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How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 3:43 pm
by 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

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 6:01 pm
by 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

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 6:44 pm
by 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

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 8:24 pm
by 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:)

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:03 pm
by 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

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:07 pm
by Len911
I don't know what daw you are using, Cubase has mediabay.

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 5:37 am
by 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
:D Casey

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:48 am
by 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.... :(

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 11:35 am
by 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

Re: How do you guys keep your music compositions organized?

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2014 6:02 am
by Russell Landwehr
guscave wrote: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.