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Community => Art => Topic started by: NatchDan on Friday, April 13, 2007, 01:41:32 PM

Title: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, April 13, 2007, 01:41:32 PM
I'm usually throwing out some new music or comic or something, so I figured I'd start one of these. I want to start it with a question, though: A friend and I have been asked to play a gig in a few weeks. My curiosity is what songs would sound cool with one acoustic guitar, one electric and a laptop providing a FL Studio-enhanced backing? I have a Line 6 PODxt, so effects on the guitar are no problem.

Go!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, April 13, 2007, 06:13:43 PM
Heh, that's a good question.  Unfortunately my knowledge outside of raw metal is either pretty obscure stuff or non-rock (jazz especially).  I'll think on it and see if anything comes to mind later tonight.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Monday, April 16, 2007, 04:53:24 PM
Okay, ignore that question, we got a setlist worked out. What I want now is opinions on this song.

This has been gestating in my head (It began as a hummed chorus) for three years now, and I've finally been able to get it down. It's important to me that it comes out awesome, though, so go nuts on it. Verses will be added later and chorus vocals will be re-recorded when I don't have to be so whispery (It's late).

CLICKY HERE (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-dykdemo.mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Monday, April 16, 2007, 10:35:59 PM
The vocals totally remind me of Starflyer 59.  It's pretty catchy... I dig it.  A bit monotonous without a little more to break it up, but it's got a pretty catchy main riff, and I like the basic idea behind your chorus.  Could use a little bit more clarity, but the idea shines through and sounds really cool.  I like the contrast of that to the other parts of the song.  I'm big on contrast (see: Anata ala The Conductor's Departure).  The staccato nature of it strikes me as unique, and you could either keep it basic and not stray far from what you've developed, or you could go really crazy and build off that structure in a number of different ways.  I like songs where you can feel safe staying grounded, but you're also tempted to just fly off the handle.  I'm curious to see where you go with it.  I feel like if I were working it, I'd try to do some stuff based on the main riff that changes up the tempo for half a measure here and there, or a couple measures thrown in amongst the others that pull notes from much higher or lower registers just to kind of put you in a trance with the main riff, then give you a twirl as the ride takes a few dips before letting you settle back again.  But that's just me thinking out loud.  Like I said, even if you didn't expand the basic idea much I think it's good stuff and would work well.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 12:55:05 AM
I kinda dig it.  I agree with Que on the catchy riff.  You could expand on it in the middle to add some length and variation to the song, I don't know exactly how, maybe some faster variation of the riff right before that heavy drum part that kicks in around 1:44 or even adding something to that part right before fades out.  I'm not good at elaborating on stuff like this.  I could definitely see this as a good intro or middle piece to an album.  Even if you don't expand on it like Que said, it still sounds pretty cool.  I look forward to updates!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:21:55 AM
I do have a riff that I really want to put in the choruses (The Do You Know parts) but I can't play it fast enough. xDI'm thinking of either timestretching or offering it up to Que.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:30:56 AM
I'm happy to help if I actually can.  Speaking of, how'd that other thing turn out, or have you screwed with it yet?  I'm curious to know if it actually worked.  Never contributed to anything digitally before.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 07:37:18 AM
I don't actually have the source files for that back yet, I keep meaning to ask the missus to send them but I forget easy. As for this, here's the riff at the correct speed (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/riff.mp3) with an awful fake guitar, and here's the awful fake guitar showing where it fits in the song (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/riffgoeshere.mp3). It's at 120 bpm and a tab is here (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/rifftab.txt).
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:10:33 PM
I dig!  Should be easy enough after a few practice runs.  Thanks for the tab.  What sorta' tone are you looking for?  I've got a POD, so you can direct me via that if you want (though I really only use like one or two custom settings because I hate everything else, haha).
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:33:54 PM
First off, Demo V2 - altered guitar lines and the like. HERE (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-dykdemo.mp3).

Secondly, if you could use this tone that'd be awesome. Bridge pickup. Clicky (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdantone.l6t). Needs Line 6 Edit. Does the type of POD you have connect direct to the PC? If not I'll need to give you instructions to copy.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:36:29 PM
Uh... I honestly have no idea.  Never had any need for any of that stuff.  It doesn't *look* like it has anything.  What, does it hook up via USB or through the same port as the footswitch?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:37:28 PM
USB, so I'm guessing yours doesn't. Is it a POD, POD 2.0 or PODxt?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:46:00 PM
2.0.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 06:48:25 PM
In that case...

Amp model: treadplate (Might be under a different name pre-xt; Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier)
Drive: 11 o'clock
Bass: Cranked
Mid: 11:30
Treble: 9 O'clock
Presence: Noon
Reverb: None
Gate: -53dB 2% decay
Comp: -12dB thres 0dB gain

The gate and comp can be reasonably ignored.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 07:07:59 PM
Given that you're obviously working from a different model, allow me to demonstrate my more limited capacity.  =)

(http://jeantil.tripod.com/DSCN3439.JPG)

(and a direct link if it shows up funky here (http://jeantil.tripod.com/DSCN3439.JPG))
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 07:12:24 PM
Can't get it to work at all, so I'm going to assume it's this: http://paulcooijmans.lunarpages.com/onmus/guitars/pod.jpg

In which case...
As above, but ignore comp and gate.
Amp model: Rectified, I think.
FX: None.
All other knobs in the o' clocks listed.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 07:17:52 PM
I assumed rectified was right, but what about the cab select?  2x12?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 07:19:36 PM
4x12.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 12:03:22 AM
Okay, so I went to try some stuff and totally got sidetracked and wrote a song.  Heh... I'll try to give this another go on Friday.  Sorry about that!  Also, thanks for making me think music.  I swear, having you around here talking about stuff has gotten my musical juices flowing a hell of a lot more than before you showed up.  I'm glad you stuck around.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 01:40:07 AM
Okay, so I went to try some stuff and totally got sidetracked and wrote a song.  Heh... I'll try to give this another go on Friday.  Sorry about that!  Also, thanks for making me think music.  I swear, having you around here talking about stuff has gotten my musical juices flowing a hell of a lot more than before you showed up.  I'm glad you stuck around.

Hooray for Que working on more music!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 03:29:08 AM
Hooray indeed! I'm never averse to creativity.

EDIT: Also, you've not gone insane - that V2 demo was exactly the same as the other one because I forgot to put the 2 in the filename. My bad. Here you go. http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-dykdemo2.mp3 - there's altered guitar lines and a solo and better EQ.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 07:22:36 AM
Heh, I was wondering about demo v2.  Nice!  I definitely like where you're going with it.  The variety helps keep you interested, and you've got some memorable hooks in there.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 02:34:46 PM
Glad you think so!

I've decided to make this whole album a collaborative effort. Know any other recording musicians?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 06:02:25 PM
Only one, and he's a much, much better guitarist than I am.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 06:38:16 PM
Fair enough. Anyhow, from you I have the solo on The Walls and this little riffy thing here, from an Aussie mate of mine I'm getting a remix, from another FAWMer I might be getting some vocals.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 08:46:48 PM
Pretty awesome.  I could ask my friend if he wanted to give something a whirl, but he's more the leader type and he tends to like working with people in person more than anything else.  Unfortunately, he's really the only musician I know.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Thursday, April 19, 2007, 03:24:59 AM
I like the addtions Dan, good stuff.  A little more variety added to it, gives it that extra something.  I wish I could help with the collaboration stuff with either you or Que, but I don't know how to play any instruments.  Someone give me a piano so I can learn how to play that.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Thursday, April 19, 2007, 05:14:18 AM
Just glad you like it, heh.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Thursday, April 19, 2007, 05:59:22 PM
Double post I know, but I just got an ebow and I am stoked. xD
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Thursday, April 19, 2007, 06:32:28 PM
I always wondered how those worked.  They seem so bizarre.  How is it?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Thursday, April 19, 2007, 06:36:24 PM
Awesome. From what I can gather, it works by creating a rapidly alternating electromagnetic field that pulls the string this way and that to make it vibrate.It doesn't shake or anything, but the string vibrates as violently as if you'd windmilled it if you hold it over the pickup.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, April 20, 2007, 11:29:59 PM
Okay, so I hope this is the tone you wanted.  It sounds really muddy to me, but I tried to set it to what you asked for, so hopefully this is what you wanted.  Let me know if you want it changed.  The riff takes a few tries for me to get right (I only practiced it for about five minutes), but after a few runs it comes out right... so no big deal if you want me to try again.  Or hell, if you want me to stop because I'm butchering it so badly.  I won't be insulted.  =)

And by "this" I mean... check your email.  I didn't think it'd go through so I started typing this post thinking I'd post them to the webspace, but then it went through.  Yay!  The second file is just a stupid little variation on the same riff (a whopping one note difference) that I included just for the hell of it.

Let me know if I didn't get the riffs right.  I'm pretty sure I did, but I didn't actually play to the song.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, April 21, 2007, 07:01:27 AM
Yeah, I had to EQ it a bit, but sounds fine to me. It may just be that thepickups we use are different. It's all well and good saying "Bridge pickup", but there's single-coil, humbuckers, different brands, etc.

Anyhow, I found use for both samples, so thank you very much! Here is Version 3 (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-dykdemo3.mp3).
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, April 21, 2007, 10:59:48 AM
For future reference (it's been fun collaborating with you, I never do this kind of thing), I play a more or less stock Ibanez SA160QM (only thing I have is new graphite string saddles).  Pretty sure they're discontinued now, but there are newer models that operate roughly the same.

Glad you were able to use the samples!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, April 27, 2007, 06:57:04 PM
My hands don't work any more tonight, which you'd be well aware of if you'd seen this sentence before I fixed the spelling. The reason is this:

(Very rough Demo, but the bass is a motherfucker)
Evil April (Demo of a demo) (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/aprildemo.mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, April 27, 2007, 10:27:16 PM
Cool idea.  But you need to stop making stuff because my creativity is like dead from exhaustion.  And you're really passing me up with ideas here....
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, April 28, 2007, 03:51:38 AM
Heh. Some of it is forced creativity - I just joined up for SongFight! (http://www.songfight.org), where once a week they give you a title and you have to write a song for that title. Evil April is this week's. The reviews are generally really harsh, though.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, May 02, 2007, 09:39:56 AM
First completely complete piece of music since February: Heart (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-heart.mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, May 04, 2007, 01:16:46 PM
You Come To Mind (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-youcometomind.mp3). String arrangements hurrah!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, May 04, 2007, 06:15:15 PM
Damn, I need to get caught up!  Busy tonight, but hopefully I can check those out tomorrow.  Damn you SongFight!  Damn you!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, May 04, 2007, 07:13:11 PM
Actually, neither Heart nor You Come To Mind are SongFight entries. Everything I've tried for songfight over the last couple of weeks hasn't really come together.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, May 05, 2007, 11:46:25 AM
Then I guess I'll just have to revert to, "Damn you, Dan!  Damn you!"   :-[
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, May 05, 2007, 02:01:45 PM
Works for me.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, May 06, 2007, 12:57:24 PM
Two today! I am on fire. Only one of them really counts, though.

Strange (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-strange.mp3) - Only a working title. I'm hoping to get Resonance from FAWM to do some vocals on it.

And, inspired by Que's earlier post, a little bit of shoddily thrown-together Sonic music. xD

Sonic 2 - Mystic Cave Zone (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/mcz.mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, May 12, 2007, 07:14:13 PM
Shine (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-shine.mp3)

Somebody make an indie movie so I can soundtrack it already.

EDIT:

Also, today I got a Commodore 64 SID chip emulator and had a little fun (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/gb64.mp3).
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Sunday, May 13, 2007, 10:54:51 AM
The little metally thing you said you were having trouble mixing that you posted in my projects thread... I really like the idea, actually.  I think it works nicely.  But it sounds to me like your guitars need a bit more girth.  I kind of like what the tone does for the song, so I don't want to say I think you should totally uproot it, but I just feel like it needs more oomph.  And yes, metal is very hard to mix.  When you've got 3 or 4 distorted guitars going over each other it gets pretty tough to get everything just right so that you can distinguish it all properly.  It takes practice, and I'm still not very good at it.  If I ever recorded professionally, I think I'd definitely want a knowledgeable producer sitting by my side.  But I think that's not something I could ever deal with in my life.  Professional musicianship wouldn't work for me.  I wouldn't want to tour much, I don't play very well with others, and my wife needs me at home.  If anything, I'll probably just try to get stuff clean enough to be listenable, then release an album or two on Lulu and keep my website going for publicity.

"Strange" is awesome just as it stands.  The guitar feels so fuzzy.  Not as in distorted... just... hazy.  I really like that.  It's a very memorable tune.  Curious to see where you would go with it by adding vocals.

The Sonic music is fun.  It's been so long since I've played Sonic that I can't even remember the tune you were working from, so it's hard for me to say much, heh.

"Shine" is beautiful.  I love stuff like that.  I could listen to that all day long.

And you get big points for doing Ghostbusters.  That's awesome.  Send it to those guys that are working on the new videogame.  New menu music!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, May 13, 2007, 11:01:54 AM
Oh wow, thanks. I wasn't expecting a retroactive comment session thing, heh. I'm glad you like Strange. It still needs work, but it's probably one of my better off-the-mark things.

As for Shine, you may have noticed that that's where I tend to lean musically - grandiose and epic. I really, really want to get into the world of movie soundtracks, so I really am keeping an eye out for a little indie movie that needs some music because it's a world that is totally portfolio driven. My hope is that one day I'll get a real orchestra to play with. I honestly think I'd cry to hear something I wrote being played by a full orchestra.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Sunday, May 13, 2007, 11:16:22 AM
Yeah, that would be an amazing experience.  Keep at it and you'll get there!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, May 13, 2007, 01:21:44 PM
Thanks, man.

Also, funny you should mention the Ghostbusters game. The ZX Spectrum/Amiga/Amstrad game was the one I used as my frame of reference when I was putting that down, heh.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Monday, May 14, 2007, 05:59:03 PM
Keep Shining (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-keepshining.mp3) - Shine, but four minutes longer and more epic.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Monday, May 14, 2007, 09:10:07 PM
Been meaning to make a post here, but Rogue Galaxy keeps distracting me.  The Ghostbusters and Sonic tracks were very enjoyable to listen to, if you do a Castlevania one, you would rock so hard.

I really enjoyed Shine and Keep Shining a lot, reminds me a little of some of the music that is done on Xenogears, especially the first 2 or so minutes of it.  Like Que, I could listen to stuff like that all day long.  Strange was kinda catchy, it just didn't have as much as Shine and Keep Shining, I did like the heavier part of that song about 2 minutes in though.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, 06:49:32 PM
I am afraid to say that I never got into Castlevania. Please don't stake me! Glad you liked all the other stuff. Strange really needs the vocals to keep hold of most people, I think.

My recording setup kind of crapped out for this one, so you've only got an extremely rough demo with random pops and clicks, but here you go anyway: Eyes: Rough Demo (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/eyesroughdemo.mp3). I'm fond of the bass and the higher rhythm guitar- AND THE CHORUSES ARE IN A MAJOR KEY ZOMG.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, June 01, 2007, 12:45:13 AM
So to get myself back into drawing, I've decided to start doing a doodle a day. A bumper crop today because I'm not sleeping because I'm an insomniac, so probably more than one a day for the first few days, but still.

(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/ant.jpg)
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/sarah.jpg)
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/thing.jpg)
EDIT:
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/goth.jpg)
EDIT 2:
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/hands.jpg)
EDIT 3:
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/eye.jpg)
EDIT 4:
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/ff01.jpg)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, June 01, 2007, 08:59:22 PM
I haven't drawn anything in so long.  I was going hardcore for a while, but I just haven't had the urge at all for like a year or something.  Been working too hard on other projects, and since the drawings never had place in any particular project (in terms of one thing that had an identity), I think I just can't motivate myself to do any.  Which is probably good for everyone else, since my drawings sort of suck.

Using a tablet for these I'm guessing?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, June 02, 2007, 02:58:05 AM
Yup, a crappy tiny little cheap brand thing, but it works. It's made by a brand called Trust, and it's only 4x3, but it does the trick.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, June 02, 2007, 10:11:03 AM
I can draw, but I can't use a tablet.  Don't know why, but seemingly no matter how hard I try I can't get the thing to do what I want it to.  Ever.  I've basically just given up.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, June 02, 2007, 04:38:30 PM
Being able to draw and being able to use a tablet are two different skills. The eye picture up there is my attempt to recreate the kind of eye I always doodle on paper, but it's so much harder with a tablet. There's that disconnect between your hand and your eye.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, June 03, 2007, 07:36:16 PM
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/040607a.jpg)
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/040607b.jpg)
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/040607c.jpg)
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/040607d.jpg)
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/040607e.jpg)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Pugnate on Sunday, June 03, 2007, 11:55:27 PM
Hey that's pretty cute.

Also I realize that it is a part of his coat hanging between his legs, but I was confused for a second or two.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Monday, June 04, 2007, 06:55:41 AM
Yeah, I was worried about that while I was drawing it. xD
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Monday, June 04, 2007, 10:36:35 AM
(http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/doodle/050607.jpg)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: poomcgoo on Monday, June 04, 2007, 12:29:32 PM
Damn, all this stuff is great.  I'm actually starting up a band with a few of my buddies right now.  We've played some covers together a few times a while back and it was awesome, but we never sat down to write our own shit.  I feel like we have some really awesome fucking ideas for where we can go with this music but in all honesty, I just picked up guitar 6 or so months ago, so I'm no good.  My friends aren't much better than I am either, but I don't think it'll be a problem because we're just trying to make sell-out pop to try and make a buck.

these are really for anyone who knows:

1. Anyways, how the fuck did you mix that stuff so well?  Are you using studio software or something (and what's it called so I can get it)?

2. What can I use to make hip-hop-esque beats?  Even electronic drums or something like that.  We have no drummer (which will be necessary at some point), and I want to incorporate synth shit into it.  We're not really decided on whether we want a hip-hop type beat or a killers-type synth rock sound.

3. Where can I go to learn more about guitar?  I know of a few places, and I'm decent, but I'm trying to go pro here.  I know the answer is practice, but if anybody knows some good places to take a look at to speed up the learning process it would be awesome.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Monday, June 04, 2007, 03:58:25 PM
Thanks!

Now, then:
1) FL Studio, what. It's amazingly powerful once you poke around it a little.
2) See 1). Alternately, something like Reason.
3) I think everyone in the world wants to be able to learn faster, heh. I myself am still working on my lead guitar and it's a slow, slow process. Having said that, in a packet of strings the other day came a coupon for some free lessons at workshoplive.com, so I'll PM you that code.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Monday, June 04, 2007, 07:01:11 PM
Put in the time or fail, period.  You can know how to do anything and everything, but if you don't practice, you never learn it well enough in the first place, or if you do and then stop, you rust out and die.  Any guitarist worth his salt will tell you it takes a hell of a lot of effort to really keep your skills up to par.  I don't practice nearly enough, hence why I suck so much.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Monday, June 04, 2007, 10:07:00 PM
And there Que makes my sausage-fingered lead lines even more embarrassing.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: poomcgoo on Wednesday, June 06, 2007, 08:30:35 AM
Oh awesome dude... thanks for the info.  I've messed around with both Fruityloops and Reason before, but never gave them the time or effort so I got nowhere.  Right now all I've been using is some old ass version of Cooledit and a cheap ass $10 PC mic from BestBuy.  One of my buddies just got one of those line 6 toneports, though, but we just haven't tried it out yet.

Now where can I learn how to use Reason and FL Studio? :P
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, June 06, 2007, 10:44:28 AM
This (http://www.musiciantutorials.com/) might be worth a look. I have a couple of things bookmarked from there.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Thursday, June 07, 2007, 11:42:00 PM
I decided to try something a little different. I present SPC (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-spc.mp3).
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, June 09, 2007, 06:37:20 PM
*cough* (http://www.natchdan.com/musicheader/3-music-for-a-film-ep/)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, June 09, 2007, 11:22:07 PM
I will be purchasing my very own copy post-haste.  My only complaint?  Shine isn't on it!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Saturday, June 09, 2007, 11:46:56 PM
*cough* (http://www.natchdan.com/musicheader/3-music-for-a-film-ep/)

Awesome, I like most of the songs on there.  Are these the songs you want music videos on?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, June 09, 2007, 11:49:16 PM
Que:

Shine will be on Album #3 proper, for free!

Which means that! If you still want to do me a solo, I'll accept one for Shine if you think you're up to it.

Also, awesome!

Belmont:

I want videos on any song, but these are a good selection.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Sunday, June 10, 2007, 02:20:58 AM
So many things to do!  I really need to get out of my funk and get on with this stuff, don't I?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, June 10, 2007, 06:27:50 AM
Hehe. again, take your time.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Thursday, June 21, 2007, 09:33:42 PM
Two things. First off, I have awesome Canada friends: clicky (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&om=1&msid=100922244418154719670.0000011351757a037ab24&ll=47.576989,-52.726822&spn=0.034799,0.080338&z=14)

Secondly, I am writing a thing with an annoying time siganture that so far two people have called sex music. clicky2 (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/11.mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Thursday, June 21, 2007, 10:08:33 PM
I don't know if I'd call it sex music, but it's definitely sexy!  I dig.

Sorry I still haven't gotten you solos.  I've sort of been having a nervous breakdown over the last week or so, though I don't assume I've shown it much around here.  I really can't seem to get things straight.  Haven't been able to do anything musical whatsoever.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Thursday, June 21, 2007, 10:13:27 PM
Man, me asking you for a solo for shine is like... Last priority for you. I'd rank it under sitting around picking your nose. I've got a lot to write before I NEED things to be ready. I'm half an hour short for a full album yet. xD
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 06:47:38 PM
I'm now the proud and legal owner of FL Studio 7.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 07:36:27 PM
And you know how to use it.  I am jealous.  So jealous.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 07:47:22 PM
Reminds me, I still owe you a tutorial.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 07:50:01 PM
I wish I didn't have a job.  No, seriously.  There's so much I want to do that I just don't have time for.  It's really frustrating.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 05:57:27 PM
HEY GUYS LISTEN TO THIS (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-circumstance.mp3).

Circumstance. More music for a film that doesn't exist yet.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 09:27:00 PM
I really must see this film.  It has awesome music.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 10:14:52 PM
wow. i'm not just being nice - circumstance is really fucking good!

i'm going to have to put this on cd so i can have a go at playing along to it later.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 10:30:15 PM
Thanks, guys!

Beo: I'd offer assistance with chords and stuff, but a lot of it was jammed, so I'd kind of have to figure it out again myself. Chords like [0 7 5 x x x] and [0 10 9 x x x] are prominent.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 10:39:56 PM
haha, when i say play, i actually mean, "hit things with sticks". my guitar ability is limited to the bass line of smoke on the water.

and just so you know, i've had it playing on repeat since the last post!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, July 04, 2007, 06:46:57 AM
Oooh, you're a drummer?

Any chance you have a recording setup? xD
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Wednesday, July 04, 2007, 11:04:06 AM
yeah, well sort of. i've got an electric kit with the hookups to go to my pc, but i live in a block of flats, so the hours which i can play are pretty limited. haven't got any recording software installed at the moment either.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Wednesday, July 04, 2007, 02:46:45 PM
"Circumstance" was probably my favorite of your stuff I've heard so far Dan.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, July 08, 2007, 04:03:05 PM
Notice to those of you that downloaded Circumstance:

My friend Russ has human'd up the piano part and you should probably replace it. It's in the same place (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-circumstance.mp3).

Also, thanks for all the compliments, guys!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Sunday, July 08, 2007, 10:22:18 PM
Now with twice the awesome!

EDIT - And I don't think I really said much on this one, so I suppose I should elaborate, eh?  I think the song is pretty awesome.  I love the rambling quality, and the softer, more melancholy middle section.  The progression of the entire song is really awesome, too.  I feel like the guitar should flow slightly more, like there are some occasional hiccups (a noticeable gap between notes that doesn't sound like it should be there) that prevent it from flowing just the way my ear seems to want to hear it.  That's the only real constructive comment I have, which may or may not be useful to you anyway.  Still, it's a great tune.  Good stuff.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Thursday, August 30, 2007, 08:00:24 PM
Someone overon the SongFight! boards has finished a movie and needed music for the credits. They put out an open call for people to offer up ~3minute moody pieces of music. Here (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/thesixthstep.mp3) is a piece I wrote for the request,and I'm waiting to see if it gets chosen. Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, October 26, 2007, 07:42:03 AM
HOLYFUCKIDIDSOMETHINGNEW.

I give you the first three tracks of as-yet-untitled album #4 (in instrumental form).

March (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-march.mp3)
Five (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-five.mp3)
Wanted (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan-wanted.mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, October 26, 2007, 05:49:16 PM
Awesome stuff.  I particularly like the last one.  Also, good to see you, you crazy bastard!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, October 27, 2007, 01:53:21 AM
Hoorah! The first was like a refinement of Before from last year's FAWM - reminds me, I finally got the source files for The Walls back, and your solo is now sitting in place where it belongs.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, October 27, 2007, 08:32:11 AM
I feel so bad, I've been so busy and fucked up I haven't done anything useful in ages.  I owe you so many solos I may as well write you a tribute album now.  Can't touch my guitar now, though, because I threw my back out.  I tried it one night when it was feeling better and that was a rather bad decision.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 11:37:42 AM
So, work on album #3 is almost complete! It'll be called Evolution, and to celebrate the naming, here's a couple of things you've not heard before.

The Walls (full version) (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/NatchDan-Evolution_02-TheWalls.mp3)
Lay Back (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/NatchDan-Evolution_09-LayBack.mp3)
Time (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/NatchDan-Evolution_11-Time.mp3)

..I'm still looking for a singer.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 04:36:16 PM
I really like the piano part on Time and the last instrumental half of The Walls, thanks for posting those.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 05:54:20 PM
The second half of The Walls features our very own Que on soloing duties!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 07:17:17 PM
Haha, wow.  So weird to hear myself on that song after having not heard it in a long while.  Turned out pretty cool!

I look forward to downloading the completed album.  Any idea when it's going to be finished up?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, December 05, 2007, 07:52:47 AM
I want to do a few vocal retakes, but hopefully within the next week or two.

Extra credit: Design me album art! Track listing to come when I'm less groggy.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, December 07, 2007, 12:44:06 PM
I thought I would call to your attention a re-record of The Walls (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/NatchDan-Evolution_02-TheWalls.mp3) with significantly improved vocals. Also, tracklist! Album art pls

01. March
02. The Walls
03. Rockin
04. SPC
05. 11
06. Ten Lies
07. Do You Know?
08. Five
09. Lay Back
10. Wanted
11. Time
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 01:38:35 PM
Okay, this was just for fun, but I thought I'd share.

NatchDan v NIN - My Violent Heart (Transplant) (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/natchdan_NIN-myviolentheart(transplant).mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 02:29:20 PM
not bad at all, have you uploaded this to remix.nin.com yet?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 04:36:01 PM
I have not. Think it's worth it?
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Thursday, December 13, 2007, 03:58:45 PM
yeah, definitely. post the link when you've done it, so we can all vote it up the list.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Thursday, December 13, 2007, 08:42:45 PM
Wish I was familiar with the original.  Heh, I dunno' how good or bad this is or anything.  It sounds cool to me!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Friday, December 14, 2007, 04:50:15 AM
the original version sounds far more "remixy" than dan's actual remix. dan's version is more straight up rock, whereas the original has many layers of distorted, highly electronic sounding tracks. dan's version has a much clearer guitar section and percussion that sounds like actual drums.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, December 14, 2007, 08:29:47 AM
The original for your comparison (http://youtube.com/watch?v=S60SU_xrhzM&feature=related). I actually really like it, which may seem odd to some of you. The idea of making guitars sound not like guitars has been a pet of mine for some time.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Saturday, December 15, 2007, 12:34:26 PM
My remix.nin.com profile (http://remix.nin.com/member/NatchDan). I'm working on Survivalism next.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Saturday, December 15, 2007, 09:32:21 PM
as of replying you're at the top of remix.nin.com!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, December 15, 2007, 09:35:48 PM
Nice!
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, December 16, 2007, 10:23:47 AM
Awesome! I hope to do something a bit more exciting with Survivalism. Then again, it'd be hard to beat this (http://www.opensourceremixes.com/downloads/the-limitless-potential/01%2001%20Everything%20Is%20Zero.mp3).
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Sunday, December 23, 2007, 12:22:17 AM
Kay, a couple of things to bring up. Number one, I shall now be putting out music under the name The Approximation, as it sounds more like a band. If you would like to be a "fan" on the "facebook" then "click" "here (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7577848447&ref=nf)".

Secondly, I have either sunk as low as I will go or reached a new pinnacle, as I have just written a nerd rap song about House MD.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Tuesday, January 08, 2008, 08:26:04 PM
Say what you like about Rock Band, it has inspired me. I am working on a song as "Brick And The M.A.", our Rock Band band, and attempting to recreate the styles that our characters follow. Just fun, really. Our characters are:

(Doctor) Lazlo Thrash - drummer. Outfitted like a mad scientist with a lobotomy scar. Industrial and insane.
Savage Larry - guitarist. Hobo. Influenced by grunge.
Bassist as yet unnamed.
Violet Loveburn - vocals. Goth rocker siouxsie style.

Well. A tall order to bring that all together, but still, I present to you the intrumental track of "Subjects" by Brick and the M.A. (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/batma-subjects.mp3)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, January 09, 2008, 12:44:23 AM
I will totally listen when I'm not about to pass out into unconscious oblivion.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Wednesday, January 09, 2008, 12:47:08 AM
Ossum.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: NatchDan on Friday, April 25, 2008, 02:25:12 PM
Okay, guys, here's an interesting one for you.

I'm guessing most of you are familiar with the steampunk genre. Well, a buddy and I were talking earlier about whether or not the tenets of Steampunk could be applied to music, and have a steampunk music genre. We discovered two bands which try it already, but they're basically just shitty industrial bands who own goggles, so I decided to put some thought into what would make music steampunk.

Anyway, I'm working on getting a concept album out of it. Want to hear the first track? Here you go:

Session One: The Arrival Of The Belle (The Finest Dirigible In The Fleet) (http://www.natchdan.com/filedump/01-lazlothrash-dirigible.mp3) by Lazlo Thrash (the name of my Rock Band character - steampunk drummer dude).

Feedback VERY much appreciated.

EDIT: By the way, I forgot: Credit to Fogma and Lonemonk for their crowd samples from Freesound!

(Yes, I pretty much copypasted this on FAWM)
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: beo on Friday, April 25, 2008, 07:28:28 PM
i like it. i think if you want to personify the steampunk genre in music, a combination of organs and accepted punk stylings is needed. not to say that what you did doesn't sound steam-punky, in fact it's probably a far better interpretation than what i'd come up with.

on the critical side, there was something about the cymbals i wasn't too keen on (although i can't accurately figure out what), and i felt like the track as a whole needed some source of bass. i am drunk though, so not sure how much of this means anything.

don't get me wrong though, on the whole, i think it's very good and represents that style well.
Title: Re: Dan's Projects Thread
Post by: idolminds on Saturday, May 03, 2008, 09:19:09 PM
To go with what beo said, it needs some kind of drums in there. Metallic and clanky would work well for steampunk, I think.

I also agree with the organ ideas. Whistles, perhaps?