We can make songs of peace, rights, sustainability, truth and write, record, mix and so on in person (Cincinnati) OR over the net!
No experience necessary, no money is needed, no musical gear required (even just a recording on your phone can work), all are welcome, all music including spoken word, it can be easy and if you don’t know how to be involved or wonder how you can contribute lyrics, ideas or a recording of yourself over the net then just let me know.
I will do whatever I can do to make songs of Peace, Rights and Sustainability happen and for you to be a part of this.
There are many ways we can go about making a song, any of which are welcome as long as they help us make a song/video etc.
You can record something on your phone, send it to me and I can make a musical idea that can then be sent back to you and so forth.
It can be easy and quick and you do NOT need musical or recording experience!
I can send song ideas and you can see what you think would fit and then continue with the back and forth.
You can use a computer program (DAW or just a plain recording program) and we can add, adjust, mix, etc anything (vocals, instruments) to the song.
If you do send any song(s) if it’s a bigger higher quality WAV or Flac file than an MP3 you may want to use something like Dropbox.com or Mega.io where you upload to there as cloud storage and send me the download link so that no matter what file size there’s not an issue with emails rejecting the email/file due to being too large.
If you’re looking to get into using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation which has the virtual instruments, effects, mixer and so forth), you can choose any one you’d like.
I use FL Studio and have used it from close to when it was new and basically just a sequencer all the way to today where it’s a full blown DAW with basically everything all the other big ones have.
If wanting to try it out there’s a free trial that you can find here.
There is a learning curve but if you’re serious about the music it (or others) would be worth your time I’d say.
There are lots of DAWS, some free, some not.
I sometimes use the free Audacity for basic stuff. It’s not a full DAW, but is great for quick recording, editing and so forth.
To control and use a DAW like FL Studio you can program in the notes and control it with your computer mouse (they do have a mobile version that I know nothing about) and you can even use your typing keyboard as a piano keyboard to play/record notes and a performance, but a keyboard controller is much nicer and can offer way more control including knobs, faders, buttons and wheels that can be assigned various parameters of the DAW.
Those aren’t necessary, but elevate what you can do by tons.
There’s also an electric guitar with a synth output that can control performances but none of the parameters.
Most keyboard controllers plug into the computer through a normal USB plug.
The Main keyboard I use is a Nektar 61 key with the mentioned faders, etc. which you can read about at this link although I have an older version.
I also us a Novation FLkey Mini with 25 mini keys. I wouldn’t recommend starting on a mini key (smaller keys) as your “muscle memory” you build up as you learn won’t transfer to full sized keys, but if you’ve played for a while or if you’re sure you aren’t going to go into the world of playing that much it is a nice inexpensive keyboard with built in controls of various parameters already mapped to the most common things, OR you can get a bigger one or another brand.
To get electric guitar, external synths, microphones, etc into the computer you’ll want an AD/DA interface (analog/digital digital/analog) that takes analog sounds (voice, electric guitar..) and makes it digital for the computer to use, then sends out the digital sound as analog so that you can use speakers or headphones.
I use a Lexicon Omega 4 in, 4 out including MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in and out but I don’t think they even make that one any more.
There are some reasonable priced ones all the way up to very expensive.
I would suggest doing a bit of research, making sure the one you get works with your DAW and operating system on your computer and DON’T think you have to spend a ton of money. Yes, there are or may be some benefits but spending a lot on an interface when a newer controller or whatever would serve you better is silly.
I think I get pretty decent sound off of an older interface that I bought used for under $100.
The above is just there for a basic idea of ways you can get into this but again…. you can record on your phone, you do NOT need fancy expensive equipment or knowledge of recording or experience.
Feel free to research and get advise from other musicians and singers on what they use, I’m not pushing FL, etc, just mentioning.
Drop me a line if you have questions or want to jump in on a song right away!
REMEMBER: People have been making music since time began and it doesn’t have to be hard, complicated or “perfect”.
*** This isn’t a songwriting class that lasts and lasts and goes on and on trying for perfection, it’s meant to be fast, fun and get the music OUT THERE!!! ***
It may be waaaay easier than you think, so don’t hesitate, join in or do some on your own, JUST DON’T REMAIN SILENT!!!
The next couple posts here have info about us getting together in a public place (meeting room at the DP library 45236 zip) so check the posts out or just get ahold of me and let’s have fun making music!!!
Peace,
Steve