Mixing Madness!

I have been having fun doing some recording and mixing!  I am very inexperienced and am just trying it out and seeing where I decide to go with it.
Here are some samples of what I have been working on so far.  I am sharing them via soundcloud because that is the simplest way I could figure out to do it.  Click the links to hear the tracks!

The first masterpiece (not really, lol) is titled, "Huh? Oh!"  It is based on a silly chant my sister and I came up with years ago to go along with a silly made up rap.  This is a family "rap" (not sure what else to call it, lol).

1.  "Huh? Oh!"

https://soundcloud.com/melanie-shumway-addington/huh-oh

Performers:

Erica Waltz (my Sister) =  "Huh? Oh!"

Me =  "What? I said, what?"/ Talking at the end

Suzanne Havens (my Mom) =  "Hey, Come On!"

Eric (My 6 year old son) =  Humming / "What? I said what?" later on in the song

The recording could have gone better, and this is my first attempt at mixing, so I am sure it could be improved.  Unfortunately I made a few mistakes that I would have to go back and re-record to fix, which is difficult because we all live in 3 different states!  Also, I am new to Garageband and not everything worked out exactly how I wanted.
But, I still think it's fun!!!


2.  Blues Flute - Sample

https://soundcloud.com/melanie-shumway-addington/blues-flute-sample

This next recording is a sample of a mix I am working on in Garageband.  It is not yet finished.  It is all me on my flute, along with a drum loop from the Garageband loop library.  I will eventually come up with a more original title, haha.  I hope you enjoy it!


3.  Women of Ireland - Sample

https://soundcloud.com/melanie-shumway-addington/women-of-ireland-sample

This is again all me on the flute.  I am using the James Galway arrangement of this Irish classic, and adapting it for flutes alone (for now. I may change my mind later on).  It is just a sample.  I love this piece, it is such a gorgeous melody.

I just wanted to give you all an idea of what I am up to!  There is more to come :-)

It Starts!

I finally got the very basics for my home recording studio!  I bought the Focusrite Scarlett Studio, which contains the Scarlet 2i2 USB audio interface, studio headphones, a mic, and connectors.  It also includes Cubase LE6 (recording/mixing software).

This is a very affordable way to get started recording, and works for both Mac and Windows.  Working at Guitar Center, I was able to get some great advice from coworkers with extensive knowledge in this type of stuff.  And, my employee discount made it even better!

This system is fabulous--through the interface I can record in real time with the music on my computer, there is no delay.  The mic has a nice, crisp and clear sound.  I played around with it today some, and I can't wait to explore more and find all the things I will be able to do!

I haven't started using Cubase yet, though it looks like a great program.  I was just too excited to start recording--it took a couple hours for me to figure out how to install all of the drivers, register the product and software, etc....and by the time I finished I just decided to start using GarageBand.  Eventually I will use it and will report my findings!

Watch out world, flute player Melanie has her own recording/mixing studio!  

As soon as I finish creating my first "mix" I will post it.  Until then, ciao!

New Job!

Due to personal circumstances, I have decided to take a break from school.  I don't know how long my  break is going to be, I guess it depends on how some other things in my life go.

In the meantime I am focusing on some new and different things, and I am excited!

I have gotten a part time job at Guitar Center!  I am working as a Customer Operations Associate.  I am a flute player, so why would I be excited about a job at Guitar Center?  I will tell you why!

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to have my own home recording studio.  10-15 years ago this seemed like nearly an impossible task, because of expenses involved, large mixing equipment needed, and lack of experience and knowledge.  Well, ladies and gentlemen, times have changed.  We are in the 21st century, and not only is equipment becoming more portable and affordable, but there is a wealth of knowledge online and in books, and affordable training programs.  Once I got this job at Guitar Center, I finally decided I think it's about time I make my dream a reality!

Guitar Center sells more than guitars.  They also sell electric pianos and keyboards, drums, DJ equipment, sheet music, and top of the line pro audio equipment.

I started this job about 3 weeks ago, and am very excited to be working with musicians and recording artists who have a wealth of knowledge in their fields.  Guitar Center hires employees with extensive experience for their individual departments.  Every day I go to work I am trying to learn a little more, and it is going a long way.

I finally have a good idea of the type of equipment I need for my desired purposes.  I still need to do some more research and learn a little bit more, and once I know exactly what equipment I need I am going to make a budget, and do it!  My goal is to get the best possible equipment for the price, and not to buy the cheapest equipment and software just to find out I need to upgrade later.  So, I am in no rush, I am simply taking in all the knowledge I can so I can make an informed decision when the time comes.