I told her that's how I feel, most of the time when I'm writing, and you just get used to it...truly once you "know what you are doing" you are probably just repeating yourself, and not being very creative. At least this is my experience, and what I shared with Kristi. Halie is a world class singer and professional and fun to work with. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments, Mike
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/13/09 12:56 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Kristi:did it take you a long time to feel comfortable with it? I've got lots to learn there! I have been using BIAB since January/February 2009. I pretty much just add in chords, use the underlying styles for midi bass, piano and maybe horns/strings, and then add in real tracks and real drums to make it a tune. I haven't gotten into modifying the midi notes for melody/bass, etc, yet -- so you are way ahead of me already! I have much to learn also, but you really can do a lot knowing only 10-20% of the program. Kevin
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Beautiful songwriting Kristi & Mike. It has a timeless feel to it. I know I'm always thinking film; and I am with this song as well. It would be a great addition to an appropriate film. I'm thinking an animated film, maybe Disney??? Love your singing Kristi! Best, John
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Hey Kristi and Mike,
I think I want to post my initial impressions, which I posted to Kristi in a PM Sunday evening:
OMG! I just got in, wanted to see if your song was up, and ta-da! There it was! I read the lyrics first -- simply beautiful Kristi...and I am so impressed with the musication!! You must be so proud! And goodness, Halie has such a sublime voice. That last note sent shivers down my spine!
So you two, I guess you could say I LOVED it! The lyric is so tender -- you have a great knack for these romantic stories Kristi -- and Mike, you should be very proud yourself....not only for the fabulous nuances you've created in the production, but also for helping Kristi "let loose".
I believe this is my favorite section.....the imagery is so powerful!
The fall wind whistles out of tune Crushing leaves in the mid-air dance Frosty tears down my cheeks Cling to this lost romance
And Halie was an inspired choice. Her vocal is haunting in a good way, if that makes sense....
I will say I'm not a fan of the "litterbox" line. I don't mind the use of the word, it just seems like an odd thing for a dog to do -- even if he senses something's wrong. How about simply?:
The dog plowed through THE PANTRY
Total KOS. Besides, I suppose you're striving for details that are slightly off?
Regardless, this is a wonderful composition all the way around...and I congratulate and thank you for sharing. I look forward to hearing more from both of you...
Ciao for now, Beth
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Helping Hand
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Howdy, fun tune. that litterbox line stuck in my brain as odd too & maybe that was it's intension....Gus
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Nice! Who is Halie? I love her voice.
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Hi Ricki ~ Thanks for your nice comments. I appreciate knowing how that line, “the dog plowed thru the litter box” affected you….it was designed to show the dog is “off” and how she’s just a regular person, observing the things in her world…. but I know what you are saying….appreciate your input.
Hi Betty ~ Using BIAB is like working backwards to me….giving a song chords before knowing what the melody is. It just kind of forced me to think in terms of mood and rhythm in the words. Then the melody was written in FL Studio, plunking notes in there, but I didn't do it alone. Mike really knows how to find the creative heart of it and put it all together. Thank you for your kind words!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Hi Calvin ~ Thank you for taking a few moments to listen to this! Glad you liked it!
Hi Larry ~ Thanks for listening and for your very nice comments. Yeah, Mike certainly knows his stuff and is a great teacher!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Hi Pete ~ Appreciate your take on that “litter box” line…this lyric was critiqued in Lyric 3 almost two years ago and it’s interesting to see that specific line drawing attention! You suggest boiling the lyrics down but I’m not sure I know what that means. Thanks for taking time to listen, share your thoughts and for your very kind words.
Hi Polly ~ Yeah, Halie does sound “dreamy”…good word for it…! Glad you think the song is romantic…and not bitter…yeah, not going for that here. See my comment to Ricki (above) regarding the dog line…hey, your idea there is a good one! Appreciate you coming by with your thoughts!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
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Hi Dan, Bless you, friend. I hope you are doing well. Mike
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Lynn,
Thank you for all the kind words!
Halie was able to become the person in the lyric, vocally. Just the right amount of playfulness and sadness to draw us in. I like how she can modulate her voice to a whisper, doing so lends a real sincerity and depth.
The hardest part of learning music software is just opening it up and familiarizing yourself with it. This really takes a while. The longer one spends in it, the easier it gets, and it really doesn't matter if one is composing a symphony or a jingle, the process is the same.
Thanks again, Mike
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi NaomiSue, Thanks! Yes, Halie's voice is quite enjoyable, and captured the mood perfectly! We appreciate the kind words. Mike
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Magne, Haha, thanks for the upbeat comments, Magne, I love the way "deliver the goods" sounds. A thin dry tone with BIAB? You mean their audio tracks? I did use a couple for this project but they were well mixed in the background, that would be an acoustic fingerprinted guitar, and the chorded, distorted guitar in the chorus. I'm glad the "dryness" went away for you, and you enjoyed the music. Halie has a website and is approachable through email. Another JPFer, Ande Rasmussen has used her vocals, and had openly recommended her in a song thread of his. We got this done, corresponding through email. I sent her background tracks and a guide melody, though she prefers guide vocals, of course. She has a jazz trio that she uses for some demos, upon the request of client. She is very professional, and I was very happy with her work on this, and on another, more personal project of mine. Thanks again Magne, Mike
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/14/09 09:50 AM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Kevin, Haha, nice one. Actually, I had bought BIAB back on '03, but only recently went for the Hard Drive, after hearing your demos! BIAB plays a signifcant role in "The Sounds of You." It is responsible for the chordal composition, which came before the melody, and for a couple of the audio tracks. The "elegant" style was what Kristi composed to, and it in fact makes it's way into the songs verses. You can hear the drums and bass, I believe, waxing "elegant." The first two chorus' are the "crosswind" style, and the drum part of "Crosswind" sounded very nice with a virtual drum kit that had a lot of nice cymbal samples. Audio wise, there's a fingerpicked guitar in the verses, and the one called "Avril" in the chorus. The dampened twelve string in V2 is actually free stuff from a guy who sampled his Ibanez, and put together a patch that "faked" a dampened twelve string really well. For me, this muted 12 string tied the piece together, and was a life saver, cuz it was exactly what I wanted there, and was having no luck sounding anywhere near that tight with my own dampened Takamine attempts. For the record Kevin, Kristi did the melody in FL Studio. BIAB is less than intuitive when it comes to the "sequencing" end of the spectrum. I do love it's soloists, but this project had no use for them. Thanks again, Kevin, Mike
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Folks, to someone who is just a listener this is great all the way around.
great job
have fun, John
Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword never had an editor.
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Hi Louis, LOL... Thanks for the listen, the laugh, and the kind words. Mike
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Ricki, Thanks for all the kind words, yes, the lyric never read like a dirge to Kristi or me, but something more upbeat... This girl seems to be dealing with her break-up pretty well, and there is a bit of Disney in how she notices the various 'soundmakers' and other creatures, that have lost their power to "do their thing" correctly. That's why the dog plowing through the litterbox works, imo, because he, too, is "out of whack" by walking through the cat's domain. Howling, or walking through the pantry, are okay, but the dog would probably do these things, once in a while, anyway. Kristi was going for something a little more 'out there'... this also tells us the singer has a couple pets to keep her company, and the line comes early enough in the song, that the romantic element has not even established itself yet, but soon will! Perhaps you are right, but we had not considered this to be smack dab in the middle of the "romantic" genre, but something that skirts it, with odd observations and a fun touch. We'll be keeping an open mind, and appreciate your observations, Ricki, thanks. Mike
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/14/09 08:44 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Betty,
Composing a chord structure is what BIAB does best. A dedicated sequencer like FL Studio is better for composing a melody, as one can loop 4 bars of music, and then drag notes around a time line, while auditioning them all the while. Instant feedback is the new creativity! Or, at least it can work that way. Hearing what works and what doesn't is a swift way to come up with something that works.
BIAB can render audio, and it might be enough for decent demos, but one should still have a dedicated sequencer with a mixing environment to be able to "mix" and add effects...things that BIAB is still not very good at, nor should it be.
With BIAB AND a sequencer like FL Studio, yes, you would have the foundation for a top notch composing and recording studio, inside your PC.
Thanks for listening, and the kind words!
Mike
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/14/09 08:59 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Mike or Kristi: I see Mike mentions the following styles: "elegant", "crosswind" and "Avril" (I've used that one). Did you change styles within the BIAB file or as separate compositions and then chain them together in FL Studio? I know you can change styles in a BIAB tune, but I haven't done it yet.
Kevin
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