20 Apr
2013
20 Apr
'13
9:59 p.m.
Hello Julien
Thanks for listening and for your lengthy and thoughtful comments.
Yeah, there was a lot of multitracking: I don't have any polyphonic
synths, so I couldn't easily do chord brass stabs using other synths, I
guess I might've used Mellotron brass ordinarily. But some of the riffs
could've been achieved more easily on a two oscillator (programmable)
synth instead of by layering. Using an actual string synth would've
saved a couple of layered tracks as well.
There was a lot of bouncing of parts to free up resources as well: I
seem to have run into some freeze/bounce issues in A3, so did it
manually, creating extra tracks, recording, de-activating the originals.
It's nothing special rhythmically: starts in 11/8, then 10/8, then
free-form, then 10/8 and finally back to 11/8 with the reprise. I tend
not to solo "in time", just continuing a phrase until it ends, wherever
that may be, so I guess that makes it seem a little more complex than it
really is.
There are a lot of little "moments" that I like and I'd be hard-pressed
to choose a favourite, but I was pleased with how nicely the 12-string
electric came out. I'm glad there was plenty to tickle your ears.
I've not consciously done anything different with my drum processing --
probably just slightly less unskilled use of EQ and compression. Same
for the mix as a whole. Perhaps I'm actually learning.
But I don't have any standard ways of doing things, I just process stuff
in what seems to be the best way at the time that I'm doing it.
I tend to lean towards more sparing use of reverb, although probably not
as sparing as a lot of classic prog from the 70s. I think too little is
probably better than too much, so better to go easy.
Thanks again for listening.
Cheers
Q
On 19/04/13 20:35, Julien Claassen wrote:
Hello Q!
It's been a few months again, but worth the wait. I think, this is
the first piece, we find finished in only a few minutes. OK, the second
of yours, not forgetting Laetoli.
But my god, this definitely sounds like a LOT of multitracking. If my
ears don't decide me, the drum section also required some multitracking
as well. I only hope, that the torso op in question was on the synth in
question.
I like the dark mood of it. Yet I have to admit, that to follow all
the rhythmic complexities, will take a few more listenings. I do like
the contrast between the clear opening and reprise and the sometimes
very layered rhythmic elements of the other parts. It gives my ears time
to rest in between and then pick up and hurry along. :-)
I'm not quite sure, which bit is my favourite in this tune. The
woodwind section certainly takes a run for first place. Pitty, that it
was so short. The bit directly following the woodwind section is also up
close for my personal winner. I like the very woody, compressed sounding
bass. The third moment with a chance for best moment is the beginning
itself. The brass in combination with the rest of the arrangement really
carries it of. It sounds impressive, if not actually bombastic.
Only the very last movement, where you run up to the last climax
seems a little too complex for its own good. It all works out perfectly,
of course, but it definitely borders on the chaotic or random in the
drums and percussion.
Drums and percussion is the right keyword: you did something new to
them. You've changed mixing/processing technique, if I'm not mistaken.
The overall impression sounds even more 70s now. Especially the snare
has changed, in my ears improved. The whole kit seems more transparent.
It has bite, but no boom, wood but no mud. Overall the whole mix isvery
transparent. Partly the instrumentation I assume, but this can only
account for so much. And from my own first experiences I know, how
laboreous mixing and processing somany single tracks can be, especially,
when you need to fit them into ensemble groups again afterwards. :-)
The reverb is applied very subtlely. A touch more wouldn't have heard
my ears. Yes, the transparency would have suffered a little, but the
current mix could afford that, methinks.
All inall: splendid piece. Keep them coming. Goblin'ish or otherwise.
:-)
Kindly yours
Julien
----------------------------------------
http://juliencoder.de/nama/music.html