I would definitely like to take part in something like this, if it ends
up taking place. I'm pretty sure my keyboard has midi capabilities,
i may need to buy a cable or something, but basically "i'm in". I
could also help make CDs and distribute it to local independant
record stores.
- nick
On 9 Feb 00, at 10:52, Sol Nte wrote:
> Eryk wrote:
>
> >Yes, but certainly there are several collaborations
> that can go out without real time. And there is a general midi-based
> network thingamabob that lets you jam in real time, though you are
> stuck to general midi which is limiting and not very fun after a
> while<
>
> This is closer to what I was thinking about. Although I see no need
> for real time. I envisioned using midi (.mid) files in an "add and
> pass" manner (somewhat akin to a mail-art collage or collaborative
> artist's book but with sound). For example each of us could choose an
> instrument so if there were 3 people we could have a drummer, a
> bassist and a pianist( we need to define who plays what in order to
> create a proper band structure although people could play different
> instruments on different tunes)The drummer could begin everything by
> laying down a drum track (using general midi sounds on channel 10) in
> a suitable sequencer then saving that drum track as a .mid file and
> e-mailing it to the bassist who opens the file in his or her sequencer
> and adds the baseline then saves the new .mid file (drums and bass)
> and e-mails it to the pianist etc. etc.
>
> You could build everything from a whole orchestra to a garage band in
> this way. Sticking to the general midi standard would mean that it
> would sound the same on everyone's computers( okay those with FM
> soundcards may not hear such good things as those with wavetable cards
> but they could still enjoy the rhythms and melodies and add
> something). Sequencers like evolution audio will even run on a 386sx
> so really anyone with a 386 and above and access to e-mail could take
> part. Midi files are very small so are easy to send as attachments
> also.
>
> Once the file has been passed round and finished the result could be
> rendered as a wav file(with high-quality synthesis) and written to CD
> ( I have facilities to do this and I guess others of you do too) also
> the wav could be converted to MP3 and put on MP3.com
>
> To me this seems an interesting way to form a band/orchestra. Also
> it'll be impossible for any one person to know what the whole thing
> will sound like until it's finished. Granted using midi means no
> vocals but that's probably not a bad thing anyway.
>
> So is anyone interested in doing this. Working like this will mean
> that each person can record their part again and again until they're
> happy with it and you won't feel nervous about playing in front of
> people either. For those who've never used sequencers it's pretty
> easy, if you don't have a midi keyboard you can add a track just using
> the mouse or some packages allow you to "play" your computer keyboard.
>
> I would suggest that initially we could make a 4-track EP or
> something. I would be happy to produce the whole thing on CD and send
> copies to all the participants.
>
> cheers,
>
> Sol.
