Saturday, March 30, 2013
How to Build Your Own Home Recording Studio by Smith Davidsons
Let's say you love to sing and want to record your own stuff. The easiest way is to go to a professional recording studio, pay for studio time and just record your music. But that's really expensive, and there are people who just don't have that amount of money. That's why most amateur musicians own a recording studio.
Putting together a home recording studio is pretty difficult. Before setting up your budget, you need to know what you need to buy for a simple home recording studio. The single most important item is the condenser microphone. If you have a poor quality microphone you'll never be able to record high quality vocals. That's a fact. So, my advice is to buy a good microphone. There are few interesting mics around $100. AT2020 is one of those good mics, but you can always buy a better one (Rode Nt). Remember, a microphone requires a pop filter, a mic stand and a mic preamp.
You can mix the mic preamp and the soundcard together. Just buy an audio interface that features Phantom Power. I recommend M-Audio products, but EMU soundcards are pretty good as well.
Next, you need to buy monitors and headphones. Studio monitors are important when mixing your song. Headphones are not that important, so any headphones will do.
Next, you need to buy/download the recording software. You can choose from Audacity (free) or Cubase (not free) software. If you're really new at this, Audacity is good for starters. Remember to export your songs at high quality. In order to get some exposure, you can upload your songs on YouTube or Facebook account.
Writing a budget out on a piece of paper is one of the simplest things you can do to help you get an idea of how much you can afford to spend on recording equipment. Try to think of everything you could possibly need to get your home recording studio up and running; computers, microphones, CD making kits, headphones, monitors (speakers), cables, the list goes on and on. Spend a good amount of time getting your list organized and look online to get a feel for what the prices and options are in terms of your equipment.
Take note of the equipment that is absolutely necessary to run your home recording studio equipment. You're going to need a computer, microphones, audio cables and an audio interface. Many of these things cost a pretty penny to get your hands on so it'd best to budget for the more expensive items first so you can cut costs on less necessary equipment if you're tight on money. Prepare to spend a nice portion of your budget on quality equipment. Don't try to cut costs on important items like microphones or audio interfaces or you could end up with a bunch of low-end gear that can't produce a high quality recording.
About the Author
Smith Davidsons is a professional writer.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Use Beat Software and Start Recording Music by Jack Torino
We are all affected by music, those who produce music with beat software have an even more intimate relationship with music. Music unites us all in one way or another, but recording/producing and just listening are two very different things. When you are listening to music that you created it becomes a part of you.
People are defined by the songs they record. In a similar light music is defined by the people who create it. Each song, each note, and melody has feeling behind it. It has a story, and deep roots in the mind of its producer.
Song genres are almost like different cultures. It creates all walks of life. There is the urban genre crew, country, reggae, metal, blues…they are all very different kinds of people, music, and lifestyles. Each genre has their own views and ways of life, of dress, of recreation, etc.
You do not have to have previous experience with music to use beat software. Anyone can download software and start recording music today if they are so inclined. It is amazing way to unleash your musical talent and express yourself.
Not only will your music effect you but also other like-minded people. You could even find yourself selling your beats to artists or signing a contract for your beats. There is not better feeling than hearing your beats on the radio or having them sold on iTunes!
No matter where you are in your music career, you need beat software. Even if you want to make music for yourself or recreational purposes. Music composing software is so fun…it's actually very addicting. If you think video games are addicting, try recording beats with beat software!
Recording music is something everyone should do no matter who you are. Music is an important part of all of our lives. Just listening to music isn't enough. Making music is one of the most rewarding experiences in life.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Diamond Neil Top 20 Hits Revealed
Brooklyn born Neil Leslie Diamond began his singing career with the folk group, The Roadrunners, between 1954 and 1956. While a senior at NYU, studying medicine, Diamond was offered a songwriting position, by a publishing company, for fifty dollars a week.
In 1962, Neil Diamond signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, but failed to produce any hits. So, it was back to songwriting for Diamond, whose first success came when Jay and the Americans recorded his song "Sunday And Me." They went Top 20 on the Billboard charts with it.
Other artists who recorded Neil Diamond compositions include: Elvis Presley, Mark Lindsay (of Paul Revere and the Raiders fame), Lulu, and Deep Purple. He also wrote for The Monkees TV show. Even though "I'm A Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" were recorded by The Monkees, these songs were written by Diamond to record himself.
Diamond signed with Bang Records in 1966 and his first single, "Solitary Man" didn't break into the Top 40. However, it was released again in 1970 and went to #21 on the weekly charts. His next single, "Cherry Cherry" gave Diamond his first hit and he managed to have a Top 40 hit every year between 1966-1983.
Ironically, Diamond's biggest hit of all time is a duet with another Brooklyn native, Barbra Streisand. Both had recorded Diamond's composition of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" on separate albums. Two Detroit deejays, Jack Hood and Gene Krusewski, noticed the similarities in the recordings and mixed the two versions. The song's popularity sparked Diamond and Streisand to go into the studio and record it together.
Here's a look at Neil Diamond's twenty biggest hits, according to Billboard's weekly Top 40 charts.
1. You Don't Bring Me Flowers - 1978 - labeled as Barbra and Neil. In their early years, Diamond and Streisand sang in a school choir together.
2. Cracklin' Rosie - 1970 - written about a Canadian whiskey and it was Neil's first number one single.
3. Song Sung Blue - 1972 - one of three number one singles for him.
4. Love On The Rocks - 1981 - one of three singles from the film "The Jazz Singer" starring Diamond.
5. Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) - 1969 - Diamond says it took him an hour to write this song, inspired when he saw a picture of Caroline Kennedy on the cover of Life magazine.
6. I Am...I Said - 1971
7. Heartlight - 1982 - inspired by the 1982 film "ET - The Extraterrestrial."
8. Longfellow Serenade - 1974 - from the "Serenade" album.
9. Holly Holy - 1969
10. Hello Again - 1981 - also from "The Jazz Singer."
11. Cherry, Cherry - 1966 - his first Top 10 single. A live version of this song from the "Hot August Night" album was released as a single and managed to reach #31 on the weekly charts.
12. America - 1981 - the third Top 10 single from "The Jazz Singer."
13. Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon - 1967
14. Yesterday's Songs - 1982
15. If You Know What I Mean - 1976
16. Play Me - 1972
17. I Thank The Lord For The Night Time - 1967 - legendary songwriters Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich can be heard singing backups on this tune.
18. Stones - 1971
19. Desiree - 1978
20. I Got The Feelin' (Oh No No) - 1966 - a song also covered by Cliff Richard.
Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand had plans for a movie version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", but Diamond made the remake of the Al Jolson classic "The Jazz Singer" in 1980, for which Diamond composed the music. Neil Diamond continues to tour and record, including his third album of holiday music, "A Cherry Cherry Christmas", which was released in 2009. In September 2010, Diamond was nominated for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
In 1962, Neil Diamond signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, but failed to produce any hits. So, it was back to songwriting for Diamond, whose first success came when Jay and the Americans recorded his song "Sunday And Me." They went Top 20 on the Billboard charts with it.
Other artists who recorded Neil Diamond compositions include: Elvis Presley, Mark Lindsay (of Paul Revere and the Raiders fame), Lulu, and Deep Purple. He also wrote for The Monkees TV show. Even though "I'm A Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" were recorded by The Monkees, these songs were written by Diamond to record himself.
Diamond signed with Bang Records in 1966 and his first single, "Solitary Man" didn't break into the Top 40. However, it was released again in 1970 and went to #21 on the weekly charts. His next single, "Cherry Cherry" gave Diamond his first hit and he managed to have a Top 40 hit every year between 1966-1983.
Ironically, Diamond's biggest hit of all time is a duet with another Brooklyn native, Barbra Streisand. Both had recorded Diamond's composition of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" on separate albums. Two Detroit deejays, Jack Hood and Gene Krusewski, noticed the similarities in the recordings and mixed the two versions. The song's popularity sparked Diamond and Streisand to go into the studio and record it together.
Here's a look at Neil Diamond's twenty biggest hits, according to Billboard's weekly Top 40 charts.
1. You Don't Bring Me Flowers - 1978 - labeled as Barbra and Neil. In their early years, Diamond and Streisand sang in a school choir together.
2. Cracklin' Rosie - 1970 - written about a Canadian whiskey and it was Neil's first number one single.
3. Song Sung Blue - 1972 - one of three number one singles for him.
4. Love On The Rocks - 1981 - one of three singles from the film "The Jazz Singer" starring Diamond.
5. Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) - 1969 - Diamond says it took him an hour to write this song, inspired when he saw a picture of Caroline Kennedy on the cover of Life magazine.
6. I Am...I Said - 1971
7. Heartlight - 1982 - inspired by the 1982 film "ET - The Extraterrestrial."
8. Longfellow Serenade - 1974 - from the "Serenade" album.
9. Holly Holy - 1969
10. Hello Again - 1981 - also from "The Jazz Singer."
11. Cherry, Cherry - 1966 - his first Top 10 single. A live version of this song from the "Hot August Night" album was released as a single and managed to reach #31 on the weekly charts.
12. America - 1981 - the third Top 10 single from "The Jazz Singer."
13. Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon - 1967
14. Yesterday's Songs - 1982
15. If You Know What I Mean - 1976
16. Play Me - 1972
17. I Thank The Lord For The Night Time - 1967 - legendary songwriters Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich can be heard singing backups on this tune.
18. Stones - 1971
19. Desiree - 1978
20. I Got The Feelin' (Oh No No) - 1966 - a song also covered by Cliff Richard.
Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand had plans for a movie version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", but Diamond made the remake of the Al Jolson classic "The Jazz Singer" in 1980, for which Diamond composed the music. Neil Diamond continues to tour and record, including his third album of holiday music, "A Cherry Cherry Christmas", which was released in 2009. In September 2010, Diamond was nominated for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Starting A Musical Career
Starting a band of your very own is hard work. It takes time, practice and lots of restless nights to get that one perfect song. But what is even more difficult than that is getting noticed. Landing a record deal is that one step where most bands fail and split apart. You either make it or you don't. But what most do not realize is that there are a lot of simple ways you can easily get noticed and heard. You do not have to have a ton of friends or money. All you need is one thing and that is confidence.
Your image is the thing that will make or break you. If you all look goofy or out of place then you may not stand a chance. So what you might want to start doing is hitting the gym. Working out a few times each week will not hurt you. And it is important that you take a bit of time away from practicing to work on your physical appearance and other vital aspects of your band. You might have a great song which sounds amazing. But if you and your band don't quite look the part then you may have troubles in the long run.
It will be a good idea that you all start discussing wardrobe. You will want to coordinate the style of everyone in the group. Find distinctive looks that will set you apart from everyone else. You will want your band to be different because nobody wants to sign another same old band that sounds just like everyone else. So your image plays a big role in getting signed as well.
While physical image but not be everything it is also important that you start making videos and taking photos. Have someone record a video of you and your band playing. This will help give others an idea of what you are like and how your music sounds and looks. Also getting professional photos of your band is not a bad idea either. Make posters, send handouts of your band and let people know you guys exist.
Exposure and image are everything when it comes to landing a record deal. If you don't have style than expect to be overlooked. People want something that is different. Don't go out there trying to copy someone else. Originality is key to the music industry. And once you find it everything else will just fall into place.
Your image is the thing that will make or break you. If you all look goofy or out of place then you may not stand a chance. So what you might want to start doing is hitting the gym. Working out a few times each week will not hurt you. And it is important that you take a bit of time away from practicing to work on your physical appearance and other vital aspects of your band. You might have a great song which sounds amazing. But if you and your band don't quite look the part then you may have troubles in the long run.
It will be a good idea that you all start discussing wardrobe. You will want to coordinate the style of everyone in the group. Find distinctive looks that will set you apart from everyone else. You will want your band to be different because nobody wants to sign another same old band that sounds just like everyone else. So your image plays a big role in getting signed as well.
While physical image but not be everything it is also important that you start making videos and taking photos. Have someone record a video of you and your band playing. This will help give others an idea of what you are like and how your music sounds and looks. Also getting professional photos of your band is not a bad idea either. Make posters, send handouts of your band and let people know you guys exist.
Exposure and image are everything when it comes to landing a record deal. If you don't have style than expect to be overlooked. People want something that is different. Don't go out there trying to copy someone else. Originality is key to the music industry. And once you find it everything else will just fall into place.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How To Improve Singing Voice
No one has a bad singing voice; it's just that not everyone has the ability to hit the right note at exactly the right time. However, that doesn't mean that it can't be achieved. Even the best divas of our time have gone through rigorous training to get to where they are now. If you want to sing almost as well as they do, then here are some tips on how to improve your singing voice and to learn to sing free.
Breathing Exercises
You can't sing well if you don't breathe correctly. If you check out any online singing lessons available today, you will find that the first few lectures include the proper way to use air. You see, most of us know how to breathe, but we don't do this correctly. As a result, our voices come out as a mere shadow of what they're supposed to be when singing. To achieve the clear, strong voice that singers use, you have to use your lungs at full capacity. To perform breathing exercises, lie flat on your back and inhale. You should be able to feel your stomach expand, starting from your belly button and travelling upwards. Hold your breath and slowly let it out in a steady breath. Do this a few times each day and for further explorations; check out other breathing exercises on the web about how to improve your singing voice.
Watch what you Eat
There's a reason why singers don't overindulge in ice cream or cold drinks, especially if they have a performance coming up. The best liquid you should be drinking if you want to improve your singing voice is water, the more lukewarm, the better. Dairy products should be avoided at all cost as well as sweet or thick drinks. When it comes to food, spicy rations or those that are too oily can also affect your singing voice, so be careful of those too.
Warm Ups
Even the best know that they can't sing at full capacity without warming up. Don't strain your vocal chords by going straight into a full blown aria. In fact, you should start off with lower notes to relax your throat muscles. You can also start by humming before proceeding to higher notes. Just make sure that you do so at a steady pace to avoid straining your vocal chords.
Learn the Words
The tongue is also instrumental in producing good music. In case you haven't noticed, the best singers know how to correctly form their mouths and tongue to hit a note and word pronunciation. Remember that singing is not just carrying a tune, nowadays the words mean as much as the music placed in it. Hence, make sure you get the pronunciations right since this will definitely affect your singing.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It's probably going to be hard at first, but don't let up. Singing is an art and it requires a large amount of attention to perfect. You can try practicing by singing along a CD. Even better, you may have a piano or a guitar to sing along to so that you can have a better idea of the notes. With a bit of work on your part, you'll find that you won't have to hire a tutor through online singing lessons and could learn to sing free!
Breathing Exercises
You can't sing well if you don't breathe correctly. If you check out any online singing lessons available today, you will find that the first few lectures include the proper way to use air. You see, most of us know how to breathe, but we don't do this correctly. As a result, our voices come out as a mere shadow of what they're supposed to be when singing. To achieve the clear, strong voice that singers use, you have to use your lungs at full capacity. To perform breathing exercises, lie flat on your back and inhale. You should be able to feel your stomach expand, starting from your belly button and travelling upwards. Hold your breath and slowly let it out in a steady breath. Do this a few times each day and for further explorations; check out other breathing exercises on the web about how to improve your singing voice.
Watch what you Eat
There's a reason why singers don't overindulge in ice cream or cold drinks, especially if they have a performance coming up. The best liquid you should be drinking if you want to improve your singing voice is water, the more lukewarm, the better. Dairy products should be avoided at all cost as well as sweet or thick drinks. When it comes to food, spicy rations or those that are too oily can also affect your singing voice, so be careful of those too.
Warm Ups
Even the best know that they can't sing at full capacity without warming up. Don't strain your vocal chords by going straight into a full blown aria. In fact, you should start off with lower notes to relax your throat muscles. You can also start by humming before proceeding to higher notes. Just make sure that you do so at a steady pace to avoid straining your vocal chords.
Learn the Words
The tongue is also instrumental in producing good music. In case you haven't noticed, the best singers know how to correctly form their mouths and tongue to hit a note and word pronunciation. Remember that singing is not just carrying a tune, nowadays the words mean as much as the music placed in it. Hence, make sure you get the pronunciations right since this will definitely affect your singing.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It's probably going to be hard at first, but don't let up. Singing is an art and it requires a large amount of attention to perfect. You can try practicing by singing along a CD. Even better, you may have a piano or a guitar to sing along to so that you can have a better idea of the notes. With a bit of work on your part, you'll find that you won't have to hire a tutor through online singing lessons and could learn to sing free!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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