Working with Todd [Jaques] as a partner, we intend to produce a compact disc containing at least 60 minutes worth of original compositions. These are compositions which we plan to be able to play live, using computers, samplers and traditional instruments such as keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. We intend to use various different recording methods including analog 4-tracks, a digital 8-track and computer with sound editing software.
We originally got together through the Trent Experimental Music Group, led by Ellen Waterman. We had heard of each and had witnessed each other musical and performing history in Peterborough and were very curious to play together. We started jamming together shortly after in our apartments and occasionally at the Peterborough Arts Umbrella, when we could book it. We originally composed four songs using bass, drums guitar, keyboards and a multitude of effects pedals include phase shifters, sampling and delay pedals and envelope filters, just to name a few, which we performed and A Some Kids Production at the Jolly Hangman. From there we have encompassed computer programs including drum simulation, looping and sound editing software. We intend to record the original four songs plus five or six more.
In composing and playing these pieces we intend to challenge the mainstream definition of what a composed piece of music is. A perfect example of what we are trying to accomplish and what we are up against, occurred at a benefit held at the Red Dog, in which we played. I was told later that a group of people were offended at what we were doing on stage accusing us of merely playing tapes. The group was so astounded they had to leave.
We would like to challenge this notion that sampled music requires no talent to perform and is undeserving of an audiences attention and appreciation. The group was right to a certain degree, intend we were using taped material within our live performance, but material was altered by us beforehand, using sound editing software and then placed onto tape by us and then played by us by physically pushing play on our tape devices. I do not believe that this was a passive occurrence.
As for the looping and sampling, we play the parts through pedals which then loop the part, [with] which we then have to play along, without losing beat, which [is] extremely hard if the sound quality is poor. Playing along to a machine, which never loses tempo is difficult.
Composing and producing these pieces will further my development as an artist by forcing me to alter my views on what is acceptable as music. By doing so I can broaden my influences and expand what I am capable of and willing to produce. As well I will become familiar with various recording processes and devices, which will come in handy in the future. In the past I have only ever played bass in standard guitar, bass, drums rock outfits and occasionally playing guitar in my apartment. But my world has expanded to include drums, keyboards, sampling, and the list goes on.
The formats in which we intend to produce our pieces include analog four-track, digital eight-track, Macintosh and PC computers and possibly even recordings done on a lo-fi cassette deck, sans speakers. Certain parts can be laid down onto four track in my room, such as keyboard and bass lines samples, both of the my computer and from my sampling effects pedal. Items that can be run directly into my four-track, ie quiet stuff, will be done there and then dumped onto a rental digital eight-track mini-disc recording device. From there we will book the PAU and lay down the drum tacks and some live jamming, ie loud stuff. As well we plan to use a program called Fruity Loops on the computer in Studio B at Trent Radio (which has a better sound card!) and record them onto the eight-track and then overdub bass lines and acoustic drum tracks. Once those processes are completed we will dump everything onto the computer in Studio B and burn a compact disc.
Most of the sounds we will use are created by ourselves using traditional means, in other words using guitars and basses and drums ect. Some of these sounds will then be treated by effects pedal, some will not. Other sounds we intend to use originate from spoken word lps and cassettes and other sounds will originate from computer software. We are attempting to mesh physical and mechanical methods of producing sound.
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