Collection Completed: Trying a different way to create a collection

[Russell Landwehr]

In the past I've usually created collections of cues by doing each one from start to finish. Like if I were sending Tension cues to a Library regularly, I wouldn't start a new cue until the previous one was finished. Then at the end of the week I would just send in what I'd completed. I would usually have 3-7 cues every week (depending on the complexity)

But now I'm in the middle of creating a collection of cues in a particular style that I'm seeing pop up. I don't have any Library Briefs asking for this style, but I expect to be able to sign them and will cold-shop them.

What I'm doing different this time (since there is no deadline or brief) is starting a whole bunch of them. One every day. Then going back and fleshing them out with arrangements and new performances and production and mixing and etc. This is helping me get into the flow of each type of "hat" I wear when creating.

First, I'm the composer recording as many new ideas as I am inspired by the Muses.
Then, it comes time to take the rough ideas and "produce" them into a usable cue (I mix and produce at the same time including adding melodies or rhythms)
Then, after the collection is completed in the production stage, then comes the mastering to gel them into a cohesive unit.

I'll let you know how this works out for me.

Russell Landwehr

EDIT: the collection is completed, I've posted a link to it below.

[Telefunkin]

Hi Russell,
Interesting idea! Personally, I'd be concerned that I'd not get around to finishing a whole batch of 'starts' as it would seem such a daunting task. However, I can see that coming back to tracks with a fresh perspective has advantages, such as better reflection on whether the original idea was good, and also fresh input of new ideas. Thanks for opening up on your working methods and please post an update on how it works for you.

[Russell Landwehr]

Yeah, Graham, "starts" have been traditionally what I put on the back burner because they suck... but in this case, I'm approaching it like as if I am producing someone else's starts.

In the past I've cranked out a lot of stuff with collaborators by doing just that, producing their starts. (One of them called it "turning raw fish into sushi") I'm in the producing stage right now, and I'm finding it easy to be brutal with the starts since I am treating them with fresh ears and as a different person. Kind of like collaborating with myself.

Russell

[Paulie]

GMTA. I've started doing something similar, but in a different way. This week after work I've cranked out six dramedy cues and I'll probably crank out 2-3 more tonight. I start with a project from a cue that was placed on a show and then with the same instrumentation I go back and change everything up: melody, kick, snare, hats, other stuff. Sometimes I change the key. But, with all of the effect and mix level already proven successful it saves me a lot of time. I start an idea, then do a "Save As..." and then go to a new project if I find that I'm stalling on the current one.

Hope you are successful!

[cassmcentee]

Hey Russell!
Have you talked/chatted with Crawdaddy???
He likes to put collections together and sign the whole deal...

[Russell Landwehr]

Yeah, Cass. I got Crawdaddy's input. I also remember a conversation with Mazz (I think it was Mazz) and it is what prompted my thoughts. If I remember correctly, he had a non-exclusive library ask him for a few cues. He offered an "album's worth" but they decloned. He didn't want to split up the collection, so he didn't sign them there. Later he found a place to take the whole thing.

Russell

[coxnvox]

I like the idea...interested to hear how it goes!

[mojobone]

That sounds a bit like how I'm working; each project has its own template which represents a pallette of sounds for a style/genre/show. Probably it's closer to Paulie's version. Eventually, individual VI patches will be tagged with the project(s) they're part of, so recalls won't be a nightmare. I'm working on a file naming protocol that'll help keep track of who recorded what and how. I have projects that are just noodling around on new equipment; occasionally I'll go spelunking through these for sample mangling fodder, song/cue ideas or just general inspiration.

For me, it's mostly a speed thing; having the sounds I reach for first for funk, blues, soul, reggae, rockabilly, country and all the various rock subgenres close to hand is paramount.

[Russell Landwehr]

Well it WAS going pretty smoothly. I had me 11 starts and really got a rhythm going to producing them into some nice pieces of music. I got seven completed... then...

flu

six days of flu and counting. REALLY kicked my ass.

It was going to be great, I was going to have all this time since my wife and son were taking a trip to NYC for four days.

Well I spent it on the couch under the covers with Netflix lulling me to sleep.

Kim and Rick will be back from NYC tomorrow morning and I'll be going back to work (day job) as well.

<sigh>

[funsongs]

Hmmm... interesting discussion/topic.
Since most of my music is either of the humor/"Novelty"/niche-market (and I haven't marketed ANYTHING yet) - or the Gospel-friendly stuff...
the idea of peddling a collection has an interesting appeal and resonance... pardon the pun.
Since I have zero-to-no interest in watching/writing for film/TV specifically, I was beginning to wonder if TAXI is the right vehicle for me.

Some other threads recently addressed questions about the reason for participating in the TAXI ride. As narrow as it may be, the forming of relationships within the community
of songwriters, composers, musicians and production guys - I find - is helpful in finding my focus and goal; while making some fine friendships along the journey.

I figure I'd be spending most of my time and resources doing music anyway; and TAXI, at least, opened up the world of collaboration... which I hadn't ever tried previously.
Your mileage probably varies.
I'm still looking forward to Road Rally #3... like a box of chocolates: I can usually eat the whole thing by myself!!