Some long overdue remix work…
There’s a reason why musicians often resist playing (or even listening to) their prior work. As we continue to improve, our new stuff highlights deficiencies in our old stuff! It’s compounded in my case because so much time passes between each project. Artists that do this for a living, usually camp out in a recording studio from the beginning to end when creating an album - and hence everything remains consistent down to the finest detail. I along with most amateurs don’t have that luxury.
But since I’m waiting on the brass tracks for Tranquilo, I decided to go into the abyss and remix some of my prior tunes… I could go on and on about the various issues that required attention, but it essentially comes down to normalization - especially for the rhythm sections (drum and bass). Also, I’ve already received the brass tracks for Seduction and Worship, but hadn’t updated either. So I decided to remix them so that I’d have a better reference for Tranquilo.
The updates have been loaded into the “Now Playing” list (above). I hope you’ll agree that the levels and rhythm are more consistent? Seduction and Worship now have “real” professionally played brass going on - and I also fixed a few problems with Time Out. Mischief and Scaramouche (the oldest tunes) were left alone because they’ve been professionally mastered and until I replace the brass, there’s no point in fiddling.
My game plan is to replace the MIDI “sampled brass” across the board. The latest three tunes (including Tranquilo) are sorted, and I’ll commission the remaining work between now and the end-of-year so that I’m “caught up” by the New Year.
A fellow enthusiast and friend asked me a while ago about some of the lessons I’ve learned on this “journey”, and that’s a pretty long list! But, it provides lots of material for future posts :) Anyway, the one lesson that stands above all is: NO substitute for the real thing. So instead of buying new technology (i.e. the latest sample libraries, etc), I now direct those funds to real musicians.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my toys, and believe me, I have more than my fair share; but the lesson learned is that better results come with enlisting musicians with far greater talent. Besides, it’s hard enough staying proficient with my own instrument! This probably sounds like I’m stating the obvious, but rest assured, there’s lots of amateur musicians that are beating their heads against the wall and spending senseless money and time trying to do it all themselves - because technology makes it possible.
I say “fugg-it!” … If you want better results, rethink your approach. Use technology to collaborate, use your money to hire professionals, and use your time to write and play better music! At the very least, you’ll have more fun!
