Yes lads and gents... it has been one year. One whole year.... If you can't believe it, how can I?
I specifically remember writing my first post here on The Local Natives one year ago tonight. Except that when I was done with the post it was about 4am in the morning. Tonight cannot possibly run on that long, and if you haven't had a chance to read the The Local Natives post, or listen to some of their music, then I implore you to do so.
In the meantime, I wanted to update the masses (all 15 of you) that I have been doubling down on my efforts on the music production side of things. What does this mean you ask? Well... as you may have noticed you haven't seen any finished products yet. Why is that? A couple of reasons..
1. Mixing with headphones is very difficult.
a. The Bose cans I have been using are specifically designed to make crappy music sound good. This is why my mixes are so ridiculous, but not the only reason. So I am looking into purchasing some new KRK Rockit8s, and a new set of cans (Beyerdynamic 770s). That should help in the mixing, as I also purchased a book to help in sound design and mixing. Lots of reading!
2. Ableton is 50x the tool I thought it was. When I thought of mixing, I assumed it was just, you put all these tracks together, adjusted the volume, and boom.. song. Not the case. There are 50 different kinds of filters, EQing, Compressing, Mastering... you name it. I was in way over my head, but luckily I really enjoy reading about this kind of stuff, and I am learning. It is a truly incredible tool.
3. I have spent the vast majority of my time reading about Ableton, watching videos on how to make Dubstep beats like Skrillex, and trying to match the lessons therein. It has been utterly fascinating, and it.. takes... hours....
This means that I have not really put too much time into actual production, I.E. creating songs that I want people to hear that I am not embarrassed to release. I will say though that I am on the fast track to making that happen, way more so than I was ever before. I have learned so much even this week, and I am absolutely starving for more.
It is so funny, you try and put a deadline on a hobby just to simply do it, and what ends up happening is that you make just as many excuses as to why you can't get that done as you would if you hadn't finished a work project. I absolutely view this as a hobby (obviously), but I am committed to making this the year of acceleration. I am going to be busting my hobby-ass to make this happen. There are many things that I want in life, from the petty to the not so petty, but my biggest dream is to be able to create music. 2012 is the year. No doubt. Even if I don't complete all of an album, I want to be damn close to finishing one, EP or LP.
They say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert. I'm working on it.
So enough about me, what do you think about me... onto some music.
GOLD PANDA - MARRIAGE (STAR SLINGER REMIX)
This song is absolutely as tight as it can be. I am thoroughly impressed by some of the sonic techniques employed here. I love the hat paired with the kick, as it really brings it through in the mix, and I think the snares that connect the kicks are just as compelling from a beat-standpoint. I am obsessed with the melody, and I love the breakbeat style of everything. Some of the synths in the breakdowns are a tad cheesy sounding, but the overall mix is truly impeccable. I don't see it as muddy at all, and I think the musical showmanship is over the top amazing. I think some of the analog sounds they use are incredible as well. This really is a great beat to jam in the car on full blast. Check it out..
ELECTRIC GUEST - THIS HEAD I HOLD
Calling all the Alt-rock fans. This is a great jam. I love the reverb/distortion they have on the vocals, and I think the overall composition is just a feel-good song. You want something to pump you up in the morning on the way to the office? Yeah, you're welcome..
Only two for tonight, but I hope you enjoy.
In the meantime, let me wax poetically here for a second.
What have I learned in a year? I have learned that no matter what, I have no regrets about writing this blog. Spending the time trying to find things that I thought people might like, and even opening dialogues about music simply because I mentioned I wrote a musical blog. I have learned what other people enjoy about music. I have learned about other genres of music, and how and why to appreciate them. I have learned that just because a certain song incites an ear-gasm for me, doesn't mean it is the same for someone else. Needless to say it has been ABSOLUTELY fascinating. It also helps me stay somewhat dedicated to realizing a small dream, and it is something that I enjoy doing. I will of course try to do it more often!
In a year, this small, obscure blog has had about 7,000 visitors. I want to thank each and every one of you for stopping by, and I want to encourage all of you to leave your suggestions, comments, and ideas. Not a one is any less important than any other.
Cheers,
-CS
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