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Dang. Some of these comments prove y'all are more technologically advanced than I am. And have more money too. ;-)

Brings to mind that episode of Star Trek TNG where the sterile aliens kidnapped the Enterprise children and one of the little girls was given an instrument that played the music in her soul. Maybe next year?

Carry on.

Last edited by Tangmo; 10/22/18 05:37 PM.

BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground
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Has anyone read this book?
https://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Wrongs-How-Right-Them/product-reviews/0898795087
88 Songwriting Wrongs and How to Right Them.
I read it years ago and found it invaluable. It helped me to become my own first critic.


Does the noise in your head bother me ?
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Tangmo, I am a bit confused by your comment... Listening to your songs (The Way You Look, for example)... I am miles away from that sort of composing.
Money part... Probably the most expensive and complex piece of software I own is BIAB and Cakewalk DAW (which is free by the way)
If you are talking about Neutron, I got lucky and bought it second hand for fraction of the retail cost smile

P.S. I like some of your tunes, some of them strangely remind me of Dr. John. Seems to me you are using a lot of MIDI for arrangements. I am just curious, you are using basic synth for specific reason, or because you could not find a better sound set?

Tobias, I get inspired by reading some kids poetry and some classics smile

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Rustyspoon#. I was just having a bit of fun. Hence the ";-)". The flow of the thread was leaving me and my little "tips" way behind.

It CAN be a bit annoying though when the answer to a question is "buy more software/gear/computer". Yes, music is a "hobby" for me, too. Technology isn't.

BIAB is the most expensive software I've ever bought too, by a long-shot, but at least it makes music. For me, much else is like buying toys for your toys. But I'm 100% in favor people doing what they want, and I'll applaud them on the way.

Before just a month or so ago, the version of BIAB I had was midi only. It wasn't the only tool in my box, though, and I had fairly ready and regular access to live players/composers over the internet. I don't think BIAB was used at all in "The Way You Look".

I assume you listened on Alonetone. The vast majority of those songs were recorded and mixed before 2010 (or even earlier). Between then and "now" I was pretty much out of the music-making deal. They are also out of order, so don't show a clear line in improvement in mixing even when I was doing the mix. Sometimes my partner did them. So it's a jumble, in that regard. I'm glad you liked some of them, and appreciate you checking them out.

I used the synth I used because I got it cheap, and didn't have or know of any other way to do it. Necessity. Some sounds were outstanding. Some not so much. They all beat GM stock sounds, but sometimes I used them too. I didn't wait till I had all my ducks in a row before I started doing songs. That's just not me.

Do good.


Last edited by Tangmo; 10/23/18 06:38 AM.

BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground
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Tangmo, I know you were having fun smile

But a bit on serious note. If you decide to remix some of your music leaving it in midi, look into amazing free drums available for Kontakt (I believe they work on free Kontakt version too) they are called Sennheiser drummic'a
These are one of the best ones I have tried for MIDI things. One of the very nice features, it has several drum maps, so it works with most drum arrangements (GM).

P.S. I listened to one collaboration you done with Dave (Blueattitude), Couple of unusual electronic journeys, The Way You Look and a tune you posted recently in showcase. I like listening to random tunes of one artist, it gives broad perspective smile

Best regards,
Mike.

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Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#

P.S. You know... When I let my wife or friends listen to my new tune I say.. tell me what you do not like about it. That's what friends are for, to give honest opinion if asked for one. I know I am a crappy musician, but for a part time hobbyist, I am ok. I love it!... Lucky for me, I do not get hurt very easily and take critique very well. I believe when it is honest, it is the only thing that could make one better, trying to re-evaluate & re-imagine things constantly.


friends and relatives are generally not good for honest opinions. they often don't know how to properly access the deficiencies with a mix or the songwriting. They will tell you a song is good regardless of how badly it is written and recorded. They don't want to hurt your feelings.... many of the folks here are able to let you know from a writer and recording POV.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
friends and relatives are generally not good for honest opinions. they often don't know how to properly access the deficiencies with a mix or the songwriting. They will tell you a song is good regardless of how badly it is written and recorded. They don't want to hurt your feelings.... many of the folks here are able to let you know from a writer and recording POV.


Rustyspoon#.....

See above....:)...but, it allows one's ego to feel warm and fuzzy.

Back to it......

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Ha-ha. Actually my spouse understands me quite well to know that I will prefer honesty over pity. Plus she is daughter of professional musicians, she heard enough of good music to have solid reference smile

This forum is great, many interesting and helpful people. Good stuff!

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