If you watch television, surely you have noticed it. You are watching a movie or program that you enjoy, at a comfortable volume, and then it happens. A commercial comes on and bam! All of a sudden the volume seems to have leaped up 7 or 8 notches. If you were not ready you may have even jumped out of your skin. Now you have to scramble to find your remote control so that you can turn the volume down because it is unbearable. Not only that, you have to keep it near by so that when your program comes back on you can turn the volume back up to the level you had it before.
Why do advertisers do this? From those I have asked there seems to be a general consensus that the advertisers want to grab your attention. One way of doing this is to raise the volume of their commercial to be higher than that of regular programs. This is silly. It does not make me pay more attention to the product or advertisement. All it does is annoy me and wake my napping children! Not only do I not pay attention to the commercial, I may even mute it out.
I am seriously tempted to run my tv through a compressor to even out the volume, but why should I have to?
So t.v. advertisers, please....TURN IT DOWN!
(now I feel like Andy Rooney)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Recording My Christmas CD Part 5
90% there. I have now recorded all the other tracks for Greensleves. A very classical style piano part and Pink Floyd style organ track. I still need to add something like a sleighbell shaker for color but the track is basically recorded. Now I just have to do minor edits and make sure that the mix is right. I like the basic feel, I just have to make sure it sounds the best it can.
I am going to leave the rythm guitar part for the end half and not have it on the entire song because for some reason it makes it sound like a country dirge. I am also going to have a full instrumental section (without the lead) to fade out on.
God willing, it looks like I may meet my goal of finishing the song this week. Then on to the next track. Now I know what Johathan Coulton must have felt like doing his "thing a week".
It's December 6, the clock is ticking.
http://www.myspace.com/guitarforchristmas
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Recording My Christmas CD Part 4
I have completed the basic tracks for my version of Greensleeves. I made it a proper 3/4 in the software and set the tempo at a comfortable 145 bpm. I have the drums, fretless bass, lead guitar and rythim guitar recorded.
For the basic tracks, I wanted to capture a similar sound/feel to "Murder by Numbers" by the Police and I am happy with the result. I still need to lower the volume on the snare click of the drum tracks and do some editing of the lead as well as rounding out the bass track, but the basic feel is there and I can build on it.
I now plan to add some piano, organ (church or jazz) and some percussion. That should be enough for this track, then it is just a matter of getting the right mix and doing a temporary master (when all the tracks are complete, I will do a proper master at Spazzoid studios).
Since I have done my version in A minor, at the end of the track I have added a little nod to John Lennon/Roger Waters (Working Class Hero/Pros and Cons) with the familiar folky strum of the A minor chord into the outro.
My goal is to have this song completed this week. I will keep you posted.
http://www.myspace.com/guitarforchristmas
For the basic tracks, I wanted to capture a similar sound/feel to "Murder by Numbers" by the Police and I am happy with the result. I still need to lower the volume on the snare click of the drum tracks and do some editing of the lead as well as rounding out the bass track, but the basic feel is there and I can build on it.
I now plan to add some piano, organ (church or jazz) and some percussion. That should be enough for this track, then it is just a matter of getting the right mix and doing a temporary master (when all the tracks are complete, I will do a proper master at Spazzoid studios).
Since I have done my version in A minor, at the end of the track I have added a little nod to John Lennon/Roger Waters (Working Class Hero/Pros and Cons) with the familiar folky strum of the A minor chord into the outro.
My goal is to have this song completed this week. I will keep you posted.
http://www.myspace.com/guitarforchristmas
Recording My Christmas CD Part 3
I start this blog at part 3 because the recording of my Christmas CD is already in progress. I will share the rest of the process with you as I race to finish it before Christmas Day!
Having completed The First Noel, I have now started my work on Greensleeves. I want a sort of 80's feel to the sound, lot's of reverb on the drums and I am putting on a fretless bass line with chorus on it. Back in the 80's many bass players actually put a chorus effect on the bass, that is almost unheard of now, but it can create a very nice effect, especially on a fretless bass sound.
My first tempo is a little slower than I am comfortable with. I like it but it can be boring after a couple of mintues so I am going to raise the tempo, which means I will have to re-do the guitar tracks (not a big deal since I already know the melody and have the perfect sound (again, chorus and reverb galore and possibly echo). I don't mind going a little overboard with the lush sound when doing something like a christmas album, a little fairydust is called for. Anyway, the tempo is tricky, because the song is technically a waltz (3/4) and I am setting a 4/4 tempo in the software which means I have to make it a very fast tempo to abuse it and fake the 4/4. Of course I could switch it to an actual 3/4 in the software, which I may do.
I had a really nice moment this weekend. My 3 year old daughter has been listening to my christmas songs and she really likes them. So now when she hears other people's versions of the same songs she says "that's your song daddy". That makes my day.
http://www.myspace.com/guitarforchristmas
Having completed The First Noel, I have now started my work on Greensleeves. I want a sort of 80's feel to the sound, lot's of reverb on the drums and I am putting on a fretless bass line with chorus on it. Back in the 80's many bass players actually put a chorus effect on the bass, that is almost unheard of now, but it can create a very nice effect, especially on a fretless bass sound.
My first tempo is a little slower than I am comfortable with. I like it but it can be boring after a couple of mintues so I am going to raise the tempo, which means I will have to re-do the guitar tracks (not a big deal since I already know the melody and have the perfect sound (again, chorus and reverb galore and possibly echo). I don't mind going a little overboard with the lush sound when doing something like a christmas album, a little fairydust is called for. Anyway, the tempo is tricky, because the song is technically a waltz (3/4) and I am setting a 4/4 tempo in the software which means I have to make it a very fast tempo to abuse it and fake the 4/4. Of course I could switch it to an actual 3/4 in the software, which I may do.
I had a really nice moment this weekend. My 3 year old daughter has been listening to my christmas songs and she really likes them. So now when she hears other people's versions of the same songs she says "that's your song daddy". That makes my day.
http://www.myspace.com/guitarforchristmas
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The future of music pricing?
When Radiohead decided to sell thier latest record on thier website instead of through the tradtional record company model, they did'nt just "stick it to the man" (in this case EMI), they also ventured into the brave new world of what I like to call Value Based Pricing. Basically it is a form of pricing where the consumer decides the price they are willing to pay for music. Radiohead allowed their fans to enter the price they wanted to pay for the new album. Now, most people would think, "that's crazy, everyone will just choose to get the album for free!". But from all reports, that isn't what happened. Sure, some people chose to get it for nothing, but a great number of people not only chose to pay for the album, but to pay a significant amount. And Radiohead took it even a step further by also selling box sets and other items that the consumer could add to their cart. Very smart. I don't think Radiohead will be going hungry any time soon. And they may have marked the official end of the old record company model. They showed a little faith in the consumer and they were richly rewarded.
But Radiohead is not the only pioneer in this field. Amiestreet.com takes this idea to another level. On Amiestreet, independent (and major) artists can upload their music to be downloaded by the consumer community like many other sites. But here is the catch. All songs start at a price of $.00 cents. As more and more people download the song it's price begins to climb. .5 cents, .13 cents, until it reaches a maximum of .99 cents. The idea is that the price or value raises by popularity. The market drives the price quite literally. If a song or album is truly popular, it will have a greater "value". What I like about this is that it is driven by the consumer, not by a corporate executive or entity. Let music fans decide what they want to hear and how much they are willing to pay. Now, does this mean that some people get the music for free? Yes it will. But if those people really like what they hear, they will tell a friend and perhaps even come back for more. They may even be willing to pay next time. In this model, artists get exposure and revenue potential at the same time. It also lets them know which of their songs are more marketable.
We may be seing the end of the old music business as we knew it. Welcome to what may be the new era. An era of freedom and empowerment of the artist and the consumer. Personally, I think I like this idea. In fact, I like it so much, I put my music up this way as well:
But Radiohead is not the only pioneer in this field. Amiestreet.com takes this idea to another level. On Amiestreet, independent (and major) artists can upload their music to be downloaded by the consumer community like many other sites. But here is the catch. All songs start at a price of $.00 cents. As more and more people download the song it's price begins to climb. .5 cents, .13 cents, until it reaches a maximum of .99 cents. The idea is that the price or value raises by popularity. The market drives the price quite literally. If a song or album is truly popular, it will have a greater "value". What I like about this is that it is driven by the consumer, not by a corporate executive or entity. Let music fans decide what they want to hear and how much they are willing to pay. Now, does this mean that some people get the music for free? Yes it will. But if those people really like what they hear, they will tell a friend and perhaps even come back for more. They may even be willing to pay next time. In this model, artists get exposure and revenue potential at the same time. It also lets them know which of their songs are more marketable.
We may be seing the end of the old music business as we knew it. Welcome to what may be the new era. An era of freedom and empowerment of the artist and the consumer. Personally, I think I like this idea. In fact, I like it so much, I put my music up this way as well:
Friday, August 17, 2007
Avoid the Kanye West - 50 Cent Controversy
First some background. It was decided (I don't' know by whom) that Kanye West's new album would be released on September 11, the same day that 50 Cent will be releasing his new album. Once Fitty got wind of this, he began to go into attack mode. First urging Kanye to change the date, then stepping up the rhetoric and now he has even gone so far as to threaten to quit making records (solo records) if Kanye West outsells him on the ill-fated day. Wow. Now I don't know if 50 is acting out of arrogance, insecurity or if he actually feels threatened by Kanye. He's obviously not really used to being in any role other than that of complete dominance. Anything else clearly makes him uncomfortable. Some presale projections from iTunes show he may actually have something to worry about. Of course you can always argue that 50 is just engaging in an elaborate PR campaign designed to sell even more records, but who knows.
I was thinking that the whole affair is actually rather silly. It's unfortunate that music industry is still set up to be an elaborate competition for sales and profit. It supposed to be about creating great art. It would appear that some record company executives still want to be able to own 4 or 5 homes in exotic locations. But I digress.
What if we decided as consumers to avoid this whole charade? Let's not reward this behavior by buying either one of these albums on Sept 11. We could make it a point to buy other types of music instead that day. Lesser known independent artists. We could let the record companies and artists like 50 cent know that our money is not some prize in a foot fight that you have with other artists.
Try something new that day. Buy music from an independent artist you have never heard of. Check out sites like amiestreet.com or musicfreedom.com. Go to CdBaby and browse a category you are curious about. Oh, and in case your wondering, yes I have music out there for sale too (see below). You may find yourself liberated and empowered. You no longer have to accept the choices given to you by the crumbling "music industry". You can take back your power to drive what you want to hear instead of letting some program director decide for you.
You are in control, you can decide. It's really up to you.
I was thinking that the whole affair is actually rather silly. It's unfortunate that music industry is still set up to be an elaborate competition for sales and profit. It supposed to be about creating great art. It would appear that some record company executives still want to be able to own 4 or 5 homes in exotic locations. But I digress.
What if we decided as consumers to avoid this whole charade? Let's not reward this behavior by buying either one of these albums on Sept 11. We could make it a point to buy other types of music instead that day. Lesser known independent artists. We could let the record companies and artists like 50 cent know that our money is not some prize in a foot fight that you have with other artists.
Try something new that day. Buy music from an independent artist you have never heard of. Check out sites like amiestreet.com or musicfreedom.com. Go to CdBaby and browse a category you are curious about. Oh, and in case your wondering, yes I have music out there for sale too (see below). You may find yourself liberated and empowered. You no longer have to accept the choices given to you by the crumbling "music industry". You can take back your power to drive what you want to hear instead of letting some program director decide for you.
You are in control, you can decide. It's really up to you.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Conservatives vs. Republicans
All republicans are not made alike. The newly proposed "comprehensive" immigration reform bill has deepened the divide between "moderate" or "compassionate" republicans and those who call themselves "conservatives". In fact, it has now become an all out war. I knew that having Rudolf Giuliani as the front runner of the party would cause ripples because he is tough on several issues of concern to most republicans, yet at the same time, he has positions on abortion and gay rights that are unforgivable to those who call them selves the "base of the party" or simply, conservatives. In fact, there are those who insist that they can not vote for a pro-choice candidate. Ann Coulter is one such "conservative". This of course begs the question, if Giuliani wins the GOP nomination who will she vote for? Hillary? Will she stay home and not vote? According to some, she likes to vote in several states, so this will require real restraint on her part. But I digress.
The Conservatives (which include many of the so called Christian Right or Moral Majority {R.I.P Rev Falwell}), have already been showing great frustration over some of the positions held by President Bush and many moderate republicans. Republicans in general are still very angry and frustrated over the loss they suffered in November, losing the congress and the support of most Americans. They can thank King George and the Iraq war for that. But when republicans lose, and when they fear further loss (see 2008), they begin to turn on each other. They don't like to lose. If they see weakness in each other, they will do whatever they have to do to eliminate it. Just ask Newt Gingrich or Trent Lott (or Congressman Foley for that matter). There is too much at stake.
In comes "Comprehensive Immigration Reform". This issue is a big ugly can of worms and now it is wide open. Moderate republicans (fearing more losses in 2008), along with President Bush and several democrats got together and had "secret" negotiations. I love when that happens don't you? They came out and announced that they have struck a deal on immigration. How nice. One problem. Nobody told the conservatives. They were already looking to flex their muscles and show their discontent with what is going on in their party and in the country and then this happens. This is the last straw. Not only is this "compromise" going to result in "amnesty" but it is going to change American life as we know it. As far as the conservatives are concerned, giving illegal aliens a pass will change the Unites States of America into a Socialist haven for all sorts of people (including terrorists!).
Moderate republicans, you have done it now. This is open war. The gates are open and the "base of the party" is calling it's troops to arms. They are coming for all of you. The very existence of the American way of life depends on it. They are going to show you once and for all who has the real power in the republican party. The conservatives are going to stop this immigration reform bill from being passed. General Rush Limbaugh is calling all troops to report for duty! It must be stopped. If they can't stop this bill, their cause is finished. The republican party is finished. Hillary Clinton will be elected as president and they can not ever allow that to happen.
But wait. What if they can't stop it? By hanging their hat on this issue they are also putting their credibility on the line. If the "base of the party" can't get it's way on this issue then what? Have they considered the consequences of deciding that they will not allow this to happen? War is war after all. The moderate republicans may actually have support amongst "the American people." You see, when you declare war on a single issue, you also eventually declare a winner and a loser. If the conservatives can't stop this bill, they will have suffered a clearly defined loss to the moderate republicans. They will be toast and everyone will know it. They may as well surrender their sword (or fall on it).
The immigration reform bill has now become the GOP subway series. Moderate republicans vs conservative republicans. Whoever gets their way on this immigration bill will be declared the winner and can effectively ignore the loser until after the next election cycle. "You lost, you couldn't beat us, so back off and let us do our job and beat Hillary". That is what they will say in effect.
So good luck conservatives. You have a lot riding on this one. Rush Limbaugh will be giving it his all. He's confident he can do it. I mean, he does have a golden microphone you know. May the best side win. May the GOP party splinter into pieces just in time for the 2008 election season. And after the bill is passed or destroyed, pour some champagne for the true winners of this internal GOP war...the democrats.
The Conservatives (which include many of the so called Christian Right or Moral Majority {R.I.P Rev Falwell}), have already been showing great frustration over some of the positions held by President Bush and many moderate republicans. Republicans in general are still very angry and frustrated over the loss they suffered in November, losing the congress and the support of most Americans. They can thank King George and the Iraq war for that. But when republicans lose, and when they fear further loss (see 2008), they begin to turn on each other. They don't like to lose. If they see weakness in each other, they will do whatever they have to do to eliminate it. Just ask Newt Gingrich or Trent Lott (or Congressman Foley for that matter). There is too much at stake.
In comes "Comprehensive Immigration Reform". This issue is a big ugly can of worms and now it is wide open. Moderate republicans (fearing more losses in 2008), along with President Bush and several democrats got together and had "secret" negotiations. I love when that happens don't you? They came out and announced that they have struck a deal on immigration. How nice. One problem. Nobody told the conservatives. They were already looking to flex their muscles and show their discontent with what is going on in their party and in the country and then this happens. This is the last straw. Not only is this "compromise" going to result in "amnesty" but it is going to change American life as we know it. As far as the conservatives are concerned, giving illegal aliens a pass will change the Unites States of America into a Socialist haven for all sorts of people (including terrorists!).
Moderate republicans, you have done it now. This is open war. The gates are open and the "base of the party" is calling it's troops to arms. They are coming for all of you. The very existence of the American way of life depends on it. They are going to show you once and for all who has the real power in the republican party. The conservatives are going to stop this immigration reform bill from being passed. General Rush Limbaugh is calling all troops to report for duty! It must be stopped. If they can't stop this bill, their cause is finished. The republican party is finished. Hillary Clinton will be elected as president and they can not ever allow that to happen.
But wait. What if they can't stop it? By hanging their hat on this issue they are also putting their credibility on the line. If the "base of the party" can't get it's way on this issue then what? Have they considered the consequences of deciding that they will not allow this to happen? War is war after all. The moderate republicans may actually have support amongst "the American people." You see, when you declare war on a single issue, you also eventually declare a winner and a loser. If the conservatives can't stop this bill, they will have suffered a clearly defined loss to the moderate republicans. They will be toast and everyone will know it. They may as well surrender their sword (or fall on it).
The immigration reform bill has now become the GOP subway series. Moderate republicans vs conservative republicans. Whoever gets their way on this immigration bill will be declared the winner and can effectively ignore the loser until after the next election cycle. "You lost, you couldn't beat us, so back off and let us do our job and beat Hillary". That is what they will say in effect.
So good luck conservatives. You have a lot riding on this one. Rush Limbaugh will be giving it his all. He's confident he can do it. I mean, he does have a golden microphone you know. May the best side win. May the GOP party splinter into pieces just in time for the 2008 election season. And after the bill is passed or destroyed, pour some champagne for the true winners of this internal GOP war...the democrats.
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