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Aside from being a solo artist who makes extensive, if not exclusive use of MIDI files in my act, I am also half of a MIDI-based rock duo. My partner has a huge P.A. system with all the bells and whistles and as part of the entertainment he used to bring along his portable CD player to play music for the crowds when we were on our breaks.
Aside from the examples I’ve already talked about in the first three columns, there is another aspect of MIDI that can be very useful in your musical career. Not only are these files handy during your live performances, they are also a life saver when it comes to putting out that CD you’ve always wanted to do.
As I scoured the web for song ideas for my act, it occurred to me that we might be running out of original ideas for song titles. It also occurred to me that some contemporary songwriters have obviously taken inspiration from other songwriters’ existing titles. Case in point: What do you think of when you hear, “Stairway To Heaven?” Probably most people would say Led Zepplin from the 70s. But did you know there was another song more than ten years earlier with the same title written and sung by Neil Sedaka? Sure enough. Check it out. Despite the same title, they are as different as night and day.
When I broke away from my duo act nine years ago I figured that since I had the backing of many fine MIDI files, that I could do the job myself. And for the most part, I did. However, MIDI files did not provide actual vocal backings for the harmony parts that some of my songs required so I turned to MP3 backing tracks. They served the purpose nicely for a long time until I realized that all I could do with them in the way of editing was to change the pitch up or down or alter their tempos. But even that proved difficult, since changing the key up or down more than 3 half steps would distort the final product.
When I broke away from my duo act nine years ago I figured that since I had the backing of many fine MIDI files, that I could do the job myself. And for the most part, I did. However, MIDI files did not provide actual vocal backings for the harmony parts that some of my songs required so I turned to MP3 backing tracks. They served the purpose nicely for a long time until I realized that all I could do with them in the way of editing was to change the pitch up or down or alter their tempos. But even that proved difficult, since changing the key up or down more than 3 half steps would distort the final product.
It’s been nearly three years now since I dissolved my musical duo in favor of going solo with my MIDI files. It has been an adventure and a learning experience. However, like everything else, you can fall into a rut, so to speak, and that’ll make you start thinking about alternatives. Although you may not actually need another member (or two or three) there may come a time when another live musician is just what you may want to keep from going stale.
You younger Cybermidi readers may think I sound like a geezer, but I’m really aiming this at the people of my generation (I’m 52). Wilfred Brambell, who played Paul’s grandfather in the movie A Hard Day’s Night was 52 at the time the movie was filmed in March of 1964. Next week Paul McCartney turns 60 and that fact doesn’t sit well with me. It made me realize just how fast time is flying by.
Cybermidi’s latest sequence, “Sweet Life” reminded me of its composer and singer, Paul Davis, who died recently just one day after his 60th birthday, of a heart attack. There was never a lot written about the man during his lifetime. He was an unassuming, low-key kind of guy who stayed out of the spotlight when not performing. He released eight albums and six singles during his career, which began at the tender age of 22 back in 1970 when he signed with Bang Records. His highest charting single was “Cool Night,” which peaked at number two. “I Go Crazy” didn’t get any higher than number 7 on the charts, but broke the record for longest stay on the charts at more than 40 weeks. Another Davis hit, “’65 Love Affair” also reached the Top 10, as did 3 other hits during his career. He was inducted into the Jimmie Rodgers Hall of Fame in 1987.
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