Internet Jams

Today's technology for the recording musician has been getting better and better with each passing month it seems. Software and computer interfaces are getting much less sophisticated and more user friendly for the average Joe. And,let's not forget, less expensive.

Software like Acid Pro 4.0 is what I use to create and upload music to the web. I've been using products from Sonic Foundry Sony) for 4 years now. Their software products are superb to say the least. I highly recommend this software to build your music creations.

Acidplanet is where I upload my music and Video for the whole world to see and hear. As a member, you can upload music and video files for free.

Software like Vegas Video (also made by Sonic Foundry-Sony), it is what I use to create music videos.

Now, don't get me wrong? this is the software I use and recommend. There are many reliable programs out there to choose from.

I've been doing some online music collaborations as of late myself. This has been a great experience for me. However, as with anything else, there is a learning curve.

So... I thought I'd pass some simple tips that will help anchor you to a basic format you can start with.

These are common sense tips that I'm giving here and they work well if you follow this basic format everytime.

First, you need you find a website that has musicians who have the same interest you do. Yes, "online music collaborations."

"Musician Forum Boards are a great place to start. Here are just a few that will help get you started."

Guitar Noise Forums has recently created a page called, appropriately enough, Online Jams and Collaborations. It's pretty much a bulletin board where you can hook up with others who are interested in putting together an online jam, hosted by another site. You can join in on a jam or announce one of your own.

"GuitarDuel.com is a site for guitarists of all ability levels to display their work. The best part is that it's free to join, but we'll have weekly contests with real prize money," says site creator, Don Harrold.

The appeal of GarageBand.com is the unique way in which it uses the Internet to find talented new groups.

Artistopia is committed to building the ultimate end-all solution for music artists, musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals to develop and do business in one spot. Armed with comprehensive membership plans, industry experts, expert technologist, business management, and solid online presence, Artistopia is leading the frontier in online artist development.

Whenever a site such as these have a Forum Board, use them to find other artist that have the same taste as you. I usually introduce myself right away after signing up. It doesn't take long until you find some really cool musicians that are more than willing for an online collaboration. Acidplanet.com is where I upload my tunes.

Once I get on the Forum Board, I'll look for topics of discussions. Songwriting Topics, Recording Topics etc. This is where you'll find folks to collaborate with.

A great why to start is by taking a consensus. Throw the idea out there with some guidelines established. Remember, it's all in the approach. Then, folks need to hear what you are working on first, just to find out if it's something they can get into...

My first "collabs" were done by posting backing tracks for others to download and do their own thing with..

Some of the top players on AP really had a good time with that, and it grew into something way beyond what I intended. Very cool?

You can do the same thing by building the backing track, and listing the lyrics you want in the song description.

You'll probably get a lot more folks involved if you let them post the songs on their own pages too...

To collaborate with others takes time. Just being vague and asking for a collaboration will probably not get very many responses. Having your ideas laid out before hand would probably get more responses. Most good musicians I know are looking to be challenged a little when it comes to making music. Remember, it's got be worth while I'm sure.

Any "collaboration" is a community effort between people, with equal input and participation throughout the project.

A great approach would be to post a subject idea for a group project, discuss ideas posted by participating members on that subject, and come to a consensus on:

1. What the outline of the song should be (genre, instrumentation, time signature, tempo, key, section layout of verses/choruses/bridges/solos).

2. Which people will contribute what parts and instruments

3. Where the finished parts of each collaborator will be uploaded to

4. Who is responsible for collecting/mixing/mastering the parts

5. A timeline for when parts need to be done to keep the project moving smoothly

6. What profile the song will be uploaded to

7. A "project head" to oversee the entire process and make sure things are running smoothly, communication is consistent and informative, and every participant is included equally in the project.

"Hope these tips and guidelines help you get you on the right track."

Internet Jams By Scott Thomas

Scott Thomas
Managing Editor
Guitarz Forever.com

---

Quick and Easy Violin Mute

One of the reasons I picked up the violin was... Read More

Hip Hop History

Rap music originated as a cross-cultural product. Most of its... Read More

10 Music Download Legal Points

Everybody's doing it: downloading music and sharing files. People who... Read More

Automatic Control of Chords

CORRECT PRACTICE IS INDISPENSABLE!Your success or failure at the keyboard... Read More

Music and Healing: The Power of Meaningful Words and Music

We All Have a Favorite Piece of Music that Moves... Read More

RAP Music and Brain Washing Issues

I am not sure if anyone has been watching out... Read More

The Post-rock Revolution (Explosions in the sky)

A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as... Read More

Music Business Contacts: Music Business Registry connects artists, managers, publishers, producers &

"The difference between success and failure is information," notes Ritch... Read More

The Secrets of Correctly Stringing Your Guitar

Why do you care about stringing your guitar you may... Read More

The Downfall Of The #1 Southern Gospel Station

Back in the 90's we had a local Southern Gospel... Read More

Creating Stark Atmospheres

One of the things New Age pianist George Winston is... Read More

Throat Singing In Inuit Culture

Originally, Inuit throat singing was a form of entertainment among... Read More

The Time Machine Exist!

We call it music, ever noticed how vividly music triggers... Read More

Born into musical family, Michael Jackson is as big as ever today

Michael Jackson was born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29,... Read More

Say Something

The music of Rush influences and inspires, at least that's... Read More

CD Mastering using Har-Bal

Feel free to download the entire manual detailing the mastering... Read More

Its Jewish Music, But Is The Music Jewish?

A while back I was driving along the Jerusalem highway... Read More

History of the Clarinet From the 19th Century

While composers had already begun to write music for the... Read More

Living Life Loud

Change is good. Just ask the millions of unsigned artists... Read More

Effective Band Rehearsal

If your band is in rehearsals, either preparing for gigging,... Read More

How To Change Your Guitar Strings

Changing your guitar strings might make you feel a litte... Read More

The Case Against Traditional Piano Lessons

How would you like to spend 4 years in a... Read More

How to Organise a Gig or a Live Music Event - the Budget

Three times in the last month I've been asked the... Read More

Piano Music, Perfectionism, and Self-Expression

Is your heart in the music? If so, it won't... Read More

Guitarists...Are You A Victim and A Loser?

I was thinking today about THE most dangerous enemy of... Read More

Be Your Own DJ - Digital Audio Processing Tools Overview

SoundEdit Pro is a digital audio editor for a user-friendly... Read More

Music & Emotions: Can Music Really Make You a Happier Person?

How many times have you turned to music to uplift... Read More

Dont Go Tubthumping

I have always had a big problem with my addiction... Read More

Things To Know When Shopping For A Guitar Amplifier

Guitar amplifiers are a major part of your tone. Some... Read More

Learn to Play the Piano

Rocket Piano is a very professionally done piano lesson package.... Read More

Play The Piano Like A Pro

Meet the 12 Major Notes:1. C (do)2. C# - Db... Read More

Play Too Loud And Well Cut The Power!

"Turn it down!"How often have you heard that command in... Read More

Beginner Guitar Tips: How to Get a Feel

"I don't like to go into the studio with all... Read More