If you are a solo musician, there are tools that you should know about, and have in your tool box. It is best to be prepared for whatever comes your way in the form of gigs, and musical opportunities. In this article I will go over some of the general things in the form of gear, hardware, and software, that will give you an edge in this competetive, and demanding world.
Keep in mind that these are all suggestions, and it depends on your personal circumstances as to what you are, and are not able to obtain.
I will asume that you already have the musical instrument of your choice, and that you have already spent the thousands of hours that it takes to perfect your talent.
There is no way around it!...You get out of it what you put into it.
If you spend the time to perfect your talent, you will definatly reap the benefits.
So,...Lets get started.
I will list all of the items that I have in mind for this article, and where to obtain them.
In some cases, a brief discription on what to do with them.
1. PA equipment: You will need some kind of PA equipment, preferably something small and compact, but of efficient sound quality
2. Microphone: You will need a microphone for the times when you are showing off that great voice of yours.
You will also need a microphone stand.
3. Speaker Stands: I recommend speaker stands for your speakers, to raise your speakers up above peoples heads when playing in restaurants, and coffee shops, ect...
You dont want to drive people away, or blow anybodys ear drum.
4. Promo Stand: You will need a promo stand that you can use to place your promo material, your CD's, and any of your contact material for people to see, purchase, and take as they come, and go.
This can be something that is portable, small and compact, but looks presentable.
5. Tip Jar: I recommend a tip jar, something that, again, looks presentable.
6. Play-a-Long Library: I recommend a play-a-long library for all musicians, especially for solo musicians.
As I have stated in my previous article, "Tips for the solo musician", you can make a living just playing solo gigs, and targeting small establishments.
7. CD, or, Cassette player: You should have a CD, or cassette player with a pitch control to play your play-a-longs through your PA.
8. Computer: If at all possible, you should have a powerful enough computer to record your own CD's.
You can also make your own Play-a-longs with your own style of music.
9. Recording Software: You will need some kind of recording software for your computer.
I recommend, Cakewalk.
10. Soundcard: You will need, in some cases, a sound card for your computer.
I recommend, Sound Blaster Live.
11. Keyboard: I think all musicians should have some kind of keyboard.
There are hundreds to choose from, according to your budget.
12. CD Burning Software: You should have some kind of CD burning software.
Again, there are hundreds of choices.
Microsoft Media Player is free.
13. Business Card Software: I recommend some kind of business card software for your computer.
"Parabim Business Card Builder", is a very efficient one.
14. Musicians Website: Every musician should have a website.
I recommend, "Host Baby", everything you need in a musicians website is here.
15. Internet Promotion Program: A program to help promote your music, and yourself on the internet.
I recommend, "Musicians Power Promotion System".
These are just some of the things that will help you on your quest to be a successful solo musician.
One thing to remember is,...Always Act...Look...and Dress proffessionally.
That first impression can make, or break you.
Just click on the links provided in this article where indicated, and you will be taken to the particular website, were you can find the item.
Showing posts with label mixing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mixing. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Its Not Easy - The Steps to Making Music
Music production involves creating the music from scratch and sound engineering involves mixing the different instruments together so it sounds nice.
I will reveal both aspects as they relate to D.J.'ing but more so on the production side.
For most established D.J.'s, meaning those who have been D.J.'ing for a while whether it is in their bedroom or in the club, music production is the next logical step. Because D.J.'s play so many different types of music they come across a lot of beats and sounds. This inspires some D.J.'s to sample those beats and sounds and make up their own songs.
This is the beginning of the music production stage. There are 3 stages to music production: pre-production, music production and postproduction.
Pre-production
The music production stage is the crafting of the new song. I call this the pre- production stage because you are just experimenting with music. This is where music from the record or mp3 is sampled using a sampler or drum machine like an Akai MPC. But before you can sample and produce music you have to make sure your gear is properly connected:
So that I can sample sounds into my Akai drum machine I have my Technics turntable going into the phono input of my stereo unit. Then I take the phono out of my stereo unit to the input of my MPC 3000. My MPC gets connected to my Akai DPS 24.Then the DSP 24 is connected to the CD input of the stereo unit so I can hear what I produce.
In order to sample I have to make sure I select the phono option on my stereo unit. After I sample the sounds I have to switch to the CD option on my stereo unit so I can hear the playback from the drum machine. Once you've completed your musical arrangement and saved all of your work and you are satisfied with it you can move into the part two of the pre-production phase.
During this phase is when you bring in artists to perform on you track. This is where you begin to rearrange the track or music you created with the artists. This collaboration period enables you and the artists to make minor adjustments to the music and the lyrics. You may also add to or take away parts of the track such as adding additional drums or strings. The artists will practice their song using your track. Once this is very tight you move to the studio to lay the music and the vocals on separate recording tracks. The reason why you want to practice before you get to the studio is because studio time is very expensive and you don't want to waste time practicing in. That is where you need to focus all of your time making sure the music and vocals are recorded cleanly without pops and clicks.
Music Production
When you get to the studio this is where the sound engineer comes into play. This person is responsible for making sure all of you music sounds excellent. These people have years of experience. Some D.J./Producers also like to engineer their own music because they know how they want their music to sound. If this is the case then the sound engineer simply assists the D.J. with mixing the music and using the studio equipment.
The mixing part of the music production phase is done in the studio where all of the music tracks and vocal tracks are blended together to give you what you hear on your CD.
Each musical instrument and vocal track is mixed and adjusted using what is called a mixing board like my Akai DPS24 only larger or software based mixing console like Pro Tools.
Postproduction
After the mixing is done the postproduction process begins. The final mix is taken to what is called a Mastering Studio where specialized equipment is used to bring out the best possible sound. When this process is completed the final results of the song are then pressed on CD or vinyl and sold to the customer.
I will reveal both aspects as they relate to D.J.'ing but more so on the production side.
For most established D.J.'s, meaning those who have been D.J.'ing for a while whether it is in their bedroom or in the club, music production is the next logical step. Because D.J.'s play so many different types of music they come across a lot of beats and sounds. This inspires some D.J.'s to sample those beats and sounds and make up their own songs.
This is the beginning of the music production stage. There are 3 stages to music production: pre-production, music production and postproduction.
Pre-production
The music production stage is the crafting of the new song. I call this the pre- production stage because you are just experimenting with music. This is where music from the record or mp3 is sampled using a sampler or drum machine like an Akai MPC. But before you can sample and produce music you have to make sure your gear is properly connected:
So that I can sample sounds into my Akai drum machine I have my Technics turntable going into the phono input of my stereo unit. Then I take the phono out of my stereo unit to the input of my MPC 3000. My MPC gets connected to my Akai DPS 24.Then the DSP 24 is connected to the CD input of the stereo unit so I can hear what I produce.
In order to sample I have to make sure I select the phono option on my stereo unit. After I sample the sounds I have to switch to the CD option on my stereo unit so I can hear the playback from the drum machine. Once you've completed your musical arrangement and saved all of your work and you are satisfied with it you can move into the part two of the pre-production phase.
During this phase is when you bring in artists to perform on you track. This is where you begin to rearrange the track or music you created with the artists. This collaboration period enables you and the artists to make minor adjustments to the music and the lyrics. You may also add to or take away parts of the track such as adding additional drums or strings. The artists will practice their song using your track. Once this is very tight you move to the studio to lay the music and the vocals on separate recording tracks. The reason why you want to practice before you get to the studio is because studio time is very expensive and you don't want to waste time practicing in. That is where you need to focus all of your time making sure the music and vocals are recorded cleanly without pops and clicks.
Music Production
When you get to the studio this is where the sound engineer comes into play. This person is responsible for making sure all of you music sounds excellent. These people have years of experience. Some D.J./Producers also like to engineer their own music because they know how they want their music to sound. If this is the case then the sound engineer simply assists the D.J. with mixing the music and using the studio equipment.
The mixing part of the music production phase is done in the studio where all of the music tracks and vocal tracks are blended together to give you what you hear on your CD.
Each musical instrument and vocal track is mixed and adjusted using what is called a mixing board like my Akai DPS24 only larger or software based mixing console like Pro Tools.
Postproduction
After the mixing is done the postproduction process begins. The final mix is taken to what is called a Mastering Studio where specialized equipment is used to bring out the best possible sound. When this process is completed the final results of the song are then pressed on CD or vinyl and sold to the customer.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Essential Pieces - Music Production
For major albums and artists who care about the creating an album that will appeal to the masses, a music producer is an essential piece of the puzzle. The producer is responsible for the overall sound and outcome of an album. They are responsible for arranging, composing, coordinating, recording, and completing a music album.
Every album is becomes own project, and has a unique set of needs that will need to be tended to during that overall creation of the album. Music Producers needs to adaptable to whatever the needs of the album become, and need to be able to deal artist visions, which can be difficult at times. There are five main core responsibilities that each music producer must do when creating and album. They are overseeing the recording process, song arrangement, being the music director, master of instrumental layout, and the product manager
Overseeing the Recording Process
As the music producer you will be in-charge of the recording, mixing and mastering part of the recording process. You may not the one running the technical part of the board, that is for the recording engineer. But you will need to be listening the every little thing and making the song sound the best that it can through all the different parts of the process.
Song Arrangement
The song arrangement is the process where you are laying out the song and breaking it into different sections, like verses, choruses, and bridges. Then your duty is to arrange them so that it will optimize that song and send the message of the song in the best way possible.
Being the Musical Director
Being the musical director has its good and bad points to it. On the good side, you can help guide the direction of the overall music that you are trying to capture. On the bad side, from time to time you will get resistance from the artist(s) that may not share the same vision as you. If you are daft in your manner this can usually be avoided.
Master of Instrumental Layout
Most all producer were (or still are) a member of a band. Great Producers have a good understanding of how to get that most out of a particular instrument, and which types get the sound that you would be looking for your particular album.
The Product Manager
Being the product manager means that you will be in-charge of the overall product that will be delivered. It will be responsibility to deliver a product that will convert in to sales and appeal to a mass audience.
Following these 5 core concepts will move you towards become an accomplished and excellent music producer. Remember that you will need to hone your craft and continually grow to be the best possible that you can be!
Every album is becomes own project, and has a unique set of needs that will need to be tended to during that overall creation of the album. Music Producers needs to adaptable to whatever the needs of the album become, and need to be able to deal artist visions, which can be difficult at times. There are five main core responsibilities that each music producer must do when creating and album. They are overseeing the recording process, song arrangement, being the music director, master of instrumental layout, and the product manager
Overseeing the Recording Process
As the music producer you will be in-charge of the recording, mixing and mastering part of the recording process. You may not the one running the technical part of the board, that is for the recording engineer. But you will need to be listening the every little thing and making the song sound the best that it can through all the different parts of the process.
Song Arrangement
The song arrangement is the process where you are laying out the song and breaking it into different sections, like verses, choruses, and bridges. Then your duty is to arrange them so that it will optimize that song and send the message of the song in the best way possible.
Being the Musical Director
Being the musical director has its good and bad points to it. On the good side, you can help guide the direction of the overall music that you are trying to capture. On the bad side, from time to time you will get resistance from the artist(s) that may not share the same vision as you. If you are daft in your manner this can usually be avoided.
Master of Instrumental Layout
Most all producer were (or still are) a member of a band. Great Producers have a good understanding of how to get that most out of a particular instrument, and which types get the sound that you would be looking for your particular album.
The Product Manager
Being the product manager means that you will be in-charge of the overall product that will be delivered. It will be responsibility to deliver a product that will convert in to sales and appeal to a mass audience.
Following these 5 core concepts will move you towards become an accomplished and excellent music producer. Remember that you will need to hone your craft and continually grow to be the best possible that you can be!
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