Rushing Back Remix

The Rushing Back Remix was one of our final projects towards the end of the class. We started with a blank track containing an acapella track, containing vocals only. With this, we were tasked with working around it with various tracks and beats. I started with the drum beat and bass, building a backbone to the song. I then added chords and guitar loops, which added some more flavor to the song. I tried to keep the tone of the song relatively bright and vibrant.

From this project, I learned more about working around a given track. I had to find loops that matched well with the given vocal track. Finding tracks that fit was challenging, yet it has taught me a lot.

My First Beat

This was my first project of the year. We were tasked with using loops and preloaded recordings to create our first song. As usual, I started with a drum beat and bass, then adding other loops that matched well with the theme of the song. The song was intended to be very uplifting and bright in tone, a common theme throughout my music.

I learned that even with very little to no prior experience, trying new pieces everywhere gives some variety to the music and I am able to make music that sounds good with just preloaded tracks.

Modal Beats

In our Modal Beats project, we were tasked with making a series of chords and beats that fit a mode. I chose Mixolydian G and started with a variety of chords. I chose chords on the 5th intervals and made the music fit a bright, yet not too bright theme. I added backing tracks as well to make a stronger foundation.

I learned about the different modes in music besides the typical major/minor keys typically taught when learning music for the first time. I also learned how effective chords can be in music. This is used throughout many of my future projects as well. 

Four Measure Changes

This project used various components that we learned throughout the past including drum beats and chords. This time, we began by creating a "wall" of sound and removing parts, rather than building up. Again, I decided to choose a relatively bright tone when making my music. The four measures are looped a few times with various changes between the 8 times that it is looped.

From this, I learned how to vary even a similar theme multiple times. Much of the energy should come in about 5/8th of the way through the music, and I also learned how to make energy more apparent in my music from this project.

Drum Beat

For this project, we were tasked with creating a drum beat using kick drums, snares, and hi-hats. I started by using the "four on the floor" which is four kicks divided evenly in a measure. Then, I began adding snares and hi-hats to give some more flavor into the music. Here, I decided between using open and closed hi-hats as well.

With this project, I learned the various components that are critical for a drum beat and how to form one from scratch. I learned to start with the kickdrum for a solid base, then adding more components in to make more complex sounding beats.

30 Second Podcast

For the 30 second podcast, we needed to record using a microphone to introduce myself and play one of my favorite songs. I played Come Sail Away by Styx. This was relatively straightforward and was also a great introduction into various other components in Soundtrap as well.

The largest takeaway from this project was learning to use a microphone properly. I learned about the proper distance to keep a microphone from my mouth while also fading in and out of a sound clip.

Pandemic Video

As a final project, we were tasked with creating music to express our positive feelings coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. As things transition to normality, I tried to transition my music from a more minor mood into a more major and brighter mood. I also compiled footage to play along with the music that I made.

This final project put together many different components from what I have learned from making my own chords, drum beats, and using various pre-recorded loops. Overall, I was able to put together everything I learned throughout the semester for a final product I am proud of.