So I have a problem here that I could use a little help with and I figured I would ask the most talented group of composers on the internet what their opinions are. Yes I am sucking up, but I really do value your guys' insights. Anyway…
For those of you who are familiar with my compositions, you probably know that I make heavy use of a sequencer. Like on this track, for example. It's an efficient way to compose a track for a variety of reasons. It's more precise. I can change the structure of tracks on the fly. I only need one good take of a given phrase. The overall quality of sound is generally better. Yadda yadda yadda. But I have one BIG problem with it. The tracks are too mechanical. I am a drummer- and a VERY swingy one at that. When Glock and I conceive of a given track, we usually do it through a loose jam. BUT when we sit down and actually record the track, it often times loses it's… soul. Or it's character. Or something.So we tried a little experiment. Keep in mind, this is just the brainstorming stage. We were just trying to figure out the structuring of the track and which parts go where. And ALL of the guitar parts are going to end up different. Basically what I'm saying is I know that it's sloppy. So you don't need to point that out.The thing I want to know is this: Are we better off making tracks this way? Or to put it another way: Which track feels better to your soul? The whole process is a much bigger pain in the ass, but I think it might be worth it in the end.So. What are your thoughts? Should we take the plunge and ditch the robot?As always, thanks for listening.
A few parts are a bit off kilter, but it doesn't really take away from the piece.
The best thing about it is that it's harder to hear what will happen next (though nothing changes much)Unlike sequenced tracks.Yeah. Another benefit of sequencing is that it hides our lack of technical skills. I wish we could be like Steely Dan and just hire actual good musicians to play the parts we write. Oh well.
I'm kind of feeling the same way you guys do about it. The only real downside is that it will be harder to do, but laziness is simply not a good excuse when the final product will be so much better. I just hope it doesn't drastically cut down on our productivity.Oh yeah, we recorded this on a 16-track stand-alone machine. So we can't even cut and paste our errors like we could in, say, Pro Tools. I suppose that could be an option in the future, but we would probably be better served just, you know, practicing and getting better.The age-old battle of man and machine.
Even as a robot myself, your "experiment" is better in every way. Even when you disregard the whole sequenced vs live argument, it's a better song (makes me want to watch Hey Arnold) and the first could almost pass for an old midi.And you guys don't lack any skills. Technical ability is overrated as fuck and isn't the one single measure of a musician. Music is art, not a sporting event.