Making something of value

The major project this trimester was “to mix electronic and acoustic music to create something of value”. Yes, that is as obscure as it sounds. Such an open ended parameter, almost like trying to describe post-modernism. I dare you to try and describe that!

I teamed up with a very capable student after the difficulties I had with a previous collaboration I quickly learned to choose your collaborator wisely. It is refreshing to have a team member who doesn’t require prompting and has skills.

Some deep discussions ensued to determine how best to address the criteria of the brief. Initially, we decided the first song to attempt would be Jackson5, ABC. We would use a combination of electronic and acoustic music to remake the song. This also included downloading the song’s acapella file which is essentially, the song with the vocals only and no music. This would allows us to re-record the song, saving the vocals and using our own selection of instruments. As an idea it sounded like quite a fun task. We were required to submit a learning contract which detailed our plans and what we would deliver at the conclusion of the task.

As with all things, not everything turns out to plan. After downloading the acapella file and commencing the application of new music, it seemed everything we tried just didn’t sound right. The song was not going to resemble the original enough for our purposes. This was disappointing because it meant we had to change from the plan we supplied at the beginning.

We then decided to work on two songs at the same time. We would each start a song and then send it to the other to add their own personal touch to the song. My partner chose Black Sabbath NIB and I chose Depeche Mode, it’s no good. Depeche mode is essentially an electronic music band. I liked the challenge of using conventional musical instruments such as drums and electric bass to re-create the song in a more mainstream way. I decided that the synth used in the intro to each verse would remain as a tribute to the artists and that you should screw with a song totally, basically a respect thing.

For me, I believe that by re-recording the song with conventional instruments would make it more appealing, at least to me. I realise this is changing what the band stood for, but this is for an educational purpose. I am fascinated by what will result and have begun trying some synth settings for the intro of the song.

Searching the internet for a acapella of the song has proved fruitless. Much to my disappointment, almost every one of Depeche Mode’s songs has an acapella available, except for the one I chose (bangs head on desk). Not willing to give in, even though it was suggested I should try another song, I have found someone to re-record the vocals. To my benefit, the singer I have chosen, ( a fellow student) also sounds a little like the original artist.

During the trimester I had an eight hour session cancelled due to an equipment failure at the studio. I was not able to secure another studio session to record the drums and vocals until two weeks later. This presented me with a real problem that I was now two weeks behind and had precious little time to complete the mix.

I made the mistake of rushing the drum recording and missed the "golden rule" of producing music, which is the recording stage. It is absolutely vital to focus on recording as best as you can. You can't make an excellent mix if you have a bad studio recording.

I have now spent many, many hours mixing and processing the audio for the song. Whilst it is coming together nicely now, I am still wishing I hadn't rushed the recording and perhaps had time to record the drums again.

Pictured below frantically working on the recording, and below that, a preview of the mix at early stages.