Just here to say Merry Christmas all.
I hope you're doing well in whatever it is you do.
Maybe next year will be awesome!
And by the way, watch this... (I helped with some audio)
Watch it in You Tube in full HD! Yeah!
Friday, 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas
Yeah,
Just here to say Merry Christmas all.
I hope you're doing well in whatever it is you do.
And by the way, watch this... (I helped with some audio)
Watch it in You Tube in full HD! Yeah!
Just here to say Merry Christmas all.
I hope you're doing well in whatever it is you do.
And by the way, watch this... (I helped with some audio)
Watch it in You Tube in full HD! Yeah!
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Old Things
Here's one old thing:
Welly Stomp by mgarthaudio
And here's another:
So the first one, "Welly Stomp" is a track I wrote on the DS-10 about a year ago probably about a year anyway. It's a dedication to Pete Wellington, just because he like synths and thought welly stomp sounded good at the time.
The second one, well... the music is about a month old but the video is about a year old -I decided one day, when walking back from town with Ed (wearing a wooly hat in summer) and Simon (the other one) when I decided to film them walking. I had to keep running past them to get the next shot.
Still, there's the video, i just wanted to put the music on YouTube with a video, so I used an old video instead of filming something more recent, such as... snow?
Yeah, it's snowing.
That sums up my entire day. So far.
Welly Stomp by mgarthaudio
And here's another:
So the first one, "Welly Stomp" is a track I wrote on the DS-10 about a year ago probably about a year anyway. It's a dedication to Pete Wellington, just because he like synths and thought welly stomp sounded good at the time.
The second one, well... the music is about a month old but the video is about a year old -I decided one day, when walking back from town with Ed (wearing a wooly hat in summer) and Simon (the other one) when I decided to film them walking. I had to keep running past them to get the next shot.
I don't know why I did it.
Still, there's the video, i just wanted to put the music on YouTube with a video, so I used an old video instead of filming something more recent, such as... snow?
Yeah, it's snowing.
Again.
Actually, I was walking home when it started to snow and by the time I got home the left side of my body (and face) was covered in snow and numb because of the wind. Then a gritter lorry drove by spraying salt which kicked up everywhere, and as I was merrily singing in the snow I got salt in my mouth. Salty.That sums up my entire day. So far.
Cool.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Mmm Helicopters
Now then,
Film is all done and sent off to the editor. Great. Only thing is I missed the delay caused by channel effects! It's about 86ms, which is noticeable, and I've asked the editor if he could trim the first 0.086 seconds off the track to get it back in sync.
Nevermind.
Now, it's the Harriers' (jet) last flight today. I don't know much about planes, but that aircraft is incredible! Shame to see it leave. Anyway, I was watching the news and the planes were going on a last flight past a few RAF bases near me. Great. I charged up my batteries and prepared my recorder only to read that they started at 1pm and landed again at 2.45pm or something (it's now 3.30pm) and I missed them.
The last flight and I missed them.
However! I was looking out of the window at a rainbow and I see headlights in the sky. "Ooo" methinks. So I scrambled outside and recorded this:
Chinook Fly By by mgarthaudio
Yep. Chinooks. Although this is just a clip from the recording. I'm really pleased, little to no background ambience/noise, just the heli. You can even hear it squeeking! Very cool. At least now I've got a good quality reference file (96kHz/24bit).
Well, until I find something else to talk about...
Film is all done and sent off to the editor. Great. Only thing is I missed the delay caused by channel effects! It's about 86ms, which is noticeable, and I've asked the editor if he could trim the first 0.086 seconds off the track to get it back in sync.
Nevermind.
Now, it's the Harriers' (jet) last flight today. I don't know much about planes, but that aircraft is incredible! Shame to see it leave. Anyway, I was watching the news and the planes were going on a last flight past a few RAF bases near me. Great. I charged up my batteries and prepared my recorder only to read that they started at 1pm and landed again at 2.45pm or something (it's now 3.30pm) and I missed them.
The last flight and I missed them.
However! I was looking out of the window at a rainbow and I see headlights in the sky. "Ooo" methinks. So I scrambled outside and recorded this:
Chinook Fly By by mgarthaudio
Yep. Chinooks. Although this is just a clip from the recording. I'm really pleased, little to no background ambience/noise, just the heli. You can even hear it squeeking! Very cool. At least now I've got a good quality reference file (96kHz/24bit).
Well, until I find something else to talk about...
Farewell
Sunday, 12 December 2010
mixing = done
I've slowed down considerably with my posts.
I've finished mixing the film, send it off to the editor tomorrow morning. Hopefully he'll like it. I've tested it on a couple of speaker systems, tweaked the bass a bit more (my stereo speakers don't have much low end response, but my 5.1 sub shouted at me to cut down the bass! so I have done).
I think dynamically speaking it sounds good. As a documentary style film, it's a lot a talking and not much action.
A couple of times I enhanced the mono sound effects with a short delay (about 28ms) for a better stereo effect, and the used MS (mid-side) techniques to widen the stereo image a touch. Tried to restore the bad audio -removing clicks, hiss, hum, buzz etc but in some parts I couldn't do anything.
I normalised the entire film to -1dB, which should be loud enough. I orignally thought I was working to -10dB, but that's for television, and apparently film has full use of the dynamic range? If the test DVD is too loud or distorts or whatever, i'll address them when they happen, otherwise job done. I'll post when the film is live!
Nevermind.
I've finished mixing the film, send it off to the editor tomorrow morning. Hopefully he'll like it. I've tested it on a couple of speaker systems, tweaked the bass a bit more (my stereo speakers don't have much low end response, but my 5.1 sub shouted at me to cut down the bass! so I have done).
I think dynamically speaking it sounds good. As a documentary style film, it's a lot a talking and not much action.
A couple of times I enhanced the mono sound effects with a short delay (about 28ms) for a better stereo effect, and the used MS (mid-side) techniques to widen the stereo image a touch. Tried to restore the bad audio -removing clicks, hiss, hum, buzz etc but in some parts I couldn't do anything.
I normalised the entire film to -1dB, which should be loud enough. I orignally thought I was working to -10dB, but that's for television, and apparently film has full use of the dynamic range? If the test DVD is too loud or distorts or whatever, i'll address them when they happen, otherwise job done. I'll post when the film is live!
Next? Any offers? Want your film/video/music mixed?
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Updating
Hi,
I'm busy and rather cold so I'll keep this short...
Yesterday (Monday) I had my job interview for a position in Southam, for a QA position. Whether or not it went well; I'll find have an answer withint the next two weeks hopefully. I really enjoyed the experience, it was my first ever interview as well. Seemed to have a great working environment and great people working there.
Today, back to (temporary) work as an image processor (photoshopping pictures for use on an internet gift website).
Then this evening I baked a cake thing -i decided to make a flapjack style thing, then poured sponge cake mix over the top (cinnamon flavour, with raisens, sultanas, currants and chocolate drops). It's interesting. Tastes good enough.
Finally, the rest of my evening I spent remixing a film -I now have all the music, dialog and most of the sound effects. Just waiting for one more scene and it's done! You can watch it at last!
Oh and I'm playing Pokemon Heart Gold at the moment, just caught myself a shiny red Gyrados with one net ball. Oh yeah! And great news about Golden Sun DS coming out really soon, and I played a demo of a game called "999" or something, it was quite fun -had to search for things, make things, remember numbers, work out clues, although I don't think there's much replay value...
Now I'm blogging off, cheerio.
I'm busy and rather cold so I'll keep this short...
Yesterday (Monday) I had my job interview for a position in Southam, for a QA position. Whether or not it went well; I'll find have an answer withint the next two weeks hopefully. I really enjoyed the experience, it was my first ever interview as well. Seemed to have a great working environment and great people working there.
So that was fun.
Today, back to (temporary) work as an image processor (photoshopping pictures for use on an internet gift website).
Then this evening I baked a cake thing -i decided to make a flapjack style thing, then poured sponge cake mix over the top (cinnamon flavour, with raisens, sultanas, currants and chocolate drops). It's interesting. Tastes good enough.
Finally, the rest of my evening I spent remixing a film -I now have all the music, dialog and most of the sound effects. Just waiting for one more scene and it's done! You can watch it at last!
Very exciting!
Oh and I'm playing Pokemon Heart Gold at the moment, just caught myself a shiny red Gyrados with one net ball. Oh yeah! And great news about Golden Sun DS coming out really soon, and I played a demo of a game called "999" or something, it was quite fun -had to search for things, make things, remember numbers, work out clues, although I don't think there's much replay value...
Now I'm blogging off, cheerio.
Monday, 29 November 2010
#Falling Down
Here it is. Well, actually it's been live for a couple of days now, already seen over 15 000 hits so far, which is rather splendid.
So it's a "review copy" of recently aquired "Falling Down" SNES game that's never before been seen. And yes, I pronounce SNES as "snez" too, if the Americans like to call it S-N-E-S, they can -we're both talking about the same console so stop complaining! (please)
Anyway... you can hear my lovely noises (the 8-bit sfx and music) on the video underneath the noisy dialouge. I can only presume that it was intentionally noisy in which case I'm cool with it.
So check out the video and see what you think. Pete Curran (producer/creator) has done a great job with the animation I think, works well, and he's busy getting on with a new Christmas special feature, "The Night The Reindeer Died" with the rest of the Firefly Production team. The new feature length movie, "When London Slept, It Came Alive" should be out in a couple of weeks too. So that'll be one to watch out for!
As for me, I just got back from Oxford and that's why there's a delay between this blog and the release of the Falling Down video. Nevermind. I'm sure you'll enjoy it nevertheless.
Subscribe to PulpitPower on YouTube, oh and subscribe to SneakyZebra too. That'll be one to watch out for! Good stuff.
I'll add the hyperlinks and vanish.
See.
I've gone.
Ok I'm still here. But just to say I saw Harry Potter pt1 and it was great. I liked the sense of space created in the the music and all in all great soundtrack! Also kudos to the special effects team, director, editor, producer, audio guys, maybe the cast too. Ah, you know who you are (and I also presume you're not reading this!) but well done Harry Potter film squad. (can I have a job?)
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Sorry readers
But I seem to lack things to read...
I should probably explain my composition? Maybe.
Well here's something I wrote this evening:
Silver Lining by mgarthaudio
I didn't write it for any purpose other than playing about with music. I wanted to try this sax VST instrument and I thought it sounds quite nice.
So I started by making 5 drum patterns (4 are 4 bars long and 1 is just a single bar intro). Then I added the piano part, easy enough using a MIDI keyboard. Then playing around with melodies on the sax and record, delete, edit, retry, etc until I'm happy.
Eventually a piece comes together and there we go...
But the thing is, I'm not writing music for any occassion, I didn't prepare any theme or feeling or mood before hand. I simply sat there are wrote whatever happens -you'll find I do that a lot, unless I get a particular request for style or have a reason for making music. Just my way of making music without any stress, but without an objective also gives way to "no direction" and poor music generally.
Anyway, I'm hoping my 8-bit music and SFX gets uploaded soon, you'll hopefully recognise the music (as it's already on SoundCloud) but it's included in a video and I think it's quite fun to watch and listen to.
I'll keep you posted when that video goes live.
I should probably explain my composition? Maybe.
Well here's something I wrote this evening:
Silver Lining by mgarthaudio
I didn't write it for any purpose other than playing about with music. I wanted to try this sax VST instrument and I thought it sounds quite nice.
So I started by making 5 drum patterns (4 are 4 bars long and 1 is just a single bar intro). Then I added the piano part, easy enough using a MIDI keyboard. Then playing around with melodies on the sax and record, delete, edit, retry, etc until I'm happy.
Eventually a piece comes together and there we go...
That wasn't much of an explanation was it?
But the thing is, I'm not writing music for any occassion, I didn't prepare any theme or feeling or mood before hand. I simply sat there are wrote whatever happens -you'll find I do that a lot, unless I get a particular request for style or have a reason for making music. Just my way of making music without any stress, but without an objective also gives way to "no direction" and poor music generally.
Anyway, I'm hoping my 8-bit music and SFX gets uploaded soon, you'll hopefully recognise the music (as it's already on SoundCloud) but it's included in a video and I think it's quite fun to watch and listen to.
I'll keep you posted when that video goes live.
Cool.
Cheerio.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Triela
Triela by mgarthaudio
Hello.
This is something I wrote, just trying out differnt features of Ableton and making music of some sort. I'd consider buying a full verson of Live if i had an income.
Nevermind.
So I've been away a couple of days... but should be back to do something interesting. Although at the moment I'm tempted to get my pneumatic stuff and LEGO Technic and make something interesting.
Anyway, I've lost my trail of thoughts and will try and pick up the trail for tomorrow.
Hello.
This is something I wrote, just trying out differnt features of Ableton and making music of some sort. I'd consider buying a full verson of Live if i had an income.
Nevermind.
So I've been away a couple of days... but should be back to do something interesting. Although at the moment I'm tempted to get my pneumatic stuff and LEGO Technic and make something interesting.
Anyway, I've lost my trail of thoughts and will try and pick up the trail for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Two more
So far today I've re-tweaked and composed to create these two tracks:
Turning by mgarthaudio
Driven by mgarthaudio
One made in Ableton one made in Pro Tools. I'm way more familiar with Pro Tools, and it's got a lot more useful things -in Ableton (M-Audio version) i'm limited to 6 effects and not many instruments. Saying that, I have installed some free live packs and added about 2500+ synths and stuff, far too many to know what's good or useful...
I'm just having a break, looking for jobs and listening to an audiobook (Harry Potter no.4 something about a goblet).
I'll hopefully write one more piece tonight and a couple more tomorrow. It's getting cold out isn't it!
[Edit: Here's the one I made this evening... made a few drum loops and just hit record and the whole thing is a recording of a live mixing session. Great fun, hence why it's over 6 minutes long, I could've gone on for hours. Well, a few more minutes..!]
Exploration by mgarthaudio
Turning by mgarthaudio
Driven by mgarthaudio
One made in Ableton one made in Pro Tools. I'm way more familiar with Pro Tools, and it's got a lot more useful things -in Ableton (M-Audio version) i'm limited to 6 effects and not many instruments. Saying that, I have installed some free live packs and added about 2500+ synths and stuff, far too many to know what's good or useful...
I'm just having a break, looking for jobs and listening to an audiobook (Harry Potter no.4 something about a goblet).
I'll hopefully write one more piece tonight and a couple more tomorrow. It's getting cold out isn't it!
[Edit: Here's the one I made this evening... made a few drum loops and just hit record and the whole thing is a recording of a live mixing session. Great fun, hence why it's over 6 minutes long, I could've gone on for hours. Well, a few more minutes..!]
Exploration by mgarthaudio
Monday, 15 November 2010
A short day
The day was far too short, I've not done any composition today.
So guess what, new monitors are on my "to get when you finally have some spare money" list. It's not a bad thing, my current monitors don't have a great bass response or flat frequency response either -I have of course done some frequency tests on them so I know where to compensate/adjust audio when mixing.
Anyway, just me saying I've done nothing.
Not a note.
I've also noticed my monitors have developed a wonderfully unbalanced stereo image without any notice -however turning the gain up and down soon rectifies the problem... Also the problem is very noticeable which makes it less of a problem when it comes to mixing. It's very obvious when it occurs and is quickly resolved. Still a problem I don't really want.So guess what, new monitors are on my "to get when you finally have some spare money" list. It's not a bad thing, my current monitors don't have a great bass response or flat frequency response either -I have of course done some frequency tests on them so I know where to compensate/adjust audio when mixing.
Anyway, just me saying I've done nothing.
I'll be doing lots tomorrow though,
hopefully!Friday, 12 November 2010
Wandering
So here's something I made this evening.
Wandering by mgarthaudio
It's not what I intended to write but that's what happened. I started my session trying to make some drum and bass, or just "energetic" music, and side tracked (possibly because of the piano) into writing that instead.
Imagine, if you will, a young person in the city for the first time, looking to make their fortunes but end up wandering, lost in the cold city streets.
Wandering by mgarthaudio
It's not what I intended to write but that's what happened. I started my session trying to make some drum and bass, or just "energetic" music, and side tracked (possibly because of the piano) into writing that instead.
Imagine, if you will, a young person in the city for the first time, looking to make their fortunes but end up wandering, lost in the cold city streets.
No?
Well, imagine what you like then.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Midweek +1
It is Thursday, that is to say, the middle of the week (plus one day). I'm hoping to go to an auction this weekend, just to see what's there and maybe grab a bargain -I don't know what, I've not been to an auction before and wanted to try it out.
Anyway, today.
I've been working on more 8-bit music, and I'll really getting into the swing of the Korg DS-10 and it's very fun. Although mostly today I was editing/cutting up short sfx made using the DS-10 instead of making tunes.
I think my biggest problem with plug-ins and virtual instruments for DAW(s) is the complexity of them. If I'm looking for a sound I tend to go for presets and tweak them a little -but with the DS-10 I will spend a few minutes making the sound I want, without presets. This way I know more about the instrument and it's capabilities. Going for presets might be quick but you lose out getting to know, like really know, the instrument.
Such as Vacuum for Pro Tools (8). It's a really cool synthesizer and there's a lot you can do with it, but I've just gone with presets in Vacuum. I need to take a better look at the interface, and start making my own sounds. Here it is:
The video (for which the game music is being written) looks pretty cool, and that should be uploaded in a few days.
Also the narration for "Dissolution" Half Life mod has been completed. I did it Tuesday, it's pretty cool and it's my first time as a voice actor and also first involvement I've had in a video game, although a small part. The mod comes out early next year, I'll keep you posted.
Ok, well, I think I might play about a bit more on the DS-10. Oh and the Korg M1 should be coming out next year, that looks a lot of fun too! Can't wait.
Oh and before I go, I might as well mention Pro Tools 9 is out, and I'm not excited by it. I like the idea of using any ASIO driver, making things really portable, but I want Pro Tools to actually merge with Sibelius for a really good musician/composers tool. Still, Pro Tools seems to be taking large steps in a good direction, and lots of people (especially in the AVID PT9 video!) seem to love it. So that's good.
Cheerio!
I'm not buying furniture.
Unless...
Anyway, today.
I've been working on more 8-bit music, and I'll really getting into the swing of the Korg DS-10 and it's very fun. Although mostly today I was editing/cutting up short sfx made using the DS-10 instead of making tunes.
I think my biggest problem with plug-ins and virtual instruments for DAW(s) is the complexity of them. If I'm looking for a sound I tend to go for presets and tweak them a little -but with the DS-10 I will spend a few minutes making the sound I want, without presets. This way I know more about the instrument and it's capabilities. Going for presets might be quick but you lose out getting to know, like really know, the instrument.
Such as Vacuum for Pro Tools (8). It's a really cool synthesizer and there's a lot you can do with it, but I've just gone with presets in Vacuum. I need to take a better look at the interface, and start making my own sounds. Here it is:
The video (for which the game music is being written) looks pretty cool, and that should be uploaded in a few days.
It's pretty cool.
Also the narration for "Dissolution" Half Life mod has been completed. I did it Tuesday, it's pretty cool and it's my first time as a voice actor and also first involvement I've had in a video game, although a small part. The mod comes out early next year, I'll keep you posted.
Ok, well, I think I might play about a bit more on the DS-10. Oh and the Korg M1 should be coming out next year, that looks a lot of fun too! Can't wait.
Oh and before I go, I might as well mention Pro Tools 9 is out, and I'm not excited by it. I like the idea of using any ASIO driver, making things really portable, but I want Pro Tools to actually merge with Sibelius for a really good musician/composers tool. Still, Pro Tools seems to be taking large steps in a good direction, and lots of people (especially in the AVID PT9 video!) seem to love it. So that's good.
Cheerio!
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Level 2
Almost... Hope you've been checking out my SoundCloud for new tracks!
This is the latest one. I'm really enjoying working with the DS-10 as a synthesizer, I actually have the DS-10 plus, but I'm using a DS lite so I don't get the extra synths. Not to worry.
Street Dungeon by mgarthaudio
This is the latest one. I'm really enjoying working with the DS-10 as a synthesizer, I actually have the DS-10 plus, but I'm using a DS lite so I don't get the extra synths. Not to worry.
Street Dungeon by mgarthaudio
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Ambience of Loneliness
Using the Korg DS-10, not for retro game music, but for something a bit different - "The Ambience of Loneliness".
An empty ambient piece, simply named "Loner". Have a listen:
Loner by mgarthaudio
That's me done for the day.
It's also in video form:
Cheerio.
An empty ambient piece, simply named "Loner". Have a listen:
Loner by mgarthaudio
That's me done for the day.
It's also in video form:
Cheerio.
Tuesday Fun
Hi,
I'm back from Oxford with a variety of things to do.
1) Narrating for a video game/mod
2) Making music for a new video
3) Compose a new Christmas carol for a local choir
Plus some other stuff, but they're the main ones.
So the narrating, I'll get that done today and I'll tell you more about it when I know more about it.
The music for a video. Ah, yes. It's a video styled with the SNES in mind, so I've got to make some lovely 8-bit music. Here's something I wrote at about half 11 last night:
Gytono by mgarthaudio
I'm not sure why I called it Gytono ("guy-toh-no") but it's a name, and it'll do.
Hope it doesn't mean anything already, that'd be odd, if Grytono meant fish-fingers or something, then the title really wouldn't suit.
[Edit: here's another]
Street Walker by mgarthaudio
I'll be working on lots of 8-bit music, and might well make it all on my DS. (Thanks to the Korg DS-10).
More to follow, probably tomorrow. Still, there's a tune for you to listen to. OK?
I'm back from Oxford with a variety of things to do.
1) Narrating for a video game/mod
2) Making music for a new video
3) Compose a new Christmas carol for a local choir
Plus some other stuff, but they're the main ones.
So the narrating, I'll get that done today and I'll tell you more about it when I know more about it.
The music for a video. Ah, yes. It's a video styled with the SNES in mind, so I've got to make some lovely 8-bit music. Here's something I wrote at about half 11 last night:
Gytono by mgarthaudio
I'm not sure why I called it Gytono ("guy-toh-no") but it's a name, and it'll do.
Hope it doesn't mean anything already, that'd be odd, if Grytono meant fish-fingers or something, then the title really wouldn't suit.
[Edit: here's another]
Street Walker by mgarthaudio
I'll be working on lots of 8-bit music, and might well make it all on my DS. (Thanks to the Korg DS-10).
More to follow, probably tomorrow. Still, there's a tune for you to listen to. OK?
Stay creative!
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Rock
Ok, so here's the riff at least. And an attempt at constructing a generic song pattern.
Rock by mgarthaudio
So have a listen if you like.
I simply recorded the guitar parts (verse and chorus) and went on from there. I might actually make a "middle eight" section, add more instruments and maybe make it into a song.
It was just an attempt to see if my method works, which it kind-of does. It only took about an hour from picking up my guitar this morning, recording the riffs, editing and adding drums etc then exporting the audio.
Anyway, I'm off to get some lunch or at least a cup of coffee for now.
Rock by mgarthaudio
So have a listen if you like.
I simply recorded the guitar parts (verse and chorus) and went on from there. I might actually make a "middle eight" section, add more instruments and maybe make it into a song.
It was just an attempt to see if my method works, which it kind-of does. It only took about an hour from picking up my guitar this morning, recording the riffs, editing and adding drums etc then exporting the audio.
Anyway, I'm off to get some lunch or at least a cup of coffee for now.
Cheerio!
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Guitar
Nothing to say...
Except yesterday I made some cinnamon cookies which are very tasty, and today I've done nothing. More or less (mostly more) nothing anyway.
I decided to pick up my guitar, put it through a Line 6 Ubermetal pedal into a Hartke bass amp. Got some meaty tones out of that!
A few chords I eventually wrote a piece of music. I just need to record it and then you can have a listen.
That is all. I'm off to eat cookies.
Mmm.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Dynamic Weather in Games
Good evening.
Good news, I've been asked to master some tracks with the potential of more coming my way if the client likes them. I'll let you know how that goes.
I was staring out of the window at some wisps of cloud as they formed into larger clouds passing by. It was interesting to watch as it seamlessly grew into bigger clouds. This got me thinking...
In games, there doesn't tend to be much weather related focus in games, sure there's rain, dry spells, thunder storms, snow etc but it doesn't seem dynamic or at least doesn't seem natural.
So I ask this question, what's the current best dynamic weather in any game at the moment? I read earlier that F1 2010 has dynamic weather conditions, in that the weather may change during a race and you must make the correct choice of tyres, for example, or get ready to adapt for changes in the weather. This sounds good, for a drving simulator, I'd imagine it adds a lot to gameplay -rather than weather on/off options.
But what I want... (and I'll keep it brief)
A massive RPG world (probably a MMO). Stunning graphics. 3D/Surround sound. Immersive gameplay with excellent storylines. Dynamic events.
However I want to see a game with fully dynamic weather, both on a local and global scale (in game). Maps and objects that can be affected by weather. Tides. Rivers and streams that could flood. A variety of different rains. Seasonal weather conditions. Dynamic wind conditions. Local climates and weather systems.
As I said I'd keep it brief I'll not go on any more, but I think a game that has such a dynamic event system would be incredible.
Maybe all I'm trying to get around to is dynamic events, random events and generative programs to make games better. Predictable is boring.
Maybe I'll learn a language and write programs.
Good news, I've been asked to master some tracks with the potential of more coming my way if the client likes them. I'll let you know how that goes.
Now the main point of distraction in my day.
I was staring out of the window at some wisps of cloud as they formed into larger clouds passing by. It was interesting to watch as it seamlessly grew into bigger clouds. This got me thinking...
In games, there doesn't tend to be much weather related focus in games, sure there's rain, dry spells, thunder storms, snow etc but it doesn't seem dynamic or at least doesn't seem natural.
So I ask this question, what's the current best dynamic weather in any game at the moment? I read earlier that F1 2010 has dynamic weather conditions, in that the weather may change during a race and you must make the correct choice of tyres, for example, or get ready to adapt for changes in the weather. This sounds good, for a drving simulator, I'd imagine it adds a lot to gameplay -rather than weather on/off options.
But what I want... (and I'll keep it brief)
A massive RPG world (probably a MMO). Stunning graphics. 3D/Surround sound. Immersive gameplay with excellent storylines. Dynamic events.
Basically, Guild Wars 2.
However I want to see a game with fully dynamic weather, both on a local and global scale (in game). Maps and objects that can be affected by weather. Tides. Rivers and streams that could flood. A variety of different rains. Seasonal weather conditions. Dynamic wind conditions. Local climates and weather systems.
Does this yet exist?
And I don't just mean visually in games, I mean physically in games.
Actual in game phyics.
And I don't just mean visually in games, I mean physically in games.
Actual in game phyics.
As I said I'd keep it brief I'll not go on any more, but I think a game that has such a dynamic event system would be incredible.
I've written a small program idea that would use random variables to affect the gameplay -and I might make it if I get around to it, but in theory it works and would make RPGs so much better.
Maybe all I'm trying to get around to is dynamic events, random events and generative programs to make games better. Predictable is boring.
Well, this half-rant is all because of looking out of a window today.
Maybe I'll learn a language and write programs.
Who knows?
If any developers, game designers, programmers are reading this,
Anyway,
I'm off to get an ice cream. Cheerio!
I've got plenty of ideas that could be worked on.
Anyway,
I'm off to get an ice cream. Cheerio!
(did this blog make sense?)
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Nothing
I've done nothing today.
Other than watch Fellowship of the Ring.
I must commend the audio team for LOTR, very well produced and mixed. Really learned some good skills listening to it. Especially when considering frequency mixing -LFE in particular. Also the link between what you see and what you hear is wonderful.
I've decided to make chainmail, seeing as it looks really simple. So I'll (probably) buy some stiff wire tomorrow to make rings/links.
Other than that, I'm very impressed with the 4000+ views of that Minecraft YouTube video. Obviously the traffic isn't coming from this blog -which rarely gets visited! Still I like to blog and also that over 4000 have listened to something I composed, whether they know it/like it or not!
Nothing more to say.
Nothing
Not a thing
Other than watch Fellowship of the Ring.
I must commend the audio team for LOTR, very well produced and mixed. Really learned some good skills listening to it. Especially when considering frequency mixing -LFE in particular. Also the link between what you see and what you hear is wonderful.
I've decided to make chainmail, seeing as it looks really simple. So I'll (probably) buy some stiff wire tomorrow to make rings/links.
Other than that, I'm very impressed with the 4000+ views of that Minecraft YouTube video. Obviously the traffic isn't coming from this blog -which rarely gets visited! Still I like to blog and also that over 4000 have listened to something I composed, whether they know it/like it or not!
Nothing more to say.
Cheerio.
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Minecraft!
So this is the music I've been working on...
I'm pleased with the results, and I'm pleased to share it with you.
The video was made by Pete Curran. Hope you like it (give it a thumbs up on YouTube)
Stay creative!
Monday, 25 October 2010
Something new
Is in the pipeline.
I'm just in the mixing/analysis stage. I composed the music on Sunday, and I'm reasonable happy with it.
I guess it's the sample library I'm using, and the effect I'm trying to achieve... which is a fog horn(ish) sound using a bass trombone and tuba. Too brassy.
Also I installed PT8.0.4cs2 about an hour ago, and when I open my session I couldn't use some basic MIDI operations (came up with an error message) and yet it worked yesterday, pre-update. Dah...
So tomorrow (I've given up for tonight, tired) I'm going to try some pitch shifting/slides for more fog-horn-ish sounds, if it works. If not, I'll find a different instrument, there're bound to be lots in XPand!2 and use that instead.
So, I'll tell you more about the video when it gets uploaded onto YouTube later this week.
I passed my car theory test. Well, it's not brilliant news, but it does put me one step closer to driving a car -not that I don't enjoy riding my motorbike, but it's about time I drove a car! Then I can take to the roads/off roads with recording gear, and sit comfortably in my car, take a flask of tea, and wear trainers instead of armoured clothing, gloves, helmet and boots!
Plus it'll be warmer in a car over winter... Just need to do a practical test, then buy a car...
Until next blog..!
Well, it's almost out of the pipeline actually.
I'm just in the mixing/analysis stage. I composed the music on Sunday, and I'm reasonable happy with it.
That is to say, I don't wince too much when I listen to it.
I guess it's the sample library I'm using, and the effect I'm trying to achieve... which is a fog horn(ish) sound using a bass trombone and tuba. Too brassy.
Also I installed PT8.0.4cs2 about an hour ago, and when I open my session I couldn't use some basic MIDI operations (came up with an error message) and yet it worked yesterday, pre-update. Dah...
So tomorrow (I've given up for tonight, tired) I'm going to try some pitch shifting/slides for more fog-horn-ish sounds, if it works. If not, I'll find a different instrument, there're bound to be lots in XPand!2 and use that instead.
So, I'll tell you more about the video when it gets uploaded onto YouTube later this week.
Now to the good news..!
I passed my car theory test. Well, it's not brilliant news, but it does put me one step closer to driving a car -not that I don't enjoy riding my motorbike, but it's about time I drove a car! Then I can take to the roads/off roads with recording gear, and sit comfortably in my car, take a flask of tea, and wear trainers instead of armoured clothing, gloves, helmet and boots!
Plus it'll be warmer in a car over winter... Just need to do a practical test, then buy a car...
Until next blog..!
Friday, 22 October 2010
Hello Heli
Ok, so this morning I decided to make a train into a helicopter...
Well, listen and see what you think...
You may also notice that i'm finally using embedded audio players (thanks to SoundCloud) which makes things easier for you. Simply click to play and listen.
Well, that's just what I've been doing this morning, no reason, just thought I'd try it.
I also got a called from Mark from Nintendo this morning, asking me questions about the Game Expo... ahh, and I thought Nintendo had spotted me and wanted me to make helicopter sounds for the next Mario game... yeah right. Mario meets Battlefield. That's an interesting mod if wants to steal the idea?
Anyway, I'd best do something more practical with my morning/day.
Well, listen and see what you think...
You may also notice that i'm finally using embedded audio players (thanks to SoundCloud) which makes things easier for you. Simply click to play and listen.
Well, that's just what I've been doing this morning, no reason, just thought I'd try it.
I also got a called from Mark from Nintendo this morning, asking me questions about the Game Expo... ahh, and I thought Nintendo had spotted me and wanted me to make helicopter sounds for the next Mario game... yeah right. Mario meets Battlefield. That's an interesting mod if wants to steal the idea?
Anyway, I'd best do something more practical with my morning/day.
Cheerio
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Ackk!
Exactly. Ackk!
I guess I need to buy the full version to use more stuff, makes sence seeing as this version I got for free when I bought an M-Audoi MIDI keyboard.
Anyway, I'm sorting out my recent recordings (labeling/delete junk etc) in Audition when I decide to play with the Doppler effect on some sounds. Instantly realising I've not explored the full potential of Audition!
So I'm looking to do some sound designing/video sound replacement. That sort of thing. Well maybe.
Hope you're doing well in whatever it is you're doing!
So.. here I am playing with Ableton and then I get told something about I can only use 6 effects at once in my version...
Which is pretty annoying... also I found out I have loads of instruments I can play on there but only a few of them are in my version (allowing me to save). Ackk!
Which is pretty annoying... also I found out I have loads of instruments I can play on there but only a few of them are in my version (allowing me to save). Ackk!
I guess I need to buy the full version to use more stuff, makes sence seeing as this version I got for free when I bought an M-Audoi MIDI keyboard.
So that's what I've been up to recently. Playing in Ableton. I'm pretty familiar with it now, familiar enough to know I'd like to upgrade to the full version... But I'll hold out until 9 comes out, and by then I should have a job too.
Ah work... where are you?!
Anyway, I'm sorting out my recent recordings (labeling/delete junk etc) in Audition when I decide to play with the Doppler effect on some sounds. Instantly realising I've not explored the full potential of Audition!
(oh and for some reason Audition is really buggy [for me] on Win7 32-bit but seems to work fine on my 64-bit computer)
So I'm looking to do some sound designing/video sound replacement. That sort of thing. Well maybe.
Meh.
Hope you're doing well in whatever it is you're doing!
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Drum and Bass Take 1
Here is something a made this morning in Ableton, "Thinking In The Woods"
It was fun to make, but not to mix. Well, the only "mixing" I did was adjusting levels of each track...
I'm much more comfortable mixing in Pro Tools, but making beats and loops is easier in Ableton. I just need to export the loops and use Pro Tools as a sequencer.
Maybe.
But it's all just fun at the moment. Just wanted to let you hear how it's going.
Oh, and before I leave, I got an email about a possible trailer project that needs music. Probably about 30 seconds or so long, but it has to be epic. More news as and when I get any, or develop any music, motifs, themes, ideas etc.
One more thing, it's getting colder (if you hadn't noticed)
Monday, 18 October 2010
Back again again
Hello
I've been downloading lots of free Ableton things, but so far I haven't used anything. But I did make some wierd science music.
I'm trying to figure out things a bit better, start making music in Ableton would be nice -so far i've only used it to make loops rather than pieces. But I got some tutorial vidoes and I shall crack this wide open.
Hmm... the update solved the sound card problem, so that's good.
Anyway, had a lovely time in Oxford again -saw some awesome and tall trees too.
Anyway, I'm watching videos and stuff, I have some interesting ideas planned (music-wise) and i'll post up anything that is post-up-able. Also, still looking for a job...
Hope you had a good weekend and such, blog on!
Cheerio
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Remixing
Ahoi!
So yes, I've been busy recently! (not with work though)
I'm taking driving lessons, and so far I've had 6 hours in the car on the road, and I am enjoying it a lot. But not as much as motorcycling... (although it is warmer and dryer in the car etc.. blah blah blah... bikes are more fun).
I've been having problems with Ableton 8.2, so i'm still using 8.1.5 for the time being. But hopefully, time permitting, I'll download the latest version this weekend and hope that it fixes it -it's having problems using my MBox as an audio output. It's worked before, but not in 8.2...
Hmm...
So five minutes ago I was working on some beats. Yeah, phat beats. Dropping some heavy ones.
Etc... You can tell I up to date with all the lingo.
So Ableton has lovingly allowed me to create and export drum loops. Brilliant methinks. So I was straight in there, fast beats, acoustic drum kits with flangers and chorus fx to make it more electronic etc. All good. Probably. Just for laughs anyway.
Now, moving on to remixing.
I found some competitions allowing one to download stems and remix a song, and win prizes. Now, I'm not so bothered about the competition but it's free and easy access to mixing music, which I so dearly need to practise. I know what to do, I just haven't got anything to mix.
My own music doesn't count. I want recorded music, with vocals. Yeah, voices! Yeah!
Anyway... I hope to do some remixing things, any tips/advise? Basically I plan to grab these stems, and think of my spin on the music -i.e. tone, emotion, bpm etc, and cut it, spill it all over my DAW(s) and sew it back together using my own brand of audio creation.
That's the idea right?
So yes, I've been busy recently! (not with work though)
I'm taking driving lessons, and so far I've had 6 hours in the car on the road, and I am enjoying it a lot. But not as much as motorcycling... (although it is warmer and dryer in the car etc.. blah blah blah... bikes are more fun).
I've been having problems with Ableton 8.2, so i'm still using 8.1.5 for the time being. But hopefully, time permitting, I'll download the latest version this weekend and hope that it fixes it -it's having problems using my MBox as an audio output. It's worked before, but not in 8.2...
Hmm...
So five minutes ago I was working on some beats. Yeah, phat beats. Dropping some heavy ones.
Etc... You can tell I up to date with all the lingo.
So Ableton has lovingly allowed me to create and export drum loops. Brilliant methinks. So I was straight in there, fast beats, acoustic drum kits with flangers and chorus fx to make it more electronic etc. All good. Probably. Just for laughs anyway.
Now, moving on to remixing.
right
I found some competitions allowing one to download stems and remix a song, and win prizes. Now, I'm not so bothered about the competition but it's free and easy access to mixing music, which I so dearly need to practise. I know what to do, I just haven't got anything to mix.
My own music doesn't count. I want recorded music, with vocals. Yeah, voices! Yeah!
Anyway... I hope to do some remixing things, any tips/advise? Basically I plan to grab these stems, and think of my spin on the music -i.e. tone, emotion, bpm etc, and cut it, spill it all over my DAW(s) and sew it back together using my own brand of audio creation.
That's the idea right?
Meh.
Stay creative! Good night!
Heading to Oxford tonight, so see you Monday. Obviously not literally... Maybe literally..?
Monday, 11 October 2010
Ahoi-hoi
Now then...
"Acoustic and Midi Orchestration for the Contempory Composer" arrived in the post today. So that's what I'm reading now.
Secondly, my website (click here) has been updated a little bit more. But you'd notice that if you were linked to this blog from the website... new video page, new music, and a bonus "ambience + fx" track on the "About Me" page. Yep. Have a listen. Why not?
Am I running out of things to say? Nay! But I have a book to read... to learn, to improve, to grow!
I'm free to work for you! Yes, you! Well, maybe you?
Have a good day, stay creative!
"Acoustic and Midi Orchestration for the Contempory Composer" arrived in the post today. So that's what I'm reading now.
Secondly, my website (click here) has been updated a little bit more. But you'd notice that if you were linked to this blog from the website... new video page, new music, and a bonus "ambience + fx" track on the "About Me" page. Yep. Have a listen. Why not?
Right, so I'm busy reading now, so I'll endeth the blog here.
Am I running out of things to say? Nay! But I have a book to read... to learn, to improve, to grow!
(no luck on the job front yet though, if you wanted to know)
I'm free to work for you! Yes, you! Well, maybe you?
Have a good day, stay creative!
Friday, 8 October 2010
Here's the Piece
Ok, so I mentioned I was composing something for a video. Well, if I didn't mention that, I was. But it didn't suit the intended video.
So I had a browse through some trailers I've downloaded and decided to use a LOTRO Mirkwood trailer instead. I muted and trimmed their video and simply added my music.
Remember, only the music is mine -the video is owned by Codemasters & Turbine, probably.
So I had a browse through some trailers I've downloaded and decided to use a LOTRO Mirkwood trailer instead. I muted and trimmed their video and simply added my music.
So, hopefully here's the video.
Remember, only the music is mine -the video is owned by Codemasters & Turbine, probably.
Shortest blog so far?
Thursday, 7 October 2010
A Little Fantasy
Is the name of this piece I wrote today.
Originally it was intended for a video, but I decided that it didn't suit so I continued with composing for a bit longer until I came to a suitable time to end it. Or just an ending of sorts.
I have difficulties with themes and variations, and endings.
The music can be downloaded in it's rough state -it's basically a bunch of notes played by instruments that sound similar to the real thing. It has no dynamics or phrasing yet, and everything is centred in the stereo image but i thought you'd like a listen. I should have it all mixed by tomorrow.
Good.
Hope you're all doing well in whatever you do.
Originally it was intended for a video, but I decided that it didn't suit so I continued with composing for a bit longer until I came to a suitable time to end it. Or just an ending of sorts.
I have difficulties with themes and variations, and endings.
But i'm practicing, which is fun and helpful.
The music can be downloaded in it's rough state -it's basically a bunch of notes played by instruments that sound similar to the real thing. It has no dynamics or phrasing yet, and everything is centred in the stereo image but i thought you'd like a listen. I should have it all mixed by tomorrow.
Good.
Hope you're all doing well in whatever you do.
Cheerio
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Composing
Hi!
A brief blog to say I'm composing.
This isn't a mac/pc debate. Sorry.
Rhetorical question.
Anyway, that's all. Nothing more to say.
Except...
I saw a guy on a roof in Boston earlier -the police below weren't happy. Which reminds me, I need to sort out a new rear tyre and front brakes in the next few hundred miles of use. Looking at EBC HH pads for the front (I already have new pads on the rear).
Anyway (+1), that is all.
Cheerio
A brief blog to say I'm composing.
I've often composed using Sibelius.
Today I'm using Pro Tools.
I prefer Sibelius for notation, but prefer Pro Tools for range of instruments, effects, mixing, etc. Yet the notation doesn't work that well (yet?) in Pro Tools. Still, I wrote a couple of motifs and patterns rather quickly. I need to learn and practice composition, and I have time to do that.
I have Sibelius 5 and I don't want to upgrade to 6. I might try 7 when that gets built. But as AVID owns both, I want Pro Tools to get more creative with MIDI and notation too. I might well be using Logic right now if I had a Mac, but I can't justify buying a Mac just for that -considering I can play many many games on my windows PC, run many many applications and other things.
I have Sibelius 5 and I don't want to upgrade to 6. I might try 7 when that gets built. But as AVID owns both, I want Pro Tools to get more creative with MIDI and notation too. I might well be using Logic right now if I had a Mac, but I can't justify buying a Mac just for that -considering I can play many many games on my windows PC, run many many applications and other things.
This isn't a mac/pc debate. Sorry.
Oh and why do Macs only allow resizing from the lower right corner?
Rhetorical question.
Anyway, that's all. Nothing more to say.
Except...
I saw a guy on a roof in Boston earlier -the police below weren't happy. Which reminds me, I need to sort out a new rear tyre and front brakes in the next few hundred miles of use. Looking at EBC HH pads for the front (I already have new pads on the rear).
Anyway (+1), that is all.
Cheerio
Monday, 4 October 2010
Welcome Back
Thanks.
It seems to have been a long weekend. Well here I am!
Eurogamer expo was pretty good, met and talked to Richard Jacques, met lots of developers and saw some cool games.
But.
Should I buy/pre-order the new Medal of Honour? I'm thinking it'll be a good idea.
(finally (+2) Richard Jacques inspried me to compose more which is nice, and also to read more so I bought a couple of books on orchestration)
It seems to have been a long weekend. Well here I am!
Eurogamer expo was pretty good, met and talked to Richard Jacques, met lots of developers and saw some cool games.
But.
When it comes to enjoying games I'd prefer to play games in my own time without people peering over your shoulder and without the noise of hundreds of other games and gamers. Also I was hoping for more developers to chat with. Nevermind, a great day, not too expensive, and great to catch up with some friends too.
Now if you didn't know... I currently have a slow broadband connection (about max 1Mb) which is also capped at 10GB download thanks to BT. What a great idea, capping the internet, thanks. So I've not been playing any games online for about 4 months. I love games interacting with other players -ie killing or questing. I really want to play BF2, BF2142 and BF:BC2 and run around...
I do like the Battlefield games. Can't wait for BF3.
Should I buy/pre-order the new Medal of Honour? I'm thinking it'll be a good idea.
Also, I have a pc and a nintendo DS. That's the sum amount gaming consoles I own. I'm considering getting a 2nd hand Xbox360... Tis merely a consideration. But if I want to work in games, I really should get more consoles and games.
But I need a job first to buy things.
Finally, I'm starting driving lessons. Yep. In a car and everything! It's taken a while to get around to -having ridden motorbikes since I was 16. Hope it doesn't take long to pass a test...
Finally (+1) I've decided to start trying to compose using PT8 as a sequencer.
I couldn't get to grips with the score editor (compared to Sibelius) but i'm determined to try. I've updated my MIDI/USB M-Audio drivers hopefully to reduce latency for my keyboards to make live performance/recording a bit easier.
Finally (+1) I've decided to start trying to compose using PT8 as a sequencer.
I couldn't get to grips with the score editor (compared to Sibelius) but i'm determined to try. I've updated my MIDI/USB M-Audio drivers hopefully to reduce latency for my keyboards to make live performance/recording a bit easier.
AWESOME
Farewell
(finally (+2) Richard Jacques inspried me to compose more which is nice, and also to read more so I bought a couple of books on orchestration)
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Final Fantasy III etc
I started playing it last night after giving up on it a couple of years ago.
It's the DS version, and I simply didn't know what I was doing. I gave it another go and finally I found out where I was supposed to go and do -now i have a flying boat and flown off one map onto another. Ooo.
It's the first FF game I've played and it is really fun, well at least it was, I'm trying to pick it up again. The graphics are pretty good and the sounds are cool too.
I realised that far too often I play portable games with the sound muted -so I can watch tv, films, listen to music instead.
So yeah, I was playing FF3 whilst lightscribing more discs -it takes about 22 minues per disc. Then I have to burn all the audio/data on them, which takes about 7 minutes per disc. Totalling half an hour per individual demo CD. Ouch.
Something awesome happened today...
A plane was hovering outside my house! Incredible. I ran inside to get my recorder (because the roar of the jet engines was great!) but it had slowly wandered off, and by the time i hit record there was a lot of traffic outside too. Grr... Still, an awesome sight to see. Followed by glowing red afterburners, a quick loop and a swift flight north west out of sight.
Anyone want to take me for a flight?
Probably won't be blogging for a day or two. I'll talk about the game expo when I've been.
Cool.
Cheerio.
It's the DS version, and I simply didn't know what I was doing. I gave it another go and finally I found out where I was supposed to go and do -now i have a flying boat and flown off one map onto another. Ooo.
It's the first FF game I've played and it is really fun, well at least it was, I'm trying to pick it up again. The graphics are pretty good and the sounds are cool too.
I realised that far too often I play portable games with the sound muted -so I can watch tv, films, listen to music instead.
So yeah, I was playing FF3 whilst lightscribing more discs -it takes about 22 minues per disc. Then I have to burn all the audio/data on them, which takes about 7 minutes per disc. Totalling half an hour per individual demo CD. Ouch.
Something awesome happened today...
A plane was hovering outside my house! Incredible. I ran inside to get my recorder (because the roar of the jet engines was great!) but it had slowly wandered off, and by the time i hit record there was a lot of traffic outside too. Grr... Still, an awesome sight to see. Followed by glowing red afterburners, a quick loop and a swift flight north west out of sight.
I like planes.
Anyone want to take me for a flight?
Probably won't be blogging for a day or two. I'll talk about the game expo when I've been.
Cool.
Cheerio.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Final done ok good
I've finished my portfolio CD.
Done. It works on CD players as audio and on computers as both audio and data files.
The lightscribe images look good.
And I've made a CD jewel case slip with track listings and that sort of thing. Now I'm not so happy about the print quality, probably because of the printer, and paper, but it looks good enough. I am still a recent graduate in need of a full-time job (in audio?) so I'll have to make do with the resources I have available.
Now... I just hope it shows it's worth this Saturday.
Anyone one to the Eurogamer Expo on Saturday? Should be fun. I hope to chat with developers and indie developers too. And there're a couple of lectures I want to sit in and enjoy. Yeah. Lectures.
Nothing much more to talk about tonight. How about a "Ghosts of Ascalon" review (...haven't I done that yet?) maybe tomorrow if I get time.
I know.
You can't wait.
Me either.
In the meantime, here's something I wrote on the train home from London. A team point to whoever guesses what it's about:
"Like mighty warriors they stand tall in the fields; they carry their burdens far across the lands, serving both large cities and small hamlets. Should they fall, the silent darkness will engulf towns. Upon their shoulders a great power is bestowed."
Done. It works on CD players as audio and on computers as both audio and data files.
The lightscribe images look good.
And I've made a CD jewel case slip with track listings and that sort of thing. Now I'm not so happy about the print quality, probably because of the printer, and paper, but it looks good enough. I am still a recent graduate in need of a full-time job (in audio?) so I'll have to make do with the resources I have available.
Now... I just hope it shows it's worth this Saturday.
Anyone one to the Eurogamer Expo on Saturday? Should be fun. I hope to chat with developers and indie developers too. And there're a couple of lectures I want to sit in and enjoy. Yeah. Lectures.
Nothing much more to talk about tonight. How about a "Ghosts of Ascalon" review (...haven't I done that yet?) maybe tomorrow if I get time.
I know.
You can't wait.
Me either.
In the meantime, here's something I wrote on the train home from London. A team point to whoever guesses what it's about:
"Like mighty warriors they stand tall in the fields; they carry their burdens far across the lands, serving both large cities and small hamlets. Should they fall, the silent darkness will engulf towns. Upon their shoulders a great power is bestowed."
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
It's not Monday
But it feels like it after a long weekend.
So my CD is nearly complete.
I've added a couple more fx to my ambience and fx track -i got carried away as usual, and added anything I had recorded and liked. Then I stopped, deleted everything and only added a couple more sounds.
Less is more?
Maybe.
But it sounds better now. I think.
I downloaded a demo of Nero's burning ROM to make an Audio + CD (Audio + data) so I could add video files to the CD as well as have the demo tracks playable on any CD player.
Excellent.
That is all. Progress continues, nearly finished.
So my CD is nearly complete.
I've added a couple more fx to my ambience and fx track -i got carried away as usual, and added anything I had recorded and liked. Then I stopped, deleted everything and only added a couple more sounds.
Less is more?
Maybe.
But it sounds better now. I think.
I downloaded a demo of Nero's burning ROM to make an Audio + CD (Audio + data) so I could add video files to the CD as well as have the demo tracks playable on any CD player.
Excellent.
That is all. Progress continues, nearly finished.
Monday, 27 September 2010
The Weekend
Friday I was working then I caught a train to London then to Oxford.
Then for the weekend I was in Oxford.
And today I caught a train to London then back home.
Rather tired now! But wanted to make a blog because I thought I should.
In Oxford, I spent a lot of time with Melody Yates which was excellent.
However once I walked back from the train station (across fields which was a short cut in distance but not in time -muddy fields, heavy mud on boots, slower walking...) I continued with my lovely portfolio CD with clearer intentions.
Instead of lots of files, I now have a few.
One track -mix of music
One track -mix of ambience and fx
Several videos
3D Audiobook extract
CV .pdf
Excellent.
I've burned three CDs with my lightscribing-stuff
I've mixed the music track and the ambience track
All is almost done I think
You can listen to my ambience and fx here.
Thankyou and farewell.
(edit: here is my final CD cover)
Then for the weekend I was in Oxford.
And today I caught a train to London then back home.
Rather tired now! But wanted to make a blog because I thought I should.
In Oxford, I spent a lot of time with Melody Yates which was excellent.
However once I walked back from the train station (across fields which was a short cut in distance but not in time -muddy fields, heavy mud on boots, slower walking...) I continued with my lovely portfolio CD with clearer intentions.
Instead of lots of files, I now have a few.
One track -mix of music
One track -mix of ambience and fx
Several videos
3D Audiobook extract
CV .pdf
Excellent.
I've burned three CDs with my lightscribing-stuff
I've mixed the music track and the ambience track
All is almost done I think
You can listen to my ambience and fx here.
Thankyou and farewell.
(edit: here is my final CD cover)
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Thursday Funtimes
It is indeed Thursday and I'm over half way through The Two Towers (somewhere in book four).
I really wish I'd read the books before the film, I keep waiting for things to happen.
The book is way better than the film of course, especially as it has the full story, not the film version.
Anyway, that's a great book and this is supposed to be a blog about my audio activities. I like to talk about lots of things though. You may have guessed.
So last night I sat in the garage and recorded myself striking matches and extinguishing them in a jam jar of water. Sounds ok.
Then I got two jar jars and grinded them together to makes squeels and grindings.
Then I got two chains and walked them around the floor, like footsteps of a shackled prisoner.
And today I blew in to my open hand and thought it sounded quite good as a roaring wind, such as a spurt from a flamethrower, or a hot air balloon burner, or after burners. I'm yet to record that though. And changing the shape of ones hand and the blowing force, you'll change the sound. Simple.
Ah, and tonight I wrote a short piece of music, on the piano, and am yet to write it down/record it. But I will do. Maybe next week. I'm going to Oxford this weekend, so I'll see what sounds Oxford has to record (although I'm not going there to record sounds, so I'm not too bothered).
Oh and seeing as I didn't think I had much to talk about tonight... here's yet another picture. I think it's quite fun. You might not think the same.
Anyway, here it is (in colour!) and good day.
I really wish I'd read the books before the film, I keep waiting for things to happen.
The book is way better than the film of course, especially as it has the full story, not the film version.
Anyway, that's a great book and this is supposed to be a blog about my audio activities. I like to talk about lots of things though. You may have guessed.
So last night I sat in the garage and recorded myself striking matches and extinguishing them in a jam jar of water. Sounds ok.
Then I got two jar jars and grinded them together to makes squeels and grindings.
Then I got two chains and walked them around the floor, like footsteps of a shackled prisoner.
And today I blew in to my open hand and thought it sounded quite good as a roaring wind, such as a spurt from a flamethrower, or a hot air balloon burner, or after burners. I'm yet to record that though. And changing the shape of ones hand and the blowing force, you'll change the sound. Simple.
Ah, and tonight I wrote a short piece of music, on the piano, and am yet to write it down/record it. But I will do. Maybe next week. I'm going to Oxford this weekend, so I'll see what sounds Oxford has to record (although I'm not going there to record sounds, so I'm not too bothered).
Oh and seeing as I didn't think I had much to talk about tonight... here's yet another picture. I think it's quite fun. You might not think the same.
Anyway, here it is (in colour!) and good day.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
More CD images
Ok, here we go.
I went browsing through pictures I have, and most of my pictures are not of me. But I did find three pictures.
Yes three.
And so here's what I came up with...
Me, a background image (happens to be Bradgate park near Leicester) and some piano keys.
Any of the above any good?
I think they're a bit more intesting than yesterdays attempt. They show me, some piano keys (music) and a nice background. They look pretty awesome in full colour, but because lightscribe won't do colour, I makde a black & white version (tinted).
That's all for tonight. Short blog. Cheerio.
I went browsing through pictures I have, and most of my pictures are not of me. But I did find three pictures.
Yes three.
And so here's what I came up with...
Me, a background image (happens to be Bradgate park near Leicester) and some piano keys.
Any of the above any good?
I think they're a bit more intesting than yesterdays attempt. They show me, some piano keys (music) and a nice background. They look pretty awesome in full colour, but because lightscribe won't do colour, I makde a black & white version (tinted).
That's all for tonight. Short blog. Cheerio.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Today
I have done nothing interesting.
My rear wheel fell out of my bicycle today, that wasn't interesting though, no drama there.
I've just been watching Rush Hour 2! Which is awesome. So that's good.
I updated my CV today.
Oh and I've been thinking more about my demo CD...
I was thinking of implementing a CD menu screen for better interactivity, as well as autorun stuff, but then I realised that it may be viewed on any computer, not just windows, so I gave up on the idea.
Instead, I might make an enhanced CD allowing playback of a demo reel on any CD player, and ROM content available on any computer.
Yet, thinking of that, an employer might listen to the CD and leave it at that... instead of browsing through the disc.
Hmm... thinking in progress
King Flux (from GAF) helpfully suggested CDs tend to get thrown in top drawers and not really looked at, and instead I should get a website.
I do have a website.
So I'm still going ahead with a fancy CD portfolio. And I'm going to redo my website, when I get time, to work more as an online portfolio -with more than just a few music tracks, including SFX and ambient stuff too. It's on the to do list.
Oh and before I go, I got an email from the editor at Firefly Productions with a cool video snippet from the new film, "When London Slept". It's a new scene, just been added, and I love it! Plus I got to listen to some of the music for the film which also sounds awesome.
When the music is finished, I'll mix it to the dialogue and FX I've already recieved and then the film is complete. Hooray! I can't wait to share more information with you, but I won't, so don't ask.
Now I'm going.
Bye all
My rear wheel fell out of my bicycle today, that wasn't interesting though, no drama there.
I've just been watching Rush Hour 2! Which is awesome. So that's good.
I updated my CV today.
Oh and I've been thinking more about my demo CD...
I was thinking of implementing a CD menu screen for better interactivity, as well as autorun stuff, but then I realised that it may be viewed on any computer, not just windows, so I gave up on the idea.
Instead, I might make an enhanced CD allowing playback of a demo reel on any CD player, and ROM content available on any computer.
Yet, thinking of that, an employer might listen to the CD and leave it at that... instead of browsing through the disc.
Hmm... thinking in progress
King Flux (from GAF) helpfully suggested CDs tend to get thrown in top drawers and not really looked at, and instead I should get a website.
I do have a website.
So I'm still going ahead with a fancy CD portfolio. And I'm going to redo my website, when I get time, to work more as an online portfolio -with more than just a few music tracks, including SFX and ambient stuff too. It's on the to do list.
Oh and before I go, I got an email from the editor at Firefly Productions with a cool video snippet from the new film, "When London Slept". It's a new scene, just been added, and I love it! Plus I got to listen to some of the music for the film which also sounds awesome.
When the music is finished, I'll mix it to the dialogue and FX I've already recieved and then the film is complete. Hooray! I can't wait to share more information with you, but I won't, so don't ask.
Now I'm going.
Bye all
Monday, 20 September 2010
CD Portfolio
Hellodle
Today I thought it's about time I thought about my portfolio CD, not the content, but the CD itself.
Do I get standard a CD-R in plastic sleeve, or jewel case, with a hand written label on the CD or a printed sticker or do I go for something like a LightScribe CD?
I decided on LightScribe.
It's cool, should be more memorable and make a better impression.
So I bought some LightScribe CDs tonight, in slim-line jewel cases.
Then I played on Photoshop to make a cool looking LightScribe image. I came up with this...
Yes, it does have my name, something about audio and it states it's a portfolio but it's not great. I'm working on it. Maybe something more audio related, and striking, an interesting picture maybe... any thoughts? Also I'm thinking of making a short paper CV style thing to go in the jewel case. All in all it should be an interesting item to recieve.
Obviously first impressions are rather important, I want potential employers to want to find out more about me. I want them to listen. I ultimately want them to give me a job!
I hope my portfolio is good enough to live in such an awesome CD.
Oh one more thing, should it be a CD-ROM (use a computer to access the info, and listen to tisten to tracks/SFX) or should it be an Audio CD (plays on any CD player, like a demo-reel) or both?
Let me know your thoughts!
Today I thought it's about time I thought about my portfolio CD, not the content, but the CD itself.
Do I get standard a CD-R in plastic sleeve, or jewel case, with a hand written label on the CD or a printed sticker or do I go for something like a LightScribe CD?
I decided on LightScribe.
It's cool, should be more memorable and make a better impression.
So I bought some LightScribe CDs tonight, in slim-line jewel cases.
Then I played on Photoshop to make a cool looking LightScribe image. I came up with this...
Yes, it does have my name, something about audio and it states it's a portfolio but it's not great. I'm working on it. Maybe something more audio related, and striking, an interesting picture maybe... any thoughts? Also I'm thinking of making a short paper CV style thing to go in the jewel case. All in all it should be an interesting item to recieve.
Obviously first impressions are rather important, I want potential employers to want to find out more about me. I want them to listen. I ultimately want them to give me a job!
I hope my portfolio is good enough to live in such an awesome CD.
Oh one more thing, should it be a CD-ROM (use a computer to access the info, and listen to tisten to tracks/SFX) or should it be an Audio CD (plays on any CD player, like a demo-reel) or both?
Let me know your thoughts!
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Here's One More...
As I've been sorting through various sound files I found a recording of a wind turbine at my Aunt's place (download here to listen). Because it was too windy for my home-made windshield, my microphones were close if not touching the metal frame at the base of the wind tubine, out of the direct wind.
I thought it sounded pretty cool.
So I played around with it, resampled it, added some reverb, of course, and created "Deserted Wreckage" (download here). It's an ambient track, possibly set in a desert where there's some abandoned wreckage of some description.
Just have a listen and see what your imagination paints for you.
Anyway, I'm busy, but wanted to let you hear something of my "audio creation".
Let me know what you think.
Stay creative!
I thought it sounded pretty cool.
So I played around with it, resampled it, added some reverb, of course, and created "Deserted Wreckage" (download here). It's an ambient track, possibly set in a desert where there's some abandoned wreckage of some description.
Just have a listen and see what your imagination paints for you.
Anyway, I'm busy, but wanted to let you hear something of my "audio creation".
Let me know what you think.
Stay creative!
Friday
No wait, it's Saturday.
I didn't post anything last night, sorry, but here's something to make up for it...
Here is a download link for a quick aeroplane audio file I rumbled together today. I'm in the process, as I've previously mentioned, of creating sounds and effects for a portfolio CD to take to the EuroGamer expo.
What do you think?
I should probably start using an embedded media player or something so you can listen to my files through streaming, rather than downloading, for convenience. But for now, you'll have to download it.
I've lost my battery charger so I can't go out recording until I get a new one or find the old one. I've no idea where it's gone? It's a UniRoss charger with 2700mAh batteries -i need high mAh for my Zoom H4n or else I can't record for very long.
Still, when someone gives me that all important job, I shall hopefully purchase a decent field mixer, a couple of shotgun mics and some windshields and can use my H4n just as a recorder. But for now, the H4n is very useful and I hope will continue to be so. I also really want to try out the Canon 550d DSLR because it records in full HD and has a mic-input for decent production recording, as well as being a great camera.
Well. Enough talk about things I can't afford.
I bought some thick paper, some charcoal and some pencils. Yes. I'm going to draw... something. Well, at leasts that's the plan. It's in keeping with my, "be creative" attitude.
So that's what I'm going to do now...
Stay (or become) creative!
I didn't post anything last night, sorry, but here's something to make up for it...
Here is a download link for a quick aeroplane audio file I rumbled together today. I'm in the process, as I've previously mentioned, of creating sounds and effects for a portfolio CD to take to the EuroGamer expo.
What do you think?
I should probably start using an embedded media player or something so you can listen to my files through streaming, rather than downloading, for convenience. But for now, you'll have to download it.
I've lost my battery charger so I can't go out recording until I get a new one or find the old one. I've no idea where it's gone? It's a UniRoss charger with 2700mAh batteries -i need high mAh for my Zoom H4n or else I can't record for very long.
Still, when someone gives me that all important job, I shall hopefully purchase a decent field mixer, a couple of shotgun mics and some windshields and can use my H4n just as a recorder. But for now, the H4n is very useful and I hope will continue to be so. I also really want to try out the Canon 550d DSLR because it records in full HD and has a mic-input for decent production recording, as well as being a great camera.
Well. Enough talk about things I can't afford.
I bought some thick paper, some charcoal and some pencils. Yes. I'm going to draw... something. Well, at leasts that's the plan. It's in keeping with my, "be creative" attitude.
So that's what I'm going to do now...
Stay (or become) creative!
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Nothing
I've done nothing
at all
Well, that's obviously not true... I have been at work and photoshopped about 60 different images. Then i cycled home, did nothing, then went to get some food shopping, and here I am. But I've done nothing other than that.
I had things planned... like re-editing yesterdays Korg DS-10 tracks and making something that sounds good.
Have you ever been caught up with something, then the next day you wonder what on earth you were doing? I think that happened to me with those tracks yesterday, in the blog post below this one if you wanted to listen.
Nevermind.
It's all good practice for that one day when someone asks:
"Could you do some commissioned work for us?"
Or better still...
"Come. Join us as an in-house sound engineer."
"We want you, Michael, to be our creative Audio Artist."
It could happen...
Still, a job is certainly on the horizon but I just can't see it yet. Maybe I'll get arthritis and never make it to the horizon. That'd be annoying. Or worse, I wander over to the horizon and realise I was looking in a mirror, and walk into the mirror -except the mirror was actually a very realistic picture, then i'd haved annoyed the artist by walking into his picture and I couldn't afford to pay for the breakage so I'd have to work for the artist, mixing paint colours and washing brushes until I'd paid my debt. By which time, the sun had probably set (a few times), so heading to the horizon, now covered by darkness, would be tricky without accurately determining where to go...
What am I talking about?
Hmm... anyway...
I'll try and have something interesting to tell tomorrow.
Do you really want a review of Ghosts of Ascalon? I don't generally read books, and I don't do reviews either. So it'd just be an overview of the story and what I thought about it. No comparisons. No rating system. Still want that review?
at all
Well, that's obviously not true... I have been at work and photoshopped about 60 different images. Then i cycled home, did nothing, then went to get some food shopping, and here I am. But I've done nothing other than that.
I had things planned... like re-editing yesterdays Korg DS-10 tracks and making something that sounds good.
Have you ever been caught up with something, then the next day you wonder what on earth you were doing? I think that happened to me with those tracks yesterday, in the blog post below this one if you wanted to listen.
Nevermind.
It's all good practice for that one day when someone asks:
"Could you do some commissioned work for us?"
Or better still...
"Come. Join us as an in-house sound engineer."
"We want you, Michael, to be our creative Audio Artist."
It could happen...
Still, a job is certainly on the horizon but I just can't see it yet. Maybe I'll get arthritis and never make it to the horizon. That'd be annoying. Or worse, I wander over to the horizon and realise I was looking in a mirror, and walk into the mirror -except the mirror was actually a very realistic picture, then i'd haved annoyed the artist by walking into his picture and I couldn't afford to pay for the breakage so I'd have to work for the artist, mixing paint colours and washing brushes until I'd paid my debt. By which time, the sun had probably set (a few times), so heading to the horizon, now covered by darkness, would be tricky without accurately determining where to go...
What am I talking about?
Hmm... anyway...
I'll try and have something interesting to tell tomorrow.
Do you really want a review of Ghosts of Ascalon? I don't generally read books, and I don't do reviews either. So it'd just be an overview of the story and what I thought about it. No comparisons. No rating system. Still want that review?
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
A Couple of Tracks
Hello
Not much time for a longer post but here's what I've been doing...
Using the Korg DS-10 synthesizer, I made two tracks for you to download and have a listen. The first one I started last night and recorded when I got back from work. It's a basic tune and I just played about with some delay effects and chorus and flanger too. It's all done live, recorded straight in to a Zoom H4n recorder.
I've named it "8-bit Infinity" because it sounds cool, and goes on a while...
Download here.
Next, track number two, named simply as game music or something like that. It didn't turn out how I hoped (I didn't listen to it through decent speakers until after i recorded it) -I just used the inbuilt DS speakers. This track involved practicing using the drum patches as well as the two lead synths to get a full sound.
This didn't work. Too much white noise sound.
You see (or hear).
Download here.
That's all for today, I'm going to sleep.
Night
Not much time for a longer post but here's what I've been doing...
Using the Korg DS-10 synthesizer, I made two tracks for you to download and have a listen. The first one I started last night and recorded when I got back from work. It's a basic tune and I just played about with some delay effects and chorus and flanger too. It's all done live, recorded straight in to a Zoom H4n recorder.
I've named it "8-bit Infinity" because it sounds cool, and goes on a while...
Download here.
Next, track number two, named simply as game music or something like that. It didn't turn out how I hoped (I didn't listen to it through decent speakers until after i recorded it) -I just used the inbuilt DS speakers. This track involved practicing using the drum patches as well as the two lead synths to get a full sound.
This didn't work. Too much white noise sound.
You see (or hear).
Download here.
That's all for today, I'm going to sleep.
Night
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Korg DS-10
Hey Folks!
Today I've been taking photographs of wine glasses and photoshopping any reflections out of them for use on the website. But the silver goblets i painted in photoshop entirely to get rid of the many many reflections. And that was my entire 7.5 hours spent at work. Tomorrow I'm taking pictures of hip flasks, mirrors, frames and other items...
So now you know, I do audio, photography and photo manipulation... among other things
As soon as I cycled back from work (yeah, i'm cycling these days seeing as the weather is turning greyer and more miserable, I think it's fun) I got started recording Ghosts of Ascalon for practicing narration skills.
I'm not good at narrating...
...yet. I'm working on it...
I want to add it to my portfolio and skills, maybe that will help me get a job...
Come on job, where are you?
Now, regarding the title of this blog post. I've got a Korg DS-10 and I've had it about a year now, but I've only really used it for short sound effects and interesting synth sounds. But today I'm inspired. Yes, creativity has spurred me on to write a couple of good tracks using this synth only. I may well master it a bit using Adobe Audition and Pro Tools, but the entire sound generation is from my DS and this synth.
So that's what I'm going to do.
Although, like I said, they have to be good tracks. That might take some time and creative thought, but i've got plenty of that swimming around in my head.
And about that book review...
maybe I'll do it tomorrow ;-)
Today I've been taking photographs of wine glasses and photoshopping any reflections out of them for use on the website. But the silver goblets i painted in photoshop entirely to get rid of the many many reflections. And that was my entire 7.5 hours spent at work. Tomorrow I'm taking pictures of hip flasks, mirrors, frames and other items...
So now you know, I do audio, photography and photo manipulation... among other things
As soon as I cycled back from work (yeah, i'm cycling these days seeing as the weather is turning greyer and more miserable, I think it's fun) I got started recording Ghosts of Ascalon for practicing narration skills.
I'm not good at narrating...
...yet. I'm working on it...
I want to add it to my portfolio and skills, maybe that will help me get a job...
Come on job, where are you?
Now, regarding the title of this blog post. I've got a Korg DS-10 and I've had it about a year now, but I've only really used it for short sound effects and interesting synth sounds. But today I'm inspired. Yes, creativity has spurred me on to write a couple of good tracks using this synth only. I may well master it a bit using Adobe Audition and Pro Tools, but the entire sound generation is from my DS and this synth.
So that's what I'm going to do.
Although, like I said, they have to be good tracks. That might take some time and creative thought, but i've got plenty of that swimming around in my head.
And about that book review...
maybe I'll do it tomorrow ;-)
Monday, 13 September 2010
Dah... It's Monday
Good evening.
The weekend has passed far too quickly! My plans for some music and recording and general sound design fell short and did not come to pass. The only thing I did manage to do is sort out my demo/portfolio a bit more. So far my portfolio CD is like this:
Music - a variety of short extracts of my music
Binaural 3D Audiobook - two different extracts of a well known story
Videos - a selection of videos of projects I've done
And a forth folder, "Sounds and Effects" which is subdivided further...
Ambience - a selection of different ambient tracks
Fantasy SFX - a selection of sound effects you might find in fantasy games
Short SFX - a selection of short, 8-bit sounds
So that's how my portfolio stands, in CD form anyway. I'm going to keep adding to it, hopefully to take a few copies down to the Euro Gamer expo in a few weeks time to hand out with a CV. I would really like a job.
I'm going to continue to see what fun SFX I can make out of my library of recorded sounds I've made over the last couple of years. More things to add to the portfolio.
Now... this evening I finished reading, "Ghosts of Ascalon". I think I enjoyed it more because I could picture the Guild Wars characters and landscapes, written so wonderfully by Matt Forbeck and Jeff Grubb. I think I read somewhere a second book was being written, and I can't wait for it's release! If I have nothing else to say, I'll review it tomorrow.
Tomorrow I start some more exciting work -I've finished writing desriptions for the website I was employed to work on and now they want me to help with some photography and photoshopping for pictures. Way more creative and should be more enjoyable. However, it's still a temporary job and I would like a creative audio full-time job!
Until next time... cheerio
The weekend has passed far too quickly! My plans for some music and recording and general sound design fell short and did not come to pass. The only thing I did manage to do is sort out my demo/portfolio a bit more. So far my portfolio CD is like this:
Music - a variety of short extracts of my music
Binaural 3D Audiobook - two different extracts of a well known story
Videos - a selection of videos of projects I've done
And a forth folder, "Sounds and Effects" which is subdivided further...
Ambience - a selection of different ambient tracks
Fantasy SFX - a selection of sound effects you might find in fantasy games
Short SFX - a selection of short, 8-bit sounds
So that's how my portfolio stands, in CD form anyway. I'm going to keep adding to it, hopefully to take a few copies down to the Euro Gamer expo in a few weeks time to hand out with a CV. I would really like a job.
I'm going to continue to see what fun SFX I can make out of my library of recorded sounds I've made over the last couple of years. More things to add to the portfolio.
Now... this evening I finished reading, "Ghosts of Ascalon". I think I enjoyed it more because I could picture the Guild Wars characters and landscapes, written so wonderfully by Matt Forbeck and Jeff Grubb. I think I read somewhere a second book was being written, and I can't wait for it's release! If I have nothing else to say, I'll review it tomorrow.
Tomorrow I start some more exciting work -I've finished writing desriptions for the website I was employed to work on and now they want me to help with some photography and photoshopping for pictures. Way more creative and should be more enjoyable. However, it's still a temporary job and I would like a creative audio full-time job!
Until next time... cheerio
Friday, 10 September 2010
It's Friday!
Good evening all,
It is indeed Friday, finally. I've been looking forward to some useful time...
I'm currently working in a temporary job (I've pretty much finished it too) editing product descriptions for a Christmas website. It's fairly repetitive but it's not simple cut and paste repetition unfortunately. Anyway, once I've finished this work I need to find another job, hopefully something more permenant and hopefully something more creative (maybe something in audio? please).
Well, today I'm at the 9th chapter of Ghosts of Ascalon. It's quite quick to read, but still exciting and I'm really enjoying it. I hear a second book is in the making too, which should be equally exciting. I'm really getting in the mood for Guild Wars 2!
Oh and my creative thing for the day was to draw two characters in the hope that I get Photoshop fired up and I put some life into these pen drawings, then write some short stories about adventures/scenes that these characters get involved in. One thing I've noticed is that I often write in the 1st person (I did this and I saw that etc) so it'll be a good change to write about characters.
As it's the weekend (useful time), as of now I suppose, and I want to carry on with some portfolio audio work -sound effects and ambiences, maybe I'll get Sibelius whirring into action and score some music too. As you may have heard, the Euro Gamer expo is next month, well in three weeks time, and I want to have a well balanced and intersting portfolio to share with the developers and plead for a job! Well, maybe not plead, but at least strongly enquire... I'll be there on the Saturday (2nd of October) with a couple of friends:
Simon Hughes - environment artist for Codemasters
Ed Hawkridge - photoshopper for Willow SoundVision
These guys are great fun, we all met at uni and enjoyed Halo matches and a mighty fire or two every now and again! Check out that video on youtube, it was quite a tall fire. Great fun. It'll be great catching up with them again.
Well, I'm going to continue reading my book tonight.
Stay creative!
or become creative if you're not ;-)
It is indeed Friday, finally. I've been looking forward to some useful time...
I'm currently working in a temporary job (I've pretty much finished it too) editing product descriptions for a Christmas website. It's fairly repetitive but it's not simple cut and paste repetition unfortunately. Anyway, once I've finished this work I need to find another job, hopefully something more permenant and hopefully something more creative (maybe something in audio? please).
Well, today I'm at the 9th chapter of Ghosts of Ascalon. It's quite quick to read, but still exciting and I'm really enjoying it. I hear a second book is in the making too, which should be equally exciting. I'm really getting in the mood for Guild Wars 2!
Oh and my creative thing for the day was to draw two characters in the hope that I get Photoshop fired up and I put some life into these pen drawings, then write some short stories about adventures/scenes that these characters get involved in. One thing I've noticed is that I often write in the 1st person (I did this and I saw that etc) so it'll be a good change to write about characters.
As it's the weekend (useful time), as of now I suppose, and I want to carry on with some portfolio audio work -sound effects and ambiences, maybe I'll get Sibelius whirring into action and score some music too. As you may have heard, the Euro Gamer expo is next month, well in three weeks time, and I want to have a well balanced and intersting portfolio to share with the developers and plead for a job! Well, maybe not plead, but at least strongly enquire... I'll be there on the Saturday (2nd of October) with a couple of friends:
Simon Hughes - environment artist for Codemasters
Ed Hawkridge - photoshopper for Willow SoundVision
These guys are great fun, we all met at uni and enjoyed Halo matches and a mighty fire or two every now and again! Check out that video on youtube, it was quite a tall fire. Great fun. It'll be great catching up with them again.
Well, I'm going to continue reading my book tonight.
Stay creative!
or become creative if you're not ;-)
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