The very first audio recording platform I discovered, Propellerhead Reason 2.0, which was about 7 years ago. Today, Propellerhead Reason is now at 6.0. How it all began starts now.
Christmas 2001, I surprisingly received a Yamaha keyboard that I was so excited about. I still use it today simply because it provides 76 keys and it has midi connections. The only thing it doesn’t have that most use today is a modulation wheel and weighted keys. But other than that, it has worked just fine over the past 10 years.
I played that keyboard over and over for a couple of years. My Dad one evening was listening and asked, “Do you think there is something out there you can get that will help you record these songs.” I told him “I’ve thought about that before, but the audio equipment necessary to record looked like it cost a fortune.” But he gave me the idea and the next day I paid a visit to pro sound.
I walked in the store and began observing beasty audio mixers that ranged in the thousands. I looked at midi keyboards, which were really audio workstations. I couldn’t tell the difference at the time and why you would need a basic midi keyboard vs. an audio workstation keyboard that cost thousands, I was clueless and at times, ignorance was frustrating. Luckily a guy working there asked if I had any questions.
I attempted to explain what I was trying to do. Basically asking him what I needed to get to record a song. I didn’t have a clue what I was asking other than that. I told him I’m guessing to start, the gear I would need would range from 7-10 thousand or so. He hesitated and responded, “No, not exactly.” He reached down behind the counter and pulled out a box that contained the Propellerhead Reason software. “This is all you need.” Then he pulled out a USB to MIDI converter and said, “Oh, and this too, as long as you have a computer and keyboard with MIDI connections.” I said to him, “That’s it? That’s all you need!?” I was getting really excited because I knew that this really might work out. I proceeded to ask him more questions like, what does this program do? How do I get quality sounds? I had no idea but he showed me on the computer there and it looked convincing so I got it.
I rushed home and installed the program, loaded it up and was staring at something that looked similar to this:
What in the world is this? I didn’t know what anything did or how to use it other than push the play button next to the record button and listen to the demo song it came with. I would move one of the knobs hoping something would work but obviously didn’t do anything. It was overwhelming. What I didn’t know at the time was that this program included every aspect of recording such as mixers, effects, synthesizers, and samplers. I sort of knew what a mixer was, but that tiny red reverb thing didn’t have a clue what it did or anything else for that matter.
As I have said in the past, days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, and months into years. I had to start from somewhere and that somewhere was the ground up.
When I first bought Propellerhead Reason, I was trying to ask the guy at Pro Sound what I needed that would sound like film scores that you would hear in movies. He explained that this recording program will teach you everything you need to get started towards that direction. Getting recording software was the first step. But it takes a lot of practice and learning before you can discern how to approach putting together a masterpiece. I am still far from perfection, but I strive to one day create a sound that is like no other.
This blog I hope will help those who are just starting and trying to figure out exactly what they need. There is different equipment that you need between live recording vs. digital recording. The details will include all aspects of recording audio such as mixing, EQ, preamps, monitors, compression, mic placements, software, effects, plug-ins and more. It will also include composers in various capacities who have a valid and credible name to their profession; how they developed their personal brand. Also producers, engineers and artists, many of which use Propellerhead Reason. Those details will come with time. But for now, sit back and enjoy the ride!
Whatever kind of music recording or compositions you are producing, you need to think of what the audience is going to gain from the newly composition that you just created. Pleasing the Director and Producer with your compositions is very important when working under pressure and on a strict deadline.
Will the appropriate time be to create something that is complex for the next best action seller? Or will it be something as simple as a simple background melody for a reality TV show. The decisions is yours. You are responsible for the creative aspect of the compositions you are coming up with. The delivery of the content will primarily be determined depending on what the director and the producer needs and wants.
That is the other secret. Yes, you have total freedom to compose whatever you would like, under the direct supervision of the director and the producer!
I am sorry to say, even though you come up with the most amazing melody, bar, riff, loop, bridge, template, dynamic, whatever it is, cannot be finalized until it is approved by those who are in charge of the entire production.
In the eyes of the producer, the composer is not first priority. In a way though, you are. I know every single person reading this has seen a movie with poorly composed music. It really can make or break the movie.
So in reality, the director and producer really depend on you and have great trust that you will come up with something that will catch the attention of the audience.
More importantly, what about those monumental themes that spread mainstream and are never forgotten. For example, Indiana Jones, Star Wars or Jaws.
In a more recent day sense, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean or Harry Potter.
Even the Olympics, NFL or NBA.Without viewing where the music is coming from, I guarantee you everyone knows exactly what is being played just by hearing the melody.
So keep that in mind as you strive to please the mastermind behind it all.