Non-Studio / Synthesized
As stated on the previous page, this type of project is written, recorded, and designed, piece by piece in a DAW. This type of project is not centered around a recording session.
The instrumentation of these projects are varied, but often employ synthesizers, guitars, found sound, or solo orchestral instruments. Larger ensembles are an option, but will require a recording session of some kind. For information on recording sessions follow this link.
My degree of involvement will vary significantly depending on your needs. My goal is always the success of your project. Some people need community to feel inspired, and others need space; to this end I can act either as a partner or a consultant.
Below I have outlined what a non-studio / synthesized / found sound project will look like, although each step will vary depending on the nature of your score.
Step 1:
Pre-Production
Sound design and production can take an active role in these types of projects. The timbre of each sound source can influence us, make us feel nostalgic or present, calm or energetic. Think of the notes you choose as a set, and the sound design as lighting.
The first step is to begin a dialog. The goal is to find a feeling that will point us in the right direction. Creating a shared language is essential. The most effective way to do this is by sharing music with each other. Having a few tracks in common will give us a set of words that will help us point things out in our project. If you say a sound is green and warm it might mean something different to me. However, if we agree Masakatsu Takagi’s Kagayaki is green and warm that can mean a whole lot.
We will also discuss the logistics of your project. Where will we be working, when will we need to achieve certain milestones, and so on.
Step 2: Production
Based on our discussion we will start experimenting. It’s hard to say what will come first as this depends heavily on your personality. Some will start by finding what sounds and instruments they want to use, others will start by writing with just a piano and “orchestrate” it later.
If your project is mostly electronic I can help you design synth sounds or find a tone for your guitar. If your project takes the found sound approach I will set up to record samples in a way that fits the aesthetic we discussed.
Acoustic sources can be recorded in a studio, or at home. The choice will depend on your budget and what’s happening narratively. If the story is an adventure in a jungle or sci-fi it probably shouldn’t sound like it was recorded in a living room. If the protagonist is cleaning out the shed behind his parents’ house, then recording in a house might be appropriate.
During this process I can also assist with technical considerations like intelligibility of dialog, maintaining a low noise floor, properly connecting equipment to avoid hums and buzzes, etc.
Ultimately this process is one of experimentation, but I have the equipment and experience to help your project succeed. Again, I can be a consultant or a partner. I can help you every step of the way, or get you set up and let you run with it.
Step 3: Post Production
Finally, the project has been written and recorded.
Any remaining issues with timing or pitch will be addressed during editing. Next the individual tracks are routed into groups called stems. After this the mix down process begins. Levels, eq, reverb, and other effects are applied. This process can be about preserving the initial ideas we had during production, or it can be an extension of them. If your project will primarily be played back on phones and laptops special considerations can be made for low frequencies. Dynamics processing can be applied to help the soundtrack sit alongside sfx and dialog.
Finally, the stems for each cue will be prepared for delivery.
If your project will have an album release a separate mastering session is strongly recommended.