MUSICAL MUSINGS - BY CARLA

I have received many emails and questions over the past few months from people asking me various questions about my thoughts on the music industry, what I use to record, where did I learn to sing etc, and also if I could provide them with a bit of advice for starting out, so I thought I would provide you with a little more information here on the website itself!

I talk to and keep in contact with musicians worldwide on a daily basis. Each have their own style and way of making music, its important to remember though, that to eventually develop your own style you need to spend the time and energy learning the fundamentals of making music, until your own style can be created if your not entirely sure to begin with. Having learned some music notation on piano, and basic guitar chords, it has really helped me understand the positioning, timing and tempo of music, and not just relying on ear.

Why Logic?

I happened to stumble upon a demo of Logic Fun when I bought my first issue of Computer Music Magazine. This magazine really gets you up and running when you know as little about making music as you do about building a car! Because I managed to get the most practice out of that little beauty I went on to buy the real professional version of Logic which literally then threw me with its capabilities, so I almost felt I had to start learning all over again. Cubase SX, Logic and Sonar are probably the three most popular sequencers I have heard of (in the UK, anyway) in America they are more inclined to use Cakewalk (Sonar). I am disappointed that Emagic only supply Logic for the Mac now, but that wouldn't affect the fact that I have a great sequencer that will still be sufficient for years to come.

Logic has a tremendous little function called 'The Environment' which although I find has put off some people with its complicated programming technicalities, is actually very useful in setting up your hardware.

How Do You Go About Making Your Tunes?

I usually start with some kind of melody in mind, its helpful to know what kind of style your intending to produce. In the early days your more likely to come up with an awful lot of rubbish and bits and pieces. I was able to understand a little bit more about programming and structure when I properly listened to particular instruments. I'm not worried about a song fitting any type of genre because I just flow with whatever is coming to me, though I do find structure extremely importantly when creating a song. Without structure you have a mash of sounds that generally go nowhere in particular. At first I thought 'it has to be easy' you just press record and off you go! I was in for a shock!

Where Do You Get Your Influences From?

I am influenced by soul. Anything which has depth and complete originality. I am glad to see artists like Norah Jones and Vanessa Carlton coming to the fore of the industry. They represent uniquely fresh styles and true talent, which seems to be lacking in the industry today. I don't like to put any artists down as everyone has the right to be expressive, though I would choose not to go along with most of the pop acts today. Growing up it was pure seventies/eighties rock that I'd mostly listen to. I loved those old type american rock bands, Supertramp, America, Journey, Kiss, Marillion. Now I'd listen to R.E.M, Crowded House, Massive Attack, Moloko, Jamiroquai, Dream Theater, classical, progressive rock and a whole load of acoustic stuff.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Lately?... Beethoven's 'Quasi una fantasia' Adagio Sostenuto 'Moonlight'.! Thats a mouthful! I'm trying to learn this piano piece at the moment but there are alot of sharps!. It is one of my favourite classical pieces.

What was the hardest part of music making for you?

Everything? It was a nightmare to know how everything is cabled together before one even begins making music, so some real knowledge of computers helps! I got the gist of mixers when I had to use a PA system for my first live performances. It was mostly trial and error at the beginning. You will get all the 'do it this way', 'buy this', 'no, don't buy that' advice, when you don't really know what you need anyway.

The hardest concept within programming itself I think would be getting to grips with the mathematics of sound ie: wave forms, LFO's, envelopes and the oscillating functions. For a beginner I'd recommend getting a demo sequencer or very basic package like Magix Music Studio and going through the tutorials within the sequencer programme, and the handy tutorials in the Computer Music Magazine, and don't aim to produce a masterpiece in five minutes, even the most experienced rarely do! It takes years of practice and hair pulling to get there. I am still learning new things every day and will never be perfect, but perfection isn't my goal.

Ever had singing lessons?

Not professional singing lessons. No. I do the usual vocal technique exercises which I discuss in my 'performing live' tutorial, but as for the actual ability to sing well, I can only say that the seed was already sown.

What are your own goals?

To remain true and honest to myself. I will never simply use my talent to envoke more indulgent things. I offer sequencing lessons these days and continue to perform live in my area on a weekly basis. People enjoy coming to listen to me and show real gratitude, and that is satisfactory. After a gig I am likely to go home and watch TV, so the rockstar lifestyle is somewhat a myth, and not something I was ever interested in. I never take drugs or 'party' in that sense, so you can call me boring. Thats fine with me! :)

So how long will you continue to make music for?

Until my hands are arthritic and I can no longer play the piano or move a mouse. Seriously, I will make music as along as I am able to, its a passion I have no regrets about.

Whats your piece of advice for people starting out?

I would definately have to say experiment as much as possible before even trying to come up with your top ten hit. I know alot of musicians I talk to become very despondent and upset when they have produced something which isnt proving to be quite as popular as they had hoped. We all want some recognition for our work. A three minute song can take several months to put together. I have to say if it is no longer enjoyable and you are just striving for that huge record deal, and the personal expression itself is not meaningful anymore, then thats a pretty sad scenario. Always enjoy what you do, always keep yourself happy first. You'll never please everyone no matter what genre you choose and just because someone doesn't like it does not mean that it isn't great. As long as you like it, thats the most important thing. Be proud of every small achievement, the big ones then are a bonus.