en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices http://www.last.fm/user/ruidlopes/journal The Last.fm journal for ruidlopes. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/ruidlopes/journal/2011/07/05/4gz5jn_21st_century_music_prototyping Tue, 5 Jul 2011 17:50:15 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/ruidlopes/journal/2011/07/05/4gz5jn_21st_century_music_prototyping Most of us cannot afford to have a music studio at home, with all the comfort of sound-proof booths, loads of microphones and amps to choose from, making noise (music!) at anytime, so that music ideas get registered right before they disappear in the mist.

Fortunately, the advent of cheap-enough technology has opened the way for rapid music prototyping. Yesterday's 4-tracks and voice recorders have become today's apps on digital devices.

Well, here's what I've been experimenting with.

The recording process cannot exist without a way to store, well, the recordings themselves. For that purpose I'm using an (still non-premium) account on SoundCloud. All sorts of modern music-creation apps support this service (from virtual synths to digital microphones). Check out their App Gallery for a gist of what I mean.

For quickly recording things from a classical guitar, I'm using SoundCloud's own iPhone app. Simple and effective digital microphone, with uploading and organisation capabilities.

For composing rhythms and base melodies, I'm using GarageBand on the iPad. Paired with some (good enough) headphones and a MIDI-compatible keyboard, I'm able to iterate ideas until they form concrete music phrases. The supported range of instruments is compelling, even the guitar sounds are good enough.

Finally, recording directly on the laptop is being supported by a more complete set of gadgets. I'm using a PODxt Live to interface the guitar via USB, tweaking configurations and presets in POD Farm via VST. Drumming patterns come from an EZdrummer paired with the Drumkit from Hell patch via VSTi. Keyboards are directly connected via MIDI over USB.

All instruments are paired with a VST-compatible DAW, which, for now, is Reaper. It's idiosyncrasies with OSX are pushing me towards another DAW (maybe Logic). GarageBand for OSX doesn't cut it, since it lacks support for many features I want as a music creation explorer, such as multiple time signatures, automation, good per-note editing, etc.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/ruidlopes/journal/2011/07/04/4gwabp_obligatory_music_album_list Mon, 4 Jul 2011 11:21:51 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/ruidlopes/journal/2011/07/04/4gwabp_obligatory_music_album_list Here's the gist of my musical influence as of 2011. 10 albums to be listened to carefully, attentively, repeatedly, actively. Music to think, explore. Layers and layers of intricate detail and hard work.

Between the Buried and Me - Colors
Enslaved - Ruun
Ihsahn - After
Jamiroquai - Travelling Without Moving
Meshuggah - Nothing
Opeth - Blackwater Park
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
Porcupine Tree - The Incident
Portishead - Portishead
Tool - Lateralus

(now go back and read my last journal entry. It still makes sense, despite the slow progression in that front.)]]> http://www.last.fm/user/ruidlopes/journal/2007/08/22/b8d78_on_the_rational_and_emotional_creation_of_a_conceptual_album%3A_part_i Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:37:24 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/ruidlopes/journal/2007/08/22/b8d78_on_the_rational_and_emotional_creation_of_a_conceptual_album%3A_part_i Hi all,

First of all, this is my inaugural journal post on last.fm. If you're interested on knowing my musical preferences, just check my charts. But in a nutshell, I'm a huge fan of Opeth, Anathema, My Dying Bride, Enslaved, Immortal, Pink Floyd, Portishead, Chopin, amongst many other (good) artists and musical styles.

This is the first of several posts where I'll keep you up-to-date with the creation of a conceptual album, a thing that I see as the most interesting art super-form, since it combines music, writing, and visual art forms into one coherent piece.

The beginning: I'm a deep fan of progressive, sorrow, and harsh music. I'm very interested on knowing the stories/ideas/concepts behind albums: the what's and why's of every piece of melody, lyrics, and (attached) graphical art. I like to listen to an album and, at the same time, I try to understand the lyrics, the artwork, grasp the influences of the composers. I like to explore each album and each music in such a way that, a lot is left to be said on the first times I hear and see it. I like to find new things each time I listen to it.

Almost every day I crawl through the Metal Archives, Wikipedia, and other sources of information as starting points, trying to gather more information and to be (positively/negatively) influenced by what others have done.

Often this results on hours and hours of wandering through the hyperspace, learning about so many topics such as Europe's ancient history and languages, music theory, typography, religion, classical music, geography, philosophy, etc. Yes, it's really a huge range of topics, I know...

Then, I try to apply all this information, coupled with my beliefs, wills, life experience, and musical knowledge, by writing down concepts, exploring them, finding a rational behind all choices, creating layers and layers of intertwined concepts that, ultimately, will become an album. Without compromises or restrictions. Simply being true to my self, exploring my chosen aesthetics, rationals, and beliefs. Without censorship or prejudice. On all aspects. Music, lyrics, graphical art. All tied together in such a way that it wouldn't make sense to create it in any other way.

For all these reasons, and none in particular, I cannot say that the album I'm co-creating with a long time friend of mine should belong to a particular musical (sub)genre. Yes, from all my influences and preferred aesthetics it will have a strong emphasis on metal. Also on progressive rock. Also on ambient music. These genres afford exploring melody, harmony, rhythm, without restrictions. History and literature will have a strong impact on the lyrics, merged with philosophical matters. I want you (the listener) to be motivated to actively participate on the listening process, to find new things each time you listen to and observe the album, even after 20 times. Simply put, I want you to have the best experience as possible.

After some brainstorming sessions, the concept emerged: the tale of a day in the life of an anonymous man, his inner struggles, love and hatred, depression, and how he managed to keep himself alive and accept the suffering. It will be a good challenge to create original music that blends into these concepts, as well as weaving the lyrics onto it, and creating the visual counterpart that will reflect them.

On my next installment, I will explore the difficult process of creating an album structure. Finding the right structure, in order to fit in the concept, is not a trivial task.

Until then, keep listening, keep exploring, and feel free to comment or ask any questions.]]>