R/E/P Community

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

Pages: [1] 2  All   Go Down

Author Topic: Time for another song/mix contest?  (Read 5530 times)

Bivouac

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 123
Time for another song/mix contest?
« on: December 10, 2005, 10:07:35 PM »

I know they're not really contests, but demonstrations or a musical "Pot Luck" if you will.  I can't really think of the word I want to use...

Being that I'm not really in the PSW "in-crowd" or whatever, I don't really know if there is a CAPE event going or anything that would keep everyone too busy, but I think it's high time we did something again on this forum.  The drum track thing got a lot of participation, but that was, like, eight months ago...

Anyone in?
Logged

Rivers

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 61
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2005, 11:17:06 PM »

I'm in.
I really liked the drum track thing.
It was super cool to hear all the different yet equally cool ideas that sprung out of a drum take.
Logged
Smell the Magic
http://www.katp.com

j.hall

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3787
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2005, 11:21:35 PM »

come up with an idea of what we'll all do and i'll cast my vote if i'm in or not.

i'm always happy to facilitate the whole thing as usual.
Logged

NelsonL

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1233
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2005, 12:01:50 AM »

The drum thing was really fun-- for whatever reason the "write a song based on a concept" thing didn't work for me.

But I might be up for some kind of project.

How about something that incorporates Eno's "oblique strategies" approach. I don't actually know that much about the content of the cards aside from what I've read, but it could a cool way to set some parameters.

If folks are interested, google reveals a few online versions-- so it could be feasible.
Logged

Daniel Farris

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2439
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2005, 12:11:17 AM »

rattleyour wrote on Mon, 12 December 2005 05:01

How about something that incorporates Eno's "oblique strategies" approach. I don't actually know that much about the content of the cards aside from what I've read, but it could a cool way to set some parameters.


I have one of the original first edition sets from the 70's. I'll be glad to be the Keeper of the Oblique Strategies.

Here: I'll draw one at random. Hang on.

"Abandon normal instruments."

Anyway, propose a scenario, and I'll be glad to participate if possible / appropriate.

DF
Logged

Bivouac

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 123
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2005, 03:21:29 AM »

The Oblique Strategies thing is really cool.  I'll admit I had to look it up to find out what it is, but I'm glad I did.  I kind of want a deck of my own (and I'm interested in what the fourth edition and up are all about...)

Are we talking about using the cards to create lyrical content or a musical aesthetic?  Having only read a handfull of examples, I guess I'm not sure how you suggest to use them...

I might have a pretty cheesey idea that would be challenging at least.  I think I'll wait until someone completes the above idea before I introduce it though...

...I like the possibilities of the cards more

My only request in all of this would be no provided chord progressions.  I'm open to anything else, however...

Logged

NelsonL

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1233
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2005, 12:10:23 PM »

bacon skin wrote on Sun, 11 December 2005 21:11

rattleyour wrote on Mon, 12 December 2005 05:01

How about something that incorporates Eno's "oblique strategies" approach. I don't actually know that much about the content of the cards aside from what I've read, but it could a cool way to set some parameters.


I have one of the original first edition sets from the 70's. I'll be glad to be the Keeper of the Oblique Strategies.

Here: I'll draw one at random. Hang on.

"Abandon normal instruments."




That would be an awesome starting point-- maybe I'm insane though. But normal is a slippery term to start with, so that could go many different ways.

I don't really know how we would structure this per se. Maybe something like one card for writing, one for basic tracks, one card for overdubbing etc.

If a card just isn't applicable to the task at hand, Bacon could just draw again.

And yeah, the fixed chord progression thing isn't my bag either.


Logged

j.hall

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3787
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2005, 12:47:56 PM »

if we are going to set restrictions on writing like we have in the past i'd say that maybe picking an alternate tuning would be as far as i'd go.

Logged

Daniel Farris

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2439
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2005, 01:06:38 PM »

j.hall wrote on Mon, 12 December 2005 17:47

if we are going to set restrictions on writing like we have in the past i'd say that maybe picking an alternate tuning would be as far as i'd go.


I use CGDAEG (low to high) exclusively, so I'd welcome that.

So, would someone please catch me up? How do these things usually work? I've never done this before. Are we going to collaborate or work separately and compare the results? Pardon my ignorance of tradition.

I'm down for whatever, provided interest is sufficient. I'd just like to know how it's done.

DF
Logged

NelsonL

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1233
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2005, 01:30:30 PM »

bacon skin wrote on Mon, 12 December 2005 10:06

j.hall wrote on Mon, 12 December 2005 17:47

if we are going to set restrictions on writing like we have in the past i'd say that maybe picking an alternate tuning would be as far as i'd go.


I use CGDAEG (low to high) exclusively, so I'd welcome that.

So, would someone please catch me up? How do these things usually work? I've never done this before. Are we going to collaborate or work separately and compare the results? Pardon my ignorance of tradition.

I'm down for whatever, provided interest is sufficient. I'd just like to know how it's done.

DF


An alternate tuning could satisfy the "don't use normal instruments" card.

Maybe we should be using the cards to figure out what the rules are?

Bacon, as far as I know we're making the rules for this project up as we go. So everyone should feel free to chime in... I  certainly have.

Collaboration adds additional logistical issues; we haven't done it that way in the past-- except that we all used the same drums tracks for the last deal. That was the whole idea for that one.

In addition to the prescribed tuning-- what about using a programmed beat as a starting point, but with almost no restrictions, so you could manipulate the track or merely use it as a click to overdub drums with.

I'm not married to any of these ideas, so feel free to shoot them down-- I don't want to make this a drag for anyone.  
Logged

Bivouac

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 123
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2005, 02:16:25 PM »

I like the alternate tuning idea since it seems we are all (or primarily) guitar players.  It allows for enough freedom because there are no given chord changes, but has enough commonality to tie everyone's songs together.  

I do propose that we don't go any lower than D on the 6th string, however.  I know I'd personally have a TON of intonation problems going to C unless I bought some heavier strings and setup the guitars.  I wouldn't frown on tuning whatever tuning we decide to use down a whole step though if that's what you choose to do.

We should set up a poll in another thread with about six possibilities and have everyone vote.  I propose something crazy like:

-DACEBE
-DADF#AD
-DADEAD
-DAEBF#A (Bacon Skin's, only a full step higher)

You guys throw out a few more for consideration...

I think we need to establish criteria right now within the songwriting/recording process that we can draw cards for.  Everyone writes/mixes something based on the five or so cards?

I liked the starter card: Don't Use Normal Instruments.  I think the alternate tuning would suffice there.  We need to draw cards around something like lyric structure/ideas, overdubs, arrangement, mix, etc.  Again, somebody throw some more ideas out there and I'll try and organize it a little bit.  I already nominate Bacon Skin as keeper of the cards...
Logged

NelsonL

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1233
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #11 on: December 12, 2005, 02:37:36 PM »

Bivouac wrote on Mon, 12 December 2005 11:16


-DADEAD



Where'd that Oedipus thread go?

So as for the alt tuning thing, I would prefer tunings that don't require tuning any string above its standard pitch. I find it much easier to drop down as in the above quasi-Freudian tuning.

Oh yeah, low C is too low for me too. But I could always regress to 5 strings if that tuning is popular.
Logged

j.hall

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3787
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #12 on: December 12, 2005, 04:59:26 PM »

argue about the alt tunings all you want.  i couldn't care less.

i quite enjoy a little kyuss in my diet, so if we tune the 6th string to A that could be really cool.

the whole point of these things is to expand your mind, to be forced to work with something you would never gravitate toward on your own.

i started these things intentionally to serve two purposes

1.  to spark creativity outside of your normal creative work flow.  as musicians and engineers/producers we establish working habits that are comfortable to us, and have been successful in the past.  being forced to go outside of that comfort zone is scary but often leads to exploring new areas of your own self.  this is a good thing, IMO.

2.  as producers and AE's we typically confront situations with only a single mindset.  we gravitate towards bands we like and that we easily identify with musically and creatively.  being forced to move outside of that can teach you that music is music and you can work with anything given the focus and motivation.

the restrictions we place on these "events" shouldn't be something you guys are necessarily comfortable with.  they should be something that forces you into new places.  away from your comfort zone and whatever formulas you have developed over the years.

these things all tie in to what i've been trying to do with this forum for a few years now.  trying to break down a lot of the walls indie rockers put up.  are you a music lover and artist or are you just a guy in a hot topic shirt, white belt, beard, and walmart velcro shoes?

get my point?

i'll start a new thread for this when i think we have something worthy.....right now we're just brainstorming.  let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Logged

NelsonL

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1233
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2005, 05:16:59 PM »

j.hall wrote on Mon, 12 December 2005 13:59



argue about the alt tunings all you want. i couldn't care less.

i quite enjoy a little kyuss in my diet, so if we tune the 6th string to A that could be really cool.

the whole point of these things is to expand your mind, to be forced to work with something you would never gravitate toward on your own.

i started these things intentionally to serve two purposes

1. to spark creativity outside of your normal creative work flow. as musicians and engineers/producers we establish working habits that are comfortable to us, and have been successful in the past. being forced to go outside of that comfort zone is scary but often leads to exploring new areas of your own self. this is a good thing, IMO.

2. as producers and AE's we typically confront situations with only a single mindset. we gravitate towards bands we like and that we easily identify with musically and creatively. being forced to move outside of that can teach you that music is music and you can work with anything given the focus and motivation.

the restrictions we place on these "events" shouldn't be something you guys are necessarily comfortable with. they should be something that forces you into new places. away from your comfort zone and whatever formulas you have developed over the years.

these things all tie in to what i've been trying to do with this forum for a few years now. trying to break down a lot of the walls indie rockers put up. are you a music lover and artist or are you just a guy in a hot topic shirt, white belt, beard, and walmart velcro shoes?

get my point?

i'll start a new thread for this when i think we have something worthy.....right now we're just brainstorming. let's not get ahead of ourselves.





My belt is brown, it's from Bates Bros. in Stillwater OK. I got it from my grandfather's closet after he passed away.

Therefore... I quit!

Tune your guitar to your first name for all I care.

OK, seriously-- I don't really care what the tuning is. Let's just say alternate tuning TBD and figure out what else we're doing so His Royal Highness the Thread Master will give us a venue.  

As for getting out of the comfort zone, I hereby volunteer to two hand tap my entire composition.

Logged

pg666

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 332
Re: Time for another song/mix contest?
« Reply #14 on: December 12, 2005, 05:35:39 PM »

just some ideas:

-record a song (minimum of 3 instruments) with only 1 mic (of your choice)

-make a song where the goal is to make all the sounds unrecognizable from their sources. if others can tell what's what, you 'lose'

-find an old, short silent film and have everyone compose a soundtrack for it.

-make the worst song you possibly can. take all the elements you feel make music horrible and exploit all of them as far as you can. (though this is one is probably more interesting 'in theory')



Logged
Pages: [1] 2  All   Go Up
 

Site Hosted By Ashdown Technologies, Inc.

Page created in 0.193 seconds with 22 queries.