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February 21, 2005
Songwriting update
I learnt a lot in Logic today.
I finally figured out how to split up each track (e.g. keyboards, bass, strings) into different audio recordings and apply separate effects to them. Previously I'd do it in the Triton Extreme although there were limitations (2 effects per track) and it was a little difficult to configure on a relatively smaller screen.
It still is tedious where there are many tracks which need to be recorded separately. However I did manage to do a final mix (in Logic speak, it's called a 'Bounce') of one new smooth jazz track I started writing on 20/2/05, "Somebody's Baby". I actually have lyrics for the chorus. Wow. Now I just have to write a few verses and there is a hook. Yeah. The sax still sounds a little sucky and overtamed. I think I need to study the intricacies of woodwind instruments in more depth.
Also I am working on Ridin', the Bob James-inspired track which is still 2/3rds complete. No good ideas at the moment, so why spoil it with an obligatory, half-hearted finish? While it has its own distinctive melody, it can still be easily mistaken for one of James's own. Maybe I should bluff people and tell them it's from his latest album, and if they can't tell the difference then I've written and produced it well enough.
Now before my Korg Blog readers (all 0 of them) think I've gone back to doing only smooth jazz, circa Bristol 1997-8, I should let you know this is not the case.
I actually completed (COMPLETED! FINISHED!) one alternative track called 'Smile' - for want of a more appropriate title until I write the rest of the lyrics. It was written for someone a while ago and I never got round to getting it down on paper or keyboard. Actually it's been years. Anyway, I hope it suits the style of the person and I really mean what I say in the lyrics.
Smile, however, has to be reformulated in Logic as the electric guitar needs to be on 'Overdrive'. I would also like to figure out the new Guitar Amp Pro effect/plug-in in Logic Pro 7. It actually has different UK and US guitar sounds, and the UK style does sound more 'alternative' while the US style sounds more clean and 'pop'. This is because the song has a powerful chorus and any less than a cracking roar from the guitar would not do it justice (think of Radiohead's Creep).
Another work in progress is 'What Could It Take' which is one of those umpteen hopelessly-in-love songs I've written. Lyrics are half done. I had the tune in my mind for a year or two but never bothered getting it down. Deja vu? This song goes into my Stereotype album which probably has the most interesting lyrics - since it was meant to be my protest album (circa Bristol 1999-2000 and beyond) against the social establishment and prejudices. If you like Beck and other eccentricities, you might like this album.
This particular album is getting overcrowded so I might have to throw out a few songs. I think if I ever released this, 1) some zealots might want to excommunicate me for singing about the mind of a fallen angel, and 2) I would have a bunch of homophobes knocking at my door because of an irritatingly catchy gay-pride-rally song.
Before my fellow fans of Lush 99.5FM start to back slowly away, let me assure you that my foray into dance and electronica is still alive and well. The only problem is, I don't know when to stop looping my 8-bar tracks. They sound pretty funky. Maybe after a hundred loops they may wear off on you. But I managed to do drum and bass! And chillout! Woohoo. Now if I only had a Flash trailer to animate.
As a Jamiroquai fan, I couldn't resist remixing 'Space Cowboy' - my favourite all-time track by the band. No particular influence, although you can imagine this being in an Import album in That CD Shop.
And now to the type of listener who prefers slower, simpler tunes - which probably makes up the majority of you. I worked on a chirpy Lisa Ono-inspired piece. It's crying out for verse lyrics and the chorus lyrics need some fine-tuning. But I assure you it's pleasing and will make you feel like jumping around in the grass in bunny slippers.
OK I shall call it a night. 'Night'.
Posted by vantan at February 21, 2005 11:59 PM
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