[Archived] Making Music On The Pc

[Billy Castell]

Right, at this point in time, I have an urge to have a stab at making music using a computer, and lobbing it onto the internet. I was wondering if anyone else has had a go, and can recommend programmes for such things. I feel like trying something a bit Tomahawkish, or sort of like Aphex Twin, or perhaps even the Chemical Brothers. The criteria are as follows:

1. Easy to put things together.

2. Possible to sample music you already have (although that might get into interesting legal waters I guess)

3. a pretty wide range of sounds.

4. Does not need a musical keyboard.

In short, I'd like something that can perhaps be fairly basic and straightforward, but if I get to grips with it, I can make add-ons and upgrade the programme to more advanced levels. It doesn't really matter whether I can plug in an electrical gituar or whatever, as I actually cannot play an instrument. Hence point number 4. I have ideas, but I'd like something quite simple to put them into practice.

Any suggestions?

[LeChuck]

Tomahawkish as in...Mike Patton Tomahawkish? If so, is that possible without being able to play an instrument?

[Billy Castell]

That's what I was wondering. Damn my sausage fingers!!! Like I said, I have the ideas, but not the physical skill. It's a bit like Fry in the last episode of Futurama.

[LeChuck]

Hah, nice analogy. I've seen a few professional standard music making programs (can't remember names though, sorry) and none seem to be able to recreate guitar sounds authentically, I think Aphex Twin type stuff will sound a lot better coming from a computer. However, I would like to think it possible to make Mike Patton-esque music without having knowledge of any instruments.

[Billy Castell]

I used Tomahawk as an example, as it is a bit dark, and strange, and that's what I think I could manage reasonably well. That, or Super Furry Animals kind of stuff. ANyway, I had a quick browse and saw these on sale:

Magix Music Studio

Magix Music maker 12

I'm guessing I need one or both of these, or another package if I'm going to do anything. That's if I don't get bored and go onto another crazy idea in the next 10 minutes!

[Jim J]

Ross from friends springs to mind.

[Billy Castell]

Why?

(Never really watched Friends, but if that is meant as an insult then eff off).

[Jim J]

No, not an insult Billy C, there's an episode where Ross is performing in the coffee shop, he was playing a very wierd collection of music, quite funny but you have to see it to appreciate it. It always springs to mind when people mention making their own music.

[AndyH16]

Ross from friends springs to mind.

Infinite time-time-time-time

[Billy Castell]

Sorry Jim J I shouldn't post in a bad mood. Any mention of Friends brings me out in a rash. To be honest, I'll want to do something else this afternoon, then another thing tomorrow................and so on. Still, any info here might be useful to someone.