| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 2107.1 | re-trenching... | WEFXEM::COTE | Another day, another segue... | Tue Aug 29 1989 17:59 | 24 |
| Like Karl, the quest for the latest and greatest holds little interest
for me anymore. My equipment is decidedly less than SOTA, but at the
rate new stuff appears that's a grail someone else can chase.
Though I haven't gigged since New Year's Eve, I can't say I miss it.
Yet, there are times when I wish there was someone around to just
*jam* with. No goal, no tape running, no set list. Just jam.
Lately I've been trying to improve my chops through good ol' practice.
I take 4, 8, maybe 16 measures of a Chick Corea solo and LEARN it.
Inside out, backwards and upside down. I'll sequence the other parts
and just play till I drop. Slow at first, then faster. Know what? It
works!!!!! I am VERY proud to say that I can blow through the first
synth solo on "Electric City" like I wrote it...
But why? Why am I doing *covers* {gasp!} when I could be writing?
I got stuck in a rut, trapped by my own ineptitude. Working my
way through this stuff not only increases my technical proficiency,
but gives me new ideas...
Getting it out to the masses isn't important to me at this time.
Settling some 'internal' issues is...
Edd
|
| 2107.2 | becoming a part time job... | HPSTEK::RENE | an independent station, ..WJAZ | Wed Aug 30 1989 10:04 | 15 |
| My musical goal at the present time is primarily gigging. I want the
band to sound good. That is my main concern in purchasing gear. I am not
a virtuoso, but rather a 'band member'. I coudn't sit down by myself and
entertain some folks by just playing. I basicly learn parts, but learn them
well. With things the way they are right now at DEC, I'm now looking
more towards the band as a part time job rather than just a hobby.
Since gigging and rehearsing take up so much time, I haven't had the
time to really learn my gear inside out, as I always do. This will come
in time though. I'm sure that eventually I'll get sick of gigging and get
out of it for good, sell my gear and take my wife away for a couple of weeks.
However, for the time being, I'll keep on playing,entertaining people. It
is still fun and an ok source of income (until my MIDIholic tendencies come
out, and I BUY something!!!!)
Frank
|
| 2107.3 | | DNEAST::BOTTOM_DAVID | The sea refuses no river... | Wed Aug 30 1989 10:06 | 25 |
| Well I haven't done much with my studio lately, but I am gigging with a "classic
rock" band and that's keeeping my chops worked out. I did do a session in
Laconia a few weeks ago with LAEAST but other than that no recording is
taking place...
My music comix are also expiring, I have virtually no interest in synths,
sequencers etc. these days, I've decided I like working with people much much
more. I can't seem to program drums to save my life, and I don't even know
what it is I'm doing wrong, but I expect to spend some time later when the
cold weather comes to try to get more proficient at that chore.
I did however, drop a few bucks lately, I bought a Quadraverb (and like MIX I
like it) and a new guitar amp (a Rivera, a top end product that cost me
dearly). I've been tempted to get a Strat plus but decided the 6 guitars I have
will just have to do...:-)
I have it in mind to record about 10 orginal pieces this winter (which 10??),
but while the trout are still rising to a dry fly and the salmon are running
and the band is working I just don't have time...
As far as getting my music to the people, I've about given up, but it does my
ego (and heart) good to see people jump up to boogie when the band does one of
the orginal peices....
dbii
|
| 2107.4 | artist without applause | NRPUR::DEATON | | Wed Aug 30 1989 10:27 | 42 |
| Interesting topic.
I have never planned on making money with music, so the thought of
getting some return doesn't come up. Because I knew money would not be there to
back up the hobby, I have tended to only buy what is either being blown out or
used.
I still like to gig occasionally, though no-where near as much as I did
in my twenties. I keep a few affiliations with people in local venues such that
I get asked about two or three times a year to perform. I also hold onto a few
different types of performance configurations for the sake of variety. I am
presently getting ready to do a show in Worcester (on Sept 29th, mark your
calendars, folks! 8^) with a loosely joined jazz band (keys, guitar, bass and
sax - and will be adding drums electronically). I also have a couple of ties
in with some vocalists that I will be working on a couple of pieces with.
As far as my equipment goes, I am pretty satisfied with my basic system.
Most of my needs are met with the Roland Piano, the MKS7 and the TX81Z (run off
the MC500) - I have yet to run out of polyphony for the types of arrangements I
do. I have the Matrix-6R sitting on top of the rack and I turn it on to listen
to its rich textures, but I haven't yet brought it into a serious piece I have
sequenced. The only thing I wish I had now, practically speaking, is a drum
unit with a broader base of samples. In this jazz gig, I have been sequencing
some material that uses both a standard kit and Latin percussion. I have found
ways to use the TX81Z for things like wood-block, shaker and congas, but I wish
I had a few other sounds (like triangle, cabasa, quiada, etc) and a ton of
cymbal variations. What I have doesn't sound bad, it just lacks for tonal
variety.
Last Christmas I made a tape of six songs (original). I taped it on my
cheapo tape deck and made copies for my family and a few friends (I even bought
custom-length cassettes and did a label on the lasar-printer. The majority of
people that I gave it to never gave me any reaction (don't say it, it wasn't
THAT bad...). Those that did seemed to like it a lot. But out of the, oh, 25
tapes I gave out, maybe 5 said anything (and we're talking family and good
friends here). It was very discouraging. I'd like to do it again this year
with the better mastering deck I have bought and have the copies made with
better quality equipment, but I don't know whether it is worth it, judging from
last years underwhelming response.
Dan
|
| 2107.5 | My musical life is over | ANT::JANZEN | cf. ANT::CIRCUITS,ANT::UWAVES | Wed Aug 30 1989 10:37 | 9 |
| My goals are fulfilled. I recorded all my pieces in technically
correct performances in reasonable fidelity. I sent them to friends
and people that influenced me without knowing it, and got responses,
and my best college friend commissioned me for a new work, but I
had to turn it down, it was too late, I had quit.
It was the last chapter in my work in music.
I toyed with selling off the one box, but havn't done yet.
No music magazines at all come to my mail box anymore.
Tom
|
| 2107.6 | Trying To Grasp Reality | AQUA::ROST | Speak to dogs in French | Wed Aug 30 1989 11:08 | 44 |
| A very interesting topic.
For me, my home "studio" (if it desrves the word) is just a toy. My main
instrument is the bass. I am basically incompetent on all of the other
instruments I own (guitars, keys, dulcimer) and as a result any multi-track
work I've done over the years has been marred by that incompetence. To some
extent, getting MIDIfied last year helped in that my sequencer allows me to
program parts that I could never play in real time, but I have also concluded
that I am not a songwriter, either.
The three things that I use my gear for these days are:
1. Sequencing songs for use in my bass practicing.
2. My four-year old uses the synth for her piano practicing.
3. I occasionally tape a folk or blues tune just for the hell of it, it gives
me an excuse to learn a new guitar chord or to try working on my (awful)
singing.
In general, I've gotten really cynical about all the hype on home studios.
The thing they require above all is real musical talent above and beyond what I
have. I suppose if I had one or more regular collaborators, it would be
different. My gigging bands tend towards roots music, which doesn't translate
well to a MIDI environment (there's an understatement).
Meanwhile, I continue to question why I play music, period. Frank's comments
hit home with me. I do not see myself as God's gift to the bass, and I really
seem to be at my best in a band where people are sharing the same musical
ideals. This is why I love my band the Hubcaps so much. We play rock and
roll, country, blues, jump, old-timey, hardcore, zydeco, reggae and anything
else we feel like doing. Everyone in the band likes a lot of kinds of music
and for us to cover the Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, Toots and the Maytals and
Gid Tanner's Skillet Lickers in the same set seems sensible to us, after all,
it's all great music. What I would really love is to get in a few bands at the
same time, with each playing different styles of music and each working only
once a month or so. At that point the money doesn't really matter as long as I
can pay for broken strings, blown fuses and beer. Then I could concentrate on
having fun for myself and thereby helping the audience have some fun. Looking
at it from that perspective, my home studio is sort of a sidetrack thing to
keep me busy while I hustle for new live music projects.
Brian
|
| 2107.7 | A Selfish Perspective | DRUMS::FEHSKENS | | Wed Aug 30 1989 13:18 | 35 |
| I'm another hobbyist musician. I do this because I enjoy it and
can afford it. I have no illusions about ever making any money
from it, or ever having anybody else hear any of it. It is a
supremely selfish and "wasteful" self indulgence. I really enjoy
jamming with live musicians in my drummer's role, but steady gigging
is not worth the hassles for me. The studio is appealing because
I can do whatever I want whenever I want without having to make
any concessions to anybody else.
It's ironic, but almost all of my nonmusician friends think of me
as a photograper, my other "hobby". In this case, though, I have
been published, exhibited, and sold, and a lot of my longtime friends
have prints of my work hanging in their homes. I get asked a lot,
"why don't you go pro?". The answer is simple, and is the same
as for music - "because I do this for myself, and I don't want to
put up with the hassles of doing it for someone else, either explicitly
or implicitly". I have done some commercial photography, but it
was always as a favor to someone; I have turned down everything
else.
Finally, I love playing with the technology. It's not important
for me to have the latest piece of gear (actually, most of my stuff
is pretty old, technology-wise), but I do enjoy working with equipment
whose design and implementation I can respect and admire.
And I've learned a lot. My enjoyment of music has been significantly
enhanced by my aimless fooling around with these toys, just as my
involvement in photography has signficantly affected the way I see
the world around me.
So basically, I don't care what anybody thinks; I have no expectations
or plans, other than to enjoy myself.
len.
|
| 2107.8 | | MIZZOU::SHERMAN | ECADSR::SHERMAN 235-8176, 223-3326 | Wed Aug 30 1989 13:41 | 22 |
| Gee ... kinda depressing. I have no MIDI toys anymore, as most
folks are aware. Over the last three years, MIDI has cost me about
$1500. I was able to put together a cassette album with about 30
minutes of stuff on it. Gave away about 75 copies of it to my friends.
Came to a cost of $20 per tape. Considering that I've spent about
that much per person for each of my wife's recitals when she was
in school, that's probably about right.
It bought me opportunity to actually hear some of the ideas that are
compulsively floating around and being generated in my head. I was
also able to share this with others in a way that they could
appreciate. I'm always humming tunes, tapping out rhythms with my
fingers or my feet, and grunting drum parts to myself. So, it came as
a relief to prove that there was actually something wonderful behind
my personal noises. Definitely worth the time and effort.
When I get back into it, I will again enjoy the exhilaration of
hearing my musical ideas come to life in a way that my friends can
also appreciate. Meanwhile, I'm as a mute that makes funny personal
noises once more.
Steve
|
| 2107.9 | just boppin' along | NAC::SCHUCHARD | Life + Times of Wurlow Tondings III | Wed Aug 30 1989 16:14 | 43 |
|
Real simple for me - music has always been my drug of choice. I
don't really need expensive toys, and as far as midi is concerned,
i'm minimally armed, but mute!
Once upon a time, I wrote lots and lots of songs. Some stink, some
are pretty good. For me, a good time is to drag out the old books,
and if i can remember why i wrote it, or if for some reason i liked
it, record it. I used to write with arraingments in mind, and i
try and bring them to life. So, my stuff tends to sound a lot like
pop music from the late 60's and early 70's. I like it, and most
folks who've heard it like it too!
I've got 3 daughters (10,12,15) who keep me and my wife constantly
poor(financially), and extremely busy, so that serves as a natural
check on getting any gear, or over indulging in time spent. We've
barely made it avoiding divorce over this issue. Moderation in
all things they say...
I'm kind of excited these days though. I've been saving my best
material for when I think i can do it some justice. I find that
with just the little cz101, I can accomplish a whole lot! So, the
songs that i think i wrote best, are beginning to get planned out
(a novel experience for me) and who knows, maybe someday i'll even
submit one to a commusic tape. I'll get ripped to shreds on the
production stuff, but frankly that does not matter all that much
to me - i've never been moved by compression or reverb, but am
quite sensitive to a good melody or lyric.
I've had lots of folks over the years approach me about trying to
sell songs, and have had offers of financial backing (as recent
as last saturday night). I harbor no illusions and always advise
they spend their money on more useful ventures. I enjoy what
I've got, my only goals are for a little more gear (i'd like more
tracks, a good reverb, and good drums), and to resume writing
songs again after a 13 year layoff. I just can't seem to find
the time, or maybe the dicipline, to finish off ideas. Fortunately,
they still come, but as i approach 40 now, i suppose my brain'll
turn into a squash...........
I hope to keep indulging until the candle burns down.
bs
|
| 2107.10 | Flexible piano substitute. | HPSRAD::SAWIN | Jim Sawin, DTN 297-4933 | Wed Aug 30 1989 16:49 | 12 |
| Well, I'm just getting started with this stuff, although I've been playing
acoustic piano for years. My goals are to use the setup as a substitute for
a real piano, and to experiment with composition, using the new sounds and
sequencing capabilities of my MIDI studio. I am not planning to play gigs or
make any money on this.
I didn't want to get a 'real' piano, due to the cost and size. A MIDI studio
gives me a suitable substitute, along with additional flexibility for
composition. What then? I'm not sure, but I've got enough to keep me busy
for a while...
Jim
|
| 2107.11 | I second Len's opinion | SWAV1::STEWART | There is no dark side of the moon... | Wed Aug 30 1989 19:39 | 14 |
|
Len (.7) pretty much stated my position. I'm a contractor, so I
spend most of my waking hours (so it seems) working to make
someone else's concepts into reality. Music is one area where I
get to do what I want, when I want, even if it's just noodling
around. MIDI is what I use to get away from computers...
Thinking about one of the other replies... since you East Coast
guys are so close together, what about collaborating on some sort
of cooperative studio where you could share your gear? Maybe
Uncle Ken has some extra space he could loan to an "employee
activity committee"?
|
| 2107.12 | | HOTONE::MOELLER | Nested assumption calls | Thu Aug 31 1989 01:11 | 5 |
| So far, the replies have been pretty restrained, and so are the
ambitions. Have we all 'given up' ? I don't mean dreams of stardom,
but some sort of recognition for our music.
karl
|
| 2107.13 | minority opinion | SWAV1::STEWART | There is no dark side of the moon... | Thu Aug 31 1989 01:35 | 14 |
|
Recognition? I guess I'd be happy if somebody recognized my noise as music...
Seriously though, does everything have to be goal-oriented? Can't we just
play without having to layout a course in advance? I realize I'm in the
minority here 'cause I'm not playing out, I'm not a pro, I just like the feel
of putting bits and pieces of stuff together to make a song...
Some people write poetry no one ever gets to see. I torture voice coils.
|
| 2107.14 | Some Sorts Of Recognition | AQUA::ROST | Speak to dogs in French | Thu Aug 31 1989 09:08 | 22 |
|
Re: .12
Well, I *do* get recognition for my music. When people come up to me
in a bar and say how great my band sounds, or people ask us to play at
their wedding or a party or even when I play my guitar while my
daughter sings nursery rhymes, I'm getting recognition.
I gave up a long time ago even thinking about any form of large-scale
recognition. Not that I would mind it if it should happen, but I'm not
actively pursuing it. I'm not ready to play music business games with
the big boys.
BTW, I have actually seen my name on the liner notes of two albums to
date, and expect it on two more this fall, plus I have heard my playing
on the radio a couple of times, which I'll admit that was a big thrill
for me. So I can go to my grave knowing that I at least made it to
vinyl, if not CD 8^) 8^) 8^)
Brian
Where_are_my_royalty_checks?
|
| 2107.15 | | KOBAL::DICKSON | | Thu Aug 31 1989 11:25 | 2 |
| I am not on this train because I care about getting to someplace.
I just like riding on trains.
|
| 2107.16 | If I have 3 goals, do I get a hat trick? | TALLIS::SEIGEL | SYNTH when? | Thu Aug 31 1989 11:36 | 38 |
|
Goals. Hmmm. Mine have changed over the last several years. They
used to be "I wanna be a rock-star". This is becoming increasingly
unrealistic, although one never knows. I am working with a band now
that is considerably more professional and more experienced than any
I have ever worked with before. We're maybe 2 months from gigging.
So, there's a short-term goal: get out and play, as I haven't in almost
2 years.
It seems like each time I get involved with a band, we get rolling, I
spend gobs of cash on new-and-improved equipment, we do some sort of
multitrack recording project, and then, invariably, the whole thing
fizzles. This time around, I decided not to spend gobs of cash until
we were doing something productive; I still manage to get new equipment,
but only what I can afford from the equipment I sell. Seems to be
working so far. Although I'd like to have a duplicate of my rig for
home use (currently, it's at my rehearsal studio), unless I win the
lottery, this is out of the question.
But, I think the most important goal for me is related to the music itself.
That goal is to get *something* I've written on vinyl, and have some
people buy it. I'd have to agree whole-heartedly with Brian in .14. I
want to see my name on an album. If 10 people buy it or 10 million buy
it, it's not really that important. I just want to leave a musical mark.
Perhaps this will be the band with which I do it. Perhaps I'll have to
turn to a solo-project. Dunno right now.
I do know that I'm not finished yet. Equipment may change; the musical
style may change; but I think I will continue until I'm on record. I've
been sooooooo close, only to flush 20+ hours of 24 track time down the
drain. No more. Although I don't remember what recognition sounds like,
I hope to be reminded after we get gigging...
And, if it all fell apart, I'd just bring all the toys home, buy or borrow
some sort of recording gear, and just play for the fun of it. 'Cause I
wouldn't be doing any of this unless it was fun.
Andy
|
| 2107.17 | Nice to see that we are all different | CSC32::MOLLER | Nightmare on Sesame Street | Thu Aug 31 1989 12:05 | 42 |
| This sounds so cliche, but I'm in for it for the $$$ as an
extra job. I play pretty much only the music I like & enjoy
the security of a real full time job & a paying musical joy
ride. I'm not overly worried about what some people think.
I enjoy audience interaction & playing for appreciative crowds
while not caring one way or the other about how up to date
my equipment is. I usually don't go to hear other bands, because
it just ain't as much fun as playing. I don't take things
overly serious, and neither does the other member of my Duo,
who is also in it for added $$$. I write songs & record them on
my old porta-studio, but rarely play them at a gig (I don't know
why, but we don't often play the keyboard players tunes either).
I play primarily guitar & have picked up keyboards as a result
of the MIDI explosion. If it weren't for sequencers, drum
machines and MIDI SGU's, I'd still only play guitar & diddle with
my piano. I've grown tired of forming bands where some of the
members are either too serious or not serious enough, hence
the MIDI revolution has eliminated the need to worry about
other people & I can work with whoever I want. My wife pretty
much hates having to share me with guitars, but as life would have
it, I told her never to make me choose between things that I
really need as she might not like the decision she forced.
I don't listen to anything I don't like, & I don't play anything
I don't like. I listen to Classic Rock & Roll stations & the
Adult contemporary radio stations. I support any local band that
has members that are friends of mine (I go see them), no matter
what the style of music is, but don't expect them to do the same
for me. I like people who are truly outstanding, such as Wes
Montgomery, B.B. King, The Beatles & Stevie Wonder. But at the same
time, I like pretty much a bit of everything.
My current goals are to add some more MIDI SGU's & put together
more songs for the Duo to play. I also want to put out a cassette
album or originals (seems to be stuck, however), such that I
can use it as both a demo tape and for occasional sale at a gig.
I'd suspect that they'll mostly end up as give-aways for prospective
job opporitunities. The goals as nice and simple & I'd like to
keep them that way. My motto; Make More Music & Make More Money.
Jens
|
| 2107.18 | More than just music... | WEFXEM::COTE | Another day, another segue... | Thu Aug 31 1989 12:21 | 19 |
| > So far, the replies have been pretty restrained, and so are the
> ambitions. Have we all 'given up' ? I don't mean dreams of stardom,
> but some sort of recognition for our music.
For the indeterminable future, yes, I've given up looking for some
type of recognition for my music. That could change in a heartbeat
I imagine.
In all honesty, y'know what would thrill me no end right now? To be
recognized for my chops, not my music. Since on a scale of 1-10 I'd
rate myself a ".9" I've got alot of work to do.
...and I've found that keyboards aren't the only chops to develope.
MIDI chops are a whole 'nuther skillset. A musician friend of mine
recently complimented my MIDI skills with the statement "You be the
devil himself on that stuff!!" Damn, I *am* making progress...
Edd
|
| 2107.19 | Passion or drug? | ALEX::CONN | Alex Conn, ZKO | Thu Aug 31 1989 12:26 | 46 |
| Like Len, I am another hobbyist musician (and also have an interest in
photography).
Somebody commented last spring that the proper term for my attitude toward
music is that it is a "passion." I love listening and love to play even
more. Some people have even told me that they like to listen to me play the
piano by ear.
That's nice to know, but what's more important, _I_ like to hear myself
play or arrange on the keyboard, even if it is with headphones and never
again repeated. Now that I have a synth, it is like a drug. I can't tell
which is more addictive, designing new patches (just as addictive as
computer programming/hacking), or playing the newest patch that blows my
socks off. Like everyone else, a new patch/instrument brings forth new
arrangements to explore, and I'm just as happy if nobody ever hears them.
As Len puts it, "I have no expectations or plans, other than to enjoy
myself."
Some of my choral arrangements have been sung by other groups, and that
makes me feel good (I have made a mark). And someday, I'd like to get
something like Finale to allow me to more easily write the hardcopy music.
So I have one box that satisfies both my hacking needs and allows me to
practically go into a trance as I explore the possibilities of a given
patch. I find that great, not depressing. I have an acoustic piano that
also provides for hours of pleasure, but usually when I have time the kids
are asleep, so headphones and the synth are mandated. Someday I may buy
more midi equipment, but I'm not looking; I have more than enough room for
growth with what I have. I like to jam but have not had time to get
together with others as yet.
What I do find depressing are the replies to this note that imply that
people are ready to sell off their last box because they are finished
doing what they set out to do. I also find it depressing when I hear
people sell off _everything_ to pay bills or for other reasons. I can't
imagine voluntarily selling my acoustic piano if there was any way at all
to keep it (unless it was to get a better model). Similarly, while it is
possible to see where somebody might build up a whole studio of equipment
they they want to unload, I can't imagine wanting to get rid of that last
synth, even if it's just a CZ or JX or whatever. If music is a passion
and not a drug, what's the point of trying to go cold turkey? (Yes, I
know, there is a note that implies that MIDI is the drug. Keep the synth
and epoxy the MIDI ports! ;-) )
Alex
|
| 2107.20 | | MIZZOU::SHERMAN | ECADSR::SHERMAN 235-8176, 223-3326 | Thu Aug 31 1989 13:33 | 20 |
| Hi, Alex! Having been in the boat of having to sell off my stuff,
it was BECAUSE I'm passionate about music that I sold off all of
my gear. It's a trait of being a MIDIholic - one piece of MIDI
gear and you need another. I had a system that I felt was complete.
Just selling a part of it would not have worked for me. I was/am
against the wall in terms of time and finances. Actually, I believe
now that time was for me the bigger obstacle. Over the last week I've
pulled three all-nighters and have gotten to bed only once before
midnight. All of this is in an attempt to keep up with my work,
church and family obligations. I've been getting between 1 and 6
hours of sleep per day/night (time is a blur, sleep consists of
passing out, sometimes involuntarily). I could see these times coming.
One of these days, I will get back into it big time. I have not
yet done all that I want to do. For me, I don't feel I've given
up on music or MIDI. Rather, I'm going through a phase where I
have to put it aside for now.
Steve
|
| 2107.21 | Well, It's Different Now | VIDEO::TASSINARI | Bob | Thu Aug 31 1989 14:40 | 35 |
|
Interesting note....
I think there is no joy greater than making music. It makes me happy.
It's the way to recover when things aren't going well (we all have
little difficulties in life).
There are many who wish they could play an instrument which makes the
ability special. It is especially depressing when somebody who 'can'
doesn't anymore.
I got out of playing in a band 18 years ago but still played
acoustic at home. I *missed* playing with other people. I realized
that it was important to me. So 2 years ago I started my 'comeback'.
I am particularly disturbed by note .17 (Jens). It describes my
likes and dislikes and *confirms* what I am going through and I don't
like it. I can't find people interested enough in doing the band thing.
So...I am going to do it myself! I have the equipment (tape
recorders, instruments, amps, etc.) and enough desire to explore a new
(for me) area of music - the one person band. I would still like to do
the group thing but can't afford to waste time waiting for my ship to
come in.
Oh yeah, the real question, goals. My goal is to make *good* music
(as defined by my standards, I am toughest on myself). If *I* like
it, it's all that counts. If someone else likes it....*even better*.
I have to satisfy me first. Make money? Good idea! Depend on it?
No way!
This music thing sure has changed!
Bob
|
| 2107.22 | Outraged JXers Strike Back! | DRUMS::FEHSKENS | | Thu Aug 31 1989 15:00 | 6 |
| re .19 - What'd'ya mean "*just* a JX"!?!?!?!?! The JX-10 was Roland's
top of the line synth for a while, the analog/digital hybrid successor
to the SuperJupiter.
len.
|
| 2107.23 | And I enjoy solder burns, too... | GUESS::YERAZUNIS | There's no force like brute force! | Thu Aug 31 1989 15:51 | 19 |
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Heck, I just like to sound like God... :-)
-----
Music is handy to know something about, if for no other reason than
you it's hard to make small talk on a date if all you know about
is the intricacies of the VMS lock manager. Music is a part of
society, and being a reasonably well-rounded individual implies
knowing at least something about music.
-----
I'm not actively buying equipment right now; I've got only 22 voices
of synthesizer and that seems to be enough if I'm frugal :-). I
play the synths because I enjoy it, same reason I might ski or
windsurf. It's just fun.
-Bill
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| 2107.24 | In a nutshell: | DYO780::SCHAFER | Brad - boycott hell. | Thu Aug 31 1989 16:07 | 16 |
| Well, my goals are twofold.
First, I want to return my chops to the point where they were several
years ago (when I could play almost any Bach and lots of Chopin at
will). It seems I have a way to go. I would consider this goal
personal, and it's focused on developing playing ability.
The second is a bit more elusive - I would like to be able to get back
into a regular band at some point (but I'm pretty picky about who I
play with and what I play, so I haev a way to go here, too). I am
currently in the process of putting what I consider to be my best music
on tape (and paper) and getting it published. An album effort (like
km's) is not a goal ... rather, I'd just like to get some of my better
efforts heard.
-b
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| 2107.25 | | ALEX::CONN | Alex Conn, ZKO | Thu Aug 31 1989 18:45 | 14 |
| RE: .22
Len, I _meant_ JX8P or the like. Something that sells for $500 used and
therefore you might be able to hold onto even if you need to raise cash.
I love my HT6000, but I am still haunted by some of the the JX sounds I
have heard. It was not meant as a put down!
RE: .20
Steve, good luck on getting a handle on your time and finances. Just the
thought of being in a predicament in which I had to sell off everything
makes me lose sleep. :-(
Alex
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| 2107.26 | | HAMER::COCCOLI | guess i'm just a spudboy,looking for a real tomato | Thu Aug 31 1989 21:03 | 19 |
|
My primary musical goal at this point is to get a recording
contract. I've been in approx. 12 bands in the last 6 years, which
have all fell apart through no fault of my own. Several were THAT
close to signing.
Then, I discovered the "wonderful world of Midi". I realized
with the proper equipment, I could do away with drugged out bassists
and slovenly drummers.
So I have been slowly acquiring the right equipment and have
carefully selected the correct musical partner who complements my
sometimes dissonant playing style with corresponding doses of pop
and saleability. He also plays different "live" instruments than
I do. The originals are slowly being tweaked and polished whilst we
work on the actual stage show.
So goes the Plan....
Rich
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| 2107.27 | Set Goal = @FUN | MUSKIE::ALLEN | | Fri Sep 01 1989 18:25 | 66 |
| Karl,
Thanks for a great topic and one to which I've given a lot of
thought lately as I just made two MAJOR MIDI purchases. To answer
your main question "Why am I doing all this?" the answer is very
simple: just for the kicks. Before I got into all this, I asked
several friends whether they thought I should buy a synth, knowing
that I probably would not stop with that one piece. I got different
answers from a variety of people, but by far the wisest came from
my sister. When I expressed misgivings about "justifying" the cost
of this hobby, she stopped me and said, "Wait a minute, if it's
a hobby then why are you trying to "justify" it? Hobbies are just
that, hobbies; provided you can afford them in terms of time and
money, you don't have to produce anything as a result of engaging
in them. A hobby should be just for fun.".
I have tried to live by that with my MIDI setup. By most objective
standards I have a pretty elaborate rig, probably capable of turning
out incredible music in the right hands. But my only goal is to
have a good time and not be limited by the equipment. I have no
intention of EVER "gigging" with this stuff, or trying to get
published. If I choose to give a tape to someone for a holiday
then hopefully they'll like it, but if they never mention it again,
I certainly haven't lost anything.
One of your questions concerned our "studios becoming a money
hole". This is a potential problem for me. However, I've gone
down that road once with audio equipment and so hopefully I'm a
bit wiser 8-). Oh sure, I get tempted to buy the "latest, greatest"
when I read about them in the trade rags and these NOTES. But I
never have and never will subscribe to those rags specifically because
I realize that I am one of those people who will be dissatisfied
with perfectly good equipment just because it didn't make someone's
Best of 198X List. I also have made it a rule to talk to lots of
people before I buy something so that I can get other opinions.
Re. your question on how I get music to others, I've already
touched on it. I would only add that my personal make-up is that
in general, I do not want or need to have my music appraised by
others. I realize that may sound heretical to some, but I think
it is in keeping with my goals of doing this for my own amusement.
If I had to do this for some other purpose I would most surely have
to approach the whole process differently. As someone said earlier,
this is like windsurfing or tennis. I recently started windsurfing
and have no illusions about appearing on the cover of Sports Illus-
trated. I do it primarily because it's fun. If I get some exercise
at the same time, well then great!.
Is my music "good enough"? Yes, and no. It will never be good
enough in the sense of "finished" or there being no more left for
me to do, as in the case of one respondent. But it is certainly
good enough to give me hours of fun, and then some. I think I am
in the same boat with other Noters who have indicated this same
sentiment. I feel EXTREMELY fortunate that
1) Midi gear is widely available and reasonably priced
(think what Bach, Mozart, Ellington, and Stravinsky would
have given for our studios and their capabilities?)
2) I can afford this stuff
3) My livelihood in no way depends on what I do or don't do
with it.
And when you get down to it, I feel fortunate to work for a company
like DEC, with folks like you and the other Noters, where we can
share this hobby.
Good Topic!
Bill Allen
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| 2107.28 | | NATASH::RUSSO | | Mon Sep 04 1989 01:09 | 24 |
| Good topic.
I have been playing guitar for 5 years, been a musician for 17 years.
After playing guitar for 3 years, I became aware of the 4-track
recorder, saw what could be done with one, and realized "That looks
like a lot of fun!!!" So I set a goal to get one someday, and make
some multi-track recordings with a couple guitars and voices. I got a
Tascam unit this spring, and have been screwing around with it pretty
regularly since. Soon I will have 60 minutes of "cream of the crop"
material, and I will make a master tape. I'll make copies for any
friend of mine who I think will appreciate it. I've sent a few tapes
out to friends, and have gotten good remarks from all of them (however,
I'm very selective of whom I send a tape to). I never really gave much
thought to making $$ from playing, so it isn't a goal. Not to say that
I wouldn't welcome the opportunity! I do it because I enjoy doing it
very much......even if my ears are the only ones that hear it.
I'm not sure how long I'll keep the recorder, depends entirely on how
loaded with "stuff" that I want to be......I'm accumulating a lot of
equipment, and can no longer fit all my "stuff" in my car at once.
But I'll always have at least an acoustic guitar.
Dave
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| 2107.29 | Middle Market ? | USEM::SEAWARD | | Tue Sep 05 1989 17:30 | 24 |
| Thankyou for setting up this topic - I got a reaction from reading
the KEYBOARD article too.
First, my goal is to have fun developing my musical skills - and
the multitimbral sequencer sythesizer certainly does this. I
also play out in a blues band for the enjoyment of passing
music on to others.
But, I can see that if I want to do serious recording, there
are huge obstacles: my impression is that the music industry
is a closed club, we have the stars of yesteryear and the
new sounds (differentiated often by expensive electronics)
of today. I realize that this is simplistic, but I am only
trying to make a point that there is an opportunity
somewhere in the middle. The middle would also involve an
audience that expects and can appreciate the middle - which
I believe is out there looking for a return to music with
texture and depth.
This pessimism of mine will not keep me from enjoying the band
I'm in nor the music I add to my videos, but if small audiences
enjoy the performance - would other small audiences somewhere
else enjoy it too ?
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| 2107.30 | Mitch Norcross, Soundscape Designer | HPSRAD::NORCROSS | Beauty, Feeling, Play, Creativity | Tue Sep 05 1989 18:36 | 15 |
| RELATED TOPICS: 1063 - Studio Work In Progress
1077 - What To Do With Your Studio
Like others have said, I do this stuff mainly because I enjoy it
immensely. I also hope to produce some sort of 'finished product' after
several years of work, perhaps even several different products. I would
like to produce a tape of Space/Relaxation Music. I would also like to
score a film, preferably a horror or thriller film.
Another thing that keeps my interest is the goal of constructing the most
ergonomic MIDI studio possible. "Concept to recording in just a few
hours" is my motto.
/Mitch
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| 2107.31 | Expensive Goals! | RDGENG::MCNAUGHTON | Bruce, IE Process and Quality | Tue Sep 05 1989 19:54 | 35 |
| Many thanks to Paul Kent - (where can I send the bill?)
Well ... My goals are:
1) Learn how computers can be used in the home ...
2) Investigate how computers can help teach music ...
It all started ...
1) purchasing a piano (electronic equivalent) that would fit in an
English sized family room with feel and sound like a piano to
Cathryn. (She plays very well - I enjoy the headphones)
2) purchasing an Atari as a games - home computer...
3) Purchasing an FB01 to make alternate sounds
4) purchasing pro24 - to tie it all together (followed by tr626 and wx7
for my son)
I'm enjoying ...
1) following the notes conference and listening to the professionals...
2) eventually making the entire LAN work! (getting a new ROM for the
piano).
3) Finally sequencing some classical and rock music - learning about
drums, bass, guitar, and piano and how they fit together...
4) Keeping up with my daughter learning the piano ... and my son
learning the SAX.
Bruce
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| 2107.32 | Retrospective Hindsight? | WOTVAX::KENT | | Wed Sep 06 1989 09:12 | 12 |
|
No charge Bruce,, but I got a good commission from your bank manager.
My goals have always been the same. Have fun. Play a lot. Fiddle
with the technology. I even got asked to join a band this week,
which I may consider.
My navel seems to be O.K. thanks.
Paul.
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| 2107.33 | a reason, not a goal | KEYBDS::HASTINGS | | Wed Sep 06 1989 18:27 | 20 |
| Why do I do it?
I love to perform (for now). I get a real rush when to audience
gets up and into the music. It is great to make people happy.
For a long time I was out of bands. I stayed home and fiddled around
with my gear. After a while I was feeling musically constipated.
There seemed to be little point in playing for myself all the time.
I was getting bored with what I was hearing.
For now I am in a band. In a few years I may be back in my studio
only doing recording. I do it because I want to do it. That is reason,
if not goal, enough for me now.
I guess music has become a part of me, like breathing. I don't think
about goals very much. Music is just something I do. I expect to
go through various phases, but that is fine. My life is richer for
what music has given me.
Mark
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| 2107.34 | | DNEAST::BOTTOM_DAVID | The sea refuses no river... | Thu Sep 07 1989 11:18 | 7 |
| I got into a similar discussion last night at rehersal. Why do we do it? It
certainly isn;t the money, the women (:-)) or the fame...
I do it because I'm good at it, and I want to share that with others...ego
pure and simple
dbii
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| 2107.35 | | MUDDIN::DEBARROS | | Thu Sep 07 1989 12:26 | 24 |
|
I don't have a specific goal like... making big money only because
things come to me when I don't try for them. Once I start trying to
do something specific like selling some originals, I loose my total
focus on why I picked music as a hobby. It was basicaly the only thing
I could do that I could express myself in so many ways. I never remake
other artists songs... it just doesnt excite me. But I do agree with
fast Eddie's reasoning of learning Chick's Electric City. The only
acception is that I'm not a fluent note reader. When I get into a rutt
or writers block, I always find something that changes my entire
outlook towards my orginal music.
I have entered a few songwriters contests and plan to send some stuff
to a radio station that dedicates 1 hr. on Sundays to get the publics
opinions on the Amateur artists music. Other than that, I will
continue to keep on hacking. But I did accept a job building a theme
song for a local cable TV show, in which there is no money involved..
but for now I will be satisfied just hearing it on T.V.
Eric
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| 2107.36 | | SALSA::MOELLER | Nested assumption calls | Thu Sep 07 1989 13:48 | 33 |
| <<< Note 2107.35 by MUDDIN::DEBARROS >>>
>things come to me when I don't try for them.
That's true.. that's the Zen balance of really having expectation$ from
one'$ $tudio (I like that spelling, $tudio) and pretending while
creating a new piece of music that there's really NO expectation$ at
all. .. but that Zen space IS available to me, pretty regularly -
making music for the joy of it, and then finding that it $ound$ pretty
professional... so why NOT try to $ell it ?
>Once I start trying to
>do something specific like selling some originals, I loose my total
> focus on why I picked music as a hobby. It was basicaly the only thing
> I could do that I could express myself in so many ways.
This I don't relate to anymore. I express myself playfully with music,
and feel that being playful, creating a professional music PRODUCT, and
later $elling it are NOT incompatible goals.
There comes a time when one's writing chops are good, lots of different
musical idioms coming out, one's command of one's instrument (in our
case, the MIDI $tudio) is solid, and the recording engineering is
there. There's only so many tapes you can make for yourself and your
friends ! "Here, listen to this!" (oh, no, not again...) The music
almost DEMANDS to be let out of the $tudio environment. Someday I may
be willing to play out again, but it will be on my terms, otherwise
it's just a pain.
I'm pleased at the interest in this topic - I've been thinking about
this stuff a LOT in the past year.
best. karl
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| 2107.37 | A plan is only as good as the planner is determined | MISING::SFAFRAK | RISCy business... | Fri Sep 08 1989 11:47 | 22 |
| I also agree that this is a GREAT topic! After moving back to Albuquerque from
L.A. for the second time without a record contract, I formulated a plan in which
to attain my goals.
I was with a band in LA, (who shall remain nameless) that is now selling out
places like Madison Square Garden as well as selling millions of records. I
know I can do the same because this group is not that talented. My plan was
to put together a studio, record a CD (10-14 of my best tunes), promote the CD
like crazy, and repeat until it's no longer fun. Albuquerque is not exactly
what you would call a music mecca, in fact the original music scene here is
nonexistant. I know I will succeed given the time.
I am currently putting the finishing touches on my studio, the band is starting
to solidify in its line-up, and I almost have enough saved to press 1000 CDs.
Even if I were not so head-strong and determined to make it to stardom, I enjoy
music SO much that I would probably still purchase new gear as well as play,
play, play!
Great topic!
Scott
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| 2107.38 | My current goals | NRADM::KARL | It's computerized, no thing c,an go wrong nothing c an g | Tue Sep 12 1989 13:00 | 47 |
| I have always gravitated towards music ever since I can remember. After
having taken a few years off after college (getting an unrelated degree),
I decided to get back into music and went to U MASS Amherst, and took
about 60 credits in mostly undergraduate music courses over the course of
about 3 years. I took everything that I could get my hands on, theory and
composition (Jazz and Classical), Jazz ensembles, music history, music ed.,
etc., etc. My main interest was composition at that time (1976-1979)
and still is.
I got tired of living on pennies, so I got into computers and am now a
contractor at DEC.
Thanks to MIDI, I have gotten back into music. It was actually Personal
Composer that really got me excited. The excitement then continued when
I discovered what else there was out there. My interest was always there,
the time just wasn't.
I have set up a modest studio. My current goal is very similar to Karl's,
and I have been a silent reader of his publishing/record company progress.
Thanks Karl! Lots of good info and inspiration there.
I have about 5 or 6 songs put together for a New Age style tape, and plan
on pushing it when it's done. I'm pleased with what I have so far, and
still have some tweaking to do on the songs that are thus far relatively
complete.
I have a goal of making some $ with it, and am treating it as a business
financially (tax wise). If I'm successful with this tape or a successor
to it, I'm not sure where I'd like to head.
I once had (still do sort of) an aspiration of writing some major works
(symphonies, etc.,) and have written a couple of fairly extensive pieces
for jazz orchestra, as well as something I wrote for the Vocal Jazz
Ensemble at U MASS, a couple of small pieces for the University Dancers,
and a few other small jazz composition/arrangements.
I have a gazillion melodic ideas written down in umpteen music notebooks,
as well as bunches of tapes full of ideas and improvisations done at
the piano. Most of the written stuff will remain archived until I find
the time to look at it - the recorded stuff is easier to browse through
and I've used a couple of circa ten-year-old ideas on my current project.
So - I am optimistic about my musical future, but am very glad that I can
do computers, also! I probably couldn't afford the luxury of this attitude
if I couldn't make $ at something else.
Bill
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