Chopping Up Loops (Triple Threat Quick Tip)

 

In this quick tip video I show you how I chop a guitar loop up in order to make it work for the track I'm working on. I show you how I use a library database to find loops that fit with the song, chop it into pieces, and then transpose and time it to make it fit.

Ya dig?

Zion

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Weekly Facebook Group Recap - 8/5 thru 8/11

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!


The Triple Threat Artist

  • More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
  • Zion announced a new low price for upcoming students into Triple Threat
  • Recap of the week was posted
  • Office hours on Tuesday: An amazing group on the call today. We spent time checking in, talking about DAW's, cowrites, and projects we were working on. Then we talked about the use of Gates in our productions. Zion demonstrated how he uses them, and what scenarios they come into play. We also talked about side-chaining a gates.
  • Jeb shared a victory in how he found a creative way to finance a new MacBook for his recording studio
  • New event annouced, Q&A with Producer Alex Helton! Woohoo this Wednesday at 10am for all Triple Threat students. Alex is going to hang out, tell his his story and give open the floor on how he produces, equipment he uses, and maybe a trick or two in the studio!
  • This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
  • If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE.


The Access Course

  • Nick offered his services as a team member and/or rapper, rather than continuing to pursue producing for the moment.
  • Victoria presented the new Renault ad featuring Ghost by Jeremy Messersmith, for Monday Music Breakdown. Very interesting and once again, illustrates the points made in class.
  • Various people presented music for feedback and comments from the group
  • Mark posted an article from Billboard about the NARAS involvement in the Music Modernization Act. Read the article. Contact your Senator
    Allison requested information about the finer legal points of co-writing splits, for a situation she is facing.
  • Ceri requested information about doing cover songs for the assignments
    Sonnet posted a very important video about billing. Be sure you check it out.
  • Jamila posted an article about musicians getting 12% of a $43 billion industry from Business Insider.
  • Sonnet posted an invitation to Hunter Scott interview on Wed, August 22
  • Victoria posted feedback from the live event assignments
  • Victoria announced the picks from the TV Show Search, and the almost-made-it music
  • Victoria posted the replay of Staci Sllater ad Shelby Wellema interview. You should go see it, if you haven’t. Very informative.
  • John asked about doing lead vocals and harmonies as separate stems, and was told yes, they should be separate
  • Victoria posted the 8/9 Office Hours replay. Great questions, great answers.
  • Victoria posted the replay of Cathy’s August class from 8/10. Song feedback and useful information, as always.
  • Andrea had a question about whether or not to add a singer as the artist when registering a song with a PRO, if the singer was a work-for-hire situation.
  • Victoria invited everyone to follow the new Catch the Moon Instagram page
  • Jamila posted a very interesting article about the music on Handmaid’s Tale from the LA Times

 

 Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

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Need a Whistle? (Triple Threat Artist Quick Tip)

I love this little virtual instrument! It's my goto for when I need a human sounding lip-whistle. This is great for folk and pop stuff, and it sounds so human.
I have no affiliation with this company, but I just really like this VI. 

Check out the video, and see if it could help you. 

Zion

 

 

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Weekly Facebook Group Recap - 7/29 thru 8/4

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!


The Triple Threat Artist

  • Thoughts and memories were shared from the Live Access event in LA last week
  • Alex shared a great deal on some EQ plugins
  • More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
  • Juli shared a song she's working on and looking for feedback.
  • Kaeli Anne joined our tribe, Welcome!!!!
  • This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
  • If you are in the Access Course (below) and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $47/m. :) 


The Access Course

  • Madeline checked in and is looking for an accountability partner
  • Debbie asked about royalty payouts
  • Lots of students chimed in on how awesome the Live Access course was and their gratefulness to the CTM team
  • Sam checked in and told us about his cowrite
  • Jim K is looking for a vocalist
  • Students shared photos from the Live Access event
  • Students shared songs they are working on for feedback
  • Lots of pics and videos were posted from the Artist Showcase, tons of fun was had by all
  • Victoria announced the next 2 Day Live Access Event in Nov 8-9, sign up now!
  • Josh shared a song he would like some help with
  • Zion shared a weekly recap
  • Students shared their stories about making the Monday submission deadline
  • Mikey shared a video of a jam session
  • Debbie shared a success 
  • Dielle asked a question through a poll
  • Dree asked a question about Disco
  • Jeremy shared his love of The Third Door book
  • Sonnet shared a link to the show she got a placement on
  • Lizzie shared a note about art apps
  • CTM shared Cathy’s Instagram and opportunity for a gift card
  • Lauren is looking for a producer who can make stuff like Sofi Tukker
  • Victoria shared a submission opportunity due 8/3
  • Osie shared a submission opp for no-ex rock tracks
  • Sam asked for more clarity about the upbeat feel
  • Jessi shared pics of her cool coloring (so cute)
  • Emily checked in with us about all the submissions
  • Victoria posted the August Assignment
  • Nathan Lang and Anne Wichmann is looking for an accountability partner
  • Janet asked for Mike Turner’s email address
  • Cecilia told us about a win
  • Kayte asked for songwriters who speak Ukranian
  • Office hours were reposted
  • Victoria posted about Cathy’s class on 8/10

 

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Portamento! (different from pimento 🍸)

The Portamento knob is one of my favorite little go-to knobs when I'm adjusting a synth parameter.

Typically this has to do with monophonic patches, like a lead, sax or string instrument, because that's when portamento natually happens.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Click the video and let me show you. :)

Zion

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Weekly Facebook Group Recap - 7/22 thru 7/28

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!


The Triple Threat Artist

  • Zion shared a video of a breakdown of a hit production track.
  • We had an awesome meetup in Hollywood on Wed, the Triple Threats and friends there were in LA for the Access course Live Event. Jamila Anne did an amazing job helping us find a location, and coordinating the show. So many amazing connections were made between students, network was alive and the motivation was palpable! If you ever have a chance to join us at the next event please do!
  • Eymard asked for some advice for "deesser" plugins, and talked about the differences between them.
  • Allison asked about a LogicPro specific question with timing of comp'd vocals
  • More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
  • Zion posted pictures from the Hollywood Triple Threat meetup.
  • This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
  • If you are in the Access Course (below) and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you! 


The Access Course

  • Lots of tunes were shared for feedback and lots of feedback was given
  • Sonnet facilitated Office Hours
  • Victoria shared Monday Music Breakdown
  • Zion shared his weekly recap
  • Kayte organized a co-write doc for people attending the live event
  • Juli requested links for session replays
  • Juli made a word doc with headshots and details about each sup attending the live event
  • Bev asked for clarifications on controlling a song 100%
  • Amber asked for a sample of a basic licensing agreement
  • Matt asked if people are having success pitching to production houses
  • Victoria shared the replay of the interview with Conor Aspell
  • Kyle asked if explicit lyrics are welcome in music for ads
  • Victoria shared a list of things to bring to the Access event
  • Jamila shared a video of Oak Felder’s guide to producing a viral song
  • Victoria re-scheduled Office hours
  • Mark asked how to submit the email challenge emails
  • Marty shared Andrea von Foerster’s email address
  • Minko asked for pointers re: how to find a specific sup’s email address
  • Matt shared a list of advertising contacts
  • Pete shared an article on action trailers
  • Marty shared a link to Ads of the World
  • Matt asked what everyone’s pitch success rate was
  • Elle asked some questions about what to send in a pitch
  • Josh shared an article on the clues to a great story
  • Robin shared a video of what he feels is a good trailer example
  • Lindsey shared an article about how to contact trailer music publishers
  • Akira shared a Hollywood win
  • Marie shared an article on panning with intention
  • Debbie shared video of Songtradr featured placements
  • Eli offered support to out-of-towners who attended the access event
  • Debbie shared a video introducing the Songtradr team
  • Tamara shared a hitlicense win
  • Bev asked for help finding emails for some sup’s
  • Jan suggested a way to conduct the one on one sessions
  • Ernest asked for a list of the sups he would be meeting with one on one
  • Helen promoted an access artist showcase
  • Jan shared an article from the ASCAP newsletter
  • Serge asked for info about skype sessions
  • Steve shared a Spotify playlist of music sup’s favorites of 2018
  • Debbie shared an article on the highest-ranking woman in music publishing
  • Nick’s grandma passed away
  • Scotty, Gil and Brittany had a big Younger win
  • Madeline asked how people deal with writing on the road
  • Aug 8th – Staci & Shelby from Talent House

 

Special thanks to Cora Himmelsbach and Shelley Montreuil for their help in consolidating all information on the MiM and Access Facebook Pages.

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Breakdown of a Max Martin Production

Now and then I run into an amazing YouTuber that really can break down a track. If you’re like me you crave these kinds of breakdowns, especially of hit songs, because it’s the perfect storm for learning the secrets of the great producers. 

Max Martin has been one of my favorite producers of all time. To this day he cranks out hit after hit. And in this production he does a lot of side-chain compression techniques which we talk about a lot in our class.

Enjoy the video!

Zion

(remember to follow this youtuber also!)

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Weekly Facebook Group Recap - 7/15 thru 7/21

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!


The Triple Threat Artist

  • Osie shared a great article about EQ'ing when mastering
  • Billy shared a photo of a Triple Threat sandwich he discovered in his travels.. LOL
  • Jamila Anne shared a track for feedback
  • Ernest shared a video clip about autotune from Southpark for a laugh
  • Allison shared a question for finding washy sounding guitar samples and Vi's
  • Office hours were amazing on Tuesday - we talked about a lot about Zion's track "Runaway". This was requested by one of the students in this class to break it down step by step. A lot of the discussion was about concepts in approaching a production.
  • An announcement was made about the Triple Threat Dinner in LA. So for those going to the Access Live Event. If you're part of this Triple Threat community or would like to be, please let Zion know and come to dinner with us!
  • More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
  • Zion reminded all students about mastering automation in their DAW.
  • Osie shared a new delay module on sale.
  • This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
     
     


Making Money in Music

  • Students asked for help on finding „ similar artists“ to their own music
  • Discussions about spotify playlists
  • Students asked for help on sharing their facebook ads
  • This will be the last recap for the MiM Course. :)


The Access Course

  • Lots of tunes were shared for feedback and lots of feedback was given
  • Sonnet facilitated Office Hours
  • Victoria shared Monday Music Breakdown
  • Zion shared his weekly recap
  • Keith reminded event attendees to hook up with Helen re: the artist showcase
  • Bev started a discussion about the grind of metadata maintenance
  • Cathy’s class was postponed
  • Everybody loved Cathy’s zoom call
  • Sam enquired about the music sup spreadsheet
  • Jody brainstormed some good questions to ask sup’s
  • Sam asked if anyone in the group wants to share the load to research the sups who will be at the live event
  • Debbie shared a gatekeepers article
  • Janet shared a podcast about sync / music sups
  • There was a lot of conversation around Cathy’s pitch email assignment
  • Austin and Eli shared a big win
  • Victoria shared the live event itinerary
  • Lindsey asked the group about the difference between a music supervisor and a media director
  • Kyle Graski did a supervisor session
  • Mark shared a Songtradr win
  • Joe shared some music supervisor links
  • Deena shared an Atlanta Ad Agency list
  • Jan asked the group to weigh in on who they are pitching and why
  • Marty shared a SongTradr win
  • Akira asked what questions people are asking in their cold call emails
  • Tony shared a sync win
  • Jeremy shared a song call
  • Jamila shared a link to PUSH audio
  • Jamila shared an article on how to submit your music and finding a music publisher
  • Jody asked for advice on song splits for a specific scenario
  • Minko asked where people are finding out which ad agencies prepared which ads
  • Jan shared a helpful hint re: email addresses
  • Rick asked how people manage their stems
  • Zion announced a Triple Threat group social and dinner
  • Jamila asked for people’s organization tips
  • Victoria shared song feedback from Cathy’s class
  • Emily shared some intel on Conor Aspell
  • Debbie shared a SongTradr win
  • Victoria shared the Conor Aspell signup sheet
  • Jamila shared an article on presenting the right sound
  • Bev asked if anyone had sent music to Agoraphone
  • July 26th Neil Turk – Live in Hollywood

 

Special thanks to Cora Himmelsbach and Shelley Montreuil for their help in consolidating all information on the MiM and Access Facebook Pages.

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Weekly Facebook Group Recap - 7/8 thru 7/14

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!


The Triple Threat Artist

  • Amber shared a trailer submission production she and Aaron did together, and asked for feedback
  • Mikey Meiers shared a Spotify playlist of guitar tones to check out!
  • Kate shared a great sale on a plugin called Mixchecker
  • Jamila shared a track for some feedback
  • Aaron shared a guitar instrumental track for feedback
  • Office hours were amazing on Tuesday - We talked about recording vocals for the most part: bit rate/ resolution, vocal takes, stacks, topline, and strategies while working with a vocalist. And finally lots of talk about working as an orchestrator from Ernest's experience.
  • Zion encouraged students to share their link to Disco if people were signing up for it.
  • Zion went live on Thursday and celebrated the fact that 6 Triple Threats were finalists for the Access June assignment! Woot Woot!
  • Ernest asked for some advice about making business cards for the Live Event.
  • The Triple Threat Artists are going to be meeting up on Wed the 25th in LA, for those going to the Access Live Event. If you're part of this Triple Threat community or would like to be, please let Zion know and come to dinner with us!
  • More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
  • This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
     
     


Making Money in Music

  • MiM members were announcing their shows 
  • Discussions about music-map.com 
  • Tamara asked about the contact e mail of Pandora cos she had an issue to get through to them
  • Questions about Facebook Live 
  • Ari Seth Herstand kept us posted about his new project and first great concert!
  • Questions about what to demand from a producer after the finished product …what mixes do we have to demand for? Wav or mp3? 
  • Steve posted a great youtube video of Jacob Colliers masterclass …dig into this and get inspired :-) 
  • MiM members asked of being followed on facebook
  • Students posted their live video performances
  • Steve made a group ,…you can join it :-) 
  • Discussions about sugo music arose
  • Greg asked about indepreneur.com,… anyone familiar with this and happy?


The Access Course

  • Lots of tunes were shared for feedback and lots of feedback was given
  • Sonnet facilitated Office Hours
  • Victoria shared Monday Music Breakdown
  • Zion shared his weekly recap
  • Amber shared a link to Musicmap
  • Justin asked how music has changed people’s lives
  • Tricia shared some examples of a Folk / Pop mix
  • Robin shared an interview with Max Martin
  • Sam shared some mic trivia
  • Megan asked about people’s experience with Spotify
  • Victoria announced the results of the soul/pop search 
  • Bev asked for help finding a Canada-specific release form
  • The Highfields had a win on the show ‘Younger’
  • Lisa asked for group advice re: best way to get from the airport to Echo Park
  • Darren shared a sample manager
  • Victoria announced the results of the June Assignment (6 Finalists happen to be Triple Threat Artists, FYI)
  • Ernest asked for business card design advice
  • Jim asked for advice re: finding good reference tracks
  • Pei Pei shared some LA transport advice
  • Colin asked if CTM may consider a facebook live listening session
  • Sam asked for advice re: Songtradr file types
  • Scott suggested that he would organize an event for the out-of-town visitors for the live event
  • Rick asked how many people write their lyrics out by hand
  • Jim asked some advice re: Spotify premium
  • Jaymie asked people how they are managing their pitching
  • Richard shared a trailer win
  • Eli is looking for drummers to gig in L.A.
  • Sal shared a SongTradr win
  • July 21 – Conor Aspell – Buddha Jones
  • July 16th – Cathy’s class
  • July 19th Kyle Graski – Amazing Music tracks dot com
  • July 28th AccessX Artist Showcase

 

Special thanks to Cora Himmelsbach and Shelley Montreuil for their help in consolidating all information on the MiM and Access Facebook Pages.

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Weekly Facebook Group Recap - 7/1 thru 7/7

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!


The Triple Threat Artist

  • Ashley started a discussion on a good ergonomic computer mouse and was looking for recommendations, lots of people chimed in. 
  • Zion shared the recap for the week
  • Office hours were amazing on Tuesday - we had an amazing discussion all about production techniques to get your song to "change/move/progress/evolve" that's often suggested by licensing agents. Also we go really into the nuts and bolts about reverb and how to use it when producing.
  • Kate Willens joined our tribe, welcome!!!
  • Jeb shared a track for some feedback. :) It's soooo well done.
  • Eymard started a discussion about VI Guitars, and praised the Amplesound guitars he's been using. I agree!
  • Zion added a new video on the Framework of the Triple Threat Artist course, breaking it into four areas for more clarity.
  • The Triple Threat Artists are going to be meeting up on Wed the 25th in LA, for those going to the Access Live Event. We're making plans now about that.
  • More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
  • This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
     
     


Making Money in Music

  • Aaron got us updated on his crowdfunding research: he ended up with using GoFundMe as his platform of choice! 
  • Students posted their songs for feedback
  • Steve needed help on how to call his new facebook group: students were voting on different names.
  • Mike Beardmore as a jingle producer asked if there were any singers or producers out there who were interested in working together!?
  • Aaron posted his latest release,… and thanked the team for support.
  • Students announced their tours
  • Cathy asked if there was anyone interested in joining the access course! You can follow her on Instagram for inspiration, too! @cathy.heller


The Access Course

  • Lots of tunes were shared for feedback and lots of feedback was given
  • Sonnet facilitated Office Hours
  • Victoria shared Monday Music Breakdown
  • Zion shared his weekly recap
  • Sam opened up a discussion re: how to use SongTradr
  • Rick was looking for feedback on the Cloudbounce service
  • Bev asked for feedback on copywriting
  • Tamara shared her experience/success with SongTradr
  • Elle shared an upcoming event she is planning with Scotty
  • Bentley asked if we need to register our songs with our PRO before we turn them in
  • Rick asked what tool people are using for tagging metadata
  • Victoria announced the Trailer songs which are getting signed and those that were close
  • Victoria announced the July assignment
  • Jeremy shared an interview with Kevin Dixon and Michael Stein
  • Ian shared an article about copyright issues
  • James asked for info on Songtrust and AdRev
  • Lindsey asked if people are using Splice
  • Ian asked if CTM could post a list of recent placements that have been gotten by students
  • Jan asked what happens when our ‘year’ runs out
  • Cathy gave away three $75 gift cards to Anthro
  • Elle asked how many songs they generally send sups when they get a request
  • Debbie shared a sci-fi search
  • Mat shared an post about Article 13
  • Marco is looking for ghost-writers
  • Ian asked for feedback on how much session musicians are charging for their services
  • Ebony shared a success story
  • Osie shared a proud dad moment
  • Kimberly shared her concerns about using reference songs for inspiration
  • Robert asked if there will be a course certificate
  • Jim asked about streamlining the ad research process
  • Kate asked for help getting oriented with the files etc …
  • Victoria shared a Welcome Session video for new students
  • Marco shared a songtradr win
  • Jeremy asked if anyone is using Albion One orchestral sample library
  • Debbie asked who the guest is for the July Zoom session
  • Elle asked if anyone uses splice or sound.com
  • Mikey shared a CTM win
  • Mikey shared a songtradr win
  • Jennifer is looking to hook up with classmates while she is in California for a week
  • Justin shared an article about a label dispute re: Childish Gambino royalties

 

Special thanks to Cora Himmelsbach and Shelley Montreuil for their help in consolidating all information on the MiM and Access Facebook Pages.

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