A Song a week

my guitar gently weeps

songaweek — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:23:27 +0000

because my computer is dying. Sorry, I’m a couple of days late this week due to a catastrophic computer problem. The blue screen of death is upon me with no sign of abating. Songaweek is not goin well at the moment, however this newest choon is sahweet so hopefully I can get my computer to work with me for long enough to finish it, although I won’t be able to effect it properly, so it’s gonna be rawer than I’d like. COMING SOON

Nastiness

songaweek — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:45:18 +0000

Let’s put last weeks nastiness behind us and start again! I’ve dedicated some real time for this weeks song, so no rushed last minute jobs (it’s not a dissertation). This weeks song is going REALLY well, although it always seems like that when you are doing it.
It’s called ‘crave’ and it’s a rock-y choon with, thus far, three time signatures. Starting in 7/8 and 6/8 it develops to a simple 4/4 and then, well we’ll see.
Shnoogens!

This weeks song………JUST

songaweek — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:02:59 +0000

I was cocky this week, or maybe lazy so I had to rush the hell out of it today but it’s done. I won’t be making that mistake again.
This weeks offering is an emo/punk/metal track called ‘all for you’ and I’ve just mixed it down in the last 20 minutes so lets hope it sounds okay. Oh, and I know the shouting at the end is ridiculous but, hey, there you go!
Actually having listened to it, it is a little ropey, so I’ll try and clean it up on monday.

All for you

12 hours to go

songaweek — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:38:55 +0000

It’s sunday and the song is not yet finished!
I guess I’ve still got until midnight so there are 12 hours left to finish this weeks task.
I think it will be okay………….. I KNOW it will be okay. I’ve been a little bit rubbish and haven’t spent enough time throughout the week so I’m going to have to work like crazy to get it finished.
So instead of procrastinating by posting this, I’m off to do it.
YEAH

Too much

songaweek — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:38:53 +0000

Got myself in a lot of trouble now. I’m trying to make three tracks at once.
I’m pushing myself to see if I can actually come up with something genuinely good.
At the moment I’ve got my SONGAWEEK to do which is currently an intro and a verse, but now I’m having ‘killer hook’ problems.
I guess it’s an emo-rock song but the chorus isn’t developing as well as I would hope. I’ve got an acoustic style intro and a decent pick up so the basics are there.

On top of that I’m trying to orchestrate a pop-style backing track which, again, is a bit out of my comfort zone, but it’s a good challenge.
Finally, I’m trying to make a soul inspired pop backing track, which will require live acoustic instruments. Unfortunately this is always a difficult process as the intonation has to be spot on, which is a long, laborious task.
IT’S GOOD TO BE BUSY!!!

This weeks new Track

songaweek — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:15:36 +0000

This weeks new track is a bit of a departure from my normal style. Far from my normal ‘goto’ genres of punk or hiphop, it’s actually a ‘classical’ piece.

Primarily a piano piece, but scored for orchestra as well, it is ostensibly an emotive, slow, indulgent work which I hope highlights my ability to make music that is melodic and intriguing rather than aggressive or amusing.

I’ve uploaded the track for your listening pleasure but it only represents the first movement of what will be a longer piece. The next section, of course, will be faster and with a different time signature, I think it will be in two, so maybe 6/8. We’ll see!

This weeks poll will be for a name for the piece, so far it only has a working title of In G. So any sensible suggestions would be well received, or even some ridiculous ones!

In G

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The come down

songaweek — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:26:00 +0000

After yesterday’s unbelievable confidence and ominpotence the reality of the situation has hit.

I’m trying to write an ostensibly classical piece of music for piano and full orchestra. Although the piece follows the basic rules of music theory i.e scales, cadences and so forth it seems the orchestration is gonna be problematic.

It’s gonna have to be split into several parts as my computer is not good enough to process the amount of information it needs to.

Because I’m recoring all the parts separately (of course, instead of using an orchestral sound) there are 40 tracks that the computer needs to process at one time. When you add all effects like reverb, eq, compression and so forth, the computer is tripping over itself and generally getting to me.

I’ve tried shouting at it, god help me I’ve even tried slapping it about a bit, but nothing can remedy this problem aside from purchasing a new computer.

Anyway, bitching and moaning aside, the new choon is ready (now that I’ve made loads of excuses) and the first movement will be posted soon.

VERY SOON

I've decided to punctuate my posts with all my terrible hairstyles

It’s starting to get scary

songaweek — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:58:24 +0000

I’ve finally started this week’s song. Except it’s not a song, I think I’ve said too much already.

After a disastrously horrendous day in work, it seems that my catharsis has manifested itself

in a pianistic way. I’m not one to blow my own trumpet ( I borrowed the trumpet I have and

just never gave it back) but I get the feeling this piece of auditory art may be sweet. As

unaccustomed as I am to hyperbole I think this may be a million times better than anything

ever heard before!

Bonus Choon

songaweek — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:47:39 +0000

It’s the second day and I’m already cheating!

There will still be a new song at the end of the week but as a bonus (and it is a bonus may I add) I’m posting a song I wrote a couple of months ago.

I’m throwin it out there so that hopefully there is a different genre that may appeal to more people.

Anyhoooo, this choon is called ‘So pointless’ and it is inspired by one horrendous day when I was forced to listen to Akon repeatedly. Although I don’t think ‘ll ever get over that day, I felt that this song would provide me with some level of catharsis.

Enjoy

Week 1 -Bonus choon- ‘So Pointless’

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It starts………

songaweek — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:12:58 +0000

So it’s week 1 and here is the first song.

I guess it’s an alternative rock/metal tune that I hope you enjoy.

It’s actually my first attempt at drumming on a song so let’s hope it stands up to scrutiny!

If you’re not into this genre of music, never fear, as I’m sure the ensuing weeks will provide a plethora of eclectic choons.

But for now it’s a guitar laden Tool-esque track inspired by my general feelings of misanthropy.

ENJOY

Week 1 – Imaginary Touches

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