Computer Music May 2023

Whenever you see this icon, you can grab the files on your PC or Mac by going to bit.ly/cm320downloads Tutorials featuring this icon make use of our own Plugins – find out more at bit.ly/cm320downloads This icon means there are extra files to help you follow a tutorial feature: project files, audio examples, etc There’s extra video content wherever you see this icon computermusic.co.uk computermusic@futurenet.com facebook.com/computer.music.mag twitter.com/computermusicuk youtube.com/computermusicmag instagram.com/computermusicmag SCAN TO GET OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER…

If you’re a regular reader of Computer Music, you’ll likely have noticed that there’s a new bloke where the once beaming face of Andy Jones used to be. My name is Andy Price, and much like my similarly named predecessor, music-making, production and the surrounding always-innovating industry are core parts of my life. While it’s a massive honour to be taking over this important magazine, it’s no undaunting task. From its launch way back in 1998, Computer Music has sought to arm you with the know-how, insight and the right toolkit to make better music. It’s a goal that remains unchanged as we traverse space-year 2023. As both a former reader and contributor, I know how valuable any one issue of can be. Now, it’s my responsibility to make sure…

Journey to the centre of the piano…. Heavyocity threw everything they had at this new instrument. Literally Heavyocity, the masters of brutal percussion, twisted piano and destructive orchestral libraries, have just launched the latest addition to their Damage instrument series. Uncharted 88 reimagines the piano as a raw percussive generator. It harnesses the Damage 2 engine and brings over 18,600 new samples, 235 playable percussion sources and 11GB of thundering loops, hits and impacts, coupled with a deep array of sound design features to the table. In making Damage Uncharted 88, the Heavyocity team dismantled the Damage piano and reduced it to its fundamental components. The end result isn’t your typical, Moonlight Sonata-ready piano instrument; it’s an all-new way to build hard-hitting texture, anguished cinematic fury and subtle throbbing intensity.…

As the first Chinese DJ to play Tomorrowland, Chace has already broken ground in the world of EDM. He has also been compared to The Weeknd and Disclosure. Oh and Justin Bieber, but let’s not go there. However, his producer destiny might not have been fulfilled had he not started ‘messing around with a computer’ when he was younger… Shanghai producer, DJ, singer and songwriter Chace (Zhu Yihan) was the first Chinese DJ to play Tomorrowland back in 2016. Dutch record production duo Yellow Claw told Mixmag, “for a 17-year-old to compose, write and even sing on all of his records like he does is just mindblowing. He is heading for flashing lights and stadium status, you’ll see”. And they were right. After recording the track Stranger with Yellow Claw,…

There are a lot of issues for musicians to worry about in 2023. Whether it’s anguish about the algorithmic nature of our listening habits, or those who point at the financial unsustainability of music streaming for the economic survival of artists. With all this pervading negativity, some might even be thinking of stepping away from their core passion. But, a more positive, somewhat under-shared truth is that in the modern world, music has really never been more omnipresent. The boom in streaming television over the last ten years has been inextricably bound to the services of a growing list of distinctive composers and sound designers. Expressive composers are personally hired to infuse their own creative sensibilities into our favourite shows, films and video games. Merely a decade or so ago,…

soundtracking In the hyper-fast world of film, television and video game development, composers rarely have the chance to live with a project for long periods of time. More often than not, soundtracks are recorded during the final stages of production, and composers are enlisted to turn around their cues within the tightest deadline. A more music-centric project might involve a composer from the very early stages, allowing them to gradually develop themes and musical ideas that grow over time. While that approach would be attractive for many, it’s not unwise for jobbing composers to already have banks of mood-aligned themes, melodies and cues ready-to-go. We’re going to assume you’ve accepted a more conventional film soundtracking brief for this first section. Every element of your approach – what instruments are used,…