So tomorrow, well, technically later today, I make the final touches, and upload this thing to CDBaby. It takes some time to process after that, so I don't think it'll be available until perhaps Saturday, or maybe Monday even, depending on how automated CDBaby's process is. Of course, I'll be uploading high quality .wav files, not mp3's, so it'll take some time.
I did a quick check on the mixes, putting it on some different speaker setups (with the car being most important to me, personally!), and tonight I'll be figuring out what my track order should be. This is important: even in the .99 cent a track "singles" era, having a logical album order is still important.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
In the can and ready to go!
Uh oh, he hasn't posted since end of March, he's totally stopped making music again! Quitter!
Nope. Just, as I figured, moving house completely wrecked me for a good long while! But happily I've managed to bang out the rest of the tracks of Pitch to Pixel Volume 2! In fact, all I'm waiting on now is just infrastructural stuff I'd like to have in place before I roll out the new album. This includes art for it, and perhaps a facebook page, as well as a slew of blog posts locked and loaded.
I do believe this album will show growth in every area from Pitch to Pixel 1. Some specific goals for PtP 2 were:
1. To incorporate more 16 bit, specifically "Sega Genesis" type sounds. These sounds are in abundance on this album! It was a little tricky figuring out what sounds to use, as the Genesis basically used FM synth, which is very similar sounding to lots of other stuff from that era.
2. Songs that have a stronger resemblance to game soundtracks you liked. People really liked "Warrior" and "Shooter" from PtP 1 because they resembled strongly some game OST you remember. So I did that kind of thing a lot more here. Oh, there is always room for just "Rob Howard Compositions," that is, music that I create solely based on what I feel like making, but in general it is easier to write *for* what people like, instead of whacking them over the head with what you *prefer.* One thing I hope people have fun with is analyzing the song titles and figuring out where I'm getting my inspiration from (although if you continue reading this blog, I'll explain it all anyway).
Of course, I'm really proud of the first Pitch to Pixel album, so there is a whole lot I didn't change as well. Such as:
1. Using "chip" as a palette as opposed to boxing myself into what a particular game system or tracking program can accomplish. So, as before, these songs are made almost entirely with chip sounds (actually emulated via Virtual Instruments or VSTs), but things like reverb, compression, EQ, and other pro audio "tricks of the trade" are included to make the bass boom, the highs shine, and the mids glow with warmth.
2. Composing songs with plenty of melodic hooks, with solid verse-chorus-verse type structure. One thing I thought I brought to the table with PtP 1 that I wasn't hearing in the huge amount of high quality chiptune music out there already is a knack for songwriting, in the "pop" sense. The better chip stuff is generally modal and trancelike, with lots of repeating rhythm and static harmony. Obviously there is an audience for that, but the classic game OST's we listened to as kids, done by the likes of Koji Kondo and Yuzo Koshiro, were done by guys influenced by jazz, prog rock (early YES, Emerson Lake and Palmer, early Genesis, etc.) and popular music in general. When influenced by that sonic stew, you tend to follow very methodical song structures. It is these rock solid structures that gave that music its addictive appeal.
3. While going to FM synthesis style 16 bit, I do retain a whole lot of NES style 8 bit as well, and I of course mix the two in some spots. The NES stuff sounded awesome on PtP 1, so I'd be silly not to have that included again. I find it especially effective on slower numbers, or the more classically oriented compositions, while the Megadrive/FM synth stuff is outrageously good for the techno pop, Streets of Rage inspired music that I was doing for some of the album.
4. I included a Christian hymn in the last one, party because I dearly love old hymns and partly because, hey, public domain. That one got as good a response as the video game stuff, so I included another one on this album. If I keep doing these, I might do a hymn only album! They really do turn out nice.
Did I take any risks, and do stuff maybe outside of what I collected from PtP's feedback? Sure!
I included... a real guitar solo! Yeah, on one heavy rock song, I felt it really needed a little extra, so I fired up my carvin bolt guitar, warmed up on some scales and let er' rip. And wouldn't you know it, it is probably one of my "cleanest" guitar solos I've put down on a recording. Of course, when I say clean, I mean in terms of execution... because sonically it is pretty filthy ;-)
Nope. Just, as I figured, moving house completely wrecked me for a good long while! But happily I've managed to bang out the rest of the tracks of Pitch to Pixel Volume 2! In fact, all I'm waiting on now is just infrastructural stuff I'd like to have in place before I roll out the new album. This includes art for it, and perhaps a facebook page, as well as a slew of blog posts locked and loaded.
I do believe this album will show growth in every area from Pitch to Pixel 1. Some specific goals for PtP 2 were:
1. To incorporate more 16 bit, specifically "Sega Genesis" type sounds. These sounds are in abundance on this album! It was a little tricky figuring out what sounds to use, as the Genesis basically used FM synth, which is very similar sounding to lots of other stuff from that era.
2. Songs that have a stronger resemblance to game soundtracks you liked. People really liked "Warrior" and "Shooter" from PtP 1 because they resembled strongly some game OST you remember. So I did that kind of thing a lot more here. Oh, there is always room for just "Rob Howard Compositions," that is, music that I create solely based on what I feel like making, but in general it is easier to write *for* what people like, instead of whacking them over the head with what you *prefer.* One thing I hope people have fun with is analyzing the song titles and figuring out where I'm getting my inspiration from (although if you continue reading this blog, I'll explain it all anyway).
Of course, I'm really proud of the first Pitch to Pixel album, so there is a whole lot I didn't change as well. Such as:
1. Using "chip" as a palette as opposed to boxing myself into what a particular game system or tracking program can accomplish. So, as before, these songs are made almost entirely with chip sounds (actually emulated via Virtual Instruments or VSTs), but things like reverb, compression, EQ, and other pro audio "tricks of the trade" are included to make the bass boom, the highs shine, and the mids glow with warmth.
2. Composing songs with plenty of melodic hooks, with solid verse-chorus-verse type structure. One thing I thought I brought to the table with PtP 1 that I wasn't hearing in the huge amount of high quality chiptune music out there already is a knack for songwriting, in the "pop" sense. The better chip stuff is generally modal and trancelike, with lots of repeating rhythm and static harmony. Obviously there is an audience for that, but the classic game OST's we listened to as kids, done by the likes of Koji Kondo and Yuzo Koshiro, were done by guys influenced by jazz, prog rock (early YES, Emerson Lake and Palmer, early Genesis, etc.) and popular music in general. When influenced by that sonic stew, you tend to follow very methodical song structures. It is these rock solid structures that gave that music its addictive appeal.
3. While going to FM synthesis style 16 bit, I do retain a whole lot of NES style 8 bit as well, and I of course mix the two in some spots. The NES stuff sounded awesome on PtP 1, so I'd be silly not to have that included again. I find it especially effective on slower numbers, or the more classically oriented compositions, while the Megadrive/FM synth stuff is outrageously good for the techno pop, Streets of Rage inspired music that I was doing for some of the album.
4. I included a Christian hymn in the last one, party because I dearly love old hymns and partly because, hey, public domain. That one got as good a response as the video game stuff, so I included another one on this album. If I keep doing these, I might do a hymn only album! They really do turn out nice.
Did I take any risks, and do stuff maybe outside of what I collected from PtP's feedback? Sure!
I included... a real guitar solo! Yeah, on one heavy rock song, I felt it really needed a little extra, so I fired up my carvin bolt guitar, warmed up on some scales and let er' rip. And wouldn't you know it, it is probably one of my "cleanest" guitar solos I've put down on a recording. Of course, when I say clean, I mean in terms of execution... because sonically it is pretty filthy ;-)
Monday, April 8, 2013
Halfway Home!
Finally finished the Streets of Rage inspired track, called, quite creatively, "Streets" :-)
After a bit of a snag in mid-March (basically just got really busy with work), I feel like I'm picking up steam! Which is a good thing, because I'm probably going to be moving soon (and, for once, in the SAME TOWN)*, which will certainly keep me from creative duties for at least a week at the end of the month.
From previous posts, you know I had an attempt at the Streets thing go bad, but only in the sense that the style wasn't evoking Streets of Rage. The composition itself is fine, so I'll finish that out. Strangely, I think it sounds like a character select tune, which isn't a bad thing. Character select/menu musics have to be comforting, pleasantly accompanying your task while not being intrusive. This, in a way, is what I shoot for with the music I write: I definitely want to entertain you, cause you to tap your feet/fingers, but I don't want to be super intrusive either. It is hard to explain, but certain music can be engaging and great listening music but not really the kind of music you jam to while you work, or drive your car.
*Again, SAME TOWN, so in case anyone snoops looking for gossipy dirt and all that.**
**When you work in my field, you find people have an odd interest in your comings and goings.
After a bit of a snag in mid-March (basically just got really busy with work), I feel like I'm picking up steam! Which is a good thing, because I'm probably going to be moving soon (and, for once, in the SAME TOWN)*, which will certainly keep me from creative duties for at least a week at the end of the month.
From previous posts, you know I had an attempt at the Streets thing go bad, but only in the sense that the style wasn't evoking Streets of Rage. The composition itself is fine, so I'll finish that out. Strangely, I think it sounds like a character select tune, which isn't a bad thing. Character select/menu musics have to be comforting, pleasantly accompanying your task while not being intrusive. This, in a way, is what I shoot for with the music I write: I definitely want to entertain you, cause you to tap your feet/fingers, but I don't want to be super intrusive either. It is hard to explain, but certain music can be engaging and great listening music but not really the kind of music you jam to while you work, or drive your car.
*Again, SAME TOWN, so in case anyone snoops looking for gossipy dirt and all that.**
**When you work in my field, you find people have an odd interest in your comings and goings.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Back in the saddle!
Woah. Last post, 3/2. Today, it is 3/30! That is what can happen to side projects.
My day gig has kept me pretty busy as of late, so that's part of it. The big news was my involvement with Bioshock Infinite (as a level designer working for Human Head, who helped them with development) was finally made public with the release of the game last Tuesday. What an experience that was, being involved in one of the highest rated games in the past year (including 2012) and what currently stands as one of the most acclaimed shooters of all time!
But back to the music! So I had started working on something that was supposed to sound a bit like a Streets of Rage track, but it wasn't working out. So I shelved that (I'll still use it, but as something else) and restarted with another attempt that is so far more on the money. Once I get those tracks done, I'll have 5 total, which puts me roughly at 50% (or higher, if I do an album that is less than ten tracks, but I don't like to do that).
My day gig has kept me pretty busy as of late, so that's part of it. The big news was my involvement with Bioshock Infinite (as a level designer working for Human Head, who helped them with development) was finally made public with the release of the game last Tuesday. What an experience that was, being involved in one of the highest rated games in the past year (including 2012) and what currently stands as one of the most acclaimed shooters of all time!
But back to the music! So I had started working on something that was supposed to sound a bit like a Streets of Rage track, but it wasn't working out. So I shelved that (I'll still use it, but as something else) and restarted with another attempt that is so far more on the money. Once I get those tracks done, I'll have 5 total, which puts me roughly at 50% (or higher, if I do an album that is less than ten tracks, but I don't like to do that).
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Composition Live Blog 3/2
Ok, time to live blog more composition. Right now Pitch to Pixel 2 stands at 2 1/2 songs complete out of the 10 tunes I need.
9:00 am-ish. Got briefly woken up by my daughter proudly announcing that she "slept in her bed all night." She's five years old. Facepalm.
12:00 noon At some point I woke up "for reals," cleaned up, shaved (yes, you need to KNOW these details!) and here I am, tea in hand (alas, no more pumpkin spice dunkin' donuts coffee, ugh), ready to make music.
12:00 - 3:45 - After numerous interruptions to "GIVE ME ATTENTION!" (daughter), I managed to complete "Lightning Force," a piece based on the Thunder Force shooter series... but it is missing something. I think I may want to add (dun dun duuuuun) real guitar playing on it. Yeah, I know, that is certainly not "chip," but I wanted to mix in a little of my playing, in a few spots. But....... I only have one guitar cord, my second one is fried, so I gotta run to the store to grab one (I need two cords to make my setup work).
3:45-5:58 Lightning Force in the can! Ugh, I can't be spending this much time on each tune or else this album isn't getting done, but man I had a lot of fun laying down a *real* guitar solo on this one. This one is the most "hybrid" track I'll probably feature, with Genesis style rhythm guitar and bass, realistic sampled drums, and real guitar.
9:00 am-ish. Got briefly woken up by my daughter proudly announcing that she "slept in her bed all night." She's five years old. Facepalm.
12:00 noon At some point I woke up "for reals," cleaned up, shaved (yes, you need to KNOW these details!) and here I am, tea in hand (alas, no more pumpkin spice dunkin' donuts coffee, ugh), ready to make music.
12:00 - 3:45 - After numerous interruptions to "GIVE ME ATTENTION!" (daughter), I managed to complete "Lightning Force," a piece based on the Thunder Force shooter series... but it is missing something. I think I may want to add (dun dun duuuuun) real guitar playing on it. Yeah, I know, that is certainly not "chip," but I wanted to mix in a little of my playing, in a few spots. But....... I only have one guitar cord, my second one is fried, so I gotta run to the store to grab one (I need two cords to make my setup work).
3:45-5:58 Lightning Force in the can! Ugh, I can't be spending this much time on each tune or else this album isn't getting done, but man I had a lot of fun laying down a *real* guitar solo on this one. This one is the most "hybrid" track I'll probably feature, with Genesis style rhythm guitar and bass, realistic sampled drums, and real guitar.
The Oddball Awesomeness That is Dragon's Dogma's Theme Song
If you purchased Dragon's Dogma (which you should have, it was one of my favorite games of 2012), you fired up the game, expecting probably some nice orchestral classical sounding soundtrack music, but instead got your butt absolutely handed to you by screeching guitar, upbeat vocals, and pounding drums.
Gamer, meet "Into Free," the Dragon's Dogma theme song, a licensed track from Japanese power duo "B'z." Here it is:
Gamer, meet "Into Free," the Dragon's Dogma theme song, a licensed track from Japanese power duo "B'z." Here it is:
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Music composition "marathon," part 2!
Well, I wouldn't call it a "marathon" today, as it is already almost early evening. But I was a little disappointed in the 1.75 songs produced in yesterday's "true" marathon, so I wanted to do another live blog and push- hopefully I can at least have a total of three tunes ready (to recap, I picked some trickier tasks to work on, which took longer than I wanted).
4:50 - Church, A Good Day to Die Hard (left the wife and kid at home, had some "BROTASTIC BROTIMEZ" with a friend), some early dinner, the last of my awesome Dunkin' Donuts pumpkin spice coffee (sniff!), and a wee bit of Fire Emblem: Awakening (WHICH IS AWESOME). So here I am. I'm continuing to refine "Shining Fury." I have chords, baseline, basic drum part, a melody, and need to add some sweeteners. This is my first true "Sega Genesis" style tune so I'm a bit nervous making it!
5:29 added a "trill" part - there are a lot of details to making this sound work, I think! Wife and kid woke up from a nap. I haven't seen this since noon. I should probably say hello (and do a rapid fire round of cleaning).
7:07 Back from Sunday house cleaning. Kiddo got a long nap so bedtime is going to be (sadly) delayed, so time to sneak in more work!
8:22 Success! Not only is Shining Fury finished but it is even mixed down! My first ready to publish track for Pitch to Pixel 2!
4:50 - Church, A Good Day to Die Hard (left the wife and kid at home, had some "BROTASTIC BROTIMEZ" with a friend), some early dinner, the last of my awesome Dunkin' Donuts pumpkin spice coffee (sniff!), and a wee bit of Fire Emblem: Awakening (WHICH IS AWESOME). So here I am. I'm continuing to refine "Shining Fury." I have chords, baseline, basic drum part, a melody, and need to add some sweeteners. This is my first true "Sega Genesis" style tune so I'm a bit nervous making it!
5:29 added a "trill" part - there are a lot of details to making this sound work, I think! Wife and kid woke up from a nap. I haven't seen this since noon. I should probably say hello (and do a rapid fire round of cleaning).
7:07 Back from Sunday house cleaning. Kiddo got a long nap so bedtime is going to be (sadly) delayed, so time to sneak in more work!
8:22 Success! Not only is Shining Fury finished but it is even mixed down! My first ready to publish track for Pitch to Pixel 2!
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