Posted
This is a shameless plug but also a post to say thankyou Cognitone.
Like most of us, Ive always wanted to release music and finally thanks to Synfire, despite being hearing impaired above 2khz and totally deaf above 8Khz, I have.
All tracks started life in Synfire using basic instruments to develop the arrangment, melodies and harmonies, before being refined, instruments changed and mixed in Ableton Live. A mixture of softsynths (Operator, Ableton's samplers, Omnisphere, ANA) and hardware synths (Access Virus TI and RT Spectralis) were used.
Mixing was done with the help of a fabulous bit of standalone software called Hal-Bal, which enables eq to be applied without altering the overal volume/loudness of the track so that you dont fall into the 'louder = sounds better) trap. This was only used on the dance ep and made a massive difference to how the track sounds to my ears. It is very easy to create a flat mix of the track prior to mastering.
Final mastering was done by the LANDR.com mastering robots. For the price this is an excellent service but will not come close to a pro-mastering engineer.
CDs have been pressed by http://kunaki.com/ which offer small runs up to 5 at a time (well they do more but the price increases) for $1 a CD.
The most recent release is a trance ep, Eclipsed : http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bl4cksun2 (currently includes full track preview and download but the physical CDs arent in stock yet). All the tunes have been posted on this forum previously but not these tweaked and mastered versions.
The other album is a meditative one which includes a track that has been posted on here previously. Hal-bal wasnt used on this album (I hadnt discovered its magic) but the tracks were mastered by landr.com: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bl4cksun (only includes clip previews).
Thanks again to Cognitone for continuing to develop Synfire. I would never ever have contimplated releasing the music I made before I got Synfire. You have allowed me to realise one of my dreams.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and may 2016 be a productive one and may you all fulfil your dreams.
So., 27.12.2015 - 20:55 Permalink
I had to sign up just to let you know your track Sunrise is amazing... I haven't listened to the rest yet, but I absolutely love this one!
Regards
Mo., 28.12.2015 - 01:28 Permalink
Wow Blacksun, you are amazing! I remember some time ago commenting on one of your songs, how good it was. I think it was From You? Your stuff takes me back quite a few years when I was out clubbing, and Just A Dream reminds me of one of my all-time favourite tracks from this genre - Delerium ft. Sarah McLachlan - Silence. I hope you make a few quid out of this with some downloads!
Even though this isn't the genre I listen to or compose in these days (I can't keep up with the moves anymore!) I'll certainly be downloading From You (the hook got me!), not sure which edit yet, think I prefer the original mix.
From my own personal perspective, I have one or two finished pop/rock songs kicking around, but I'm never quite satisfied with them. Synfire has taken a back-seat for now because I'm currently in the process of learning mixing and mastering techniques which to be honest, are even more daunting than learning to use Synfire! First you learn the general technique, e.g. EQ, compression, delay, reverb, etc. then you have to learn it all for the plug-ins that you own yourself! I looked at LANDR for mastering but decided to try and learn it myself, but I must admit, once I've properly learnt the mixing techniques, maybe I'll turn to them in the end because there's just so much to take in!
Obviously I'm quite some way behind you at the moment, but like you, I couldn't have got as far as I have without Synfire, so a big thank you from me to Cogntione also!
Anyway, good luck with the sales, you deserve it Blacksun!
Di., 29.12.2015 - 19:49 Permalink
Thanks so much for the great feedback. It is very apprieciated, thanks also to everyone that helped with comments, critisism and feedback in the past.
If you've tried to listen recently and couldn't, the audio had to be taken down whilst it was prepared for shipping to itunes, etc, but is back up now.
Also have to say Pete, Delierium was one of the tracks that really got me into trance rather than house or rave music, just so much more musical.
Fr., 29.01.2016 - 04:54 Permalink
Wow, this is really good! It reminds me of old trance, like 2003 era. I absolutely love your use of piano!