How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

[Fullertime]

Hey all,

I'm trying to figure out the best way to "archive" or at least keep track of all my projects. (sessions and such...)

I'm getting a ton of them all in one place now and there's got to be a better way.

I know about "Composer Catalog", but that is only for PC:( I need something for the Mac...

I would love to be able to have a database, searchable, with audio clips/file location directories...

Also, it would be able nice to run reports and chase down songs withing the database... and where they are currently being used/published etc...

Any thoughts? Does any one else have this problem?

Peace!!

Fuller

[eliforshort]

Composer Catalog came to mind right away, but you're right, only on PC! Keith said he was working on a Mac compatible version right now, so that's good news.

I'm looking for the exact same program as you are. Granted, I don't really have the size of catalog where I'm worried about losing track of anything (yet), but it would be nice to get a jumpstart on this kind of organizing. Hopefully Keith will finish by the time I really need to start worrying!

Sorry I'm not of more help. If I find anything else, I'll let you know.

-Elias

[Russell Landwehr]

I've tried out two software "options" so far, and I can't find anything that does what my Excel spreadsheet does for me... but then I've been an Excel guy for... oh never mind how many years... it's embarrassing.

Russell Landwehr

[Fullertime]

Hey Russell,

Does your excel sheet link to file directories? I would love to see one of your worksheets. I'm using Excel now but I wish there was a way to store audio references in it:)

[Russell Landwehr]

My excel sheets don't point to file directories (for the actual WAV/MP3/AIF I assume)... but I keep track of my titles and re-titles in Excel and where they are sent and pending.

Interesting, though... I bet I could get Excel to reference those suckers.

Russell

[Len911]

I don't know what daw you are using, Cubase has mediabay.

[Casey H]

Although I am incredibly unorganized with my stuff, I know Excel pretty well and you can easily put in the name of a file or folder as a hyperlink. Insert/Hyperlink and you will be prompted to select the file/folder.

HTH
Casey

[guscave]

I just found out about Composer Catalog earlier this week. Looks pretty good, but I would have to see if there's an easy way to transfer all my data from excel to CC. The thought of spending weeks transferring all that information manually is daunting....

[Fullertime]

I'm thinking about using Master Writer Pro and perhaps come up with a "coding" system to name my tracks. It allows you to attached lyrics, as well as it's a great tool for writing....

I'm thinking through some solutions and approaches to using this.

Sounds like there is a lot of opportunity here for software developers!

Peace

Fuller

[Russell Landwehr]

I just found out about Composer Catalog earlier this week. Looks pretty good, but I would have to see if there's an easy way to transfer all my data from excel to CC. The thought of spending weeks transferring all that information manually is daunting....

Composer Catalog has an "import" feature. It will import from a properly saved and formatted excel or csv file. Additionally, you can run the demo version of Composer Catalog which allows four records... you can experiment with it that way.