What I have created in the trimester
This semester we were instructed to do a mix of individual/group tasks and weekly blogs.
The weekly individual tasks consisted of:
● The Big Bang
● Beat Street
● Sound Logo
● Flash back
● Synth Patch Library
● Sci fi Soundscapes
Our Group projects consist of:
● Podcast assets
● Grand Theft Radio - 80s theme
● Found Sound
● Sample Pack
● Sound Alike - Major Project
I’ve added a link to my a couple of my favourite projects on my SoundCloud, so you can see for yourself how these tasks ended up sounding. I’m happy with the results and that I can see progression as we move forward.
I was also required to write some blog posts on a variety of topics such as:
● Song Analysis - Tool - Lateralus
● Task review - Big Bang
● DAW Review - Ableton Live
● Guide to Loop creating in Ableton
● Where is the money in the music industry?
Finally, we did a full band recording of Elenor Rigby, in which we planned/ran the sessions and mixed the recordings.
What I have learnt in the trimester
Coming into this semester I had little to no experience with EDM production, my background was crafting alternative rock in Logic Pro. I would start with a drum loop that Logic provided and then riff over the top of it to create a verse. I would then record lead guitar and continue with the song writing process (bridge, chorus, solo etc.). With AUD 210 I learnt an entirely new DAW (Ableton) and how to create music using various aspects of EDM production such as:
● Creating drum loops using samples (using Drum Rack)
● Synthesis - FM, Wavetable
● Sampling, resampling and multisampling
● Using essential plugins such as NI Massive and Kontakt
I had played around with some synths and loops in Logic; however, these were presets and samples provided. Whilst this was enjoyable, I had little to know knowledge of how synthesis work, nor how I can craft a sound to create what I hear in my head. This approach of utilizing the above techniques gave me more control over songwriting and allowed me to raft unique sounds.
I feel in Ableton I learned to mix better as we were utilizing a greater variety of sounds and samples. Logic would hold my hand too much and I believe it was to my detriment. Logics loops and guitar plugins already have eq and bussing, which is awesome if you want to record an idea, however as an Audio Engineer it will limit your professional development. When I was using the Drum Rack in Ableton to create loops, I had to play with the decay of the kick drum so it wouldn’t wash out the rest of the drum kit and eq out the unwanted frequencies to create space for the rest of the kit.
To tie in with the mixing I learned about layering in Ableton and how important it is to EDM. Having three synths all playing at once at different volumes and learning how to make them sit properly and not overpower one another. I learned about sub kicks, sub ass etc. and how to eq them and then take out their frequencies from the kick and bass. The EQ 8 plugin in Ableton was really great as its quite visual and I could really feel what I was doing.
My skills with Automation really improved throughout the semester (previously I only utilized volume automation). By going on YouTube and seeing how producers would automate panning, effects, eq etc. you could really add a lot of colour to a song and take it in an entirely new direction. It makes
for a more interesting listen all round.
Finally, Ableton Drum Bus is life, it adds a brilliant punch to all your sounds.
What I have learnt about your own practice during the trimester
Control
I have mentioned this in previous semesters reflections, I have a hard time letting go and not controlling everything. I’m learning to trust others in our group tasks, not smother them and allow them to reach their potential. I was more conscious this semester to let go. For example, I did not in any way want to do the final group tasks of the spooky magazine, however, I saw this as an opportunity to get outside of my comfort zone and try something new. Flipping the thought and seeing the positive.
Working with Chris on the GTA soundtrack really showed me the benefits of collaboration. I realized I didn’t have to do it all and it's okay to do 50% of the work. The results were far greater than what I had previously done.
YouTube and full immersion
There is an amazing YouTube music producer community who are really helpful (Mr. Bill, Andrew Huang, Production music live etc.). Seeing how a sound is created using a stock Ableton plugins or something we have used in class (Kontakt etc) has helped accelerate the learning process. It’s become apparent to me that I learn better visually, hence YouTube or Lynda being my preferred methods of learning.
The videos have also helped my ear develop, I think it's the combination of visual and audible that cements the learning process. I’m beginning to pick up what producers are doing in their songs (e.g. automating an eq or double timing a kick in a buildup). Now I know what to look for on the internet, rather than being quite naive at what producers are doing.
I work best with full immersion. I’ve deleted nearly all my podcasts bar ones regarding music production and in my spare time if I’m bored, I’ll just look up a video on sound design, songwriting, melody etc. I’ve become obsessed with this and I want to keep moving forward. There is always something to learn and ways to improve.
Ongoing reflection
Having weekly tasks allowed me the opportunity to have an ongoing reflection of my work process and allowed me to see where I was repeating myself. For example, I noticed I was doing standard I IV V chords in the key of C, so I decided to focus on my piano playing and music theory. I feel this helped me improve my songwriting. I’m making an effort to stop doing that and try and write in different keys and see what emotions it evokes.
My preferences
I prefer to focus on songwriting over sound design. I’m not fused using a standard plug in (at this point in time) because I’m obsessed with songwriting. I noticed as the semester went on, whilst a lot of the sound design stuff was cool, I really writing songs and focusing on melody, chord changes and structure. Maybe there is a bit of naivety with my ears, but sound design is just low on my priorities at the moment. I’m sure this will change in time as I will want to develop more unique sounds, but for now I am happy to have my focus on songwriting.
A change in direction
I learned how much I love Ableton and the potential it offers. As mentioned, I was previously using Logic and had an old-fashioned music creating mindset when using a DAW (bass, guitar, drums and vocals).
This was holding me back.
AUD 210 lead me down a path of discovery. I learnt how much I love progressive house, melodic house, pop music and how I want to create/ blend it all together. Endless possibilities with music making seem open towards me now and if that involves the guitar, great but I’m not attached to it. I’ll use it for layering or to combine an organic aspect with EDM production.
What I enjoyed was also my weakness
I kind of already knew this but I really enjoy discussing all aspects of music, so the blogs I found easy to do, however, I did realize though I can use the written assignments as a crutch. I made a decision to not hide behind them and divert my focus to my weaknesses (mixing etc.). I had a really good breakthrough one weekend just sitting on YouTube learning song creation in Ableton and it got the ball rolling, before that I was really anxious and overwhelmed.
What you plan to do to improve next trimester
I plan on purchasing Ableton Live Suite and keep working over the holidays. It has become my preferred DAW of choice. I really love it and I feel it forces me to learn in order to unlock its potential. It always leaves part of the process up to me and allows for experimentation and self-directed learning.
I’ll attend more guest lectures. Former SAE student Bromad did one on creating dubstep and I learned a lot from it. I’ll keep replicating experienced producers work flow until I find one that works for me. I’ll even attend lectures from other disciplines to get an insight into how other creatives work.
I’m going to utilize my peers more. Ben, Chris, Jordan and I always talk collaboration, but I actually want to do it. I was at a talk with Peripheries guitarist the other day and he stated the best way to get better is to be around those better than you to fast track the learning process. I think this unit has given me the tools to understand music production and I don't feel as naive with music making.
Finally, I’m going do more mixing for fun on the side. I want to focus on that more and enjoy the process. I’ve done mix downs as I’m writing music, however, I rarely just mix by itself. What I’ve learnt with the Eleanor Rigby task has helped not only develop my ear but provide a good template that I can apply in the future. The Pink noise technique for mixing I find particularly helpful.
Where I think that you fit on the overall grade scale
I think I deserve a distinction for my work throughout the semester. I’ve completed every task on time, to the best of my ability and have a good attendance record (90% as this was written). I pay attention in class, sit up front, learn as much as I can and get involved in class discussions. If anything has ever been lacking, I have always reached out to Michael and searched the internet in search of the answers. I’ve taken the lessons from the class and ran with them, always seeking to improve my skills as an audio engineer.
I've acted upon feedback that was provided to me, making an effort to work on my mixing and removing all unwanted frequencies, which were a problem in my early songs. Regarding soft skills I have worked well with others, always doing my fair share of the work and offering to help out. I have a good relationship with my peers and collaborations are happening. I helped in the studio for Mikes E.P and I’m about to record a guitar solo for one of Cullen’s songs.
Finally, my SoundCloud and blog are at a professional standard, complete with images, links and a clean layout.
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