Embedded Files
Weekly Reflections
This week’s session was aimed at understanding the Ableton Live software and beginning to develop the first project for this unit. In terms of the Ableton Live music production software, it was my first time using it and it was quite interesting to understand the different record and mix features present in the DAW. Despite this being the first time I used the software, it was also interesting to study and understand the crossover features of Ableton Live from other DAW software. It was also very informative to learn the different features that make up a song and how different sections of a track are chronologically arranged together.
In terms of the planning stage for Project One, it was at first somewhat of a struggle, as due to me being online for Week 1, I struggled to understand the project brief and what was expected of me in order to achieve my desired grade. Upon looking at project examples from other students, I was able to successfully understand what the expectations were and how I could implement my music production and audio skillsets in order to meet the project’s brief requirements. At first, I chose “David Guetta” as my first artist reference, as it would be the artist who I would be producing my song in the style of. However, even after conducting extensive research on David Gueta, I quickly realized that he was not someone about whom I was certain to be my chosen influence. The way in which I can now apply my findings to next week’s lesson is by researching and refining the artist whom I am confident in producing in the style of.
Personally, I feel I should email my lecturer, Zubin, before my lesson date to really understand what the expectations and requirements are. As a consequence of not being prepared for my lesson, I found it a slight challenge to fully comprehend the content. This is because of the fact that I am online and tend to miss important messages and key points that might be explained or talked about in class.
In terms of this week’s transferable skills, I personally thought they were a representation of creativity and practice. The reason for this was the elements and key features that I learnt within this lesson with regards to the new software I was introduced to, “Abelton Live.” Furthermore, the way in which practice can be reflected in this week’s learning was during the track arrangement analysis of the demo project that was available to us on Moodel. Having the ability to use a demo track to not only analyse different music features but also apply the skills learnt in Ableton Live was a great experience and learning opportunity which I can now apply in the creation process of project 1.
Pre Class Activities & Extensive Research
Upon reviewing the videos on moodel and installing Ableton live I was able to understand the different features available within the software, where and how they can be used within my production process. Another really useful document is the Ableton kive user guide manual which I look at as a reference and can be seen inserted below. Some of the features learnt were how to add markers, insert EQs / effects, Change from view to edit windows with the use of the ‘tab’ button on the keyboard, etc.
https://cdn-resources.ableton.com/resources/manual/2022-02-01/l11manual_en.pdf
Project 1 Development:
Based on the list provided by SAE for project 1 I have decided to select ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weekend. Below I have inserted by analysis in reference to my project 1.
The way in this analysis moodboard will asssist and support me with the production of my proejct 1 is by allowing me to evaluate and understand the diffrent musical features within my chosen song productions.
Further reaserch and development project note can be found under the Project 1 page in the AUD181 Section.
How can Genre, Arrangement and Production affect a song?
The process of producing and polishing music for public performance is known as music production. The way in which it can affect a track is when the production process is not completed by taking into consideration what the artist’s genera, arrangements and requirements are. A music producer’s job is to ensure that all the requirements and requests of the client or musician are successfully met and executed.
Is the arrangement/production as important as the song?
The flow of a song from beginning to end is referred to as the arrangement. An entrance, verse, buildup, chorus, breakdown and outro are among the components. In good songwriting, it’s crucial to pay attention to the arrangement. Music that is memorable will always work by itself. A great arrangement, on the other hand, highlights the best aspects of the music track.
Has the Production made the song better/worse/neither? Is the song right for the Artists and their target audience?
In my own personal opinion, the production has made the song slightly better than the original. It has allowed the producer to experiment with new features, techniques, and technological advancements to make it sound more realistic and true to life. Overall, however, I still feel there could be improvements made in terms of the arrangement of the track. Despite the change in elements of the song in comparison to the original track, I personally feel that the track was correctly chosen to fit its targeted audience.
What is a song without production or arrangement?
An arranger arranges the proper music for different instruments and also moves song ideas around. Being a producer means you generate something in a creative way. If there is no arrangement and production present in a track then it will just be considered as the RAW material and recordings.
Class Notes
Ableton notes :
Shortcut for pencil tool = B
Rhythm Bar = Measure
Electronic dance music has a contemporary rhythmic style of ” 4 to the floor ” , meaning that the kick drum is playing on all 4 beats of a bar. ( Kick = Downbeat ). The snare/clap is called the back beatand is played on the second and fourth beats of a bar.
The hi hats in this style of arrangement is referred to as the Off beat
How we count music
2. 3. 4. = Time signature 4/4 = 4 quarter notes in a bar
A drummer would typically count. – 1 and 2 and 3 and 4. The ”and’‘ is considered theOFF BEAT.
To divide the count even further Drummers count ” 1 eAND a 2 e ANDa 3 e AND a 4 e AND a the e and a are 16th notes
the ANDs are 8th notes. This requires more research post-class.
Definition: Embellishing in Ableton means to Duplicate initial midi drum section and to adding at least 3 more elements to duplicate and give it more energy
References
“Speed of Sound.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Mar. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_sound.
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