Project Work Day #1: Much work to do

9/19/12

Chiptune song idea version 0.01

Well, we've completed less than 10 measures of our song and I'm already loving this project.

Today, with the help of my partner, Cameron, we experimented with the different abilities of the program we've been using, FL Studio. The idea was to develop chiptune music (retro video game music emulating the style of 80's arcade games) using the "Magical 8-bit Plugin" file that can be added to FL Studio. I've always had so many cool ideas for different tunes that could be made, but with the program up and running, the process is much more difficult. All these seemingly great ideas no longer exist, and I'm left with a blank screen. Still, the program allows Cameron and I to essentially create any type of song we want, and that opens up a lot of possibilities.

After explaining to Cameron the basics of the program, we started by playing around with some chords. In only about 10 minutes, we managed to have a concept for what our first song would be like. The idea was a more laid back night piece that you might hear while driving or walking in the city. So far, it's only 22 seconds long, but we at least have an idea on what the song will be like. After class ended, I was still really inclined to work more on the tune. For the rest of the day I seemed to have the tune stuck in my head, and I was endlessly searching for ways to improve on it. Plus, I've got other ideas for songs stuck in my head too. I think we'll definitely be making multiple songs for this project. I'm excited to see where it will take us, and I'm glad I get to really see what the process of making music might be like, since I have a large interest in the subject. 

-Zack

First Day- Off to a Good Start

I wasn't sure what to expect, being in two groups at once. And quite honestly, I'm still not sure. But for now, let's focus on this one.

At first I thought making chip tune music would be hard. At least, harder than what it was today. Zack and I started off by getting to know FL Studio, our composition program. It's easy to use for first time users, and at the same time offers a very deep musical approach for everything for more experienced users. After that, Zack added some simple musical chord changes while I switched over to the other group I'm in (Gangnam Style Remake). I came back to a simple slow tune, and let me tell you- it sounds good. We worked out what would be the repeating background piano part, and I added a drum line. And that was the end of class.

For the next few classes, the tune we had come up with was stuck in my head. I loved it, I was infatuated with it. Sounds crazy, right? Two random people messing with a music program and one already falls in love with a simple repeating tune? Perhaps it's just my personality, but what we have reflects my fantasy. Hopefully, Zack will remember to upload installments of our song (HINT HINT) so you can hear it, too. But how I would describe it is the perfect song for a late night in the city. Not party or night life, I mean a deep song (yes, deep. I said it.) for wandering around while thinking of stuff and winding down. I'd listen to it before going to sleep, I'd listen to it on any late night alone. I love it. I already have an undeserved "Daft Punk" feeling for myself.

Seeing as how this is a slower song, coming up with a melody will be a little difficult. Also, we were looking to make a faster song, but perhaps, instead of just one song, we will make some sort of EP if you will. It'll have whatever songs we will come up with, including the final version of this one as well as others.

I am looking forward to making more music and finishing this song- one period was not enough. I kept wanting to go back and edit the song, but obviously that was out of the question. We'll have to go back during more "Google" time in band or at Zack's house. Until then, I will obsess over the song. Stay (chip)tuned to the blog until then.

(for those who have no idea what "chip tunes" are, look up the band "Anamanaguchi.)

Cameron.