Best to have a little clock for you home studio so that you're aware of the time and date even if you have your little clock on your computer. If you have clients from time to time, it can be very helpful to monitor time especially if you try to charge per hour :)
The clock I got when turned off looks like a block of wood but springs to life when plugged in :) Got it from Dimensione and they have different shapes and sizes if you're into getting one.
Cy
Back from a week off to attend my grandma's burial, I'm back bringing you whatever's up in my side of the world.
This time, I've decided to share a recent project I did.
This is the My Rizal mini Jingle for an ad that they have for their essay writing contest campaign.
Enjoy!
Cy
I'm posting something more on a personal matter today so sorry there's no music related topic for now.
Since I got here at my grandparents' house, I've been holding back my tears and stopping myself from breaking down. As some of you may know, my lola (grandmother) passed away and it's been hard for me... for all of us. I just found it hard on my part to even see her coffin... much more to see her lying down inside it so until now, I haven't looked at all. I just can't. I don't think I can take seeing her in that state. I don't want that image burned inside my head. Maybe later before she's taken down I may look but I don't know yet. It's just really hard. I have so many memories of her that I don't want to add a negative one wherein she's lifeless in a coffin. But then again, maybe after writing this post, I may have enough strength to do so. I don't know.
It seems like I'm just waiting for her just like any ordinary day here where she's seated outside the patio in the morning or afternoon or hanging in her sari sari store where she's all powdered up with baby powder up to her neck plus a healthy dash of perfume, while humming some tune. Or if she see's me straight from bed, she then asks the help to set up the table for food. Good times. I'll always remember her also in her seat at the dining table with the whole family around her.
I will miss her laugh.
She had a hearty one.
I will miss her laugh.
I'll be taking a few days off from the blog to attend to my grandmother's funeral so stay tuned I'll be back writing next week :)
Have an blessed weekend everyone!
Cy
As I hold back my tears typing this, I say farewell to my grandmother whom I love DEARLY. The family always says I got my humor from her and I'm sure anyone who came to know her will say the same. She's a very funny lady and she has filled the lives of everyone around her especially the grandchildren with a life full of laughter.
I will always miss her laugh and her good old stories over breakfast lunch and dinner. I shall miss her sitting in front of her little sari sari store just hanging out and greeting everyone she knows and the regulars.
She was a very loving grandmother and a person with a very kind heart. She has put a lot of our help into school and even adopted a kid to help her out. She has always looked out for everyone and since my grandfather died when I was really young, she was both grandpa and grandma to me for my dad's side.
It is hard for me to think that she's gone now because I always look forward to seeing her smile and hearing her laugh whenever I fly out to Davao and now that she's gone, I'm afraid the house will be very empty without her. Things will never be the same.
As selfish as it may sound, I wasn't able to fly out in her last days because I didn't want to see her suffering. I wanted to keep the great memories in my head as it is and not remember her in bed dying. I was beside my sister and my grandfather when they passed and I didn't want another bad memory of a loved one lodged inside my head :(
I am just thankful to God that she left in peace and not in pain. She passed away 6:45am
To close this entry, I leave you with photos to show you who she is to me...
Here she is smiling for the cam
And here she is fooling with the cam that she didn't want any photos taken.
I will miss you lolafilter! I love you and will always be thinking of you!
Nin
[[posterous-content:pid___0]]
If you're like me at this point in time, I'm struggling to finish tons of projects before the month ends. With that, I have to organize and set which ones to prioritize to keep my head in check.
Here's what I do and maybe it can also help you out to line up which is which...
Of course, I first sort it out by deadline. That's the number one rule. There's no use in being organized if you were skipping deadlines.
The next one after you've sorted out which has the earliest deadline, is where you pick out which is the difficult ones to finish and the easy ones... group those together.
Now this is where people may have varying approaches...
You may choose the easiest to finish just to get things out of the way and finish ahead of time and so that you can focus later on the harder things you have to accomplish. I sometimes take this route. At the moment, I am!
The other option is the reverse of it. Try to finish the difficult ones first so that it's also out of the way. This way, you're left with the easier ones, which you can finish in no time.
Of course there are a few tradeoffs but it's up to you how to manage them. If you do the easiest first, you'll have enough time to work on the difficult ones because you finished quickly AT FIRST... the problem is if you run out of time since you were working with the difficult ones right before the deadline. On the other hand, if you do the harder ones first, you might run out of time also or you might do something rushed if it eats up your time initially.
For this particular project I'm working on now, I did the easiest ones first so that I won't feel too tired or burned out working on something difficult. That way, I'll have enough inspiration for the difficult batch. But that's just me. Other people feel the reverse wherein they did the hard ones first so that their mind can breathe a bit after.
Either way, it's helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture to prioritize and do what you can to maximize the most of your time and effort. It's hard to get inspiration for music projects as it is, so it's best to sort them out and choose accordingly!
Cy
If you have a huge project with lots to finish, allow time to breathe in between and tell your client dates that you factor in rest time. I should know since I live and breathe music-making. It's my hobby and it's my passion but at the same time, it's my work. Sometimes, I may admit, I feel like i'll be burned out with music and I'm rushing to find something to take me away from it for a while just to keep me sane. While i'm looking for an alternative hobby, I go and watch movies.
What do you do to rest or take time away from the pressures of your work or music-making if it's your job?
It may be common knowledge that we all need to REST but how many of us really do? How many of you really take time and consider getting away for a bit to clear your mind? Because sometimes, it can do more damage than good if you just keep going and going. You won't be as productive and you would've have wasted more time trying instead of just resting a bit and getting back fresh.
There will always be the temptation once you do rest or take some time off wherein your mind says, "you could do more if you're not doing this, you know?" and it will bug you. But don't let it get the best of you. Sometimes, we will really think how "unproductive" taking time off may be but at the end of the day, you'll realize how bigger of an help it was compared to just working your mind off until you have nothing else to give.
So going back to movies, that's what I did. I know that there are things I needed to finish. But I needed to rest over the weekend to prepare myself to dive in headstrong into the week to finish a ton of projects lined up for the week. I could've started one or two over the weekend but I felt it would be pressing it and just making myself into a music "machine" rather than just resting and getting all inspiration and creativity built up over the weekend to explode once monday hits.
Rest, my friend. Rest.
Cy
Got this in FB then I just made up a nice title for the entry hehe
MGA INGLESERA SA KANTO....
1. ats if!
2. the nerd!
3. im sick of tired!
4. true good to be true!
5. when it rains,it's four!
6. once in a new moon.
7. keep your mouth shock!
8.connect me if im wrong.
9. i hope u dont mine.
10. will u please give me alone?
11. Sky it the langit!
12. PLS. DON'T MAKE FOND OF ME!!!!
anong number ang like mo? it's your CHOOSE not mine! dont be too so CHOICEY!!! :D
Cy
Ok so in the interest of sharing more bargains, here's a name I just came across recently and surprisingly, their products have been getting really good reviews and more importantly, the plugins are very cheap!
So if you're looking to add to your library, check them out. Their EQs are the ones taking the limelight so you might wanna start with those.
Cy
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost
I sometimes need to tell myself to keep at it as well since I also find myself questioning if this music thing is worth doing given the responsibilities i have as I get older. Of course it is. But sometimes, we need that push...
I won't say I've achieved the succes I have wanted as an artist but I believe I'm getting there slowly. I may also sometimes feel that there have been years where I just wasted time not doing anything to move forward to achieve the dreams that I have but I realize that things take time and as it was mentioned in church, "preparation time is never wasted."
To be honest, at this point in time in my life, I also feel that I wasted some years. I think at my age, I should be doing this and that already and later find myself asking where I went wrong or what I did not do. There are a million thoughts trust me. But I keep at it. I keep at it even if I have tons of negative thoughts in my mind about pushing forward. I keep at it even if I feel that I am the only one who believes in myself (but that's the most important thing actually). I keep at it not because I don't have a choice but because I love music and the ability to make and share it.
I honestly wanted to find myself at my age being able to make and play music that it was enough to support myself and possibly a family. But it's not. I need to work hard also to at least help keep my passion for music-making using technology provided for.
I guess not being where I imagined myself at this time is one of my insecurities and it sometimes gets the best of me but I soldier on. Things that I was hoping to happen 5 years ago, are just starting to happen now. I may be frustrated thinking about that but the good thing is, I am realizing the fact that it already happened and it's not just some unattained dream. The key here I guess is STILL taking steps FORWARD and not just standing on the little that we may have have achieved and calling it quits once we felt that things aren't going nowhere anymore.
You may be struggling with your very first composition. You may be struggling with your very first album. You may be struggling with your very first loop. The key now is to move on and not let those struggles affect your passion to make music or do whatever it is that you love doing. There may be delays and as you've read in the previous paragraphs, those are things others go through including myself. Just take steps to move forward and you'll find yourself with new challenges that will help you get closer to your dreams. Just be patient AND consistent. You may have some lull time but remember to move once you see yourself in a static state.
I am still off to my dream. I hope to get there soon but for now, I'll do the best that I can in the now and tomorrow will take care of itself.
Cy
To be honest, I really didn't think I'll be sampling anything since I got R5. With all the Refills i have and the audio recording in Record, the sampling function was just an add on for me and I didn't feel I would get any use for it. I'm working on a project for a client now and they require a specific vst plugin to use. Since Reason doesn't allow 3rd party plugins, I had to resort to rewiring it with my other DAWs. My choices were logic, ableton, or Maschine since all 3 of them can host vst's. I initially ended up using Live. I'm most familiar with it so I chose that. But to rewire it means I should be sequencing inside Live as well which I find time consuming for me since I work fast in Reason and I don't want to be switching windows. So what did I do? Well, using soundflower in mac, I routed the outs 3-4 of Live and into Reason. Now with that, I routed the 3-4 input of Reason into the sampling inputs. So now internally just using my computer, I can now sample/record any VST into Reason and Record. Now it somehow adds a psuedo vst functionality inside it but recorded. For my needs though I had to sample some loops and hits so to quicken the process, I'm using Kong and just sampling straight per pad. It's a fun process which reminded me when I was still sampling into my hardware boxes before and using a dial to trim and such. hehe fun times. I also used kong since I can add on effects straight up per pad so that's also a plus. With the ease of software these days, sampling is waaaay too easy and if you have lots of sample sources, then you can definitely build a nice sample bank for use in your productions. Try it out :) Cy 
This is an actual screenshot of the sampling in Reason 5 on one of my projects.
Ok this entry has been pending for way too long now...
I was so psyched the first time I felt our baby kick. If you fathers haven't reached that point yet, prepare for a real shocker... well, not really. It was just a really nice feeling.
Imagine, your first connection with your baby...
So there I was making music in bed on the computer and Bernice goes "feel my tummy!" and the moment I set my hand on her tummy, the baby gave a really strong and surprising kick. It wasn't one of those little kicks that you feel a little push. It was one edgy and strong one and I'd like to think that our baby knew we were connecting for the first time and he/she wanted to make his/her mark properly with a nice strong kick saying "Hey dad, feel this!"
And so it was that from that moment on, you'll be able to feel the kicks once the baby's up. It's a fun feeling. Don't get frustrated at times when suddenly it's daddy trying to feel the tummy and the baby suddenly stops. It always happens to me as well. Just wait it out there's always time to feel it.
Just make sure you make it a point to feel it even once before your wife gives birth.
Make that first connection :)
Cy
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/MainPhp.html?NewsDisplay.php&Id=3271
Ok guys, you still have 7 days to make it.
I jumped on it really for the studio than for myself since I know God will be pouring in clients really soon so I took it.
I mean, 3X1 group buy? That's really worth it if you get the higher priced offerings since you in turn get the same value in two other products! Ok I'm sounding like a marketing guy already...
I'm just excited because I finally got what I wanted whereas yesterday, I was torn.
I ended up getting T-Racks 3 Deluxe and got Amplitube 3 full and Total Workstation for free. I think that's a pretty sweet deal. It was an easy Php40k worth of software gotten for free. I thought Amplitube would be a nice addition to my studio arsenal especially for guitarists who may require it one day and of course T-Racks as a nice add on for my studio services since i offer some mastering and some plugs on it can be used to add to my mastering chain. I was torn between getting Total Workstation though and the Amplitube Fender edition. I wanted to get the Fender edition since I love Fender but the total workstation was twice as expensive and since I was getting it for free, i opted to get the more expensive one so that I can just end up spending less should I decide to buy the Fender edition of amplitube. Total workstation has over 28 gigs of sounds spanning various samplers form analog synths to orchestral stuff so I believe it's worth it.
After I did my selection of software, I felt pretty happy and content about my decision and I just wanted to share the news with you guys in case you wanna get some new software at a bargain. You still have 7 days which is enough to make it so jump in!
:)
Cy
After hitting a wall today with nothing to post, here comes Native Instruments with a surprise shocker. The Maschine Mikro and the iMaschine app for iPhone and iPad!
I'm sure you can google specs and reviews but of course, seeing it's a blog, I'd rather share some thoughts about them than just do a rundown on features :)
I was quite excited to see how SIMILAR the Mikro is to the full version. I own and use the original Maschine and it really is something. With its limitations in live use, It's pretty exciting to see Mikro and think about the possibilities. I'm hoping that it can be used alongside the original Maschine so I can have 2 running at the same time... I'm getting excited just thinking about it. But I'm not in a hurry at all to get one. It's just nice to think about it but I doubt I'll get one. The Maschine and APC40 alone is too much already to bring to a gig so let's see. For you guys who have always wanted to get the Maschine but have been turned off by the price, I think this is a perfect way to jump in. With everything THE SAME software-wise, it's a bargain. And trust me, the sound bank alone is worth the purchase :)
So there, some surprise I myself didn't see coming! Thoughts?
Cy
I remember years ago, I wasn't using Reason then. I was using Fruity Loops (FL Studio today) and I was happy with it. FL was what got me into this whole music production thing and I loved it dearly. But when I got introduced to plugins and such inside FL, I was floored and overhwhelmed. With all the choices available, I found myself exploring and exploring and exploring and exploring and exploring plugins. Notice I didn't say I was making music? I was overwhelmed by the choices and the possibilities, that I got stuck doing that... exploring. I found my music-making time would be eaten by just listening to what's out there. Fast-forward to today and that's one thing I loved about Reason.
Reason prides itself in being a closed system. This makes Reason limited in a way since it can only use its own racks/modules to create music. You're limited by what it had and you'll have to "make do" with whatever they included in any update. For me, I saw this as a plus rather than a minus. With the limitations set by the software, I now had to learn the whole thing from the inside out and squeeze the juice out of it if I was to go get a particular result I wanted. This taught me how to program and how to get the most of what I had. Now, I wasn't focused on looking for that "perfect synth or sound" because I was busy making music because if I was looking for something, I had to tweak the synth to get that or try to approximate sounds close to what I'm hearing. This trained me and kept me focused. focused... I think that's the word.
Now you may be using a different DAW like Logic, or Live, or Cubase and those are great! You may even have dozens of expensive plugins and that's great as well! The point of this post is not being distracted by all the options out there. We can be MORE creative if we limit ourselves and work with what's there, because there are people who spend more time looking for the next new thing than making use of what he already has at his disposal.
How can this benefit your music-making? I know and heard a lot of people say that if only I had this or if only I had that gear, I would make "better" music or my songs will improve. Truth be told, anyone can make music with a little money saved up. You don't have to dive in and use up a lot just to start getting into music production. You can get very basic and useable gear and start from there. Learn mic placement with a simple mic or hone your skills at mixing with the default mixer and effects of your DAW. Know how to tweak the default effects in your DAW and get to know them that you can get it to sound close to things you're after. There are a lot of things you can do.
Bottomline is, put some limitations in your music and you can get back to being creative.
I read in a forum the other day that "A fish can be more creative in a fishbowl than in the ocean." If you think about it, it's quite funny but it makes perfect sense. I can imagine a goldfish swimming all day in a bowl with water and that fish has his imagination to keep him sane as it dreams up world upon world per day or imaginary fish perhaps? Whereas if it were in the ocean, he has all the wonders of the waters and all the fish he can cross paths with and he can explore all he wants.
Coincidentally, I also came across this site the other day while surfing. Download this guy's free ebook. It's VERY related to my point and expands on it as well as suggests some gear you may want to consider to start with and develop your skills at. www.recordingrevolution.com
So there, I hope you learn to put more limits on your music making and you'll soon reap the benefits!
Cy
I am happy to share some review from one of my students. We've only gone through 1/4 of the sessions and you may read below that he has picked up a lot so far! He signed up for the class without any prior knowledge on electronic music production so it's a blast readin this as the teacher :)
"So far our sessions have been totally awesome. So far, you’ve been able to share or teach the following stuff:
· Knowledge on Reason (How to use, shortcuts, etc.)
· Tips on hardware to use or buy. Even on where to buy them
· Sessions were really relaxed and informative; I could ask any question about music.
· After 3 sessions, I can already create simple songs. I already uploaded 1 song in Souncloud.com right after the Dr. OctoRex session hahaha!
My expectations were met as of now. I believe all of them will be met as well J Because I think after you teach about the sequncer, I’ll be more ready to make my own sounds.
Bottom line: sessions are really fruitful and worth the money.
I remember a year back when I went out to buy studio gear for recording. I made a list and went around and I thought I had everything I needed. I really wanted to get everything in one go so that I won't miss anything and have that peace in my mind that I'm all set up. I thought wrong...
What I missed out on was that I forgot to get myself a music stand. I never realized how important it was until I had a recording session and the vocalist didn't memorize the lyrics. I was so used to thinking that vocalists should have memorized (because they should) their songs but I failed to think of those suddent songs singers come up with... and of course I later on realized I could also use one myself.
There I was getting some clear tape and stickin it on top of the lyric sheet and onto what you may ask? a microphone stand. It of course works but it really doesn't look good and doesn't work as convenient as a proper music stand. Now, I can finally be proud of my studio because I have a proper music stand hahaha :)
Seriously though, I was happy when I got it. It was more expensive than what I thought but I decided to get the nicer one than the cheaper ones you can get for around 400 pesos. This one had real weight in it and it felt sturdy. This is not to say the cheaper one was bad since those things just need to hold paper in place anyway. But I wanted to get something that would last and that I can possibly put around my workstation area from time to time to maybe rest a controller on or something coz it really is that sturdy.
So there. If you're running a home studio and would want to get some recording jobs, don't forget to get your music stand. It will definitely make the process easier for everyone involved :)
Cy
I'm often asked by first time producers where they can get free sounds, loops, and samples.
For new producers, I suggest diving deep into what your DAW can offer first. Try to make the most of the default sounds built in your system so you can get to know your software more and its capabilities. Remember, limitations often bring forth creativity and it's great exercise while you develop your craft.
Once you've used your default library (which can usually take even a year!), then you can take the next step and expand your sound sources/lib.
I think I once posted before some sample and loop sites on the blog which can be a good starting point but for the sake of the entry focusing on free, then here it is...
The most obvious path is to type in "free samples, sounds, loops, patches, synth loops" etc into google and you'll get a ton of links already. But one thing I've noticed is that as overwhelming as it is, a lot aren't really that good.
My suggestion is to visit first the official site of your DAW, I'm sure they have a healthy community of users sharing sounds, patches, loops, etc. Propellerhead has a ton of free "refills" that can be downloaded. Those alone can fill up your library for another year of exploration :)
Then you can also visit commercial loop libraries. Why? A lot of them offer up to 1 gigabyte of sounds and even more just for signing up for a free account. If you also buy from some, you immediately become part of their "customer" list and so you'll receive free sound packs even weekly!
Some sites are producerloops.com, loopmasters.com, soundstosample.com and so much more. You can revisit my old entry on sample sites you can visit if you wanna sign up to get free sounds. Who knows, you just might have some spare cash lying around and you end up buying some :)
Enjoy the search!
Cy
