Even Score - the Music and Production Podcast

Tracks | Ep. #12 - Rosebud | Michael by Michael & Andy

Tracks | Ep. #12 - Goin' To Europe | Andy by Michael & Andy

..how to compose for you wild summer trip! Michael & Andy reflect on a recent political scandal that was supposed to shock Europe, but didn't. Their compositions in the meantime capture the spirit of the scandal's location: the wonderful island of Ibiza!

Turn your episode dial to 11, because here we are! Starting this podcast, we begin with a discussion about our favourite performance related channels on musical Youtube (01:57) which is suddenly broken up by a surprise - but now almost traditional - Cat Attack! (07:44). This directly leads into the Analysis of Michael's song (08:20) for this week, which is as random as it gets - literally. I mean, really, literally. If you still don't believe these show notes, listen for yourself (19:30). The feedback does the song justice and is just as random (21:30), as is the turn to the Analysis of Andy's song (27:03), which while attempting hard to be as random as Michael's, doesn't quite reach those divine levels - mostly due to an error in the execution of the underlying concept, which is received with great shaming of the composer. After we finally get to hear the song (39:00), Michael's feedback is emotionally positive, however interrupted by repeated shaming of Andy's ever so fluctuant performance at production (41:26). In a lucky turn of events, the most feared transition to the playlist segment is saved by the oblivious nature of our hosts, who forgot to rate one of the songs (48:10). The playlist itself hereby shows to a great extend how creative our hosts can be with a theme. The outro to this episode features a small and awkward discussion about Michael's new goodbye-catchphrase - don't miss it! Follow us on Twitter! /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com Have fun!

Tracks | Ep. #11 - iacta | Andy by Michael & Andy

Tracks | Ep. #11 - Trapped Under Dice | Michael by Michael & Andy

This week, we reach double digits! After an initial conversation about the Paul Gilbert show we were honored to see - fitting the episode's theme 'VIRTUOSO' (01:30) - we get to talk a little about this first milestone of the 10th episode (04:16) just to go on a tangent about Guns N Roses' 'Use Your Illusion' (07:30) and the perks of sound mixing (08:30). At about the 10(!) minute mark (10:25), we then dive into deep psychology with the Analysis of Andy's song, revealing some of his most crippling self doubts and Michael elegantly picking one single aspect of this almost-confession monologue: a compliment about himself. After this wonderful conversation, the song starts rolling (23:47), receiving very diplomatic feedback in its aftermath (27:25). Then, a shocking suprise appearance by Andy's cat, which snuck into the recording room in hope of apologizing for causing the initial delay of this epsidoe!!! (31:00) Recovering from this jump scare, Michael explains a mix of plagiarism, hip-hop rudiments and editing finesse in the Analysis of his song (32:25). As the song gets rolling (42:42), Andy tries to pick apart some of the sampled snippets, only to brag about his approximate knowledge of them in the Feedback part (44:36). In the now traditional effort to bridge the gap between songs and playlist segment, Michael & Andy engage in a discussion about virtuosity outside of the music business (50:30). Concluding this episode are the additions to our Spotify Playlist, this time featuring superheroes, guitar heroes, heroes of the street and others! (52:22) Follow us on Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

Tracks | Ep. #10 - 99 Keys | Michael by Michael & Andy

Tracks | Ep. #10 - Virtu-HellNo! | Andy by Michael & Andy

A funky-fresh episode is upon us! After bringing shame to his name in the last one, Michael tries to make up for his song which had been deemed inferior execution of the theme and pay his debts (it is a recurring theme in this one and gives us the opportunity to jump the GoT hypetrain via the title - so full disclosure: no Game of Thrones talk here :D) Starting out with a short struggle to cope with the newly scripted intro (01:20), our hosts discuss the a16z 'Podcast about Podcasting' (01:54) and the ideas brought up in it. A short recap of our last episode first initiates Michael's redemption arc (08:12), which quickly starts rolling with the analysis of his song (09:09). After listening to his newest product (22:51), be prepared to get relief of your suspense when Andy's feedback awaits (25:15) which is followed directly by the analysis of his very own song (29:02). After inevitably going back to listen to it again and again (43:37), Michael's feedback follows its own theme.. 'payback' as he softly tries to hit back at his punisher from last episode (46:12). After resolving in happiness (Spoiler Alert), our hosts try to answer a question by Josh (Twitter @breaker6696) in the most thoughtful way possible in this episode's Q&A (50:00) leading right into the again reformed Playlist segment (52:30). Enjoy this one and leave us feedback on Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com Also, listen to our 'Evenly Scored Playlist' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Th5lO7M8R6gDhKBEFIYyL

In exploration of where we experience the episode's theme 'Wave' in our every-day life, Andy hereby tries to illustrate a musical interpretation of artifically produced brain waves (hence the name 'brAIve' - brain+AI+wave). Capturing the one-dimensionality of current AI systems, all tracks and layers in this song are played on 1 instrument in 1 setting, in 1 key. Different melodies, percussive elements and rhythms come at you from various angles of the panorama, illustrating both the inheritent confusion and complexity of generating a single thought. All that, while the audible signals get distorted through digital clipping in an effort to illustrate our natural uncertainty connected to every thought, translated to the digital mind as 'distortion'. Enjoy and leave some feedback on Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

In a whole-hearted effort to erase the shameful memories of bad reviews in the last episode, Michael delivers a song that embodies this episode's theme 'Wave' with every note. Melodies cascading up-and-down, a variety of sin-function-based elements leading the way and a thoughtful choice of sound deliver a performance that is worthy of upholding Michael's family banner! Enjoy listening and leave some feedback on Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

It has finally happened! After receiving astonishing cover artworks for each of our hosts' previous songs, we decided to flip the table and compose a song according to pre-designed cover art. For this special challenge, we have the honor to welcome our cover artist & friend Tanja (twitter.com/realTanjaWeezer)! Discover how our hosts guide you through the story of this episode with another, unpredictable variable in the fold, as Tanja gives criticism and backstory to her artworks while dealing and taking some punches left and right - metaphorically ;-) And another premiere: One of our hosts has some seriously negative comments for the other ones composition. Enjoy as the thrilling tale unfolds upon your hearing channels. Follow us on Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

In what is a curious modification of an iconic scene from Kubrick's 'The Shining', Andy uses his non-existent knowledge of the movie to craft it into his shortest song yet. Approx. 90 seconds of allusions to the movie title in a creepy elevator intro and then a rave containing the most rubbery sax synth you have ever heard. Get ready for whacky, inflatable, warm waving madness!

In this week, Michael took the inspiration of the cover specifically designed for him and created a 70s prog song.

In this episode, Michael & Andy immerse themselves into a combination of mathematics, strategy and game theory - Chess. While the composed songs share the characteristic of sonifying the chess community's Grandest Master, everything else is as divergent as it can be. Other topics of this episode include the Song Exploder podcast, Captain Marvel & her critics and the creation of 'How to rate your creativity using tumble-weeds' Enjoy! Follow us on Twitter! EvenScorePod mojo_rhythm DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

In this piece, Andy is trying to sonify the 1996 clash of the titans between Garri 'the Beast of Baku' Kasparov and IBMs chess computer 'Deep Blue' - a historic battle between man and machine. In a short orchestral piece in 6 movements, the characters are developed melodically, before the two entities clash in phrases of musical warfare, from which Kasparov emerges victorious - however, the very end suggests that revenge is looming on the horizon. Enjoy! And if you want to hear the whole story to this piece, listen to episode #07 of our podcast! Follow us on Twitter: EvenScorePod mojo_rhythm DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

Attempting to sonify the 1997 rematch between Garri Kasparov and IBMs Deep Blue, Michael has created a piece that captures both every single move of the last game between the two giants of analogue and digital chess, but also the musical spirit of the late 90s. Prepare to get your body shaking with this endearing disco track that will throw you back into the glory days of your youth, when clubs were still lit and so was chess. Enjoy! And if you want the whole story to this song, listen to Episode #07 of our podcast! Follow us on Twitter: EvenScorePod mojo_rhythm DrewsGrooves or write an e-mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

Finally! It's here! Episode #06 of our podcast. Show notes follow soon. Until then, enjoy this one to its fullest! Follow us on Twitter! EvenScorePod mojo_rhythm DrewsGrooves Or write a mail to: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

At first, Michael would like to clarify that he is very sorry for this song. Now that this is out of the way, let us give you a very veeeeery condensed description of what this song is: "A sonified version of Sun & Earth, as the latter revolves around the other, mezmerizingly depicted by a musical mesh of atomic numbers, season cycles and a mathematic framework of all kinds of relationships between these two space vagabonds" This is all we can do. Oh, and the theme was 'Heavy' and the sun and earth are... you know... heavy... as in mass.. nevermind.. we are sorry! If you already made it through and are thinking 'Wait! This is only noise! I must be mistaken! My speakers are broken!', then first, no. And second, listen to the whole painful story of this song which is nevertheless extremely worth going through to see the genius of this piece. And it is funny. Very funny. Episode #06 of the podcast - Enjoy! Connect with us on social media: Twitter: EvenScorePod mojo_rhythm DrewsGrooves Mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

For this week's theme 'Heavy', Andy dishes out all the metal cliches in the book. Initiating with a spicy downpicking line, the song quickly turns into a marching rhythm section with occassional melodic delights to complement the raw low-E-string jibberish. As an essential of modern day metal, we then get a calm section which paves the ground for the heaviest part of the song as it closes to leave you crushed under plates of purest metal - metaphorically. Listen to our podcast, Episode #06 for a full explanation of why every part is exactly how it is and a description of circumstances faced when evaluating it. Enjoy! Connect with us on social media: Twitter: EvenScorePod mojo_rhythm DrewsGrooves Mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

Podcast | Episode #05 - Newly Discovering the Depths of Emotion by Michael & Andy

For the theme 'New Discoveries', Andy chooses to create a musical rendition of the most explorable things in our lifes: the deep ocean & outer space. This piece is designed to created a pressing mood, an atmosphere of curiosity and emptiness and finally, express a tiny bit of the solitude which awaits a human being in either of those surroundings. Enjoy and leave us some feedback! Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves Mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

For this episode, Michael is trying to emulate his 'New Discovery' - the artist Phoebe Brigders and her supergroup Boy Genius. In a piece that is not heavy in sound, but heavy in emotion, one can enjoy the combination of simplicity and raw production, which marks a new step in Michael's recording career. Have fun listening and leave us some feedback! Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhyhtm /DrewsGrooves Mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

In this first edition of Even Score B-Sides, Michael & Andy go on a tangent about one of the most universally beloved movie projects ever: Tommy Wiseau's 'The Room' (which coincidentally is the centric plot point of James Franco's 'The Disaster Artist'). Furthermore, they ensue in a brief discussion about which movies could be representative for all of cinema if a person may only watch 3 for their whole lifetime. Enjoy! And follow us on Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves Mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

In this episode, Michael & Andy touch on the theme 'Comfort Zone'. Starting out with some apologies for pronounciaton (as usual), the first small discussions treat movies we've seen lately (02:08). Also, we briefly touch on the amazing cover artworks done by our good friend Tanja (06:26). The real-talk starts then eventually starts (07:50), when Andy explains how his piece relates to today's usual week-day with a lot of chores and no time to reach your comfort zone. After various dicussions, Michael introduces his piece (33:33) which is - by all means - hard to describe. You gotta hear it yourself! The playlist segment this week touches on a lot of controversial thoughts among both hosts (51:16) which the hot topics being Adele, the Florence + the Machine Unplugged album and Jack White's involvement in The Raconteurs. Moving into our inaugural Q&A Segment, this week we dicuss two questions: What is an easy way to record at home? (1:04:50) and Would you ever consider working in the music business as your primary source of income? (1:06:20). Enjoy listening and give us some feedback via our social connections: Twitter: /EvenScorePod /mojo_rhythm /DrewsGrooves Mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com We are always open for some conversations and discussions with fellow musicians, podcasters and enthusiasts of music, movies and entertainment. Get in touch! Have a good one!

In a monstrous effort, Michael provides us with a few minutes of the most annoying piece of music that he has ever written, before the protagonists of his sonic story reach a harmonic comfort zone. Essentially, this piece is a journey that has to be experienced in its full as this trip is its own reward! Listen and Enjoy! Get in touch with us via: twitter.com/EvenScorePod twitter.com/mojo_rhythm twitter.com/DrewsGrooves mail - podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

With this song, Andy tries to capture a phenomenon that most of us have encountered before. After finally arriving home and settling down on the couch.. people, devices and thoughts don't seem to be shaken off and you have to postpone your time in the comfort zone for some more chores. And when its finally time to get some rest, exhaustion gets the upper hand and you immediately fall asleep. The song takes a chaotic approach at the irate state of working through your daily duties outside of work when the only thing you really want is some lazy sofa time. Listen and enjoy! Get in touch with us via Twitter twitter.com/EvenScorePod twitter.com/mojo_rhythm twitter.com/DrewsGrooves mail - podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

In this week's episode, Michael & Andy dive deep into various topics, including their relationship to the music of Taylor Swift, life lessons they want to share and some changes to the podcast's format in what is maybe not the most musically profound episode, but definitely one loaded with fun. By the way, the theme for this one was 'Winter', if it is not mentioned enough! :-D And yes, Andy is talking excessively about a Disney movie again. Yikes! Enjoy listening and leave us some feedback! - mail: podcast.evenscore@gmail.com - - Twitter - @EvenScorePod - @mojo_rhyhtm - @DrewsGrooves -

For this week's theme 'Winter', Andy explores what the soundtrack of an open-world-free-skiing video game could sound like. This one includes the rhythmic nature of winter sports, a (very difficult to sonify) avalanche and the obligatory Mario Karty 'finish line' song. And if you wanna dive deeper into the composition and recording process of this one, listen to Episode #03 of our podcast! Enjoy!

Michael explores the one and only reason there is winter in our world: Greek Mythology. His piece tells the story of Persephone, as she gets kidnapped and trapped in the Underworld by Hades. The almighty Zeus eventually strikes a deal to release Persephone temporarily, as she has to return to the Underworld for 4 months each year, resulting in the world growing cold and grim. And that, friends, is the reason we have winter - suck it, science! If you want a deeper dive into the piece and the story, listen to Ep. 03 of our podcast! Enjoy!

Andy captures the theme 'New Beginnings' by thinking back to his first steps on the instruments he has learned in the past. What results is a mashup of a bunch of practice licks, basic exercises and the most common aspect of learning: fatigue. Listen to what he would call 'a song that you should be able to play after half a year of owning an instrument'. And don't forget to leave us some feedback!

Michael makes it personal with this interpretation of the episode's theme 'New beginnings', as he collects the milestones of his own musical journey. This one has everything, from Grunge to Metal to Jazz to Prog to Electro-Acoustics. And if you don't believe it - listen for yourself. And don't forget to leave us some feedback!

In Episode #02 of the Podcast, Michael & Andy capture their concepts for the theme 'New Beginnings'. While Andy's interpretation manifests itself as a collection of practicing licks mixed together to form what he calls 'My First Rocksong' (22:50), Michael takes another route - and this time, it's personal - as he builds a song using all of the milestone elements of his 'Musical Biography' (49:35). Check it out and leave us some feedback! - twitter.com/EvenScorePod - twitter.com/mojo_rhythm - twitter.com/DrewsGrooves - podcast.evenscore@gmail.com

Andy's first composition sheds a musical light on the Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'. If you wanna dive deeper into the story behind the piece, listen to Episode #1 of our podcast! Feedback is always welcome! Merry Christmas! - twitter.com/EvenScorePod - twitter.com/mojo_rhythm - twitter.com/DrewsGrooves - podcast.evenscore@gmail.com -

Michael's first composition for the Podcast provides a new look at the story of the birth of Jesus Christ - the very reason we celebrate christmas. Check it out - and if you want to learn how this piece was composed, listen to Episode #1 of our podcast. Feedback is always welcome! - twitter.com/EvenScorePod - twitter.com/mojo_rhythm - twitter.com/DrewsGrooves -

In our inaugural episode, we try to capture the Spirit of Christmas in two compositions based on famous stories for this time of the year. Michael's track (19:30) shows a new take on a traditional story, while Andy's piece (55:35) is based on a more contemporary story. Check it out and leave us some feedback! - twitter.com/EvenScorePod - twitter.com/mojo_rhythm - twitter.com/DrewsGrooves - podcast.evenscore@gmail.com