Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:17:00 -0500
From: Frank Pirrone <frankpirrone(a)gmail.com>
<snip>
Patrick and the Band!
I either didn't make myself clear enough or I'm not myself clear on the
concept, but all that seemed to be necessary to explore this process is
what I stated in my last message:
* Song starts at a point in time with a designated originator's
idea, perhaps the chap who raised this possibility.
* He lays down a track on whatever instrument fits his
conceptualization and playing skills.
* A compressed file is uploaded to our server/repository along with
a project file appropriate to our choice of application.
* The relatively small group of participants downloads that track,
which at a few megabytes and a limited number of downloads is no
bandwidth problem at all.
* Each downloader who comes up with something they like and feel is
creditable simply uploads their compressed track.
* Now there are two tracks on the server following the first upload.
* Each track is aligned by virtue of the project file and will
automatically register correctly in that application for everyone.
* Tracks increase in number on the server, but only the new ones are
downloaded - names with cat, instrument, and timestamp will make
them clear enough.
* People share two things as matters proceed - their impressions of
the tracks being contributed, especially those duplicating a part,
say background riffs, and also their impression of how the tune is
developing.
* A fork is both uneventful and consequential to the process.
Anyone loving what they currently have in hand can simply leave it
at that and take it from there. Don't like my guitar part or
playing? Trash it and substitute yours. Love it? Okay, it's in.
* To that last point, a call or even consensus can arise saying,
"Awesome guys, that drum part is it- done, and so is the bass and
the guitar. Thanks, no more submissions needed on those tracks.:
* That's cool, my lead got in. Hmmm, I'm bored now. Wait, I'll
contribute a backing or harmony line vocal track.
* Finally, when a call or even consensus arises saying, "Damn, that
tune's a bitch. Let's go with it." once agreement is established
everyone uploads the higher quality tracks of the "winning" parts
and things move on to the mixing and mastering stage.
We'll argue over how to do that part when that bridge comes to us!
Capiche? Trash my idea if it deserves it, but just be kind...
perfectly clear and sensible. it does bring up the question of what the objective is. your
outline assumes a single, "finished" version of each of a number of songs,
agreed to by all and then published somehow. my instinct is that that is somewhat limiting
-- i.e. it eliminates alternate mixes, and requires concensus as things go. however, the
more i think about it, the more it makes sense to give the whole endeavour that sort of
structural clarity -- it increases the sense of a unified community project, and also
increases the likelihood of actually getting something "done".
'course, there may be some rogue elements who drift into quirky, personal remixes...
that's cool, too. they could be published separately by those individuals, or there
could be a section of the main site reserved for such mutations.
--
.pltk.