Waay Delayed Birthday Show Upload

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It's been a while since I got to offload stuff off my cam and this one took almost 2 months!

Anyway, for my birthday, we had a family dinner but my sister had a different plan for me and she got me 2 tickets for the Razorback gig at San Mig ATC. I'm a huge fan of the band and it was an awesome awesome night!

I've done a few shows with Kevin so we pretty much know each other. What made my night was that I think he saw an FB birthday announcement (only explanation I can only think of) because he greeted me the moment he saw me. HANEP!!! hehe And he gave me another one in the middle of their set and even had Tirso greet me on stage as well. It took me back to being 14 yrs old watching them at Kalye in Makati... and now the very same band greets me on my birthday! Imagine how happy I was hehehe kilig is the term I think hahaha Woohoooo! And as you can see in the pics, we got some nice pics from that night too!

Cy

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The silverfilter Battle Plan...

A Little over a month ago, I started on a personal project of mine: to send my music out to record labels all over the world in countries that I choose. 

It's interesting how God lines up everything and slowly takes things up a notch the more we progress...

I initially just said to myself, "just one UK label and I'll be happy." I got that UK label and I'm happier to say, 2 UK labels have picked up 2 tracks already of mine. 

But after the first UK thing, God told me "See, there's one already. Time to show you the rest..." and He sure did.

The plan He planted in my mind was to target not 1, not 3, but 7 countries. And I'm VERY happy to announce that I finally got my tunes signed in 7 countries! Wooohoooo!!!!

Here's the update so far:

US - 2 labels
UK - 2 labels
Romania
Italy
Germany
France
Denmark

In the coming months, expect my new releases under these labels from around the world. It takes a few months for them to build up a release with promotions and stuff so I can't announce anything this early. The good thing is, God's been so faithful and this is something only He can make happen... I'm not surprised, He put those ideas in my head to start with!

It's sad though that people in the Philippines will only take notice of what a Filipino does only when He or She gets recognized outside the country. Shouldn't it be that we're the first ones to support our fellow countrymen? Oh well... this is partly the reason why I sent my stuff out hoping that maybe the extra credentials would help me locally :( but Hey! We're off to a good start so it's enough reason to rejoice despite local thinking!

At the moment, I've sent the few tracks already. I'm still polishing the rest of the tunes for the other labels and ironing out contract details but everything's going very well and I'm really excited about it. 

What's next? Well, after I free my sched from all the label work, it's number 2 in the battle plan: Asian Tour. Honestly, this one's really God. I've never even given it any thought before or imagined myself doing anything like this but since the idea was birthed in me, I'm pretty sure, it's God. I'll be pouring my efforts and focus in polishing up a live set that I'll be proud to take around Asia and once i do, I'd be looking around for contacts around Asian countries to see what comes up. This is where God's divine connection will work and I'm sure His grace and favor is way ahead of me in talking to people to consider me. We shall see. 

2011's been going smooth and exciting so far and I'm sure the next quarter would be rocking. I can't wait for the 2nd half of the year for what God has in store :)

But for now, I'm excited to announce, I have been in communications with a developer for the very first silverfilter iPhone app :) 

That's it for now!

Thanks for your support and belief. 

God bless!

Cy

 

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It's Been A Sad Week

People often say it's nice that I have time for myself with the way I work. Thing is, doing freelance is definitely a challenge. And to be honest, it's all because of God that I lasted this long and am continuing to do so. But there are times when I the problem really is not a lack of clients but a delay in payments and that's where it gets messy. 

Anyway, this week or rather the month that led to this seemed to be the case. A lot of client payments have been delayed and with bills to pay, I had no choice...

As some of you may know, I recently just got married and I've put a whole lot of my savings into making it happen and this post wedding thing is really something since I'm just trying to get up from it financially and delayed payments aren't really helping...

So this is why it's been a sad week... with no payments received and I already used up a large chunk of my budget for other things (insurance, car registrations, etc), I had no choice but to sell my Flying V and my Marshall amp. 

I'm telling you, it's really depressing especially since those 2 pieces have their own stories and it was really hard to see them go especially for the amount. 

It's not just about the need for money. But the fact that I already have a wife to look after and I should take the higher road and be responsible enough. 

It's really sad but it's a must. I am just looking forward at this point to how God will replace those because I really feel down because of it. 

I'd like a Gibson Explorer to take the V's place please, Lord :)

Cy

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Got Some Cash for New Sounds?

If you have some cash to spend for new sounds, you might want to visit these sites for your next tune! Add to your sound library and be inspired :)

WARNING : This may make your credit card cry. Proceed with caution.

Posted are the links and short descrptions of the site as to how I see them. I may miss out on a thing or two so better pay them a visit online.

http://www.eastwestsamples.com - One of the ones who's been around for quite a while already. Aside from their online catalog as a digital store, they also create some of the BEST sound banks one can find.

http://www.soundsonline.com - I think this is a subsite of eastwest as it features a big logo of them on top but also offers other libraries worth checking out.

 

http://www.timespace.com - Another one of those companies who's been around since way back. They have an extensive catalog of everything you need to make music.

 

http://www.soundstosample.com - I frequent this site often because of the catalog and I like the collection that they have there. Their demo player is convenient.

 

http://www.loopmasters.com - I believe they were once creators only and now they've built themselves up by using their site as a digital store for various brands as well. Quality stuff here. I just don't like their demo player that much.

 

http://www.producerloops.com - online seller of sample libraries that cover styles from all over. I frequent this site recently for some work-related stuff. What I like about their site is that their demo's are downloadable so you can really come back and listen to a particular demo on your drive if you're deciding to get a particular product.

 

http://www.primeloops.com - If you're more on the hiphop sound, this is your place.

 

http://www.soundsondemand.com - Another huge source you must check out. 

 

http://www.bestservice.de - This is the main site I believe of the company handling soundsondemand.

 

http://www.audiomidi.com - something like timespace, that serves as a portal to all your music needs, this one's a huge one as well. It pays to go on their mailing list as they have crazy deals from time to time.

 

http://www.nativeinstruments.com - Need I say more? They're particularly a brand unlike most of what I posted here which are digital stores. But since they have that facility to handle orders, it's worth checking out directly from them and see their catalog. One of the biggest players in music software these days.

The thing with these sites is that particular sites also carry exclusive brands that offer really good sounds as well so it's not enough to just pay a visit to one big site and just do your search there. It's worth visiting as much so you can have more choices and you can even save more in the process :)

Enjoy!

Cy

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FL for Reason? What?!

Some Reason users may have forgotten or possibly weren't aware that you can load up soundfonts in your NNXT module. This opens up a whole new world of sounds that you can load up and use in your Reason project. 

As a Reason user, I sometimes find myself searching for lots of free sounds out there and there are a lot to be had! But most of the time, we may be used to just searching via google with search terms including "refill" or "refills."

Reminding everyone that soundfonts are a valuable source for new inspiration, here's a link I came across while searching for new free sounds for a client. 

http://www.flstudiomusic.com

It's a nice resource for anything related with FL Studio. however, it also has its own little soundfont search engine for those sharing their stuff online so it's worth a visit to add to your Reason sound library :)

As most users enjoy Reason being self-contained, the possibility of adding soundfonts to your sonic arsenal really adds to what you may have making your sound expand more avoiding as well the usual "Reason" sound as others may say. 

Enjoy!

Cy

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More Korg Monotribe Videos

After seeing the video, I'm convinced in getting one :)

Enjoy!

Cy

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Novation Twitch

Someone posted this in one of the forums I frequent and I must say that it looks yummy!

Twitch is the latest DJ controller from Novation. They actually partnered with Serato for this. Thus, the name Twitch-Serato Itch I'm guessing. 

After watching the video, it seems like a decent hardware controller and interface for Djing and with it having additional templates for Traktor despite being marketed initially for Serato, may garner the attention of a larger DJ market. 

I believe that people will compare this with the Traktor S4 controller but I think it would be unfair for so many reasons but for me, the main thing to consider here is that it is half the price of an S4. With Twitch, you get a full DJ controller, software and a hardware interface. And if you're doing basic DJing, this one may fit you nicely and more!

Thing is, people will always associate price with quality or whatever but bottomline is, why spend more when you can do everything that you want with something that's half the price, right? And it's nice to see something new from Novation even if the market is saturated with dozens of controllers. I believe Twitch has its edge and if you go to youtube and watch the video, it looks promising with all the features they packed into it. But like all controllers, if you spend time mapping your existing one, you may not need anything like this to be honest. 

At the moment, I like the idea of this but when I look around my studio and see my controllers, I'd rather spend time knowing my controllers inside and out and set it up correctly. But if I had the money, why not?! I've been actually looking around into getting some new DJ software (Traktor 2 anyone?). But I believe there's a Traktor template for Maschine so for now that'll save me money...

I hope JB music will bring it in soon!

Cy

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Korg Monotribe

I'm sure some of you may have read about this already or have heard about it. This blog really isn't THE blog to get the latest updates or "first" tips before anything hits the market so I won't even compete with everything available online. I'd rather focus on my thoughts about it rather than just post another feature on the thing... So here goes...

Well, I've been contemplating on getting the Monotron when it came out. What's a Monotron?

Here you go!

The monotron is an analog synthesizer that fits in the palm of your hand. It may appear like a toy but it's a very NICE toy. For decades now, "digital" technology swept through the market and synthesizers rode that wave. But a lot of people still swear by the analog sound... warm, fat, and sweet. And so Korg (kinda late in the game this time), took on an analog project and released the Monotron. It has a ribbon controller with a keyboard that enables you to play in your notes but but it requires precise movements. I wanted one but I didn't get one. Today, I'm glad I didn't....

And so in comes the Monotribe. A Korg Monotron that's beefed up to be part of the Electribe series from Korg.  What is an electribe? Let's just say it's a production worksation with sequencer and sounds plus effects. 

Now, the marriage of the monotron and the electribe does seem to be just right and exciting to say the least. As you can see in the photos, it's really a step up from the humble Monotron. It now has a drum part and more functionality on the sequencer and synth end. Really nice.

My concerns now is how much will it be? And since the Monotron had a problem with some hiss from its output originally, will this new version be free of that noise? I'm also seeing an 8 beat sequencer so is 16 hidden in there?

I'm really curious but I'm not totally turned off since it wasn't what I expected. Let's just say it only met half of it. But it's a nice piece of kit and I'm looking forward once the videos of it go viral. It seems like a nice addition to my collection. 

People say the Monotron's filter is worth the price so I'm guessing the Monotribe HOPEFULLY will not disappoint. Once I do get one, I might sample off noise off of it and I'm sure it'll be great for drops and builds :)

Cy

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Sonic Flavours

If you go to any digital sample boutique, you'll always find refill versions of whatever sample collection they have but in essence, they're simpy converted into Reason format and sometimes worse, the refill format is the one that's lacking and all you're left with are sounds in formats not fit for Reason. 

In comes specialized Refills that once you see them, they've been made with the Reason user in mind and the Refill is actually created to maximize the modules within Reason. Thus, giving you the most from what you've spent on the Refill than having felt you've wasted half on a release with only part of it has a refill version. 

Sonic Flavours is one of those specialized refills. I'm actually saving up for one of their refills but I'll leave you to think which one hehe If you visit their site, you'll find lots of really good and QUALITY refills. The demos are great. Mainly focusing on what the refill can deliver and the sonic quality is very evident and you can expect something really great to include in your compositions.

I actually just learned of their company and I'm not in any way connected with them. I even wish that if they get to read this review, they'd be so happy, they'd give me one for free hehe

Whatever genre you create I'm VERY SURE you'll find something in there so if you've been contemplating on adding to your sound library, their site is worth a visit and take one refill and I'm sure you won't regret it. Trust me, I've bought refills that I thoroughly regret spending money on, that's why I'm very picky already.

Visit and enjoy your next purchase :)

http://www.sonicflavours.com/

Cy

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This Got Me Excited!

After holding off from spending to get a Korg Monotron, now I'm glad I did. This is gonna be crazy!

I can't wait!

An analog Electribe? Yes please!

Cy

Posted via email from silverfilter living