PEE-MU: Musician's Thread

[Reply #120 on:]

 

Originally posted by Melllvar:
Keep writing Spiff, you never know what might be around the corner.

yeah, i actually have an idea for another project which will just consist of me (and maybe sometimes a friend). it'll only involve drums, bass and lots of effects. i plan to record it completely with my computer, does anybody have a good recording software he could recommend for this?
i'll toy around with the whole idea during my christmas holidays, if it works out i'll post some of the finished stuff here...

[Reply #121 on:]

I think you wanna go with Cubase.  I'm not the most experienced at these things...

[Reply #122 on:]

Melll, I KNOW that Kult will be up for that. Playing alondside bands who acrtually have fans, and EPs. 

[Reply #123 on:]

 

I think you wanna go with Cubase.

I'd agree, or with the budget version, Cubasis. There are other sequencing programs out there but Cubasis/Cubasis is the simplest and best supported. I use Cubasis for making demos myself, although with my crappy soundcard they don't sound great. I intend to use my Dad's studio for the final recordings but the demos are useful for figuring out how everything sounds. (Sequencing software is pretty expensive though so I'd suggest 'acquiring' it from other sources  )

Melll, as always ED would be up for that- if we can get it organised of course. Also, I've been asked to join a Black Widow tribute* band with a mate of mine (also a Futurama fan) and that should be taking off soon. We haven't met yet but I know it will take us very little time to learn the material, so if we're ready by then I'm sure they'd like to join in too!

*We're starting off as a tribute band, and once we've established ourselves we'll start making some original material. Plus, we get help from the original members of Black Widow 

[Reply #124 on:]

Cubase is a good piece of software, although I use Logic - (I converted to macs just before Logic was scrapped for the PC, so I was OK). Obviously using Logic isn't now a viable solution for PC users. Cubase is probably the best equivalent.

Note that Cubase (and Logic) are dead cheap for students - you may wish to purchase rather than "obtain". You say "drum and bass" - you might be interested in Reason, which is great for knocking together demos (but awful for live recording...)


However, the software isn't the main problem (IMO) - it's the audio hardware. USB audio doesn't work that well, but Tascam make a great USB Audio / Midi module. Bear in mind that a Creative Labs Soundblaster isn't the best audio card to use - M-Audio make great gear. Mics also count for a lot - you can pick up SM58s dead cheap now (although there's a lot to say for the AKG1000S). I always work with XLR, but XLR inputs for soundcards tend to be more expensive.

[Reply #125 on:]

thanks a lot guys, but before i spend my money on software, i'll have a go with audacity. it's free, and it's compatible with vst plug-ins...

[Reply #126 on:]

Personally, I think PEEL-fest is a good idea, we could get any of my bands, Davies band, Lurrrs band, Archies band - that'd be a good night.

Perhaps for a future AGI.  I wouldn't mind organising it.

[Reply #127 on:]

I have my flute exam a week on Wednesday or Tuesday.
I don't think I'll do very well.... 

[Reply #128 on:]

I play the flute...what grade you taking?

[Reply #129 on:]

Grade 5. I've been on that for about three years so I know the pieces pretty well, but I am very bad at scales, arpegios and all the dominished and dominant 7ths etc. and i haven't even STARTED on the aural tests.....
Ah the joy of fluortism....

[Reply #130 on:]

It's a shame that mp3.com is down at the moment.
I would have liked to hear something from Melllvar's band... 

Anyway, I think it's about time I post something about our band, but be warned we suck.
The name is "beeswax polish" and we are playing now for a couple of years.
The problem is, we are all too busy to get something going because about 2 years ago 3 of our band members moved to Vienna which is 300 km away and since that time we hardly ever play.
Thus we only have about 5-6 gig per year and we haven't got much time to write new songs (or pratice the old ones...).
Also we aren't that great musicians and since our band meetings have become so rare I don't play much guitar anymore.

Anyway we recorded a few songs about 2 years ago with our harddisc recorder but they sound like crap (especially the drums).

If anyone want to have a look at it the homepage (which is in German, by me & crappy too...) is
here.

And the old mp3's/rm's:
Fruit of my own falseness
April

Oh, and don't mind any english spelling and pronunciation errors as well as the timing problems of our drummer.... 

[Reply #131 on:]

MP3.com will be back in another form.  Besides, we'll have some MP3's up soon enough.

[Reply #132 on:]

I believe the guy who runs the Way Back machine offered to archive all of MP3.com's catalogue...

[Reply #133 on:]

I am thinking of starting a more punky style band.  I have recently felt the need to scream more.  Anyway, I have written a few songs, and got some people interested, but I would like to know what other musicians who are more used to playing fully electric guitar at gigs think about what guitar purchase I should make.
I have recently come into some money, of which i am willing to spend up to £800 on a guitar, (my current electric is a telecaster which i like for slowish indie songs, but not faster ones).
So, what guitar in my price range would be best for gigs, for a lead/rhythm guitarist?
Also any ideas on new amps, speakers, pedals etc.?

[Reply #134 on:]

a les paul would do the trick, although it might be out of your price range. i have a strat with dimarzio "humbuckers from hell". look into replacing your factory pick-ups for something better suited to your style of play.

[Reply #135 on:]

I play in a punk band and the only guitars I use live are Les Pauls.  You would be hard pressed to find one in the UK for 800 pounds.  If you like that thick humbucking sound as well as long sustain, try to seek out a Les Paul Studio. They are the most reasonably priced Les Pauls, Standards and above are getting further and further out of reach price wise.  One of the better import guitars I have come across recently is the PRS Tremonti SE. They are made in Korea, good workmanship, nice flat radius fingerboard for fast chords and shredding as well as being very well priced.  You can buy a Tremonti SE and a have enough left over for a couple of pedals, a case of beer and some earplugs. 

[Reply #136 on:]

I'm a D.J... meaning that I actually "play" the turntables... I'm a scratch artist.. I have one tidbit of advice to give to anyone who wants to even remotely think about starting a band... get a cover song you ALL like to play qnd practice it to begin with, then go for some originals... but the point is that you NEED,... desprately need... to get organized immediately... then from there tension will build and if you're really meant to be together as a band you will work through the tension and eventually things will become so casual you wont even realize it and you will begin to have fun as you practice... but it needs to be a mandatory routine with a practice ethic to keep improving and not make the same mistakes over and fucking over again.

[Reply #137 on:]

I've played in a half a dozen crappy bands, and I agree with TLGD.  Cover "Shake Some Action" until you're sick of it, just find some excuse to always be practising.  No other way to do it.  And the SG is a good punk guitar, too.  And while I'm agreeing with people, I think Zoidberg74 is right about replacing pickups.  You got to build it so it's just right for you.  I got a $250 bass and I screwed with the pickups and electrical, and it sounds better than my $800 bass.

[Reply #138 on:]

I have my grade 5 exam tomorrow.
I should really stop messing around on the internet and practice. I don't know some of my scales, any of my arpegios and the dimished 7ths are awful.
Any last advice Sheep555 or any other flurtists??

EDIT:
I just had my flute exam today.
It was rubbish.
I had a sore throat so I couldn't play any note higher than "C", my throat also made the rest of my notes quivery, I forgot all of my fingering, because I was so racked with nerves and felt really dizzy that I screwed everything up.      

AH well...........   

[Reply #139 on:]

Some Band News on the Melll front:

Red:Shift's up and coming London gig will be the last Red:Shift gig for the forseeable future.  We've decided that R:S has pretty much run it's course, and we need to do something new.

I've got a new band coming up which'll be with Matt from Red:Shift (called Samurai 5) and I will still have The Bloody Marys.

It's not being defined as a split, as the band will probably perform as Red:Shift every now and then (by request), but we've given up writing any new material.

It's like the end of an era....

[Reply #140 on:]

News:
I passed my flute exam!
Hurray! I think they must have bribed the examiner or something because I got five marks off a merit and my tonsils were falling out. Something smells fishy.... but i'm not complaining, I'm just happy that I passed   

Thanks Faze  and well done for holding back the joke...

[Reply #141 on:]

Well done!!

*Tries to hold back that American Pie joke*

...

Phew!

[Reply #142 on:]

Well, last Friday Evil Dick played in front of our biggest audience yet. There were probably forty people there, most of whom are experts on different aspects of Frank Zappa's music. And we played to them. We did good 

Well, sort of. We were really nervous to start with, and the pub was so full that the audience was barely a foot away from me. But we got through all of the set without an embarrasing cock-up, or a piece of equipment breaking down. And we must of impressed someone since Dick managed to sell a few CDs too! Hopefully, we may get some more gigs out of it.

In other news, I planned to record some of the stuff I've been writing at Christmas but I was very lazy and didn;'t finish writing the material. So instead, I'm working on some better (and final) versions of the demos.

Also, I may be forming a band with a female bassist I've found in Leicester. No plans on where we're heading but I'm guessing we'll playing just about anything, and everything. Should be fun!

[Reply #143 on:]

 http://www.soundclick.com/bands/1/kultofthedeadrockstarmusic.htm

There's three songs available for download. We'd have more but I don't have any webspace yet. Excuses is the only one recorded at Something Positive Psudios, the other two are on track "live" recordings which are genrally terribly out of time.

Shame to hear that Melll, but what whatever seems right I guess. So this means I'll be at your farewell gig? Cool!

[Reply #144 on:]

Indeed, so let me know if you want tickets for this last Red:Shift show, as I'll hold them for you.

[Reply #145 on:]

1 definately... I'll see if I can drum up (no pun intended) any interest.

[Reply #146 on:]

*bump*

Music has been interesting lately. I've joined a funk rock band on rhythm guitar with some kickass musicians, so this should be pretty cool when we get out and play.

The strange thing is, both the bassist and singer are lesbians (they're aren't an 'item' before you ask!). It's weird that the first time I work with female musicians they both happen to be lesbians. And they're both a bit mad too. Well, we all are. I just seem to have a lot of mad friends.

[Reply #147 on:]

I've been playing drums since I was about 4.  So I've been playing for about 15 years.  Im kinda in a small punk rock band right now, but its going absolutely nowhere.  Idealy I'd like to get into a Classic Rock band, but I don't know anyone that is into that kinda stuff that plays an instrument.  A man can dream though....a man can dream 

[Reply #148 on:]

 

Originally posted by Yinger36:
 Idealy I'd like to get into a Classic Rock band, but I don't know anyone that is into that kinda stuff that plays an instrument.

Believe me dude, if there was more people like you in my town, i'd SO start a band with you.

Anyway, I'm an avid guitarist and have been playing for a long time. I am currently not in a band, but am looking to start one soon. I play a few Rickenbacker and Fender guitars and am probably going to buy an Epiphone Casino. I love Classic Rock music (Beatles, Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin) but am a fan of Metal, Punk, Grunge, and yes...even a bit of Jazz/Blues.

[Reply #149 on:]

My band broke up on Monday and I think I already transitioned into a new one. I'm wondering how the first practice will go...

[Reply #150 on:]

 

Originally posted by Lurrr:
Music has been interesting lately. I've joined a funk rock band on rhythm guitar with some kickass musicians, so this should be pretty cool when we get out and play.

The strange thing is, both the bassist and singer are lesbians (they're aren't an 'item' before you ask!). It's weird that the first time I work with female musicians they both happen to be lesbians. And they're both a bit mad too. Well, we all are. I just seem to have a lot of mad friends.

I've always liked female musicians in bands, I've worked with two female bass players in the bands I've been in.

Since the last time this thread was bumped, I've joined a new band, AudienceWithACrisis, replacing their old drummer who's gone off to Japan.

Very akin to Funeral For A Friend and Earthtone9, this one.  More of a rock-beast. 

[Reply #151 on:]

Hey Mel, what kinda drumset/cymbals do you have?  I got a '98 Tama Rockstar w/Sabian cymbals.  Got it for my birthday.  Picture here.  I have different heads on it now and I added another cymbal.  I'm working on upgrading the cymbals to a better grade too.

[Reply #152 on:]

Cymbals: Sabian 8" Splash, Sabian 16" Crash, Zildjian 18" Crash, Zildjian 19" Crash, Sabian 14" Crash, Sabian 20" Chinese, Pearl 22" Ride.

I've cut my kit down to a four-piece, so it doesn't look like that anymore.

[Reply #153 on:]

 

Originally posted by Lurrr:
*bump*

Music has been interesting lately. I've joined a funk rock band on rhythm guitar with some kickass musicians, so this should be pretty cool when we get out and play.

The strange thing is, both the bassist and singer are lesbians (they're aren't an 'item' before you ask!). It's weird that the first time I work with female musicians they both happen to be lesbians. And they're both a bit mad too. Well, we all are. I just seem to have a lot of mad friends.

That rules Lurrr, there'll be no sexual tension between you....you can concentrate on rockin'....!  ....

Good luck....!

[Reply #154 on:]

I used to play flute.  I currently play piano and trumpet, and am (hopefully) starting bass guitar at the end of the school year.  Within school, I play trumpet for band and am in choir.

[Reply #155 on:]

I'm so thrilled there's a thread like this here!
I play clarinet in the school band, and I'm trying to learn drumset as well. 
If only I could sing... *wince*

[Reply #156 on:]

I play this...

[Reply #157 on:]

Cool. It's one of those unplugged keyboards.

[Reply #158 on:]

Nah, the plug is round the back!   

[Reply #159 on:]

Hi! I'm a professional musician - in fact I am Europe's top female steel drum player. I studied orchestral double-bass and piano at the Guildhall Shcool of Music (undergraduate) and did a masters in music performance at City of London University. I spent several years playing in mostly baroque orchestras until the chronic back pain got too much and then decided to have a change of career. I had already been playing steel pan (as it is properly known) since the age of 15, so began to promote myself as a solo artiste. I work with backing tracks that I programme and produce myself with the help of my fabulous sound engineer and co-producer Dave Hyde. I also play hand percussion and some kit too. For further info and MP3s you can go to my 'business' website at
 http://www.steelpan.co.uk

My current big news is that I am preparing the launch of my second cd - "Pan On The Run". We finished recording yesterday, and just have to mix , master and duplicate. I think it sounds really good (even if I say so myself!) and a bargain at $25 (inc p+p, I am in England). Hope this isn't too spammy!