Moonies band project back ?
 

Hello Moonies !
As you probably remember I wanted to set a musical project with those among you who're musicians, and as far as I can remember we didn't have any music to play, and I have never been a composer myself.

But, some weeks ago, I began to write a song, and now I have enough to make a complete song, but I'm not satisfied, because it would be a simple and boring song. My proposal is the following: if you're still interested in the Moonies band project, why wouldn't we work together on my music and try to improve it together ? Then we could record it properly and after that maybe work on other things ... I wondered if some of you were interested in covering some songs too (Firth of Fifth by Genesis, Arriving Somewhere by Porcupine Tree, Ice by Camel for an example), but first I'd like to finish my song.

So, are you still interested ?
I wrote the song with GuitarPro5, so for those who can't read music I can export it as a midi file and send it by mail. Waiting for your answers Moonies, I'm looking forward to work with you on this project.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Elric,

In a few weeks, I may have a vehicle to bring the interested parties together. I'm involved with a company with the main purpose of bringing musicians together. I'll let you know if it's helpful.:rockband:

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Dudes!!! and I say that like I'm some young punk kid rocker....(NOT!!).....(wannabe) . As you may have seen, I am working on getting back into playing again. I used to be a pretty fair bass player and not too bad of a lead guitar player. I'm working on learning to record with computer programs and getting some movement back in my stiff old fingers. I don't know how many players are here at AM, but if my quality of playing is good enough, I'd be more than happy to help out. Once I have something recorded I'm happy with, I'll share it with RickandRoll....and if he thinks it OK.........(I ain't GREAT by any means)....I'd be honored to participate.:rockband:

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hey all,

Sounds great! I have been doing that on the Gentle Giant list and you can check out some of our results at http://cdbaby.com/cd/gianthour since they have pretty nice sized samples. Some of that was collaborative, and some of it was just people doing their own thing. Mine is the last tune on there, but I hardly play anything on it since my partner did so well. Anyways, I love doing this kind of thing and would love to join you guyz. I play a bit of bass and keyboards, though I am not very prficient, I have come up with some decent parts. I also have some unfinished works and perhaps we could use those. Kirk turned us on to Riff Trader, and that seems like a cool way to exchange files, or maybe Rick sounds likehe may have something for us...either way, I can tell you that it WILL be fun! So I hope to be able to join you.:D I think that what some of us have in common is the fact that we've been away from music due to that proverbial day job, kids, and life in general. But I too have delved back into it and what's kinda cool is that as I play the keys, these new tunes come up from nowhere...I love it!

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hi again,
I just read the original thread by Elric and I did not realize this was somewhat in motion, so let me offer some thoughts from my perspective as one who has organized a similar project on a similar list. I'm glad to see Elric is not giving up. Persistence pays. Motivating people with day jobs and little time can be trying, but it can be done. We just have to repeat ourselves (I repeat myself when under stress, I repeat myself when under stress, I repeat). If I may suggest something, I think it could make sense for those who are writers to actually post your work where prospective players can download and see if they get inspired to do a part. I might write a great tune, but that doesn't mean that every guitar player will relate to it musically. OTOH, one may say "hey, I have an idea for that!" If there is a plate to choose from, people could choose what inspires them more. This is not to say your approach is wrong, it's just another way to look at this type of thing. Wojtek said he had some things already written. Perhaps we can hear some these ideas, or others that he doesn't have destined for his own CD. I can submit a few things that are half-baked. Maybe one of you could come up with some ideas to finish these off, maybe put a little icing on them as well. A couple are in MIDI format, so changing things around would be easy. Just some food for thought :D :thumbsup:
(Any reseblence to King Crimson in the above is purely coincidental)

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

i could probably offer myself to help out.

my forte' in past collabs has been guitar parts, melody maker, lyrics and vox performance. i usually get the piece at the end (or nearly so) when all it's 'parts' and arrangements are mapped out clearly...

ric.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Ok Moonies, so where can I put that midifile to download ? Or would you like me to send it by mail individually ? For those who have guitar pro I can send them the tab, so that they could already try to add or change some things. Just tell me ...

Oh, I only have access to the internet on weekends so if you want to ask me sth, please excuse me for answering one week later.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

hey Elric- just passing by.

i created a lockbox at rifftrader for moonie projects-
www.rifftrader.com- go to users/lockbox, user auralmoon, pswd-moonies.
this makes all users administrators.
add your info to the boxes. i filled mine in to illustrate.
files are purged after 72 hrs.

i've found there's no need to go to the DL page, re-sign in.
on the main, PC users R click, "save target as".
if you can't make that work, go to the DLs page.

happy jamming!

kirk

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Ok, thanks a lot for your help. The guitar pro file and the midi file are on the riff trader account for 72h counting from now.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

OK Elric,
I had some fun with this tonight! I started making a couple changes and additions, and it's up to you to keep them or discard them. Sometimes when someone else adds a part it might give you another idea, so rather than keeping this for the week like I said in the email to you earlier, I will post what I have. You can add some chords, maybe if I may suggest adding some quarter notes in some places? Anyway, see what you think. My changes and additions go from the 22nd bar to the 44th, after that it's what you had. I don't know if it was the program that you used that had the time signature as 4/4, but you were actually playing in 3/4, so I fixed that.

Enjoy and let's see what you bring us next week!

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hey Andy, I heard what you did on the midi sample. The changes you made are great, I guess we'll keep that the way you changed it, that's exactly the kind of ideas I was looking for. I wanted the song to sound like this, progressive, evolutive, and not just flat and tasteless. If all Moonies have ideas like that it'll be quicker than I thought to do something better than I expected !
Great job friend, thanks a lot ! I'm waiting for other suggestions from other Moonies. When the song is finished will be the more interesting part: recording it with real instruments, not just as a .mid file.

Let's wait and see if someone has inspiration to do something else.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hey Elric,
I'm glad you liked the additions! I left off some chords you can probably throw in there (for the strings), see what else you can come up with to complete those ideas...maybe someone else will pick this up too...:dogpile:

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Just a quick one: if you want to cover Genesis, might I recommend Watcher of the Skies, or Dance on a Volcano?

I'd make other recommendations, but now that I look at them, the songs I'd like to cover generally range in the 20-30 minute range, and would be a real bear to try to coordinate over distances.

Just my $.02

Roger -Dot- Lee, adjusted for inflation

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Back for the weekend !

Well I just changed something in what you did because I had no time to think for something else: because of the signature change you made, the bass and the guitar were not together in the end of the midi file, so I just corrected it, and posted it on rifftrader.

For a Genesis cover I guess you're probably right, your idea is probably better, but Firth of Fifth is my Genesis favourite, that's why I'd like to cover it, which is not a problem if you want to cover other songs: the more we play the more we have fun right ? :thumbsup:

Well grindstone waits for no one, work is calling back :alien:
Bye

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

My stuff are albums so I understand (and actually agree with) that it may be too much for the people who want to make something that is common effort. I could give the track but I agree there may be no point in thinking about conceptual things or epics etc.

And I must say that I take my best things for albums so if something isn't destined for it then it means that it isn't probably among my best things.

However, I've got the album from 2001 (like all until now recorded at home with no "real" instruments but with midi banks etc.), and I don't have plans connected with this. There are some moments there we could take and improve, some better tracks of this album too. Not my best stuff as a whole album but I like a few tracks/fragments of it.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

To be less mysterious:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7MMHMLX9 - example of track from the 2001 album. Actually one of the less rocky on it but shwos well diversity which is important in the multipersonal group. This is rock version of Grieg's classic themes (including In The Hall of Mountain King) with a bit of my melodies and in my arrangement.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T2BZDBXU - and here's how more or less sounds my stuff recently. Still not "real" drums, bass etc. but this will change soon as we're working on this track and here's fragment of it's early version, draft (that's why drums are crap here, it is very difficult for me to do passages on the keyboard :D). One surprise is that Moses is playing one of the guitars here! Pity that due to the fact he's very busy we had to suspend cooperation.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

OK, I'm a dummy! I was wondering what happened to the next part and it turns out I missed Elric's post. Sorry Elric, feel free to email the MIDI file, I'll try and look on the weekend, though this one will be busier than usual.

Woj,
I love your music! Very nice interpretation of the Hall of the Mountain King. Almost better than Wakeman's :thumbsup:

I was thinking of a bass part to it...but with me, thinking it and playing it could be two different things, LOL!

What are you looking to do with it? Perhaps we can replace some MIDI tracks with real instruments? Seems like the structure is in place... anyone else have an idea for this? IF so, would you like to send me the MIDI file? Maybe I could start a multitrack Sonar file... How does that sound? :eureka:

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

What am I looking to do with it? Hmm.. I don't know, I uploaded it just like an example. I don't know what the band wants to do but we have to remember that Mountain King is not 100% rock and it doesn't have vocals. So I don't know if the band wants to start from something like that. I fos I'm happy with it.

But I can upload (and will do that probably in a moment) very catchy 7 minute track from the same album. From old "era" of my tracks there are some that I consider pretty good and this is definitely one of the best. Good for guitarists as there is main catchy riff and lots of rush-like arpeggios.

BUT

I'd like to mention one of my albums. I know I was one of the last who joined this discussion but if nothing is goin' on let me tell you about my reflection. I've got album which is definitely my best so far. I'm not one to judge it's value music-wise but I'm sure - and sorry for being immodest here - it has bloody, bloody good atmosphere and is real musical journey. Space psychedelic concept about Imagination. Concept written, all recorded. Just to replace not real instruments (apart from most keyboards) into real. And to record vocals.
I have planned to record it in a few years but actually it is the album that is quite simple to record and better production in a few eyars wouldn't add much to it as all value leis here in concept and atmosphere. Most of keyboards musn't be changed sound-wise as this is what creates all here. But still it can be done and most of all it could go very quick.
..and one rmoe thing. This album is damn demanding for the drummer.

I'm not saying "let's do it man!" as I don't want to impose. Perhaps other potential members of the band here want something else. But please think it over. I can offer you concept album to record and it is already 50% complete.

Andy - I'll send you something regarding Imagination idea in a moment. Please write what you think of it here. What do you think of this music and whole idea?

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Well Woj,

My thinking is to put it all out in the open as suggestions and see who is moved by what. Maybe what moves me will not move the next person, so that's why I was thinking of this approach. Also, if you wish to keep something for a future album, by all means, do so. It's your music. I love instrumentals, so I really don't mind the absence of vocals. As to my own opinion, I think Mountain King could be a challenge for me. And if someone else wants to play bass, just say so. I could try a keyboard part, though I think Woj's already got that covered very well!

I think we could work on Elric's piece at the same time. The difference being that Woj's piece is already developed compositionally, whereas Elric's piece needs compositional work...and that could lead to something interesting, I think, having a multi-composer piece of music...could be a cool experiment!

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

OK,
I got Misoginist this afternoon and now had a chance to play it...over and over... You have a lot of what I love in music. Odd time sigs, 4/4 for contrast, and, it can take the listener places, it moves and it's fresh...exactly what I want music to do. Very nicely done!

Where you said: "This album is damn demanding for the drummer." I think you meant that the music is crying out for a real drummer, right? I agree. I think you're right. This is pretty much ready for real drums, maybe a guitar. Kirk and I have had discussions about real drums vs very well written drum grooves made with really good samples. I must say that he impressed me with his drum programming. The only thing I think I would miss from that is that drummers think differently from other musicians, and as my own choice, I would prefer to be surprized by a drummer's interpretation of what he would feel his part should be. But some composers have a clear idea of what they want, in which case they can do what Kirk does with his music. You also have a keyboard bass part there. I like to vary things and would suggest a bass player add a part (yeah, bass players can think differently too ;) ), but that's up to you as these are matters of personal preferrence.

Aren't you sorry you asked? :D

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

I'll repeat my offer to be lyricist - I wrote a set of lyrics to the concept of "Earth Without The Moon", which I'm happy to modify; or I'd be glad to start something new.

I'd also love to add live drumming to what I'm reading about, but I'm going to need coaching on the recording/sharing aspect of this project. I'm thinking of taking a trip up to Kirk's area for hands on lessons - maybe a dinner would be compensation for your time...:dunno:

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hello Moonies !

Well I read your last posts and I listened to Woj's music, but I don't understand: are you planning to use his music and record it with real instruments, or to use some of his parts in my songs, or even to do both ?

Well it may be a great idea, I'd be happy to work on both projects, could be a very interesting experience. Woj I think your help on my project would be useful, and I'd be glad to work with you.

Jim, of course your lyrics are welcome. Maybe if you listen to my sample you can find something that would fit. Anyways any of your ideas are welcome, I'll check them, and we can discuss them altogether, as we do for our music.
This is an open project, any Moonie can submit ideas, and I'd be glad to check them all, even if I don't use them all.

Just by the way, Rifftrader is a great place to upload my musical ideas and your own corrections, additions, ideas, etc, but the problem is that the files are only available for 48hrs and are then deleted, and I'm only here on weekends. It would be great if you could download them all the week. If Andy is ok, I'll send the files to him, and then maybe you can mail him to get the files. Andy is this ok for you ?

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

hey all~ anything i can do in an advisory role, feel free to ask.


If Rifftrader's time limits are a problem (unless they've changed it,
it's 72 hours) go to www.yousendit.com , sign up for the beta of
the new service. it holds files for 5 days, sends e-mail notification.
----------------------

Guys...take my advice, work on 1 project at a time, the less
demanding one first. think of it as a sort of "warmup jam".

IMO, this one is Elric's baby, he's the one that started the ball rolling.
Don't have incredibly high expectations, but be pleasantly surprised
if it works.

Andyyy- thanks man!

PDJ- i'll PM you.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hey Elric,
I see these as two separate projects and in different stages of readiness. Let's keep going with yours here. You can send me a MIDI file, those are small and should be no problem. I just opened the You SendIt account that Kirk mentioned, maybe you could do the same and we could try it out, OK?

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Elric,
Feel free to send me files via email.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Okay friends, I worked a bit on the song and finally found out some ideas, but I'm not finished with writing them on the guitar pro tab, so you'll have to wait a bit before I'll upload it ... feel free to try to change some parts too if you have ideas.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Morning Moonies.

I've posted the midi file and tab on the rifftrader account, and I'm sending it to Andy, so if you want them, just ask him or download them on rifftrader. Here's what I did and what I didn't do:

- I've added the next part of the song. I'm a bit lost with time signatures, though. I've never learned musical theory, so I'm just trying to write something that sounds correct, but I believe the tab is full of mistakes. If someone can understand what I want by listening to it, maybe you may be able to correct it. If you're able to do this, please feel free to correct my mistakes.

- I'm searching for a way to return to the chorus just after the last part I wrote, and I think I found something but I still have to think and improve it, so again, feel free to suggest something.

- I need someone to write the drum track for the parts I've added because I don't manage to do it. I can play drums a bit but I don't know how to read and write a drum tab. If someone know how to do, please complete the drum track.

- Andy, I'm sending you the files via mail.

I think that's all for today. Thanks for your help, have a nice week and see you next week.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hi Elric,
Just a quick note to let you know that due to tax day here in the US as well as wife's birthday, I won't get a chance to work on this this weekend, but will hopefully resume next weekend.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hello Moon !
I'm on vacation for one week, and then back to work, so, I'll have time to work on the project.
I've already made a little change on the latest file. No new changes or ideas, but I just changed the midi instruments for VST instruments with CubaseSX. They still do not sound like real instruments, but that's a way to hear what the song may sound like when finished.
Anyways we'll record the song with our own instruments, it'll sound better, but now you can have a better idea of what the finished song will sound like with this mp3 track.
It's already on rifftrader.
No other changes for now, but I'm working on it, until you have the time to look at what I've done and try your own ideas.

See you later !

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hello !
Vacations over and I had no new ideas for the tune, didn't manage to find something interesting. Sorry Moonies. I'll keep on trying, and I'm counting on you too. See you on next saturday if someone has new ideas.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hi Elric and all,
I had a hard drive crash and though I backed up a lot of important files, I missed others...like all my email and email contacts! Argh! Anyway, with the work we are now doing on Giant for Another Hour (the second disc), my participation will be more limited. I have not lost interest now, just time. But I will be back to this and I hope others will join in too...

Those of you who have been exchanging emails with me, please send me something so I can add you back to my address book :rolleyes2 What a job! When will I learn to back EVERYTHING up?

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Ok guys, I just bought a new guitar so I guess that'll be better to record, and I also wanted to say I'm on vacation, so if you have time to help me finish the song, this is the moment.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Elric.............In March 2006, I picked up my instruments, bought software and started attempts at home recording. I hadn't played since 1978, so it's been a struggle. I have been communicating with Andy and Woj, who have been giving me excellent advice and insight. I'm certainly far from professional, but if you want to hear what I'm doing, I set up a MySpace music page. What an AWESOME place!!!!! check it out, if you want, and if there's anything I do of interest to you...........I'm up for about anything

www.myspace.com/agedwip

Rob / yorksrvc

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

York, nice stuff, if you want to help, you're welcome, did you hear the wong I began to write ? We still need to complete it, that's my 1st goal.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hello !

Well, I just found some new musical ideas to continue our musical piece, but I'm no good at writing music, so I'd need help of someone who can write what I recorded after the already existing sheet music, cuz I'm just lost with all the different time signatures, instruments, ...

If anyone has time to write it, please tell me, I'll send him the files and explain him what I want. When that'll be done, I'll post the .mid file on Rifftrader so that you can tell me if it's good or not.

This is the last idea I have for this song, so I wrote it as an ending.
If you like it, then we will be able to begin to record it.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Hey Elric, I'd like to help you there.....but all I know about music notes is that they're usually black, they're on and between horizontal lines, they have flags, they come in 1/4's, 1/8's etc....AND....they ultimately make an ear pleasing sound. (excluding some ear BLASTER music) Having said that, I haven't heard any of your music, I tried once to get in Rifftrader (when you first posted) and got lost in cyberspace. Have you a "myspace page"? I'd really like to hear what you're doing.:thumbsup: Rob / yorksrvc

www.myspace.com/agedwip

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

I can send you a midi file of the current song York. Well, it seems it will not be finished before ages, our Moonies friends are very busy:rofl:

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Elric......you can send it to yorksrvc@msn.com I'll let you know when I get it. Not sure what my schedule is for the weekend..........waiting for my wife to release it:rolleyes2

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Sent York.

Re: Moonies band project back ?
 

Sorry it took me so long to get back. I got the files. I spent some time Sunday trying to get it to play on my Ableton software. I finally got it to work, but it wasn't quite together as it was, just playing it through my Media Player. The strings didn't show up in my program files, yet I heard them in Media player. I spent about 2 hours trying to get things working and listening. I'll get back to it, during my next weekend music marathon. Thanks!! Rob