As Part II of this series I will post the rough version of the heart of the musical components starting with the Piano and basic arrangement of the new song, “My Heart Is Silent”. © 2016. Click here to read Part I.
For the Piano we are using an 88 wood weighted keyboard controller. It is an older Yamaha KX88. As you will remember from the MIDI series posted earlier (LINK) the KX88 makes no sound at all. While it has the play and feel of a real piano, it sits on a keyboard stand and I use the MIDI OUT to connect through a router I have straight to the computer. In future posts I will go into more detail on how the sounds are generated and what I am using to get each sound. We recorded a few passes and because this is MIDI, I had the ability to move pieces around as we focused in on the arrangement.
The piano player listened to a glorified ‘click track’ I created with a MIDI drum controller from my Alesis Control Pad. It has 8 assignable trigger pads and a cymbal trigger that can be set to trigger sounds from any MIDI device, but again I am going straight to the computer and using internal sounds for the drum parts. This way we can record the piano part with the correct tempo even though there are no other instruments recorded yet. This also makes editing easier if everything fits within the measures. When we rearranged the sections I ‘cut and paste’ parts from one place to another just the way you would with a Word document. This makes life much easier for the recording engineer (yours truly). If this was recorded with a microphone and without the click track it would be awkward to work with.
The KX88 also has sustain and volume controller pedals attached, so to the piano player it acts and feels quite natural. Mack E. is my partner in creating this new song. He read the lyrics I wrote to “My Heart Is Silent” and asked if he could take them home and work on the music. This is a theme he has had in his personal arsenal for a while. He played a bit with the tune and came up with a melody for the lyrics. We worked on the arrangement until we were happy with it and here is the rough version of the piano chords. We will add other instruments and vocals later but for now we have a good foundation for the song so we can build support instruments to fill out the song.
MidiMike 
I like it. I don’t know anything about the pianos but the sound was smooth and calming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good. I was hoping to have the music match the lyrics as I envision waking up each day feeling calm and optimistic, before the busy life kicks in with all its demands. The strings keep the slow pace as if watching the sun rise. Well, those are my feelings when I listen! Thank you so much for the comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome. I wish I had learned how to play keyboards. I think it would open a lot of songwriting possibilities for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! My good friend Mack is playing the piano parts on this one, but I am glad I learned. I am self taught. I consider myself a keyboard player and not a piano player and there are some important differences there, but being able to use music to describe emotions and moods is very helpful for me. It allows my lyrics or poetry to take flight and get off the ground so to speak. You still have plenty of time, you know! I did not start playing keyboards until I was in my 30’s!!!
LikeLike
Ha, ha! I’m older than that!! All the same, I think my knowledge of music may help me catch on quickly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As you know, the thing about the piano is all the notes are in line. Unlike the guitar, wind instruments, brass, etc., you can instantly tell ‘where you are’. A few chords, a little practice of a few scales and your experience will kick in and let your ear and heart take over.
LikeLike
One can only hope!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have faith!
LikeLike
Very cool Mike.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! More changes to come LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This rough version is better than any song I ever finished 😀 I really like the strings, as they seem calmer compared to the piano chords. It’s a good contrast. Keep up the good work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you like it. I agree with you comment about the strings keeping the calm feeling in the background. Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW, this is way more high-tech than I ever imagined, Mike. I think back to guys in their garages–couple guitars and a drum set (Buddy Holly)… Have a blessed weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was one of those guys in the garage so I know what you mean! I was the drummer back then and it comes in really handy now! Thank you and take care.
LikeLike
Aha! So that high-tech keyboard/piano instrument is not your main “bag” (sheesh, I’m really dating myself!)–you take care too, you know you’re always in my prayers 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, not really. I started with percussion instruments. I did not start playing keyboards until I was around thirty years old. I started recording WAY before that, so the tech side did hit me early. But I think drums and rhythms were the root in music for me. I drifted to any instrument I could get my hands on after that. From flute to sax to bass guitar to vocals, rhythm guitar and keyboards, I enjoyed them all. Thank you – and I do know. That is what friends are for!
LikeLike
I’m impressed–you’re very talented. I wish I could at least sing on key, but I already know I won’t make the angels’ choir–maybe they’ll let me write hymn lyrics 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Thanks again. Humans are so amazingly creative. Don’t wait that long LOL!
LikeLike
Thanks, I’ll take that as a “tip” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Coming from an old guy like me it is just good advice.
LikeLike
From an old guy to an old gal 🙂
LikeLike
Ahhh. The beauty of speaking the same language LOL!
LikeLike
It is kind of nice–I heard a great description today: had to call my bank about something and referred to myself as “old”. The Customer Service gal replied to my inquiry by substituting ‘old’ with, “a person of your stature”. I haven’t laughed with so much joy in weeks!! What an elegant euphemism!
LikeLike
I know what you mean! It is hard to think of myself as old, though my body too often reminds me LOL. At least we get a little respect now and then! And a good laugh every so often.
LikeLike
Yes, I don’t know why I’m so stunned when my body tells me the facts of my years’ wear and tear–guess I expected to be somewhat bionic till I croaked! Laughing (and prayer) is really the only way to deal with it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Nature’s nasty reminders. I rarely look in the mirror and when it happens I am caught a little off-guard. It is like not seeing grand children for a while and realizing how much they have grown! My older brother said he felt like a man of steel most his life and when his health failed suddenly he felt more like a bucket of rust.
Keep laughing, avoid the mirror, enjoy the moment.
LikeLike
Bucket of rust–YES! Take care, Mike 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, you too!
LikeLike
Will do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done, both of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! This song has a few more surprises coming. Stay tuned LOL!
LikeLike
I closed my eyes as I listened to the music. I love the piano and the combination of the strings with it. Very peaceful. Looking forward to the next part!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is rather enchanting. I listen to this rough mix fairly often. I guarantee a few surprises coming with this song!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lyrics and music, incredible match. So heart-felt, with joyousness bursting through. Perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I appreciate the comments a bunch. We have a few twists yet for this tune. Updates coming soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Part II of Making a Song […]
LikeLike
[…] A Song in the Making Part II […]
LikeLiked by 1 person