music

Here is the insert I will be using for the CD.

This is my first recording made when I was 19.

So here is the music project. The goal is to create songs with a home computer spending no money except for the electricity. Free software, public domain music and midi files will be used. I will be using a small mixing board and professional mic. That may be a cheat but because I already have them I think it will be within the overall project definition.

Is it legal? Yes very legal, the music is coming from an archive site that takes old (out of copyright) sheet music and converts it into electronic format (text and midi files). The purpose is to promote the use of this 100+ year old material, basically to give it new life. Anything you record is still covered under copyright laws (as are many original recordings) except for the actual notes and words, the recording is copyrightable should it be desired. The music I produce for the site will have a copyright that allows it to be used privately be individuals (in mp3 players or for home use)

Please don't shoot me I don’t have any of my own downloadable music this second, I am working to remedy this asap. Check out the links area for other music links.

The primary source for the music will be Pdinfo.com. The most promising songs appear to be in the folk area however there are some Irving Berlin songs as well. I will need to make sure that midi is available so I can create the music as quickly as possible. Amazingly as long as you keep away from the marches there are many songs that work with swing (my primary style)

Currently I am looking for a piece of software that can convert the basic style of any song. Because my style is primarily swing or rockabilly that is what I want. There is a free program out there and I expect to have it in hand shortly.

Next I will need to give the plain midi file a big-band sound. I’m going to use a program called MIDInight Express II. It will allow me to play the part of a conductor and replace the simple sounds in a sound card with sounds of real instruments.

If I’m lucky I will have a music I can use.

From there I get to deal with the words, because the music is in the public domain I can alter them as I see fit.

Recording will be done with Audacity it’s a great little program for recording. I can also generate mp3’s with the use of a PD plug-in.

If all goes well I will have the first song.

In case you are wondering the song you are hearing was made when I was 19 years old in Nashville.