#work | MidiMike

Posts Tagged ‘#work’

“Bookin’ Inst” Made to Order

Posted: June 30, 2018 in My Tunes
Tags: # mixer, #audio, #blog, #computer, #conversation, #creative, #creativity, #digital, #guitar, #inspiration, #keyboard, #life, #media, #music, #musician, #people, #performance, #personal, #photography, #poetry, #recording, #song, #songwriter, #story, #studio, #studioengineer, #tech, #work, #writing

MSK Studio

Part of the challenge in writing songs is how difficult it might be to convey a particular feeling or message to studio musicians. All players should be heading in the same direction, playing the same tune, moving at the same tempo and so on. Creating soundscapes must be a lot like painting. Drawing the lines and forms are one thing, but which color is best? There are so many available yet each one conveys a unique mood or feeling. Sounds can be like that. We asked a guitar player/friend of ours to come up with guitar tracks for a project I was working on. This was for a cable TV project looking for sound tracks for an automotive enthusiast series. We wanted to give the guitar parts a bit of mood setting so we asked him to create tracks that would generate the feeling of …

an engine or racing car, crunchy, powerful

drive – movement – acceleration, fast, fluid

Using basically no more than the above “instructions” he gathered toys and used the word imagery to shape the sound and the playing style for these tracks. We used the same list to come up with the basic tracks for the song. This song is an adaptation of a song I wrote a long time ago and we called it The Big D Jam. I originally composed this song using the Arp Odyssey synthesizer. I programmed a pretty cool sounding bass patch and came up with the bass line and skeleton of the song. This song in its original version was performed when I was with The Personal Touch years ago. If it was a rockin’ crowd we would let Ric Ahlers jam a bit on the solo parts. I put some simple lyrics to it and it was a really fun song to play out.  Recently I pulled it out of the song closet and re-wrote the chorus. I also used new software plug-ins from my computer for all the sounds. This was amazing for me because I have all this fancy gear with cool sounds and I am not using them at all. In this post, I wanted to give you an idea how the song progressed. The new sounds are just amazingly clear and natural. I will post in the near future the complete mix with vocals and effects. When the sounds and the performance match the request or target, the song seems like it was made to order.

“B4 We Fell in Love” Things Don’t Really Change

Posted: June 26, 2018 in My Tunes
Tags: #audio, #family, #guitar, #inspiration, #music, #musician, #opinion, #performance, #personal, #poetry, #question, #questions, #recording, #song, #songwriter, #studio, #studioengineer, #vocalist, #work, #writing

Some of you may notice right away that this song is a little different. The beat is not the same as many other songs. I enjoy playing in different time signatures. Not too weird, but I like different beats and even tempo changes if done right. This song is played in 3/4 time rather than the more traditional 4/4 time. It gives it more of a waltz kind of feel to the measures. This is a straight forward recording with me and my Ovation 12 string guitar. There is a hint of a long reverb.

Castles To me, this is a rather sad song. I have seen many relationships that should last forever crumble in front of me. People that were dedicated and adored each other turned to bitter enemies. Mutual friends and family stuck with unpleasant decisions. Broken hearts and lives. Sometimes there are innocent and guilty, but not as often as you would think. The rooms themselves seem to whisper a sad tale. Even the pictures are affected by the loneliness and help tell the tragic but all too familiar tale. Using common excuses as cliche’s the chorus sums it up fairly well while the verses bounce from past to present.

This is not about the relationships that start out with lies or Jekyll/Hyde waiting for you. This is more about someone wanting to mold you. Over powering or just with persistence. These extreme situations would quickly spin out of control. Some that begin with love turn vicious. And as a reminder these are people that professed they loved each other not long ago. I don’t know how that is possible, frankly. Best wishes to you if you have ever had to deal with this situation.

Jewelry By Tree

Posted: June 21, 2018 in projects
Tags: #family, #inspiration, #life, #personal, #photography, #work

I have been urging my wife Ellen to open a shop and sell some of her art and craft creations. Learning valuable secrets about craftsmanship and trade skills from her father, Ellen absorbed everything she could get her hands on. From upholstery to gardening and straight through caning and painting, she just got better and better. Finally, after all these years she opens her first on-line store! This Etsy link will offer her necklaces and jewelry. In the future she will have outlets for her other creations.

I will include a few pictures here. She has already sold a few items and will be adding more all the time. If you are looking for gifts for yourself or others and want to find something truly beautiful and one-of-a-kind, please bookmark her site and check in from time to time so you do not miss the necklace perfect for you!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelryByTree

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The Wrong Reply: Another Tune from the Closet

Posted: June 18, 2018 in My Tunes
Tags: #audio, #computer, #conversation, #creativity, #family, #inspiration, #life, #media, #music, #notes, #people, #personal, #photography, #poetry, #tech, #truth, #work, #writing

I have been planning to pull out songs I wrote years ago that have never been recorded before (other than live jams in living room sessions…) and record them. I have been doing a bit of that lately and here is a song I posted the lyrics to earlier called “The Wrong Reply”

For a number of these songs it is difficult for me to imagine hearing the songs in any other way than with acoustic guitars and vocalists. I often think of harmonies, but adding instrumentation really opens up the choices of how the song is transformed. Many people are not aware that the popular Jimi Hendrix song, “All Along The Watch Tower”, was written by Bob Dylan! If you listen to both versions you can see how much the instrumentation and interpretation of the song can change it dramatically. There are many other examples, of course, but this is a good one as I appreciate both artists. This also demonstrates the power of doing a ‘cover tune’ someone else wrote, but that is a subject for a different article.

As with many of my recordings I play all the instruments – sometimes performing in the studio and sometimes using sounds stored on my computer. The drums are usually triggered sounds using MIDI controllers (like my keyboard or drum pads). Sometimes I will use drum loops that are pre-recorded drum patterns that you can pick and choose to match your song. My songs usually have a twist or odd groove to them and do not always lend themselves well to existing drum beats. I wanted something other than the standard drum kit sounds for this song and used other familiar percussion instruments. The bass guitar is recorded using the keyboard as MIDI triggers.

I made up the instrumental part as I forgot what I usually play there and may add a solo instrument of kind in the future.

You’re In Love

Posted: May 1, 2018 in Poetry
Tags: #conversation, #creativity, #family, #friends, #inspiration, #life, #opinion, #people, #personal, #photography, #poetry, #questions, #truth, #work, #writing

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If in the back of your mind © MSK 5-1-2016

You just can’t’ stop thinking about it.

You’re In love.

If you would risk everything

For another five minutes.

You’re In love.

Their eyes hold the answers

It will take you years to learn.

You’re In love.

When the simplest touch

Sends tremors to your core.

You’re In love.

How do you know?

What’s only spoken of?

How long can you deny?

You’re In love.

Because all it takes is a look

And you can’t help but smile.

You’re In love.

The outside world ends

When they call your name.

You’re In love.

How do you know?

You’re In love.

When will I know?

You’re In love.

Can you still deny?

You’re In love.

Here are the reasons why

You’re In love.

Their eyes hold the answers

It will take you years to learn.

You’re In love.

When the simplest touch

Sends tremors to your core.

You’re In love.

Because all it takes is a look

And you can’t help but smile.

You’re In love.

The outside world ends

When they call your name.

You’re In love.

Recovery Time

Posted: February 26, 2018 in My Tunes
Tags: #audio, #blog, #computer, #conversation, #creativity, #life, #media, #music, #people, #personal, #photography, #poetry, #tech, #work, #writing

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I guess my age and the labor-intensive job I have will collide more frequently than I would hope. The impact on my body is two-fold:

On one hand I maintain strength and flexibility.

On the other I stress muscles, tendons, bones and stamina beyond what is probably safe or healthy.

I am a dork. I like to work hard. Like walking slowly……. I can’t do it. It actually takes more effort for me to slow down and it feels awkward. I work the same way. If there is a deadline or clear goal I work harder.

Just over a week ago I went to an orthopedic doctor to perform bi-lateral carpal tunnel surgery. I could have done one hand at a time but each recovery would be about six weeks. Even if there was no time in-between – or they overlap a little, that is a long time. I don’t want to go back to work sooner, but I would like to start playing instruments and recording. If I do them both at the same time I will be ready to start working on getting my chops back up to speed sooner. If I am really lucky, there will be improvements in dexterity and endurance.

I still do things I can. I write poetry and lyrics. I look at their musical possibilities and as soon as a melody or chord progression forms I can’t let it go. I cannot play guitar or drums, and very little keyboards at this point, but I managed to put some drum loops down for my recent post: “Something To Say”. Without other instruments I wrote a melody from the drums and meter of the lyrics. Usually I would have instruments to sing against, so this is kind of working backwards from my usual creative flow. Maybe I will complete the song with other instruments. Maybe you will, and send them to me!

The Negative Power in Force of Habit

Posted: January 12, 2018 in Opinions and Observations
Tags: #conversation, #inspiration, #life, #opinion, #people, #personal, #photography, #question, #questions, #truth, #work, #writing

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Recently I was thinking about a work incident. Not to go into details, but there were so many lessons to learn. A co-worker with some minor authority over me tried to get me to ‘sacrifice something’ so that they could ‘benefit’. There was no real reason that I could connect to this request – except that they thought they should get preferential treatment because they deserved it.

When I refused with a simple but unmistakable rejecting statement, the ‘bully’ came out. Intimidation, threatening, and harassing behavior flew rapidly in my direction.

I am a rather easy person to get along with. I do not get into gossip, rumors or status. I just want to do my job, have a little fun if I can, and go home. Sometimes that is not possible, and the occasional confrontation will creep in. If personal friction happens, I will usually smooth it over and try to let it affect me as little as possible. I would rather forget it and start fresh the next time I meet the other person. But this time I wondered about being that passive and easy-going. Was I improving things? Did it make the day or life in general better? Does it really help to let people take advantage of my flexible attitude and/or position in life?

I came to the conclusion that it did not help or improve things at all. If I let a bully succeed at threatening, intimidating and harassing me, they will take their successful strategy and slam it on the next guy or girl. As a friend of mine put it; I am more likely to speak up if someone else becomes a victim than if I do. In some way to connect to the #metoo movement without being insensitive to that real concern, I needed to find not just the ability but the benefit in raising my voice. I went to company admins and filed a formal complaint. Doing nothing and ‘rolling with the punches’ does not and should not always work. At some point I learned I needed to speak up and highlight an event that in my age I could brush off easily, knowing others might not have the ability to defend or endure the hostile environment.

Is there a reason they feel so privileged and deserving of what others are denied?

I wonder why so many people in power feel it is OK to mistreat others.

Why do they think they can get away with this kind of behavior?

Because historically: they can.

I would like to break from history and change the future.

Sunsets Made Better

Posted: December 4, 2017 in Holiday
Tags: #family, #inspiration, #life, #opinion, #personal, #photography, #travel, #work, #writing

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was fortunate enough to take a trip to visit my daughter and grand kids in the D.C. Area. I was going to drive but found a flight that was not too expensive and got me in and out within my schedule. The visit was great and I had a wonderful time, but I wanted to mention the flight back.

Days are getting shorter here and the sunset comes surprisingly early. I booked an evening flight back home. As we boarded the plane, the day was ending and the sun had already started to set. When we lifted off, the sunset was just about over, with the skies a deep pink mixed with dark red. The timing was just right, and as we slowly ascended, the sunset was revived. Flying in the direction for home, the plane arched its way toward the sunset. We were not pointed directly at it so the sunset-filled horizon was visible outside the passenger windows. I sat in the aisle row, so I could not take pictures or see the entire sunset, but I could see the spectacular colors and darkening clouds peak through every window on one side of the plane.

It seemed like the pilot was chasing the sunset. Elevating and angling as needed we kept in pace with the evening light show. I am always fascinated by the view when flying. Cloud formations, landscape features, lakes and mountains and the spider web of roads can keep me entertained for hours.

As night continued to consume the daylight hours, the ground lights became more and more visible. A dazzling holiday display appeared for all willing to invest a little imagination. I could have sworn one town had a huge area of lights that resembled Santa on his sled being pulled by brightly decorated reindeer! Other areas hinting of holiday trees and festive decorations could be seen on one side of the plane as the unending sunset blazed when looking out the other. This lasted all the way home until the plane’s final decent brought the sunset and decorative lights to an end.

It was a short flight, but the never-ending sunset was just what the doctor ordered. I never opened my book or tried to close my eyes during the entire flight, thinking this was the best return home flight I could have asked for. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels for the holiday season!

Stainless Steel

Posted: September 12, 2017 in My Tunes
Tags: #audio, #creative, #family, #guitar, #inspiration, #life, #lyrics, #music, #musician, #opinion, #people, #personal, #poem, #poetry, #song, #songwriter, #story, #thanks, #truth, #work, #writer, #writing

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Fortunately, when I have too many things on my plate and never seem to get to putting some of my best lyrics to music, I have many talented friends that bail me out. Often I write poems – but almost as often I begin writing lyrics intending to put music to them at some point. Today I will share the lyrics and the original live recording to one of my favorites.

I found myself thinking of musical relationships and what, to some, becomes a long path that never gets close to ‘stardom’, whatever that is. The late-night conversations with many friends – musicians reflecting on the efforts and rewards involved in the lifestyle we have chosen – became metaphors in these lyrics.

The title “Stainless Steel” refers to one type of guitar strings. I also use silk and stainless steel strings on my Ovation 12 string guitar, but Stainless Steel captured the feeling I was surrounded by when writing the lyrics. There is a certain pride creative people get when sacrificing for their art. So many things are put on the back-burner or postponed indefinitely to accomplish turning a dream or idea into a treasure; even if it is only for a select few to enjoy. No one else may ever know what gems were created, and it appears to many that you have nothing to show for your time and talent. Only a few will understand the trade-offs you have made; those sitting around with you late at night, year after year.

In this recording my good friend, the late Mark Kelsey, plays guitar and sings. He is accompanied by Ann Ellis from my band “The Personal Touch”. Mark has worked through the arrangement a few times and I believe this is the first time Ann had heard the song. He quickly recorded for me to listen to and was later to record a final version in a professional studio where he lived. This is my favorite recording and I will always think fondly of him when I hear this recording. While the living room quality is easy to hear, the mood and inspiration comes through clearly.

In our busy lives, it is all too easy for us to overlook the efforts our friends and loved ones make for us. Sometimes it takes far too long for us to fully appreciate those acts of love. I have let many go unrecognized – unappreciated – unacknowledged until it was too late. Looking back I find myself humbled to realize how much my life would have been uplifted and how many friends deserved my – – – I do not know the correct words, but ‘praise’ seems as close as any I can think of. It may also have uplifted their lives in a time when they needed it most. It can be sad and joyous when time finally reveals the reflections of our lives.

Stainless Steel Shining Bright

Broken Glass Shattered nights

When we talk, What we feel

Lights the fire Turns the Wheel

Turns the wheel

Stainless Steel Sharp and cold

Day by day Bought and sold

Take my hand Close your eyes

Say a prayer Throw the dice

Throw the dice

Waiting for a Miracle is like waiting forever

When there’s nothing else to do

I hope that someone’s out there waiting for me baby,

The way that I ‘m waiting for you

Oh Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Deep within

Who we are What we’ve been

Reaching out Find ourselves

Kiss goodbye, What the hell

What the hell

Stainless Steel Never bends

No one blames Or defends

Smiles will fade Tears will fall

Memories of Nothing at all

Nothing at all

Waiting for a Miracle’s like waiting forever

When there’s nothing else to do

I hope that someone’s out there waiting for me baby,

The way that I ‘m waiting for you

Oh Stainless Steel

Recording Bands With A Twist!

Posted: August 16, 2017 in live Sound Reinforcement, Live Sound Reinforcement Series
Tags: #audio, #music, #tech, #work

Three

Another thing that helps recording projects is if the sound board has a number of spare Aux or FX (Effects) Sends. Some boards offer 6-8 sends for various reinforcement and recording needs. If you have multiple tracks to record the live performance, use Direct-Outs when available for each active channel on the board. Record as many separate tracks as you can for the most options during mix down. If no Direct-Outs available use those Sends! You can still record the Left and Right Main outs, then use Sends (you can use the ones not needed for monitors and effects…..) to record instruments you want to have independent mixing control later. If the board offers Sub Groups – even better. You can let the sound guru use Left and Right Main outs if they wish, and you use the Sub Groups to create 2 stereo mixes you can record as pairs. Mix the drums and rhythm section (drums, rhythm guitar and bass guitar for the most part) with a stereo image by L-R panning of appropriate channels and assigning those channels to Sub Group 1. Then take lead guitars and other instruments and hard-pan to the Left out of Sub Group 2, and the vocals hard-panned to the Right out of Sub Group 2. In only four tracks you have great bed tracks to mix with, and control over vocal processing and adjusting volume of solo or lead instruments. This still keeps that ‘live sound’ but helps create a better stereo environment and some independence when mixing and processing limited tracks.

One last set-up where I liked the results I got by using stereo in a different way with the following technique. Instead of thinking left and right as the stereo image, I set up Audience position is 1 (left), and Stage position is 2 (right). To achieve this I create a Mono mix from the sound board as described and available as above and record to channel 1 of the stereo recorder. Then I take a quality microphone and hang it from the ceiling above the center of the stage and record this on channel two…….

I dump the ‘stereo’ wave forms into my computer and you can see right away they are offset a bit: one source delayed more than the other. Recording software allows you to separate the stereo tracks and shift the start time just a little to match the other track and all of a sudden you have a new Live Stereo environment where you can hear what it sounds like to be ON STAGE, mixed with what it sounds like IN THE AUDIENCE. Try it a few times and you can get great results if you are willing to sacrifice typical stereo images!

MidiMike

Available on iTunes and CD Baby

Social Media

MSK original Songs

Posts Tagged ‘#work’

“Bookin’ Inst” Made to Order

“B4 We Fell in Love” Things Don’t Really Change

Jewelry By Tree

The Wrong Reply: Another Tune from the Closet

You’re In Love

Recovery Time

The Negative Power in Force of Habit

Sunsets Made Better

Stainless Steel

Recording Bands With A Twist!

Archives

Available on iTunes and CD Baby

Social Media

MSK original Songs

Posts Tagged ‘#work’

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