#sydneyconservatorium

[jasminmblog]

Creating “Crossover”

Artistic Vision:

Originally I intended to create a piece using the structure of ‘Cataplexy’ in the genre of pop/acoustic r&b. The intro, verse 1, chorus, verse 2 and 2nd chorus would serve as ‘section A’ and the bridge would represent ‘section B’. Then a couple weeks into the semester I was diagnosed with Laryngitis AKA a vocalist’s worst nightmare. I was told I couldn’t sing for 4 weeks (until the 10th of May) and for a singer/songwriter who mainly has experience in writing lyrics, melodies and producing vocals, this was quite disheartening. 

I found myself feeling a bit lost because I had never attempted to make music without first writing vocal melodies and lyrics as a sort of foundation for the song to be built around. But I quickly found myself feeling inspired by some instrumental deep house music my neighbour was blasting on a Friday night. I immediately noticed that there was no vocals….in fact, the structure seemed more simplistic then other genres of EDM I had previously heard. Although ‘Cataplexy’ may give off a more ‘trance’ vibe, something about its ’chill’ nature reminds me of deep house music. I love the consistent syncopated ‘hi-hat groove’ paired with synthesised EDM bass hooks; a seemingly reoccurring characteristic of deep house. As the repetitive riffs and catchy rhythmic ideas blasted through my neighbour's speakers; this immediately became my artistic goal. I wanted to create something that has repetitive, simplistic melodic, harmonic and rhythmic ‘hooks’ that makes you want to bop along. The name of the piece: “Crossover,” was inspired by the transitions occurring from one contrasting section to the next.

Work Flow:

I completed the piece using Logic Pro X in the studios at the Conservatorium. It took about 3 studios sessions (about 5 hours each) to complete my piece. I began with the drum beat, originally just using a loop until I worked out what I was after. I then ended up putting the loop through the MIDI so I could edit it and create my own unique drum track. The drums are completely contrasting in section A and B (section B is done without a drum loop foundation). I played with the EQ and slightly adjusted the reverb and Stereo delay until I was satisfied.

SECtiON A (editing/filters): 

- adjusted EQ for the second track; - ‘heavenly sound’ in the intro, to produce a more ‘clean/high pitched’ sound.  

 The next sound that enters is the “rhythmic resonator” and it’s maintained throughout almost the entire piece; jumping from ‘middle ground’ to ‘back ground’. I have adjusted the EQ to try and diminish the high ‘crunchy/harsh’ sound that formed with the stereo delay/reverb.

- slight panning   

The bass-piano ‘riff’ has been further EQ’d to diminish the lower frequencies and remove any rumble or white noise using a Low pass filter.

 But a percussive ‘popping’ sound enters before this and sustains throughout most of the piece. I’ve adjusted the EQ and played with the stereo delay ‘rate’.

The ‘Chicago Chords’ melody has been EQ’d to sound a bit more ‘distant’ and less crisp along with the reverb (Silver verb) being adjusted.

SECTION B (editing/filtres): 

The ‘build up’ sound leading to the transition has been EQ’d to block the high ‘squeaky’ sounds and also to produce a fuller sound. 

Stereo delay has been adjusted

Compresser 

- High pass EQ for transition synth (block chord sustained).

Weird flex/boing synth sound (transition to B section).

High pass and low pass.

- Same weird synth sound as above.

Added filters (peddle board.

Spin box.

Delay. 

AUTOMATION: 

Automation was super important whilst editing. Its was useful to ensure smooth transitions between sections.

Fade in 

Fad out

Introducing new sounds

Overlapping sounds 

EDITING:

Every track in the piece was EQ’d.              - Automation 

Trimming, copy/paste.                                  - Compression

Quantisation.                                                - Stereo Deals       

Reverb                                                          - Ping pong Delay

Peddle board filters

Overall I am satisfied with my piece. It was really disappointing to have had my instrument (voice) be sort of taken away from me but it taught me how to create something without using my voice. Navigating the studios was a bit difficult due to my vision impairment but despite these obstacles I enjoyed myself.

Link: https://soundcloud.com/jasmin-mourad-698719626 

[malodorous-euphoria]

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Conservatorium of Music. #thecon #sydneycon #conservatorium #sydneyconservatorium #sydneyharbour #sydneyharbourbridge #sydneyharborbridge #botanicgardens #sydney #ilovesydney #visitsydney #palmtrees #destinationnsw #nsw #canoneos