I can’t stand articles that begin with a definition. So please, forgive this imperfect opening to what should really have been a perfect article. Most definitions of the term “perfectionist” agree that it describes someone who “refuses to accept any standard short of perfection”. I feel that the colloquial use of the term describes someone who “will be dissatisfied with … [Read more...]
Pure Data Destruction
Guest Post by Leonard J. Paul Introduction To fit in with May's theme of “destruction” at DesigningSound.org, I wanted to create a patch that demonstrated how Pd (Pure Data) could be used to create interesting sounds of “digital destruction” with a fairly minimal amount of implementation. Hopefully this patch will be helpful for those wanting to learn a bit about Pd. Just to … [Read more...]
Failure…
...and the fear of it. Some worry about it more than others, but we all face it sooner or later. There are varying degrees of failure, and then there's the old line that helps to put things in a relevant light: "The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried." [Stephen McCranie...according to Google] Failure is a part of development and growth. It's … [Read more...]
Comedy…”It’s an Interesting Thing to Try and Nail Down” – Interview with Chris Scarabosio
Chris Scarabosio is a sound designer and re-recording mixer who works at Skywalker Sound. This interview was originally intended to be part of our comedy theme in April. Schedules didn't quite work out, so we're bringing it to you now... DS: So our theme for April was comedy, and I thought yours would be an interesting brain to pick on the subject. CS: I was thinking … [Read more...]
One Is Not Enough: Understanding Bias in the Audio Community
Guest Post by Kate Finan The studio owner skimmed my resume and nodded several times. He glanced up at me, back down at the resume, and then carefully set it back on his desk. “Your credentials are great. The chair of the Sound Recording Department recommended you very highly, and we have a close relationship with him. So, we will hire you… We will hire you, but you won’t … [Read more...]
Accidents? Those are the great bits! – a Designing Sound interview with Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis is unstoppable. The busy Australian is a member of – at least – three different bands: The Bad Seeds, Grinderman and Dirty Three. He plays violin, piano, bouzouki, guitar, flute, mandolin, viola and, yes, probably even more. He is pretty much constantly touring the world, making records or creating soundtracks. Anyone who’s experienced him onstage with Nick Cave … [Read more...]
“On Thin Ice”: A Sampling Session Retrospective
Guest Contribution by Chris Burgess There are two points to this article. The first is, if you see something you want to do, get out there and make it happen. The second, being that when an opportunity presents itself to you, be aware enough of your surroundings to scoop it up (and then record some awesome sounds). What follows is an account of my attempt to record dry ice … [Read more...]