Composerish

You've always wanted to write your own songs, but aren't sure where to get started. Should you start booking up on music theory to get the ball rolling? Bryan weighs in. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

This week Bryan and Kevin discuss Lofi Hip Hop. Are they experts? No. Do they have uneducated opinions? Absolutely! Then Bryan divulges one of his tricks for achieving automated pitch drift in Logic Pro X. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

This week Kevin shares his enthusiasm for digital calipers and we discuss possible utilitarian use in the studio. We then touch on creating an iPad interface to weave soundscapes in real time. Finally, what are indemnity clauses and what do they mean for musicians? Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod Show Links: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Caliper-Adoric-Calipers-Measuring/dp/B07DFFYCXS/

Heavyocity knows customer service. Bryan discusses why he will buy everything they release from now on. Guitar Center has declared bankruptcy. What does this mean for musicians. Finally, why is there no such thing as buying a piano for beginners? Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

Ever wonder why some mp3 loops sometimes have a gap in them? Is this messing up your game? Bryan and Kevin discuss why this is and potential fixes. Also, music for tabletop games! It's a thing. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

This week we discuss when and how to deal with edit requests that you disagree with, how binaural mixing techniques can be applied to general music creation, and Kevin's new project rescoring Kubrick's, 'The Shining'. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

Kevin tells us what software and instruments he uses to create detailed drones and pads. Then we tackle the challenges of writing last minute music for projects and what directors and producers can expect. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

Google Project Magenta has released Tone Transfer, an AI that can listen to any audio source, and recreate the experience with the sound of saxophone, flute, violin, or trumpet. Bryan and Kevin discuss what it is, how well it works, and what it musical artificial intelligence means for the future of composers and performers. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod Show Links: https://sites.research.google/tonetransfer

Bryan learns a lesson when he buys an instrument from a shady instagram advertisement. Kevin laments the trials and tribulations of writing meditation music, and then they both discuss royalty free vs commercial music. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

Kevin discusses his trouble trying to donate his skeleton to entertainment in his will. We field a question from a listener regarding the benefits and drawbacks of releasing music via Royalty Free vs collecting royalties through a performance rights organization. Then Bryan geeks out about his new guitar amp attenuator. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod  

Bryan discusses three quick techniques he uses to widen the stereo image of recorded instruments. Use this to make your mixes fatter. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA

In this episode of composerish, Kevin discusses his current strategy for finding patreon subscribers. Next, we talk about the pitfalls of various strategies for how to grow an audience quickly via social media. Finally, Kevin discusses how he finds motivation to be productive. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

In this episode we discuss what a leitmotif is, how film composers can use them, and how to go about creating them. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @sleepfacingwest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

Our big Artificial Intelligence episode! We discuss some recent technological advancements and some possible implications for musicians and the music making process, but honestly this was just an opportunity for Kevin to geek out about AI. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @bryanteohmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

In the terrible advice episode, we discuss nuggets of wisdom we picked up along the way that happened to be worthless or at times, detrimental. Also, Kevin divulges his resource for finding free royalty free images to use for promoting his music. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @bryanteohmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod Show Links: http://www.pixabay.com

This episode breaches a topic too big for one episode. Is writing music in the genre of a culture not of your own problematic? How does one cross cultural boundaries with sensitivity? We leave the conversation open ended to be continued. Finally, we discuss how to market your music on Youtube. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @bryanteohmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

This week on Composerish we discuss keeping audio levels in check during the mixing phase, how and why to divide tasks in the audio production pipeline, and how to make the best popcorn. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @bryanteohmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

Special guest Rafael Krux talks to us about composing epic music and some of the tips and tricks he's learned along the way. We then discuss Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and whether or not one can collect royalties on youtube videos. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Rafael Krux: Website: orchestralis.net (free music included!) Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC63kATrbtG9o3jfR4B26GBQ A special song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFJ8KW8HbtU  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orchestralis Audiojungle: https://audiojungle.net/user/orchestralis/portfolio Featured Tracks: Dark Fantasy Male Choir Trailer Epic Triumph Orchestra Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @bryanteohmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

This week we discuss a new Heavyocity Damage 2, a new sample library, the challenges of recording samples for a sample instrument. Finally, is the return of the Free Music Archive an opportunity for composers? Find out on this week’s episode of Composerish! Links https://heavyocity.com/product/damage-2/ https://freemusicarchive.org/ Contact info: composerish@gmail.com Bryan Teoh: http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @bryanteohmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod: http://incompetech.com twitter: @kmacleod

Special guest Alexander Nakarada tells us how he has been able to kickstart his career online and support himself via patreon. Bonus topics! Spotting scams, being okay with not knowing, and seeking mentorship Featured Music: Catalyst by Alexander Nakarada Adventure by Alexander Nakarada Contact Info: composerish@gmail.com Alexander Nakarada serpentsoundstudios.com nakarada.alexander@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/c/SerpentSoundStudios https://patreon.com/anakarada https://soundcloud.com/serpentsoundstudios https://alexandernakarada.bandcamp.com/ Phone: Norway +47 48 09 12 46 Bryan Teoh http://sleepfacingwest.com Twitter: @sleepfacingwest Instagram: @bryanteohmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyxqBpnrzFqw7VW1UxR2hA Kevin Macleod http://incompetech.com Twitter: @kmacleod

Do you use compression when producing orchestral music? We discuss why some people opt not to use compression at all. It is commonly said that one must "fake it 'til [they] make it" but what are some drawbacks of this mindset? Find out on this episode of Composerish! Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

While setting your own schedule and working from a personal studio (or sometimes bedroom) can be liberating, it can also be challenging to stay on task and remain productive. Here are 5 things I've personally done to help stay focused. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

We discuss Kevin's method for understanding Celsius, conceptualizing musical form in terms of tension and release, and manufacturing failure for more realistic MIDI performances. Show Links: https://imslp.org Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

How can you use white noise to help you achieve better mixes? How do you use compression to create super saturated dreamy reverbs? How do you deal with sending demos to clients? Find out all this and more on this episode! Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

Why do online communities pale in comparison to online art communities? Composing from two different mindsets: Gardening versus Architecture. Show Links: Gearslutz https://www.gearslutz.com VI-Control https://vi-control.net Contact Info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

Mid project computer failures, and getting attacked by birds. A week of tribulations. Also, how do you get started writing music for video games? Show Links: List of Game Jams https://itch.io/jams FMod https://fmod.com/ Wwise https://www.audiokinetic.com/ Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

How has iTunes become less user friendly over the years. Suggestions for what to spend hard earned money on when just starting to build a studio, and the usefulness of real shakers! Show Links: Amadeus Pro https://hairersoft.com/pro.html Shaker Egg Set https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MAPA22/   Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

Kevin compares steel drum libraries from 8dio and Spitfire. Then we discuss getting a license to legally distribute a cover song, and then discuss the weird cultural appropriation of Tiki aesthetic. Show Links: The Piano Forever https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePianoforever Pearl Mallet Station https://pearldrum.com/products/kits/electronics/malletstation/ Steel Drum Sample Tracks https://danger.academy/composerish/steel_drums/ Spitfire Steel Drums https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/steel-drums/ 8Dio Steel Drums https://8dio.com/instrument/steel-drum-for-kontakt-vst-au-aax-samples/ Harry Fox Agency https://www.harryfox.com/#/ Distrokid https://distrokid.com Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

We open talking about shoes and finish comparing 15 (yes, FIFTEEN) different sample sets of pizzicato strings. We evaluate various libraries from Cinesamples, Logic, Spitfire, Embertone, East West, and 8dio. Clips we used for evaluation are available for download here: https://danger.academy/composerish/pizz/ "Cartoon Ricochet 2 Sound" was recorded by Grant Evans and distributed via Soundbible.com under CC Sampling Plus 1.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/sampling+/1.0/ "Fog Horn Sound" was recorded by Mike Koenig and distributed via Soundibible.com under CC Attribution 3.0 Unported. The sample was unedited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

We discuss the Logic 10.5 update, a speed and organization trick using Logic's folders and summing stacks, and the difference between writing standalone music and stock scoring music. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

Kevin goes into depth on how he's building his Star Trek soundscape. We then discuss social media and how it potentially impacts your career, as well as the educational merits and pitfalls of scoring extant films. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

We discuss the techniques behind the "club remix" of the jingle Kevin improvised in episode #003. We then talk about performing live in Wisconsin with an electronic accordion, and the trials and tribulations of live electronic music performance. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

Join us as we discuss film trailer sound design, bongos, and how to make the perfect daiquiri. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

Bryan and Kevin aggravate over extant triangle samples on the VST market, and discuss the viability of a "Make Money Making Music" article. Link to article discussed: https://output.com/blog/how-to-make-money-from-home-if-youre-a-musican-in-2020 Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod

Bryan and Kevin discuss building a hackintosh, royalty free Muzak, and standardizing naming project files. Contact info: composerish@gmail.com http://sleepfacingwest.com http://incompetech.com twitter: @sleepfacingwest twitter: @kmacleod