BLOG 4

Constructing Song – Logic Pro X

Since creating my chords and melody into a notation system called ‘MuseScore’, I will now move into using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) in order to further progress this track and start the creation.

My main aim is to build a track using software instruments and then record my vocal separately in the studio. I feel that this will be successful in terms of taking my time to effectively create a song in Logic Pro X with no rush, but to make sure I keep on track and plan ahead.

Decision of Intruments

Experimenting with various software instruments in Logic such as: piano, bass, strings, and a brass synth, has led me to think about the sound of my song. I believe that these instruments work well together so far and layering various instruments will allow me to create a fuller sound. Adding sound effects to my song that are often used in Pop track productions will also ‘add ear candy and help renew excitement throughout the arrangement’ as suggested by Nahmani (2015).

Below is a screenshot of software instruments I have recorded so far. In this case, I have only recorded the intro of the song to gain a sense of how the instruments will sound before going further with making the structure.

1) Instruments

The second screenshot shows the process of how I have added more instruments though I may have too many bass guitars. This could be adjusted in further process, as having more than one bass guitar could be too overpowering.

2) Instruments

I have also listened to various drum loops to lead the intro into the first verse. I couldn’t find any singular kick sounds that had a low/deep sound I was hoping for, however, this could be a process of editing the sound loop or even forming my own using software drums.

Potential Drum Loops

Having looked at the various kick drum loops on Logic, these two (Festival Kick) are the ones that caught my attention and could somewhat work with what I am hoping to achieve in terms of sound. Apple Loops on Logic allows you to adjust to the tempo or key of the track on its own, making it easy to work around (Cousins and Hepworth-Sawyer, 2014, p.76).

I could possibly edit these in terms of reverb and ambience in order to fit the sound with the rest of the instruments. The first drum loop is probably the best one that I have found on the Loops list, however, when placing it with the other instruments, I found that it wasn’t as thick in sound and didn’t stand out as much as hoped.

The second loop that I found somewhat worked better when placing it with the instruments. This could be due to it having more bass and thicker in sound or texture.

Reference List:

Cousins and Hepworth-Sawyer. (2014). Logic Pro X: Audio and Music Production. Burlington: CRC Press.

Nahmani, D. (2015). Logic Pro X 10.1: Apple Pro Training Series: Professional Music Production. Peachpit Press.