Is the world that different NOW?

I just watched the conclusion of The Bible on the History channel. I watched every episode each week with the conclusion on Easter Sunday. It is a fantastic production of the Bible Old & New Testament. There was one scene tonight that really struck home. The people chose Barabbas to go free (murderer, etc.) over someone who committed no crime, Jesus. It’s hard to believe but true. As I say in the title…”Is the world that different NOW?”

Take a look around today, we reward and glorify bad behavior all the time and condemn everyday/average people, especially if they are successful. Has it never crossed your mind watching current events that someone got away with this or why the public is defending that? How bad actions have no consequences if you are cool, a celebrity or supporting the trendy cause. Have you noticed that we’re pitting one group against the other and this seems to be by politicians and elites of all stripes and colors, worldwide? It seems sometimes that everything is upside down.

So let me ask you….would you pick the bad or good person if you had to choose who gets crucified? You think you would do the right thing but look at our society today. I’m not so sure we would make the right choice. I believe we would do what the mob did back then if we don’t wake up. They were coaxed by the elites and power of the government (Rome). I’m asking you to not only wake up but to STAND up for what is right. You know deep down what is right, so don’t let hype succeed in making you think otherwise.

As the disciples said in the movie and I’m sure believed back then, “we have a lot of work to do”. I’ve had that same haunting feeling since I can remember. I’m currently trying to get this message out in what I know best…MUSIC. In my latest work ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet” I make this message and wake-up call real simple. Regardless of your faith (or lack of it), your culture, your religion, etc. just do what you can that is GOOD and help humankind progress. That vibration is what is Godly and will help our planet and society. So let me ask you this…..what are you doing today that’s GOOD?

Let me know at www.desbeemusic , Facebook.com/desbeemusic or Twitter/desbeemusic. It would be great if people were inspired to head in this direction and focus on the seriousness of our society. And you can express it by way of the talents that you are blessed with. That’s what I’m trying to do in my music. So, wish me and all of us luck and come join the party. Amen!      

How to Simulate a Digital Orchestra

Before I begin explaining some techniques for improving your digital orchestration in a mix, let me say that the real thing is heavenly and I have a very high respect for a real orchestra. I studied piano with a world class violinist and have come to appreciate that dynamic. You will never get every nuance of a real organic instrument’s variations and musician’s performance, but this blog is focused more on putting it into your music that incorporates a band and the orchestration is an enhancement to the song.

Most artists, especially Indie artists, have to find ways to enhance their music and this instrumentation can really add to your song production. Here are some tidbits to consider when assembling your digital orchestra and placement in your song and mix:

•       Pick your sounds (sampled violins, cellos, etc.) from different sound sources whenever possible. For example; the first violin from one module, the second violin form another and so on. Each sound module or keyboard had to sample a different instrument, giving you different timbre, technique, tone, etc. So, that is more realistic to the differences in real players and instruments from varied manufacturers.

•       You have to think, play and arrange one instrument at a time. For example; don’t play a chord with one hand to get a three part harmony string part. Play each note separately and preferably from three different sound sources. And picture how that would actually be played as opposed to a keyboard player.

•       If you play each instrument and note separately, it will also help you to think three melodies as opposed to a chord mindset. This will enhance the arrangement and naturally incorporate counterpoint into the melodies.

•       Try to find an orchestra chart that shows you the musical range of each instrument so that it is realistic and can be reproduced by a real player need be.

•       In you mix (talking stereo in this blog but could apply somewhat to surround sound) the sounds have to be hitting your ears like they would in a real concert hall with a real orchestra. For example; the 1^st violin in your left ear, then start around 10 o’clock for 2^nd violin etc. More reverb on the horns in the back because they will reach you ears a little later then the strings would in a real hall. You can find a seating arrangement chart of how a real orchestra is situated.

 

You can check a clip of my ‘Battle of Armageddon’ Piano Concerto #1 or ‘With You’ at www.desbeemusic.com or www.facebook.com/desbeemusic . That will give you an idea of these techniques in action, from two different perspectives and types of songs.

Happy Music Making!