Well, now it's your turn! I'm going to share the main samples with you (about 15 in total) that I used to create a song on my demo called “Horn Birds.” The samples are in .wav format and are contained in a zip folder (link below). I hope to inspire audio professionals and beginners alike. Collaboration is at the heart of music-making and since I’m a ‘bedroom producer’ I figured it was time to share something with the world via this interactive remix section. Hope you have fun. Make sure you email me a copy of your track, or a link to your file! And when you render and name your file, keep "Mikooshka" as the artist, and "Horn Birds - Remix by)" as the song name, unless you change it completely and truly make it your own (I wanna hear that too!).

WHAT YOU NEED – If you don’t have any music software, and you’re on a PC, I recommend downloading Acid Music Studio from Sony. It’s essentially ’30-day free trial’ software that allows you to work with sampling, programming. recording and midi. Of course there are other kinds of software out there, so try a search for “free multi-track audio software” and see what you find – let me know and I can pass word to others. Of course those on a MAC are probably inclined to use Garageband and I’m sure that will work too.

WHAT TO DO – Download the zip file and put all the sound files in a folder on your computer (ex. a location like desktop/audio/sounds). Install / open your software. Load the track called “Mikooshka Horn Birds Remix.” This will give you an idea of how I wrote and arranged the original version of the song. Or in a new file, using the explorer tool (Acid), double click or drag the files you want into the tracks. Using the paintbrush tool, draw the samples out into the timeline. Create an arrangement that pleases you. Try chopping the samples into small pieces and re-arranging them. Try sounds in reverse. Try double-clicking and pitch-changing the sounds to create new melodies. Put some FX like reverb and delay into your mix to add some ‘space’ and ‘smooth’ it all out. Record a new bassline (audio interface or good soundcard required). Program some midi piano. Remember, consult the help section or look online for tutorials if you get stuck. Most of all have fun!

Links:

Horn Birds Audio Files (6.9 mb ZIP)

Horn Birds mp3 (4.79 mb)

Audacity Audio Editor and Recorder
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Sony Acid Music Studio (PC, 30-day Trial)
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/acidfamily.asp

March 08 CDR release (promo) includes "Ashanti" and
"Coconut Radio", which features performance artist Ulysses Castellanos. To listen, please visit the main page.