Experiment 3

Here's a short study based on 8-bit "chip tune" music as introduced in '80s and early '90s video games.

This was another very quick composition created in two nights just because I've got nothing better to do.

Theme Suite Variation no. 3

This afternoon, I invited my friend Janice Robinette, with whom I have collaborated on poem/piano music duos, to record her poem "The Faceless Doll", along with the third of my Theme Suite Variations (see below).

We recorded these two pieces at Audio Logic, Inc., in Seattle WA:  http://www.audiologicinc.com. The small recording studio is owned by Jay Kenney, but this afternoon we had an audio engineer named Justin help us record and master our pieces.

This third variation is based on the main themes from the original Theme Suite Variation piece I completed a couple of months ago.  Written for solo piano, it takes on the character of a fantasia, with developing themes in a loose form, easily moving from key to key.

In the Village Plaza

Here's a little piece I wrote in an hour... It's inspired by the "traveling music" background in early RPGs like Chrono Trigger, etc.

Synth Shit 3.2

Here's the last of my "Synth Shit" series for the time being.  In this one, I deliberately set up an atmosphere in which I could experiment with the parameters of synths in real time.

Synth Shit 2.3

Here's the next of my "Synth Shit" project... My aim this time was to incorporate automation and fX.

A little punchier than the first one!

Synth Shit 1.2

Synthesizers are..challenging.

Not only do you have to learn a completely new way of conceptualizing, creating and controlling sound, there is an infinite array of unique timbres available to explore and choose from.

So, completely and totally at sea, I sent out a plea for help, and one of my music friends, Doug Zwick suggested the following:

"Make a bunch of shit."

Here's the best of the shit I created last Wednesday night:

Theme Suite no. 1 Second Take

I wasn't happy with how I mixed this the first time, so I made the following changes:

-more realistic rubato
-smoother, more logical dynamics
-added limiter
-decreased the amount of gain added with the compressor

Overall, I'm much happier with this version.  Still have a lot to learn!

Theme Suite No. 1

The first of a planned set of four variations based on a single character theme.  This is a simple variation with piano, acoustic guitar, strings and flute.

Working on mastering right now...Seems like it will be an uphill battle, there's a lot to learn!  Advice is appreciated :)

Salton Sea

Here is a creepy atmospheric piece I created inspired by the Salton Sea ghost town.

Orchestration Experiment 2

Here is the first (full) orchestral track I've created in Logic Pro X.

Having lots of fun exploring this program, looking forward to more compositions to come!

Loop Experiment Track 1

Recently I've been learning how to use the digital audio workspace Logic Pro X.  This is the first full track that I've created.  In particular, I was working on using automation. Credit goes to Michelle Martinez for helping me with the sound pallet for this piece.

Lullaby for Amelia

Greetings!

I'm smash in the middle of busy season right now, and so I haven't had the time to go to any music performances, let along blog about them.

On an unexpected early evening, though, I didn't know what to do with myself, and so ended up creating this little piece for my niece, Amelia.

Enjoy!