Productions

Modes Project

For this project, I first used the Chord Player on OneMotion to make a sequence of notes under the Ionian mode, starting with the lowest note and having the fifth note be the fifth highest note as well. I  then exported this chord to Ableton Live, and I created another chord in the Ionian mode but used a different sequence this time and exported that one as well. After that, I changed the mode to phrygian and synthesized two unique chords and exported them to Ableton Live as well. Next, I shifted gears to Ableton Live and used the drum machine to make 4 different drum tracks that paired well with the chords I made before. I then used the Novation Launchpad to record more chords but this time on Ableton Live with different filters and create 4 different tracks of chords I synthesized. I recorded my track using all the scenes and changing an element every 4 measures to keep the song engaging. Finally, I adjusted the volumes and panned the tracks left to right to improve the sound.

In this project, I learned what the different modes in music are and what they symbolize. For example, I discovered that a major mode like Ionian is happy and bright while a minor mode like Dorian is sad and downbeat. I also learned how to use the chord player on OneMotion and export them to Ableton Live, while being able to create unique sequences and use different instruments/modes each time. I developed my skills in using Ableton Live to record and mix my song as well as use the Novation Launchpad to synthesize chords.

Ricch Rap 

In this project, I was sent loops for a trap project that I remixed, however the loops were missing a drum track, so I had to synthesize one myself. First, I imported all the tracks into Ableton Live, where I listened to each scene and increased the gain by 8.5 Decibels so they would get louder. After listening to the tracks, I used the drum machine on Ableton to synthesize my own drums by connecting a Novation Launchpad to the software and assigning buttons on the launchpad to my drum kit. After creating the drum track, i copied and pasted it into three more scenes, each one having a twist. In the second drum scene, I changed the kick into the 1/32 triplet grid, so it added a ‘trap’ feel to the song. I also added the conga to another drum scene, adding more depth and variety in the song. After making my drum beats, I added effects to the bass clip to give it a unique sound. As I recorded my song, I made sure to change scenes every 4 measures to keep a consistent engagement in the listener. Finally, I mixed the song panning things left to right and fading volumes in and out.

For this song, I learned how to utilize the Novation launchpad to synthesize drum tracks in Ableton Live. I learned the ins and outs of the machine, and can now create songs using both the Novation and Ableton Launchpads. I also learned how to add beat repeats to tracks in Ableton, which can provide a clearer and unique sound to the song. I learned how to subdivide drum tracks which can give a ‘trap’ feel to the song. Finally, I know now that I should add gain to my tracks before just moving the volume slider to keep the track more in my control.

Harry Coade Found Sound

For this project, I utilized the launchpad by Novation in collaboration with Ableton Live. Using preset tracks by Harry Coade, I imported them into Ableton and mixed the music live using the launchpad. I recorded each track separately, ending up with a total of eight different tracks with different scenes in each of them. The tracks include drums, guitars, piano, sound effects, and synths. After recording each track separately, I used Ableton’s limiter to limit the decibels of audio that would come from the tracks as well as mixing the tracks by panning tracks left to right and adjusting volumes. For example, I panned the piano to the left and synths to the right. I faded the volume at the end of the song as an outro.

In the making of this track, I learned how to navigate and record tracks on Novation’s Launchpad and how to import tracks from their website into Ableton Live. I also learned how to use Ableton’s limiter to make sure that the audio for a track doesn’t become too loud. Making this track developed my skills in mixing tracks on Ableton Live as well as creating new skills for Novation’s Launchpad.

Getting Shpongled

In this project, I used Ableton Live to mix and record my music, creating six distinct tracks: 808s, chords, drums, bass, sub-bass, and effects. For the 808s, I utilized the Ableton Push to craft original drum beats, applying the 808 filter to emulate the sound of a classic 808. For the chords, I selected six clips from Ableton's extensive library, freezing and flattening each MIDI track to ensure they were unaffected by the typical distortion that filters might introduce. Similarly, I used Ableton’s preset drum patterns to design the drum track. To create the bass, I employed the Ableton Push once again, duplicating the track and applying a filter to lower the octave, producing a "sub-bass" that added depth and richness to the sound. For effects, I sourced audio from Fesliyan Studios, layering these elements into the composition and fine-tuning the reverb and gain on each track. While recording, I ensured the song remained dynamic by switching scenes every four measures, keeping it fresh and engaging.

Through this project, I gained valuable skills. I learned how to freeze and flatten MIDI tracks to preserve their integrity when using audio filters in Ableton Live. I also mastered adding reverb and delay to enhance depth and sustain in a production. Creating sub-bass by lowering the bass octave was another skill I developed, and I explored how reverb and delay extend notes, adding complexity to the music. Overall, this project significantly improved my recording and mixing proficiency in Ableton Live.

AABA Project

For this project, I utilized Bandlab's drum machine to create two distinct drum beats, one that ran from bars 1-8 and 13-16, and the other from 9-12. I made the beats by creating a simple kick-snare pattern which helped create a cohesive track that flowed from each drum beat to the next. I changed the genre of the drum machine to abstract hip-hop because it fit the vibe of the song I was looking for well. Then, I looked through different drum and synth beats available on Bandlab and selected a drum beat that would provide more structure to the song. I also selected 2 synth tracks which provided a calming rhythm to the song.

Through the creation of this track, I learned how to use the drum machine to craft different types of drum beats and learned that it is possible to have two drum beats coexist in the same song without overpowering each other. I also learned the importance of drums in songs and how they can provide structure and control the tempo of a song. Finally, I also learned that many songs with drum tracks create the rest of their tracks around the drums to fit the song best.

Return Project

For this project, I began by selecting a pack from the Indie genre in Bandlab studios called ‘TENDER.” Using this pack, I meticulously chose different tracks within the pack to create a cohesive 16-measure piece of music with a variety of different instruments like the guitar, synth pad, and even vocals to create a soft and relaxing tone within the song, adding to its indie roots. Then, using volume faders, I faded the tracks played in the first 16 measures out to blend together the next tracks I used. I chose to switch the genre from indie to R&B, which I did by using a Bandlab R&B pack called “Mr.Downs.” To create an R&B vibe, I added a smooth drum beat with guitar riffs popping up throughout the measures. Again, I used volume faders to fade these next 16 measures out to transition into the next section. Switching back to the Indie genre, I chose to use a different pack for the last section of the song, and decided to use a different take on the genre than the beginning of the song. I used drums as the backbone of this beat and created an anxious tone by using sirens which gradually increased in volume as the song went on and the other, more softer tracks, faded out by the end of the song. After adding all the tracks for this project, I used volume faders to fade the switch of genre tracks in to better blend the song and to make sure that no track was overpowering the others or if a track could not be heard. Finally, I use the pan switch to balance the song by placing instruments which I want to stand out more than the rest like the drums in the middle with 0 pan, and instruments which I wanted to play at different sides had alternating pans which made a balanced song. 

While making this song, I gained a lot of knowledge on how different genres of music interact with each other and how different instruments can be utilized to create tones throughout the song. By starting with tracks from the indie genre, I noticed that drums which are used are typically softer to match the calmness of many songs in the genre. I also recognized a contrast from this to R&B, which had a higher usage of drums which were louder and had more of a presence in songs. A similarity between both genres is they typically consist of the same instruments including guitar, bass, synth pad, and more. I also learned how to better blend music which switches from genre to genre, and while selecting genres to choose from it’s much easier to combine two genres together with similar sounds or energy than two contrasting genres. While creating this song, I found that by combining elements like sirens and an unsettling synth pad can create an anxious tone in the song which makes the listener want to keep listening to find out what’s about to happen. Additionally, using volume faders to make these unsettling sounds stand out from the other tracks can increase this feeling in the listener.

Blind Man Driving Mix 

 For this mix, I used the song "Blind Man Driving" by Joey Stuckey to remix and add my own spin to it. I began by using Ableton Live 11 to automate the volume back to front in order to emphasize certain tracks in the song. Then I used the panning feature to shift instruments left to right depending on how I would want them placed on a stage. Then I used the multiband and limiter option and placed it on each track to get a clear noise and make the bass more prominent in the track. Finally, I used the master function to fade the tracks out at the end of the song.

In the creation of this remix, I developed my skills in automation of volume and panning to create a better audio experience for the listener. I also learned about Joey Stuckey as an artist because he came to our school and played the song for our class. Finally, I learned about the multiband and limiter feature on Ableton and how I can put it on tracks to clarify them and have the audience be able to distinguish different instruments from each other.

J Dilla Sample Remix 

I started on this remix by sifting through the "samples" catalog on Ableton Live. I found a couple drum beats I liked; One 'normal' and one 'exotic' sounding. Then I applied filters to my drum beats and adjusted them to make my song flow better. I panned the tracks left to right so the beats would be easily distinguished by anybody who listens to it. Next, I added to different MIDI tracks and recorded a bassline to go along with both of them to add some depth to my remix. I also used moviesounds.org to get movie quotes from The Dark Knight. I used the "Quantize" feature on the Ableton Push which helped align the movie quotes to my song as well as the basslines I recorded. Finally, I used all the different beats I acquired to record my remix using the Ableton Push and adjusting the volume and panning while recording it. 

While I created this remix, I learned how to record basslines on Ableton live and learned to quantize them in order to flow into my songs better. I also learned about different websites which provide royalty free movie quotes and sound effects. I also developed my skills with the Ableton Push and learned how to sample different sounds better.

Doctor Who Theme Remix

 For this production, I used the original beat and melody of the Doctor Who theme song and added my own 'flair' to create something of my own. I used fesllyian studios to get an eerie sample to add to the bass and wooden claves to add to the melody. I used Ableton Live to mix these samples into the Doctor Who tracks to create my own rendition of the song. After acquiring all the tracks, I adjusted the flanger and phaser of the wooden claves to create flow throughout the remix. I recorded my remix using the Ableton Push which allowed me to adjust the volume to where I could fade out the end of the song. 

During the making of my remix, I learned how to get samples of any sound and use Ableton Live to add them to a track so they could match up with the provided track. I also learned how to use a phaser and flanger as well as adjust pitch on different tracks to make songs flow and sound better.

Sample 1 Remix

 First, I decided to use Sample 1 to create my remix because each track fit with another and because of it's unique vocals. I used the Ableton Push (on Ableton Live) to record my remix live which made it easier to interchange between tracks. While recording, I kept the same rotation of drums to maintain flow. I cycled between the three vocal tracks because each of them brought their own energy and mood. Each time I used a different vocal track the mood would shift adding contrast to my remix. I also utilized the feature on the push where I could immediately play all the tracks in one row which helped add energy to my remix. The song maintains an upbeat flow throughout and begins and ends with the same solo vocal track. I also used the automation recording on the push. I panned different instruments throughout the song so the listener would feel the instruments moving left to right or vice versa. I also used volume automation to fade tracks in and out which added flow.

While creating this remix, I learned about Ableton and the Ableton Push. Ableton is German music software company that produces and distributes the production program "Ableton Live." Ableton Live is a recording software which I learned to use while making this remix. I developed various producing skills on Ableton Live through the creation of my remix. I was also given the opportunity to learn how to use Ableton Push with Ableton Live. Ableton Push is an instrument for song creation that provides hands-on control of melody, harmony, beats, and song structure. I learned how to change tracks and record automation on the Ableton Push.

Five Instruments  

I started searching through lofi loops because I wanted to try something different from my first production. I then filtered for drums under lofi loops because I was going to make them the core of my song and they would set the tone for other instruments. I looked for drums with a high bpm to set an upbeat tone to my song and also so I could use contrasting tracks to my second group of loops. I decided to use the bass, keys, guitar, and percussion as my other instruments. I chose the tracks for each instrument by filtering for the instrument under the hip hop and lofi genres because they blend well together. I checked the flow of the song by soloing each track with the others and made sure it sounded clear and pleasant. If not, I would delete the track and search for a new one until I found a better fit. Once my first group of tracks was finished, I started looking for tracks that contrasted the mood of the first tracks. My first group of tracks were upbeat and had a joyous tone to them, meaning I was aiming for the second group of tracks to sound dejected. I used the same process I used for the first groups to find a smooth flowing track. After I completed both sets of tracks, I automated the volume and panned each instrument to the left or right depending on where I wanted to put each instrument on an imaginary stage. After learning how to use the graphic EQ, I used that knowledge to boost my bass so it wouldn't be masked by other instruments and used it to improve the clarity of the song.

During this project, I learned how to contrast tracks and use graphic EQs. I also learned more about the art of panning and how it can have an effect on the listening experience. While I was experimenting with graphic EQs, I learned how to make my tracks clearer and more prominent throughout a song. I also improved on my usage of panning in my song which is shown by the clarity of each instrument in my song while maintaining flow.

Fix the Mix 

I started the project by first removing the tracks that contrasted the MIDI tracks in order to give the MIDI tracks a clear sound.  I then changed the instruments on each MIDI track to increase flow throughout the song. I gave the synth chords a "new age" sound which I decided to use as the base of my track. I edited the notes used in the fuzzy bass and electric piano to match the synth chords and give the track something new. I kept the drums and shaker from the original track as they paired well with the synth chords. Next, I searched for background noises and since the track is intended for a video game, I integrated a track with nature sounds throughout the song to give it a more "video game" feel. To end the track, I added a clap, hi-hats, drums, and a guitar to contrast the beginning of the song with the end. I intended for this to be the victory/ending of the video game. Finally, I polished the song by automating the volume to move instruments front to back and panned instruments to move them left or right on a "stage."

While fixing this track I learned what MIDI tracks are and how to create/edit them. I learned about the history of MIDI tracks and that they have never had to update MIDI because it was perfect when it was created. I developed my MIDI skills by editing the fuzzy bass, synth chords, and electric guitar by changing their instruments and changing their notes. I learned about the endless possibilities a MIDI track could have from its instruments to the notes you choose to use. I also developed my producing skills throughout this project through MIDI and finding out what tracks create better flow together.

This is Me