Exploring a career in the creative sector.

1.1, Outline the key sources of information.

Music Producer

• Youtube

These tutorials are key sources of information for todays music production methods, they're free and offer vital information on the basics of a DAW ( digital audio workstation ) which the person can then use to start their musical career. 

• Record label's website

This is Sony Records website, it offers information on what they do as a record label and they even have a 'careers' section. This section shows how to contact Sony Records if you are looking to get signed to their label.

• Personal experience

This website shown here is Audiotool. This is where i started my musical adventure. I taught myself the basics of music production. Doing this I eventually gained followers and I kept to the trend of music popularity.  I managed to get some experience in many genres such as Hip-hop, House, Electro, Dup-step, Trap. 

• Tutor

A music tutor is a vital source of both information and skills in terms of music theory and production. Having a tutor will help you learn how to play an instrument and how to understand music theory.

• College

This is Leeds College Of Music's website. On it, you will find key information on how to apply there and it offers an insight into what you can do an learn there.  Doing a course at music college will look great on your CV if you're wanting to have a career in the creative sector, showing you're dedicated to the industry. 

• Internet

The internet is an amazing source of information. Here is an example, I 'googled' Music Production, instantly 250,000,000 results came up. This is extremely useful as you will be able to access this information almost instantly.

1.2 Outline a range of job roles in the sector

• Music producer

• In order to get a job in music production, its advantageous to have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Production. However, the biggest asset is pure talent and dedication. You should have a sense of what's popular in the charts so you can evolve your production around that.

• Sync artist ( Making music for movies, video games e.t.c )

This is a very difficult area to get into, and you have to get in via word of mouth, or send your portfolio to a sync company that is just starting up. This includes adding sound effects to the movie to add atmosphere and drama to a scene, hoping to grab the viewer's attention; key in a trailer as you'd want them to watch the movie and tell their friends about it.

    

• Singer. To be singer it would mean that you write lyrics and sing them to a song. You would travel a lot and work with a variation of different producers. One example of a singer/ rapper would be MF DOOM, he is a rapper and only raps, but he works with lots of producers to make his tracks. 
  

1.3 outline two ares of training or work of your own interest

• Take a course at Leeds College Of Music - BTEC level 3 music technology. Being at college allows you to meet people learning the same course as you. Also you can learn the most current ways of music production. You can also share ideas with college friends and form very important and lasting relationships.

Private Tuition course,
These are useful as they are one of the best ways in which a person can gain information and skills.

2.1 Outline own options for developing skills and acquiring knowledge, towards achieving career aims.

• Online

 There is lots of information on available online, and courses based around music production. One place where you can find useful, relevant and qualified information would be Youtube

• College, further education.
• Working with friends, colleges, groups 
• Working in a band
• Volunteering 

2.2 Identify actions to take to archeive goals

• Creating a CV
• Look for apprenticeships in your field of work
• Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find out about things and you have more of a chance of being referred by someone that has good influence.
• College course
• Work experience is still seen as more relevant and more valuable that qualifications as you have hands-on experience.
• Volunteering is good because you can learn key skills; also showing that you're dedicated to get that job and it will look very appealing on your CV.

3.1 Identify the elements of a CV

• Showing your qualifications and achievements. By doing this, you will show your self to be a good learner and that you've excelled
• Work experience is still seen as more relevant and more valuable that qualifications as you have hands-on experience.
• Self promotion - write a profile/personal statement, you need to "sell yourself", basically show all your good traits; hoping to impress your employer.
• Show your strengths, by doing this you will show that you work well and efficiently under stress 
• Show how transferable your skills are
• Show your positive attitude, by doing this you will show that you are a person that works well with others and works well, even in stressful situations.
• display aptitude, this shows how capable you are, and that you are knowledgeable in terms of music. 

3.2 Outline the ways a CV, Portfolio or repertoire could be used.

Your CV should be presented to your employer to show your strengths in the field of music, showing you have a gift and that you should be employed by them. A good CV will include things such as any work experience, personal experience and evidence of work. It is advised that you adapt your CV to your job that you're applying for, for instance, show your skills for that job. 

When you show your quals in your CV it shows your employer that you're dedicated to learn and determined to work. Also if you've done work experience, you will know how to work efficiently and professionally. 

You should say that you're very punctual. This tells your employer that you're reliable and that you can be trusted to be on time, polite and friendly.

Showing things about your self allows your employer to see your character and you will stand out from the other CV's if you show that you're bubbly and adventurous and positive.

With the advent of the internet it has made things more easier in terms of your CV.

For instance, you can have your CV file saved in the cloud; accessible from any computer with wifi access. 

Make sure that your CV is appealing, clean and easy to the eye. Use modern fonts, subtle colours to separate sections and don't write walls and walls of text.

Discovering music - know about the main types of popular music

The definition of popular music is a type of music that is viewed, purchased, shared listened to and or enjoyed by large amount of people.

pop music is short for popular music which coveres many genres and artists. genres under the category can be hip-hop, rock, EDM (electronic dance music) and indie.

• hip-hop: Hip-hop started in the 1970's and gradually became culturally popular by the 90's
• Edm : edm as a genre started in the 90's but became popular in the 2000's 
• rock : rock started in the 1950's and was known as rock and roll, but as it became more and more popular and was shortened to just rock.
• indie : this genre started in the uk and in the 1980's and became mainstream in the 1990's

one example of a hip-hop producer is xxyyxx, he produces relaxed hip-hop one example of his tracks is 'breeze' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smNTG6zqwfI. - Breeze

this track starts off as a slow beat with a vocal sample that has been pitch shifted. As the track progresses the vocals are chopped, the beat becomes more of a hip-hop beat and a some synth chords are in the background towards the end.

Another example of a hip-hop artist is Biggie Smalls, he raps over hip-hop. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JZom_gVfuw biggie smalls ''juicy'' - the track starts off as a simple hip-hop beat, which then is complimented by a rap segment. As the track progresses the beat becomes more complex and other instruments are brought in, such as a subtle bass. The main characteristic is His rap vocals.

Types of EDM producers are Skrillex, Deadmau5 and Example. they produce house, dubstep and pop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJVmu6yttiw Bangerang - This track starts off with a guitar sample which is then complimented with vocals. As the intro progresses a heavy dubstep beat is introduced along with some heavy synth bass growls. The main characteristic, was the drums and the heavy bass wobbles, blips and growls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGi4hNgyhik We'll be coming back for you - The main characteristic is the vocals and the dance beat as it goes on for the majority of the track. Also in the background there's instruments like a range of synths with some guitars. 

The main similarities between the 4 of the tracks i've chosen are that they rely on some form on controversy to catch the listeners attention in from of explicit vocals, videos and names. Also they use a lot of vocal work, whether it be in the form of chopped samples, acapellas or raps.
The main differences are the way in which the vocals are introduced. For instance in hip-hop there is a lot of rapping which is a form of speaking, usually about the rappers life and things that are special to him or her. In rock the vocals are usually about anarchy and rebellion.




Xxyyxx Breeze.
The reason why i have chosen this track out of his wide selection is because of one very important reason. Listening to it gives me a sense of euphoria and happiness. This track gives this effect on me because it's everything i like musically in one track: hip-hop, synth and chill. It's perfect for me.

Biggie smalls, ''juicy''
I chose this track as it's a great example of hip-hop, from his meaningful rapping to the percussion. The entire track has a good vibe and i enjoy it. 

Skrillex, Bangerang.
I don't like this track very much as it's repetitive. I chose it though as it's a very popular track and fits with the purpose of the blog. The drums in this are good as they are punchy. The sound design in the synth work is rather nice although put to shame by being over used.
Calvin Harris Ft. Example We'll be coming back for you.
I chose this track as it's a good pop track and has a range of instruments, synths, guitar, drums and vocals. I like this as it's catchy and flows well.

Discovering music , 20/3/14

name: Charles Dancla
date of birth: 19th december 1817
nationality: French
date of death: 10th october 1907
type of composer: romantic classical
period: classical
secular or sacred: secular

The piece i am going to provide feed back on is : Charles Dancla- Variations on a Theme by Pacini Op.89 № 1.

This piece starts of as short and soft melodies of piano notes. It was then complimented by a violin, as this happened the piano work became softer. The piano work then became more powerful and joyful and had a counter melody against the short jabs of the violin.

The main characteristic of this piece is most definitely the violin, as it is played the loudest and is played in a very melodic fashion with allot of dynamics. The violin is complemented by a piano that has allot of dynamics and counter melodies to the string work. The tempo of this piece is constantly changing, from slow to fast.

This piece has an impact on me in a positive way, making me feel relaxed and happy, the reason for this is the fact that the piano is played softly , with joyful melodies. And the string is played in long notes, then short 'happy' counter melodies to the piano.

The key similarities and differences between all four of the pieces i looked at are that they all seem to have some string work , weather it be the main characteristic or just a complement to the piece. The differences are the purpose of which they were composed, one was sacred - to be played in a church environment. The other 3 were secular, which means they are meant to be played in a theatre. Also in all four of the pieces there was a lot of melody and counter melody work, with lots of different dynamics.

discovering music. Samuel Barber 13/3/15

Date of birth: 1910
date of death: 1981
type of music: 20th century classical
sacred or secular: sacred
most famous piece: Angus Dei ''lamb of god''
nationality: America
when the piece was written: 1967

This piece clearly stands out at very sacred and precious, i feel this way because the vocals are very heavenly and relaxing. In the beginning the vocals started off and gradually began to increase in power,  also the impact of the vocals was strong on me as it made me think of heaven and serenity. As the piece progressed the vocals began to build up in to a range of different octaves from deep, high and mid. There were no instruments, only vocals. This makes it feel more power full as my ears are concentrating on one type of sound this adds to the sacred ambiance. 

The main characteristics of the piece are the vocals. They stand out to me and therefore i find them to be strong and thought provoking.

discovering music 13/3/15. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

nationality: Austrian.

date of birth: 1756.

date of death: 1791.

type of composer: Classical.

it is secular.

This piece of music is called Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Movt 1 was written in on 10th august 1787, which is from the classical period: This has a extraordinary vibe to it and is instantly recognisable because it has been played globally for years and has a very powerful and familiar impact. It makes me feel joyful as the notes from the strings are high pitch and played in a fast and short melody. In the beginning there was just strings. and stayed strings thorough the whole track. The tempo was slow but increased. It did this in a roller coaster type fashion, meaning it goes up and down in speed, there was also small parts of counter melodies : fast and slow.

Possibly, the types of instruments that have been chosen is why i like this piece so much they are thought invoking. 

the main characteristics of this track are the dynamics because they differ throughout the track. Also the power and impact of the strings are noticeable as they start off soft but then become very powerful.

Discovering music. 6/3/15 - Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach: 1685 - 1750.
nationality: German
date what the Brandenburg Concerto No 1 was written: 1721
he was a brooch composer:1600-1750

The  Brandenburg Concerto No 1 - Allegro is from the baroque period. ( 1600 - 1750 )
some of the main characteristics are in the instrumentation, i could hear woodwinds, strings. but the main characteristic was the strings as they were most prominent and had melodies and counter melodies. there was lots of counter melodies as different instruments were brought in and out. The tempo varies are very subtle throughout the track from slow to mid tempo.

The mood that this track gives off is very relaxing and subtle. The reason why it is relaxing is because the strings are very soft and soothing. Also the melodies of the main strings are joy full and are complimented with counter melodies from instruments like wood winds, this makes me feel happy and calm at the same time.

It is a secular piece, which was part of a series of concerts which were widely considered to be some of the best of the period. He was one of the best Baroque composers and as a result when he passed away, baroque as a stopped and then came classical.

 Beethoven's 5th Symphony: 
every time i hear the main riff in the symphony the tempo changes , it goes slower and gives a impact to the sound and creates tension with a smooth movement. The tempo keeps going faster and slower , like a roller coster. It creates a very dramatic mood.

Diana Ross - Love hang over:

It starts with a smooth and slow tempo, this makes me feel relaxed, chilled. The tempo is also nice and steady. When the tempo changes it goes faster and makes the vibe feel like a disco party

Ike and Tina Turner - Proud Mary: in the beginning the tempo is slow and chilled. This makes me feel calm and relaxed. When the tempo changes the groove feels faster because the tempo is faster and makes me want to dance and makes me smile.

Radiohead - Paranoid Android:

The tempo started slow in the beginning and creates a relaxed yet dark feel. When the tempo changes it becomes slower and softer, this makes me feel calmer: even though the atmosphere is heavier and darker and sad

Queen Bohemian rhapsody:

the tempo is slow at the start , it is an accapella. it is calm because it's slow, this creates a feeling of sadness. Half way through the song the tempo becomes faster and and gains energy and becomes very dramatic and theatrical, the speed of the tempo fluctuates from slow to fast then slower. Like a roller coaster. At the end the the tempo gets slower with the same energy and then the energy gets slower, then becomes very slow and ambiguous and its all over the place and its hard to interpretate.  this makes  me listen closely to the fine details of the tempo and track

music for performance - task 3

my task is to look at 2 different types of 'world music' and describe them in a detailed and methodical way.



Japanese Koto music.

koto music makes me feel extremely relaxed and at peace because the notes are in a slow pace but played off beat so it's not repetitive. I think of red cherry blossoms gently flowing in the wind whilst the sun is setting. The placement of the notes is random and adds to the overall atmosphere. Also throughout the track lots of instruments are introduced like violins, flutes and harps as well as the koto.


Classical Indian Music.

This type of music makes me feel calm and relaxed. The reason for this is the instruments have a very soothing sound and aren't played fast. there is a gradual grove to the track as the bongo drums are introduced slowly. the combination of all the instalments sound very soothing and this type of music would be something I'd listen to before i sleep.


Japanese Koto Music & Indian Classical Music Comparison.

These two genres of 'world music' are very similar in that they are relaxing and make me feel calm. They sound very unique

Music For Performance , My Sound Clip.

What i did for this project is, i muted the original sound clip and i added my own sounds to make the atmosphere sound as fitting as possible. I did this by researching through some tracks i had downloaded previously. In the scene where the rocket was preparing for launch, i added a fast pace drum and bass track. Where the rocket boosters separate i add an explosion sound and cut the track abruptly  to ambient sounds which take you right into the action. Where the film has parts in space i make the background music calm to enhance the majesty of space and also to show how vast space can be. Also there was a scene where one of the scientist was looking at a picture of his child so i add sounds of children laughing to show that he misses his child and is remembering the happy times he had shared.

Later on when they reached "Europa" i placed a sound clip of the movie where astronauts are speaking over the radio. Then when they land i add subtle sound such as a little knock sound when the space drill hits the icy surface. Later on there is a scene where an astronaut lands on the surface and the video suggests a scary / eire scene so i add a heart beat that gets slightly louder, then i add roaring sounds to make the scene scarier. Finally where the video comes to an end i added a bleeping sound as an astronaut is thrown from the ship suggesting he is in severe trouble, then i add a vinyl stop sound where the clip ended.

I feel as if i captured the atmosphere well because i made sure the sounds were powerfull and well suited to the video. Also the sound placement  helped create a excited yet dark atmosphere which i was aiming for.

Music For Performance / Plan & Review Own Learning.

Alien 3: The atmosphere of the sound track was very tense and scary, also i thought the sound design was well constructed as it gave me the feeling of constant danger and it look fast paced. It gave off a very dark and violent atmosphere. The sound effects used for e.g. the door closing gave it have a very violent and punchy vibe. Overall i thought the trailer was a very well constructed piece and made me feel like i wanted to see the movie. The sound effects made it very realistic and i could feel my heart beat increasing as the video progressed.

baby group dancing : Over all i think the choice of music is very fitting because it was very retro because roller blades were "in" in the 80's so it is very thought provoking and. And it's up beat and "funky" which makes the listener feel happy. The track in the video has a very fun and up lifting feel. Also there is also slight reminders of the product as there are little water droplet sounds in the back ground as the track plays.

Apocalypse now helicopter scene : The orchestral sound track fits very well because it gives you a sense of excitement. And the female vocals make it have a dramatic feeling. After watching the trailer it made me want to see the film. Dramatic and powerful , those are the ways I'd describe the impact this film gives. The soundtrack makes you feel excited, pumped and it raises your adrenaline levels.

Charlie Chaplin the cage : The music matched to his movements in a funny way but also very nerve wrecking. viewing this4 makes my heartbeat raise dramatically whilst he was almost attacked by the lion. However the music contradicted the scene and made me feel joyful.  It also has a very funny / scary atmosphere that is perfectly executed.

Overall after watching these clips i can see how much music can change the mood / atmosphere of a video. Small things such as the sound of doors slamming or the sound of electrical wires exploding really change the feeling if the video and can decide the whole viewing experience. sound effects can be used to elevate the intensity and atmospheric aura of scary and fast paced scenes by doing things such as adding a rising orchestral violin , elevating the bpm. It can also be used to make the scene have a very happy and joyful vibe.

My Performance.

3.1. Outline the nature and context of a given performance, referring to a given brief.

In my performance I chose to use electro house, I looked at other genres before such as Dub step or hip-hop but I already have already got a track that I made called polygon and it’s a good bed to use as I know it by heart. For the past few weeks I have researched and looked at samples. I looked on you tube for songs and sampled parts out of the ones I liked. I made samples and one shots. With the samples and edited them and added effects using Ableton. I used effects such as the compressor to make the sample louder, delay to give it a more open sound etc. I learned a lot on how to use the ableton push pad, and I’ve developed a lot of confidence with using the device and it was used as the main ‘tool’ for my improv performance as I used it to trigger samples, oneshots and add effects to polygon, my electro house track.

I had the samples saved for future use and made sure they would work in the performance.  In the actual performance I used the Ableton push pad to trigger samples and to change the sound of the track. I used samples for a rise to add excitement before the drop, i played synths notes manually using the push pad over the first drop. I then used a repeat effect on the push pad to make the drop unique, I then sweeped the frequency of the whole track , without samples to fade it out to finish the track. 

Over all what i did for my performance i did an electro house/dance set. I have learned how to a compressor, delays,reverbs, the push pad. I also learned how to to bring in the track by changing the frequencies using the push pad.I also learned how to research, make and modify samples which i then triggered using the push pad.By using the push pad and having lots of practise i now feel very confident on using it. Since i have started my confidence had risen significantly both in my music production and my performance skills. 

4.1. Make creative suggestions about own contributions and the work of the group.

In my performance i feel like i should have made my sample trigger on time, I also feel as if i needed more practice. Not on the Push Controller but the fact that i needed to be more smoother with my timing. I liked how i changed up the track and it went well and gave the track more of an up beat feel, I tried to use as much things as i could with the controller and i think the performance as a whole went well. To make my improv performance fit in a bigger production i feel it should have more samples and be shorter so the crowd does not get board.

Showing my understanding of the task given to me by: researching my improving my improvising skills.

so far i understand my set task and i am going to show that Ive understood how to improvise. In the first week i looked at how to improvise over a track and i learnt the basics for live improvising. In the second week i downloaded tracks from you tube and created my own samples using ableton live by cutting out specific parts of a track to make one shots for later use. In the third week I looked at tracks for specific samples and looked in detail at the samples i need to go towards my performance, however i felt very un-inspired and found it difficult to find the samples i need.

In my live performance i am to make the genre electro house, I chose this because my track that i produced is electro house and i feel confident in that genre and also the track it's self as i know it off by heart. This means ill be able to do a performance in which i feel confident which will hopefully contrast to the audience.
I'm going to put my improvising skills to the best of my ability. As the track progresses ill add effects and samples in key places to liven things up. Not only will i add samples i will change the whole track by adding cool down sections be altering the mids, highs and lows and adding effects such as gate, stutter and speed.
I am going to Production room to look at audio equipment and see whats available to use .

Looking for specific sounds to sample out of tracks. 7/11/14

today i was browsing on youtube to listen to tracks and find sounds that i liked. I looked at lots of different genres such as ; chill step, house, electro. I looked at my own tracks to see if i could sample anything however none of my tracks are meant for live improv. I am still looking for sounds to sample however i am feeling un-inspired and im finding it hard to find sounds that go with the flow.So i shall continue.

making one-shots and editing synths. 24/10/14

Today i spent more time downloading tracks form the Internet and imported them into Ableton and cropped the part out i wanted using the 'simpler'. After that i then put all the samples into a folder for future use. I feel very confident now on getting the right sounds and how to make them into my own custom one-shots. Later on i used the push pad to finely tune synths for example, increasing or decreasing attack, delay, reverb and frequencies. I then saved those sounds as presets for future use.

Writing the type of track.

today i am going to be working on my house / dance track. I need to make sure it dosen't sound the same throughout the track, i will do this by looking for samples that will be added in as the track plays it's course. i won't just be looking for samples i will look at different types of genres to get inspiration of how to layout the track. I also used the push pad today and got to grips with the device and added a synth solo and melody on top of my existing track called 'polygon'. I then used a voice sample from the web and chopped the part out i wanted and triggered it using the sampler in ableton into the track as it progressed. i didn't just add samples i used FX, such as reverb and delay, to make them sound much more pleasing. I enjoyed working with the push because its very satisfying when i make a synth chord or sample compliment my track so well!
After everything i've looked at i've decided to use my own track because i made it and i know the 'feel' of the track, which makes it perfect as i can make my performance sound high quality as ill feel confident working with it.

how far do i think i've come ?; 

Having used the push pad for a 3 week period i feel that im very confident in using it with both a solo and a live performance. This means that i've developed my skills in improvisation which is key for my gig. Ive also developed my skills in sample usage and know when or when not to key them into a track.
I found out that with the pad you can add lots of fx and ive used them in practice sessions to make the synth lead or sample sound 'alive'.

sample cutting / making oneshots;

Today i am going to be selecting samples and cropping them to cut out parts of the sound that i like to make oneshots to then add into my performance

My Plan 3/10/14

My Plan:



track selection:

i'd like to use mostly Dub-Step and mix in some custom beats to compliment the flow of the bass,
throughout the track i'll add in solo parts e.g custom beats, re-sampled parts of a drop and a solo.
In the actual performance i will use about 4 tracks in total but cut the parts out i want and add them together to make my performance a maximum of 6 minutes.

Venue details:

I would like to do my performance in front of a few friends in a small venue, 

preferably 20 people max. But i want to make sure its safe. The venue must have fire exits within close proximity, no smoking, no drinks on the stage and make sure there's room for the audience so they don't get cramped. I would like to have some lights hooked up to the equipment so that as the beat progresses the lights flash, ( as a kick is processed a light pulses). I'll need a good PA and it will be a standing audience. I would need a stage so all the crowd can see my performance and experience the vibe. Time, 8:30 friday december 5th, closing at 9:00 for my solo performance and an hour set with kieran.


Equipment:

i will use the Ableton push pad to make beats as the track progresses and add in samples in an improvised manor. I will be connecting the push to a laptop and have albeton live 9 running. I'll need a big PA set.

Push Pad- 3/10/14.

today i have worked on the push pad to better my skills and to get to know the device. ive made a beat along with chords and a bass line. I ve looked at how to apply fx to the samples and make them sound different. ive also looked different instruments and adding them to the track. I also looked at artists such as James Blake, Amoeba and a fiew onthers to get an idea of what to look for as the track progresses.

music improvisation and performance skills.

Friday 19^th September

I am going to start looking at using Ableton to create beats and improvise in a live performance.

One of the tracks I looked at was 

Flux Pavilion - Lines In Wax (feat. Foreign Beggars), 

i really like the bass drop in this track but i don't like the vocals. i got the track from youtube, here's the link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx2nH2RJEAA 

Another track i saw was funt case 50 caliber, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP55VCEhRKs when the drop kicks in i think it sounds really, really good ! so im thinking about either using the part at 0:11 to 0:22 as the drop build up ,  also maybe use some of the YOY bass sounds and sample them in.

Cookie Monsta & Flux Pavilion - Come Find Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPe-2ToNpVE

 

in this picture i was using the ableton push to make beats as i go along, i really enjoyed using this device as i learnt so much in terms of making sure the beat is in bar and in tempo.     

in this picture i was using ableton again and was using the quantize feature because i recorded in a kick pattern , but it wasn't quantized so i used the CMD + U feature. 

Here i was listening to the timing of the beat, and added more sounds in as the  beat was progressing.I was improvising and experimented with different sounds and beats form ableton's sample bank, chose the ones that sounded good and then placed them into the beat