Final Project Write-up

Implementation

            The percussive gesture present throughout the piece is a sample from the Ableton library with reverb. Then, using the MIDI function on Ableton, I arranged a rhythmic and melodic pattern using this sample. This instrument drives the piece as the main theme. 

            The drums also come from the Ableton library. I set up a drum rack and performed the drums on the keyboard. I then refined the rhythmic durations to be consistent to the tempo of the piece. 

            The low-bit bass was made in VCV Rack. I drove a signal using an LFO and VCO connected to a VCA. I used the Simpler function in Ableton to alter the pitch and duration of this signal to create a simple bass.

            The high-pitched chirps were also made in VCV Rack in the same arrangement as described above. The Simpler function in Ableton was also applied to this signal. Additionally, I applied a rhythmic delay to the Simpler for an echoic effect.

            The crackling, beeping, and fast sweeps came from the improvisational oscillator manipulation exhibited in the first draft of this piece. I addressed the critiques given to me and selected sections of the improvisation to be used as transitional tools for the piece.

            The reverse snare came from the Ableton sample library. 

Concept

            This project applies ambient elements in EDM contexts. The crackling is used not only as a drone but also a rhythmic presence during the chorus. The calm, percussive main motif of the piece is meant to function as a soothing signal initially then drives the harmonic component of the piece when the sounds become more active.  

Process

            I approached the composition of this piece using a methodology analogous to that of a software development team making a project. I would synthesize modular gestures using Rack or Ableton’s MIDI feature over the course of a few days, saving each file separately. I would then bring the instruments I had created together in a master file opened in Ableton to integrate them to the final product. I would edit and adjust the instruments separately when I saw a need for change. This would involve changing the signal directly in either Ableton or Rack then remixing the instrument in the context of the master file. This process of refinement and minor adjustments comprised the majority of the time I spent working on the composition. I found the restarting and synthesizing of new gestures unproductive and a waste of time that could be spent fine-tuning. I thus limited myself to one major change in creative direction, which took place after the in-class critiques. I took into consideration the reaction to my initial concept, which was to create an uncomfortable and deliberately stale piece and subvert the listeners’ expectations. I opted instead to have a more cohesive auditory image, using what I considered to be a logical progression from a minimal pattern to a more complex set of rhythms and pitches. 

Future Work 

            This project has helped me gain experience in composition. I also feel more comfortable navigating DAWs such as Ableton. I feel that there is still much room for growth with this project, so I will continue to refine and polish this piece with more deliberation and confidence. I could explore composing purely ambient and dance tracks to acquire a firmer grasp of both genres. Then I could revisit trying to blend the two together for another project.