Section 1

My group has agreed to create an EP, this is EP will be routed in R&B but will be experimental considering everyone in group has different influences. The primary demographic for this EP is for young people from ages 16-25, because I believe this age range will understand and connect to the music more.

From the start of unit 1 to where I am currently has been a gradual progression, through these various units I have become a better communicator and producer. Unit 1 was the first unit where we worked as a team which I felt was a challenge for me because I was use to working on my own and did not take anyone else ideas into consideration. In unit 2 & 5 we worked on production, through these units I will incorporate everything I have learnt to create the EP. During unit 5 we went into detail about synthesis and sound design which I really enjoyed, the things I have learnt about making synth patches I intend to include on my production. When I first started unit 5 I was still having issues with sampling at first but now I am better at chopping up samples and manipulating them using the EXS24. Unit 5 has influenced me to create songs using my own sounds to make up my own production style which will make the group sound unique.

 

Section 2

In this project we aim to create a diverse EP of different styles, through this process albums like “The Love Below” by OutKast, “808s and Heartbreak” by Kanye West and “Currents” by Tame Impala have been my muses for this project. Every member in the group will bring something completely different to the table, which add more interest and variety to project. To start off this project we will need a DAW, a MIDI Keyboard, Monitors, Audio interface and a condenser microphone. As a team we will study how songs are written and how create catchy hooks. We plan to work on these songs for 3 weeks and each week will include the following crafting the song, putting finishing touches and mixing and mastering the project. I believe this is good amount of time to get the music complete and start working on the other tasks to finalize the cycle. Also we look at ideas for the artwork once the songs are completed.

Section 3

Overall I enjoyed the process and experience of creating an EP, this tested my limits as a producer. I gained many skills in communication, patience and time constraint. At some moment I found it difficult working with both members because a lot quicker than them and found it quite jarring when I had the production completed and mixed while they took several weeks to write a full song, although I played my part as a songwriter as well as a producer they still procrastinated leading us to fall behind schedule.

When we finally started writing I was able to guide both artist, we build melodies and harmonies fairly quickly when I began bouncing ideas and then we would build upon them leading to lyrics being written. I found this method easier than thinking about lyrics because I believe melody is just as important as lyrics because you could draw the listener in if they hear notes they like.

Once I started recording the group it went by very quickly although I made do several vocal takes to make their vocals sound full because I did not the vocals to get overpowered by the beat after is was mixed. For the rapper in the group I made him cut all his 16 bar verses in half then I make him do adlibs behind them to amplify his verse but I made sure the adlibs were behind the lead vocals and panned to give the songs more dynamics. We did many vocals cut when the singer, I would make him sing 4 bars each vocal take because I know being a singer requires a lot of breath control. He sang each line in a lower register and I would make him riff on top the verses to give song more style.

Through experience mixing music I did not find it too difficult in the mixing stages. When working on the baselines of the tracks I used a compressor so that the levels was not peaking and I also used side chaining to prevent the frequency from the bass clashing with the kick drum. I also turned down the levels and put a limiter on the bass to make sure the signal does not peak louder than the threshold level.

While working on this project I have learnt to have patience because everybody works at a different pace which I had trouble understanding at first but through weeks of practise I have improved. Next time I work on a collaborative music project I plan to communicate better with my team that way everything runs smoother and we are on schedule for our deadlines. Failing to meet deadlines as a producer could hinder my career because a company could easily find another producer if I fail to meet expectations.

In total I appreciated the exposure to putting together a musical product, as this is something I plan on implementing in the future. I want build and craft albums with many artists from various styles of music and this experience was me getting my foot in the door.

Section 4

At the end of each week as collective we will review our work to make sure it is to a certain standard and to make sure we are not behind on our deadlines this will ensure that the process is smooth and not rushed as it may reflect on our work. We also analyse what worked well for us as a team and what we should improve on for the next week so we could produce a great project.

Week 1 – I plan to brainstorm ideas and concepts for out EP, during this week I will start production ideas and build upon them with my group in the following week. We will listen to albums that inspire us and try create a style that fits us collectively.

Week 2 – I aim to finish the production of  the 4 song for the EP and also start writing the songs with my group. I will get input from everyone in the group to finalize the songs quicker.

Week 3 – I plan to record the songs and begin mixing the vocals this will be the most challenging part so this will spill in to the next week.

Week 4 – I should be finishing up the mixes also I come up with artwork ideas. I try to create something that incorporate the themes of songs so the audience will have more of an experience and connect to it.

Week 5 – We should have finalized the artwork and begin the mastering the tracks so they are ready for release.

Week 6 – In addition I will create 2 more bonus tracks in case we decide on adding more to the project or replacing song.

Week 7 – By this week we aim to finalise the mastering of the EP and should have complete songs mixed and mastered

Week 8 – By this week we will be listening to the EP front to back so we know our songs well enough to perform and think about what song we’ll want to perform

Week 9 – My group will pick a song from our EP and create a structure for our performance.

Week 10 – We will begin rehearsal and decide what instruments/gear we will use.

Week 11 – We should be finalizing our performance and adding finish touches.

Week 12 – We perform one of ours songs after many rehearsals and then begin writing my evaluation.

Week 13 – I will write an evaluation on the process of the EP and how we worked together to craft the songs, we also write about our rehearsals and how we feel we performed as a group and what I should improve on to make myself a better collaborator.

 

To make the project a success I will research mixing tutorials and books so we have clean and lush sound, I will look at different types of mixes and compare them with what I have done and what I need to improve on. I will also research how to master as I am not familiar with this so I delve in deep on this topic.

 

Week 1 Targets:

• Brainstorm what kind of tracks we want create
• Listen to various EP/Albums to see structure

Daily Targets:

Target Evaluation:

 

Week 2 Targets:

• Finish production on 1st track including mix
• Complete lyrics for song reflecting social contexts
• Record vocals for song using techniques we learnt in unit 1

Daily Targets:

• Create a chord progression for song
• Create bassline
• Create a vocal melody for song

 

Target Evaluation:

As a group we produced and mixed two tracks. We worked well together specially because we have different musical influences, we were able to blend a mixture of sounds like an R&B chord progression over rattling hi-hats to give a trap feel. We also finished writing one song which deals with themes of alienation and loneliness, around the room we bounced ideas of melodies and lyrics and were able to finalized the song quickly. Unfortunately we were not able to record but next week we plan to finish.

 

Week 3 Targets:

• Record vocals and backing vocals for both tracks
• Mix vocal with the production created
• Produce another 2 tracks using influences for other group members

 

Daily Targets:

• Create drum programs for upcoming tracks
• Create melodies with group before we write a song
• Brainstorm ideas of lyrics and themes

 

Target Evaluation:

Together we finished writing 2 tracks including backing vocals and harmonies. Unfortunately one of our members was absent for 2 days so he was not able to write his verses. This slowed down the work process but by next week we plan to finish to 2 more songs.

 

Week 4 Targets:

• Finish production on all tracks
• Complete songs with finished lyrics
• Research compressors for final mix

Daily Targets:

• Mix Bass on track 3 and take away distortion
• Finish mix on track 3 for vocal to be recorded
• Discuss artwork and creative direction

 

Target Evaluation:

I managed to complete all the production for the tracks but unfortunately one of the members was not here during the week so we could not record his vocals. Me and the other member were able to complete his lyrics and create harmonies and riffs for the tracks. Next week we plan to wrap up production and have all vocals recorded. I was able to get clean mix on track 3 after having issues with bass peaking I included a limiter and used the side chaining method to avoid it clashing with kick drum.

 

Week 5 Targets:

• Finalise production tracks with final mix
• Complete lyrics of remaining tracks
• Do more research on EQs and Compressors

 

Daily Targets:

• Record vocal takes for a song
• Create song ideas and themes
• create a selection of artwork

 

Target Evaluation:

Due to a member of the group being absent we were not able to move on until we record his parts of the song. We did take initiative and started with the artwork we want to create something that represent us all perfectly. Me and the other member completed all his part of the song and also the production was mixed I was just waiting on vocals from the other person to finish off the songs. I did some research online about compressors I am already familiar with them but I needed to polish my skills.

 

Week 6 Targets:

• Record rapping vocal takes
• Mix vocals from previous sessions
• Add dynamics to mix i.e. panning, automation

 

Daily Targets:

• Complete all vocal recordings
• Add backing vocals and riffs to all tracks

 

Target Evaluation:

This week I spent time polishing and adding depth to the songs like panning. I used this method in particularly on hi hats and pads, I used FX like risers to transition from the verses to the choruses. We managed to complete one song but due to one of the members not being in we could not finish the rest. On the songs I got the singer to add harmonies to his lead vocals so that his voice did not get over powered by the music because I mixed the tracks fairly well to a moderate level.

 

Week 7 Targets:

• Add limiter of track 1 to avoid peaking
• Compares mixes to reference tracks

 

Daily Targets:

• Finalise project artwork
• Record rapping vocals
• Mix vocals with production

 

Target Evaluation:

Unfortunately I was ill all week so I was not able to work with the group. They were not sure how to record themselves so what I did was send them mp3 files of all the tracks and told them to write lyrics to them.

 

Week 8 Targets:

• Mix songs including production and vocals
• Analyse mixes for any errors

 

Daily Targets:

• Add more vocal layers to tracks
• Finish all rapping verses

 

Target Evaluation:

With the production being finalised I recorded all the singers vocals and began the mixing stage with him but I still could not finish the product without the rapper. He was unsuccessful finishing his verses and was absent throughout the week to record. Next week I will get the lead singer to record extra verses to the songs just in case the rapper is not here for the final stages.

 

Week 9 Targets:

• Add more lead singers vocals
• Record rapping vocals
• Mix rapping vocal to blend in the mix

 

Daily Targets:

• Work with the rapper to finish verses since he is procrastinating
• Research how to mixes on rapping vocals as they differ from singers

 

Target Evaluation:

This week we managed to record to rapping vocals on two of the tracks which is a huge improvement from the previous weeks. I have finally begun the mixing stage for these songs and have been researching how to mix these style of vocals and look up various YouTube tutorials. I also got the lead singers to add extra verses to the songs just incase the rapper is not here for the final week.

 

Week 10 Targets:

• Create name for EP
• Record last few rapping vocals

 

Daily Targets:

• Mix all rapping vocals
• Challenge ear to hear any errors in mix

Target Evaluation:

This week we spent most of the time listening to the song we had since the rapper was absent. We going over the song to see if there were any errors. Me and the singer ended up recording one the songs again because we didn’t like the quality of the recording and I am not that great of an engineer to mask mistakes. I believe the reason for the bad recording is because at the time we did not have a pop shield and the acoustics in the room were not good enough

 

Week 11 Targets:

• Finalise all vocals
• Conclude on project name

 

Daily Targets:

• Compare my finish mixes to reference tracks
• Mix all vocals to high quality

 

Target Evaluation:

We manage to finish record all the rapping vocals so at this stage I am currently mixing them. We all decide on the name of the EP which is “Hurt the Same” taken from the title of one the tracks. I have been listening to various reference tracks to see how well I did with the mixes and proud of them

 

Week 12 Targets:

• Begin Mastering stages

 

Daily Targets:

• Add EQ and a Compressor to all tracks to enhance them
• Use Limiter to boost the sound

 

Target Evaluation:

Now that I have all the vocals have finished mixing them I am at the beginning stage of mastering. I find this hard as I have no experience in mastering tracks. So far the sound is loud and clear with no peaking. I add a limiter to all the basslines to make it fit nicely at the bottom of the mix. I also added EQ to enhance the mids and tops of the mix and a compressor to add a ceiling to the songs and reduce levels peaking.

 

Week 13 Targets:

 

Daily Targets:

 

Target Evaluation:

Research

 

When we began brainstorming concepts for our EP I already knew the other 2 members of the group came from different backgrounds and listened to different styles of music, so as a producer I wanted to encapsulate a sound that would fit us evenly. One of the members is a rapper and listens to predominately Trap music, which is a genre I am very familiar with. In my spare time I listened to artists like Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Future and more so I could gain an understanding of what specifically he liked and apprehend the production style such as rattling hi hats and heavy 808 basses. We also discussed as a group what direction we wanted go in terms of music so that we all had the same goal we were striving towards, we talked about what style of production we wanted and how we were going to write the songs. My aim for this project was to bring the best out of both artists and create a product that represents us equally.

Rhythm & Blues music originates from African American communities in the 1940s. The migration of African Americans to the urban modern areas of Chicago, Detroit, New York City and other places during the 1930s made another market for jazz and blues. These classifications of music were frequently performed by full-time artists, either working alone or in small bands. The forerunners of rhythm and blues originated from jazz and blues, which covered in the late 1930s through crafted by artists, for example, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and others.

The name “Rhythm and Blues” was made to supplant the moniker “race music,” which up to that point was the standard expression utilised in reference to most music made by blacks at the time. After the “race music” term was regarded distasteful, Billboard started applying the Rhythm and Blues name that Wexler made.

Rhythm & Blues music is routed in substance, the “rhythm” part represents the genre’s 4 beat drum loops with a backbeat and an accent on the 2 and 4. The “blues” section represents the lyrics and melody of the music.

By the 1970s, the term rhythm and blues extended to turn into a wide-ranging term that included both soul and funk styles of music. Also, today, the term can be utilized to freely characterize most sung African-American urban music, despite the fact that soul and funk can be set in classifications of their own.

An unmistakable element of R&B is the utilisation of bass guitars and a lot of pentatonic scales. The bass is typically the most prevailing instrument. The drums have an overwhelming beat as well and it has comparable attributes to other music genres including funk and hip hop. It is melodic and the beat is enduring. The verses are generally sensual and they are for the most part centred around love and lust and more spotlight is put on vocals than the verses.

The market for R&B music continues evolving. Dissimilar to in the past when it generally focused on African Americans, it has now turned into a genre that is acknowledged by individuals everything being equal and ages. It has, accordingly, helped in revealing insight into serious issues in America and the world. R&B music videos and records have helped shape pop culture in numerous nations over the world.

LiveAbout. (2019). The American Musical Art Form of Rhythm and Blues. [online] Available at: https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-randb-music-2851217 [Accessed 9 Jun. 2019].

Official.fm – for your ears and eyes. (2019). Rhythm and Blues Music – 2019 Genre | Official.fm. [online] Available at: https://official.fm/rb/ [Accessed 9 Jun. 2019].

Smith, D. (2019). How Modern R&B Revitalised Pop Music. [online] uDiscoverMusic. Available at: https://www.udiscovermusic.com/in-depth-features/modern-rnb-revitalised-pop-music/ [Accessed 9 Jun. 2019].

 

Trap is a sub genre of hip hop music that was created in the late 1990s to mid 2000s in the southern America. It is epitomised by sub-isolated hi-hats, substantial, sub-bass layered kick drums in the style of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, ordinarily half time syncopated rhythms, layered with automations communicated by orchestral synthesizers and a general despairing to melancholic atmospheres and expressive substance.

Trap music is characterised by its unpropitious, grim and lumpy expressive subject matter which differs generally according to the songwriter. Common lyrical subjects incorporate hardship in the “trap”, road life, neediness, brutality, and cruel encounters that artists have challenged in their urban environment.

the trademark sound, began from producers Shawty Redd, Zaytoven and DJ Paul from Three 6 Mafia. Trap may apply a scope of rhythms, from 100 BPM to 176 BPM, yet the beat of a common trap beat is around 140 BPM.

In spite of the fact that trap originally picked up footing during the 1990s, it wasn’t until the mid 2000s that it started to develop in popular culture. As we entered the 2000s, DJs began combining crunk music with synths to create the typical trap sound.

Trap’s prevalence touched base with the development of Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane and T.I. T.I. even titled his sophomore album Trap Muzik. With his introduction, Young Jeezy demonstrated that trap had mainstream appeal. Regardless of his abrasive lyrics, his songs were broadly played on standard radio stations.

As of 2019 Trap music has become most prominent genre even changing the sound of pop music. Mainstream pop artists like Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Halysey and others have of recent adopted this style as it represents the Generation Z culture which is a demographic my group EP will marketed too.

List of examples:

 

 

 

smith, s. (2019). History of Trap Music. [online] STEVESMITH Music Production | The Best Music Production Service in Jakarta. Available at: http://www.stevesmith-production.com/articles/2017/12/history-of-trap-music [Accessed 9 Jun. 2019].

LiveAbout. (2019). What Is Trap Music? It’s Like the Cousin of Crunk. [online] Available at: https://www.liveabout.com/history-of-trap-music-2857302 [Accessed 9 Jun. 2019].

Complex. (2019). How Trap Music Came to Rule the World. [online] Available at: https://www.complex.com/music/2018/02/how-trap-music-came-to-rule-the-world [Accessed 9 Jun. 2019].

 

The other member was a singer who comes from an R&B background, which tends to be more chilled and laid back style in comparison to Trap. I listened to an arrange of R&B acts like D’Angelo who I am strongly influenced by, Mariah Carey, Babyface, Sade and others. I analysed their chord progressions and drums patterns and tried to see how I could this genre and trap music together so I could bring the best and out of both artists.

While crafting this project “Speakerboxx/The Love Below” by OutKast was huge inspiration for me because I loved how experimental this album is including different genres such as Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop and R&B with a cohesive concept. I was really inspired by how André 3000 and Big Boi used their voices and how animated they were depending on the topic of the song, I believe this is a technique I should develop with the group to add more layers to the compositions and give more character to the artists.

Dazed. (2018). Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is an eccentric, eternal masterpiece. [online] Available at: https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/41513/1/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-15th-anniversary-retrospective [Accessed 5 Jun. 2019].

Lucy Pearl was another influential album to me while creating this EP because the group included Raphael Saadiq, Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest and Dawn Robinson of En Vogue. Each member made different music from each other but were able to merge their worlds together.

 

During my research I analysed well established artists recording process and how they came up with ideas to create a song. I specifically a series of videos of “The Making of Justified” which documented Justin Timberlake creating his debut album with producers The Neptunes. In this video I look at the chemistry between Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams and how they bounce melodic ideas for the process of the songwriting. I picked up on how Pharrell would encourage Justin push him when the were writing the verses and bridge for the songs, even when they were recording Pharrell made him do several takes to get the perfect one and then he would make him do background vocals to give the song more body.

 

Unit 8 – EP: