Notes on Notes: April 2013

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

23 in '13 Song #8: A Case for Homicide

All samples are Public Domain.

I decided that I should finally get caught up with posting my 23 in '13 songs....no, song #9 isn't done yet.

Something that I've been really enjoying in the last few songs is digging into archive.org for my sample material, particularly in their film noir collection. I've always been a fan of the style, but the past few weeks has definitely been re-sparking my interest. As such, that's where the inspiration for this entry came from...the kinds of imagery from a gritty Noir film, combined with the orchestral/synth styles I've been using. Fun fact: the muted trumpet theme isn't a sample, having come from....my trumpet.

Monday, April 8, 2013

23 in '13 Song #7: Pulse

Song #7: Pulse

And the Orchestralectro train keeps rolling. Seriously, I'm having a lot of fun with this genre. Today's offering is a lot "clubbier" than anything I've done before (read: OONCE OONCE OONCE). As such, I took it as a good opportunity to try out sidechain compression on the synth pads using the kick to give it a bit of punch (as well as make the synth lines pump a bit.)

I'm beginning to think that I'm going to be behind one song in posting all year. Not that that's a bad thing. (Yes, song #8 is pretty much done...I'm a few weeks ahead of schedule. Woo-hoo!)

Thursday, April 4, 2013

23 in '13 #6: The Spider's Parlor

Song #6: The Spider's Parlor

What was I saying about posting song #6 before #7 was done? Hah. I've still been immersed in writing and recording: all else is distraction. I'll try and get #7 posted up shortly.

This week's song is a continuation in style of last weeks, something Soundcloud helpfully showed me as being called "Orchestralectro". I approve. I really enjoyed finding samples for this project. (Peter Lorre in PD? Score!) And, once again, all samples are public domain.

Fun sidenote which isn't at all impressive in a digital age: The "Will you walk into my parlor" sample didn't need to be modified in any way to fit the key or rhythm of the song, and is in fact how the song came to find its title. I grabbed the clip, and noticed that it was already 120 BPM, key of C. Serendipity, baby!