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.
